CHAPTER 70
EARLY PREP
Narrator: Inside Chris’s house, Chris and Bobby were in Chris’s room as Chris was packing stuff in his backpack.
Bobby: Dude, where the hell are we going?
Chris: Wull, I’m supposed to go to an art museum for my museum paper.
Bobby: Yer teacher already gave you a paper, on the FIRST DAY?
Chris: Yeah but it’s not due until like mid April.
Bobby: Then why are ya doing it now?
Chris: Cuz remember we’re going to Ohio and Virginia for the whole month of March?
Bobby: Uhh yeah, but it all depends on Robby’s schedule. What if we go in February?
Chris: Iono. But this paper takes a lot of work. It’s a research paper actually.
Bobby: Tsk yer teacher sucks, foo.
Chris: She’s strict, that’s why. (wearing his backpack)
Bobby: What if ya didn’t DO the paper? At ALL?
Chris: Then I’d easily fail the class.
Bobby: Tssk that’s bullshit. Ya still have the tests, even the final.
Chris: So are ya goin’ or what?
Bobby: Do ya have the directions for… wherever we’re going to?
Chris: We’re actually goin’ to LACMA.
Bobby: LACMA?
Chris: Yeah. (gives him directions paper) Here, you’re in charge of this.
Bobby: How’r we gonna get there if ya don’ have a car?
Chris: I’ll use my dad’s car. And besides, I’m already insured.
Bobby: Yer gonna get in trouble, though.
Chris: Don’t worry. He trusts me. He can let me use it as long as I don’t damage it.
Bobby: Ya sure he said that?
Chris: Yeah. Dude, let’s go, or we’ll be screwed by the heavy traffic.
Bobby: ‘Kaay.
Narrator: So they exited Chris’s room, Chris closing the door.
Friday, May 29, 2009
ch. 69 - time for better thrills
CHAPTER 69
TIME FOR BETTER THRILLS
Narrator: While we were walking…
Sarah: Naku, grabe talagang crowd nayan.
Jay: I know! It was crazy!
Sarah: Alam mo, buti na lang ng kasama kita. Kung wala ka dun, mag dapa ako, at siguro hindi ako mag ka tindig. (laughing)
Jay: Ganun ba? Eh basta mag salamat ka lang sa Dyos na nan dito ako. The birthday boy saves the day! Ya know…
Narrator: Sarah then looked down as she smiled, looking like she was about to laugh.
Jay: O, bakit parang na tutuwa ka dyan?
Sarah: Ako? Hindi naman.
Jay: May tago ka sakin, noh?
Sarah: Ha? Suuus… (lightly slaps my arm) Yan ka nanaman. (as I laugh)
Narrator: Once we approached the California Screamin’ coaster…
Jay: Would you ride this with me?
Sarah: (pointing at it) You?
Jay: Yeah.
Sarah: Siguraduhin mo ako na hindi na takot ‘tong sakayan nito.
Jay: THIS? Oh c’mooon. Kita mo naman sa Six Flags na mas matakot pang roller coasters dun.
Sarah: Uhh… di pa ako kilala yung Six Flags eh.
Jay: Trust me, Sarah. This coaster is nowhere close to being intense. Merong loop, pero walang ibang drops o twists dito.
Sarah: Jay, okay naman ako sa mga ganyang klase sa roller coasters, kaya lang ayoko na may masyadong malakas ang twists, turns, flips, loops…
Jay: I get ya. That’s good then. You should be able to ride this.
Sarah: Sige. (looking at one of the trains moving on the roller coaster ride) Sasakay ako. Katabi mo ako, ah?
Jay: Sure. Let’s go!
Narrator: Excited, I immediately grabbed her hand, and we hurried over to the entrance of California Screamin’. Once we arrived, we saw a short line that led to the stairway.
When we entered the queue station…
Sarah: Jay, ang bilis mo naman!
TIME FOR BETTER THRILLS
Narrator: While we were walking…
Sarah: Naku, grabe talagang crowd nayan.
Jay: I know! It was crazy!
Sarah: Alam mo, buti na lang ng kasama kita. Kung wala ka dun, mag dapa ako, at siguro hindi ako mag ka tindig. (laughing)
Jay: Ganun ba? Eh basta mag salamat ka lang sa Dyos na nan dito ako. The birthday boy saves the day! Ya know…
Narrator: Sarah then looked down as she smiled, looking like she was about to laugh.
Jay: O, bakit parang na tutuwa ka dyan?
Sarah: Ako? Hindi naman.
Jay: May tago ka sakin, noh?
Sarah: Ha? Suuus… (lightly slaps my arm) Yan ka nanaman. (as I laugh)
Narrator: Once we approached the California Screamin’ coaster…
Jay: Would you ride this with me?
Sarah: (pointing at it) You?
Jay: Yeah.
Sarah: Siguraduhin mo ako na hindi na takot ‘tong sakayan nito.
Jay: THIS? Oh c’mooon. Kita mo naman sa Six Flags na mas matakot pang roller coasters dun.
Sarah: Uhh… di pa ako kilala yung Six Flags eh.
Jay: Trust me, Sarah. This coaster is nowhere close to being intense. Merong loop, pero walang ibang drops o twists dito.
Sarah: Jay, okay naman ako sa mga ganyang klase sa roller coasters, kaya lang ayoko na may masyadong malakas ang twists, turns, flips, loops…
Jay: I get ya. That’s good then. You should be able to ride this.
Sarah: Sige. (looking at one of the trains moving on the roller coaster ride) Sasakay ako. Katabi mo ako, ah?
Jay: Sure. Let’s go!
Narrator: Excited, I immediately grabbed her hand, and we hurried over to the entrance of California Screamin’. Once we arrived, we saw a short line that led to the stairway.
When we entered the queue station…
Sarah: Jay, ang bilis mo naman!
ch. 68 - saved her!
CHAPTER 68
SAVED HER!
Narrator: Meanwhile at Cali Adventure, we were walking down the Paradise Pier area, the one where the California Screamin’ coaster was located. As we approached the drinks stand…
Sarah: Jay, bibili ako munang drinks, ah?
Jay: Sure. Pupunta ako sa restroom. (as Sarah nods)
Narrator: So I left her at the drinks stand as I hit the restroom.
Sarah: (approaching male white cashier in glasses) Hi. One bottle of Sierra Mist, please.
Drinks stand Cashier: $2.40.
Sarah: (eyes widened in surprise) Wow, that much?
Drinks stand Cashier: Yup. Drinks used to cost only a dollar n’ 30 cents here.
Sarah: Sheesh, I didn’t realize the drinks are gonna be that expensive.
Drinks stand Cashier: Ya know the economy…
Sarah: Yeah.
Narrator: So Sarah reached into her purse, taking out her wallet.
*
Erich, Kay, and Almond were walking toward the Business building in search of Almond’s boyfriend.
Kay: Buti na lang pumapasok yung ibigan natin sa school mo.
Almond: Oo nga. Pumasok pa rin ako sa ibang school.
Erich: Bakit sa Pomona pa ng pili mong school?
Almond: Yung mommy ko kasi. Gusto niya ako pumasok dun dahil mas maganda pa yung mga programs dun para sa career ko.
Erich: Eh ano bang career mo?
Almond: Anatomy.
Erich: Ah ganun ba? Dito meron din ang ganyan, kaya lang konting classes para sa kurso nayan.
Kay: Maganda bang anatomy?
Almond: Oo. Mahilig naman ako sa science eh.
Kay: Eh ano ba yung anatomy?
Almond: Study of human bodies.
Erich: Wow. Mahirap naman mag aral sa mga terminology nayan.
Kay: Oo nga, noh? Eh sa bagay, nursing ang major ko, so siguro kailangan ko mag aral yung terms nayan.
Narrator: Once they arrived at the stairway leading to the Business building, they saw Almond’s boyfriend standing on the stairs, his arms spread out as his hands were sitting on the bars.
Kay: Yun bang shota mo ang naka puti? (referring to white collar T-shirt)
Almond: Oo.
Erich: At matangkad pa.
Almond: 6’4 siya.
Kay: Aba, mukhang basketball player siya. 6’4 siya eh.
Almond: Di naman, o?
Kay: Hay naku joke lang.
Erich: Ang gwapo naman niya.
Kay: Oo, mas gwapo siya kesa sa dating boyfriend ko.
Erich: Bakit?
Kay: Taba pa, tapos lagi siya sa bahay. Kaka boring talagang relacion namin.
Erich: Ang mga lalaki talaga, o?
Kay: Oo nga. Basta hindi mo alam kung gaano na walang kwento sa lovelife pag dating sa “mismatch” yung loved one mo.
Almond: Para sakin, kahit sino ng pipili sakin mag boyfriend, lagi 4 o 5 months ang relacion namin.
Kay: Ehh yung boyfriend mo ngayon?
Almond: 3 months lang.
Kay: Pag dating sa 4th or 5th month, siguro macaroon na naman ang drama sa relacion mo.
Almond: Sus, ng sagot kappa?
Kay: Sige na. Tara. Baka habulin tayong a las doce media ang gabi sa usapan ‘to.
Narrator: So they all approached Almond’s boyfriend as he came up to them.
Almond: Alfred!
Alfred: O, Almond, Kay! Ano ginagawa mo dito?
Almond: Dumalaw lang. (as Alfred kisses her on the cheek) Saang klase ka na galing?
Alfred: Sa political science.
Almond: Ah, Alfred. Eto pala yung ibigan natin, si Erich.
Erich: (smiling) Hello, Alfred. (handshake)
Alfred: Hi. (smiling back at her)
Erich: Sige na, guys. Aalis muna ako.
Kay: Saan ka pupunta?
Erich: Sa library. Mag study muna ako.
Kay: Schoolgirl ka talaga.
Erich: Naku hindi, noh?
Kay: Joke! Sige na. Mag aral kana.
Erich: (walking away from her friends and Alfred) Ingat kayo, ah?
Almond: Bye, Erich!
*
Narrator: I got out of the restroom, dusting off my pants, and I headed back to the drinks stand where Sarah was buying her drink.
Drinks stand Cashier: (giving Sarah her change) Here ya go.
Sarah: Thank you.
Drinks stand Cashier: You have a nice day.
Narrator: Once she turned away, she put the change in her purse as she was walking.
As soon as I approached Sarah, she slipped onto a mini puddle of Icee frosting, shouting in a girlish tone. Before she’d fall on her back, I hurried over as I caught her on time with my strong bare hands. The shouting stopped.
I held her back when I caught her; the catch was easy enough that she was a light-weight. I looked into her eyes, so did she.
Jay: Are you okay?
Sarah: (barely smiling) Oo. Salamat.
Narrator: I gently pushed her back up on the ground, the lemonade bottle safe on her hand.
Drinks store cashier: Good save, buddy! (as we turned to him)
White woman: (swirly yellow hairstyle) Yeah! Yer one amazing hero!
Narrator: As a bunch of guests passing by were looking at us, we couldn’t help but to smile. We looked at each other for a second, then back at the people.
SAVED HER!
Narrator: Meanwhile at Cali Adventure, we were walking down the Paradise Pier area, the one where the California Screamin’ coaster was located. As we approached the drinks stand…
Sarah: Jay, bibili ako munang drinks, ah?
Jay: Sure. Pupunta ako sa restroom. (as Sarah nods)
Narrator: So I left her at the drinks stand as I hit the restroom.
Sarah: (approaching male white cashier in glasses) Hi. One bottle of Sierra Mist, please.
Drinks stand Cashier: $2.40.
Sarah: (eyes widened in surprise) Wow, that much?
Drinks stand Cashier: Yup. Drinks used to cost only a dollar n’ 30 cents here.
Sarah: Sheesh, I didn’t realize the drinks are gonna be that expensive.
Drinks stand Cashier: Ya know the economy…
Sarah: Yeah.
Narrator: So Sarah reached into her purse, taking out her wallet.
*
Erich, Kay, and Almond were walking toward the Business building in search of Almond’s boyfriend.
Kay: Buti na lang pumapasok yung ibigan natin sa school mo.
Almond: Oo nga. Pumasok pa rin ako sa ibang school.
Erich: Bakit sa Pomona pa ng pili mong school?
Almond: Yung mommy ko kasi. Gusto niya ako pumasok dun dahil mas maganda pa yung mga programs dun para sa career ko.
Erich: Eh ano bang career mo?
Almond: Anatomy.
Erich: Ah ganun ba? Dito meron din ang ganyan, kaya lang konting classes para sa kurso nayan.
Kay: Maganda bang anatomy?
Almond: Oo. Mahilig naman ako sa science eh.
Kay: Eh ano ba yung anatomy?
Almond: Study of human bodies.
Erich: Wow. Mahirap naman mag aral sa mga terminology nayan.
Kay: Oo nga, noh? Eh sa bagay, nursing ang major ko, so siguro kailangan ko mag aral yung terms nayan.
Narrator: Once they arrived at the stairway leading to the Business building, they saw Almond’s boyfriend standing on the stairs, his arms spread out as his hands were sitting on the bars.
Kay: Yun bang shota mo ang naka puti? (referring to white collar T-shirt)
Almond: Oo.
Erich: At matangkad pa.
Almond: 6’4 siya.
Kay: Aba, mukhang basketball player siya. 6’4 siya eh.
Almond: Di naman, o?
Kay: Hay naku joke lang.
Erich: Ang gwapo naman niya.
Kay: Oo, mas gwapo siya kesa sa dating boyfriend ko.
Erich: Bakit?
Kay: Taba pa, tapos lagi siya sa bahay. Kaka boring talagang relacion namin.
Erich: Ang mga lalaki talaga, o?
Kay: Oo nga. Basta hindi mo alam kung gaano na walang kwento sa lovelife pag dating sa “mismatch” yung loved one mo.
Almond: Para sakin, kahit sino ng pipili sakin mag boyfriend, lagi 4 o 5 months ang relacion namin.
Kay: Ehh yung boyfriend mo ngayon?
Almond: 3 months lang.
Kay: Pag dating sa 4th or 5th month, siguro macaroon na naman ang drama sa relacion mo.
Almond: Sus, ng sagot kappa?
Kay: Sige na. Tara. Baka habulin tayong a las doce media ang gabi sa usapan ‘to.
Narrator: So they all approached Almond’s boyfriend as he came up to them.
Almond: Alfred!
Alfred: O, Almond, Kay! Ano ginagawa mo dito?
Almond: Dumalaw lang. (as Alfred kisses her on the cheek) Saang klase ka na galing?
Alfred: Sa political science.
Almond: Ah, Alfred. Eto pala yung ibigan natin, si Erich.
Erich: (smiling) Hello, Alfred. (handshake)
Alfred: Hi. (smiling back at her)
Erich: Sige na, guys. Aalis muna ako.
Kay: Saan ka pupunta?
Erich: Sa library. Mag study muna ako.
Kay: Schoolgirl ka talaga.
Erich: Naku hindi, noh?
Kay: Joke! Sige na. Mag aral kana.
Erich: (walking away from her friends and Alfred) Ingat kayo, ah?
Almond: Bye, Erich!
*
Narrator: I got out of the restroom, dusting off my pants, and I headed back to the drinks stand where Sarah was buying her drink.
Drinks stand Cashier: (giving Sarah her change) Here ya go.
Sarah: Thank you.
Drinks stand Cashier: You have a nice day.
Narrator: Once she turned away, she put the change in her purse as she was walking.
As soon as I approached Sarah, she slipped onto a mini puddle of Icee frosting, shouting in a girlish tone. Before she’d fall on her back, I hurried over as I caught her on time with my strong bare hands. The shouting stopped.
I held her back when I caught her; the catch was easy enough that she was a light-weight. I looked into her eyes, so did she.
Jay: Are you okay?
Sarah: (barely smiling) Oo. Salamat.
Narrator: I gently pushed her back up on the ground, the lemonade bottle safe on her hand.
Drinks store cashier: Good save, buddy! (as we turned to him)
White woman: (swirly yellow hairstyle) Yeah! Yer one amazing hero!
Narrator: As a bunch of guests passing by were looking at us, we couldn’t help but to smile. We looked at each other for a second, then back at the people.
ch. 67 - sprinting stripper
CHAPTER 67
SPRINTING STRIPPER
Narrator: Out on one of the residential areas in Cerritos, an old friend of mine, Bea Alonzo, was inside her bedroom of a two-story house as she was packing her stuff in a suitcase. She was currently preparing her clothes.
A second later, her mom walked into her room.
Bea’s Mom: Anak?
Bea: O, Mommy.
Bea’s Mom: Ng ayos kana ba?
Bea: Malapit na.
Bea’s Mom: Anong horas bang flight mo?
Bea: A las tres pa.
Bea’s Mom: Ah. (changes subject) Gutom kana ba? Gusto mo, bibili kitang pakain?
Bea: Okay lang. Hindi pa ako gugutom eh.
Bea’s Mom: O sige. Wag ka masyado pumayat sa walang pakain, ha?
Bea: Opo, Ma.
Bea’s Mom: Sige. (as she leaves Bea’s room)
*
Narrator: Out at the Moonwalk Plaza, Malvern, a white mother along with her two sons somewhere around five years of age, were at the ice cream stand as the kids were getting their ice cream.
Ice cream cashier: (handing two ice cream cones to the kids) Here ya go, little ones.
Boy1: Thank you, sir!
Boy2: Thank you!
Narrator: So the mother an her two sons turned away from the ice cream stand, walking in the direction of the Rue 21 clothing store.
Suddenly, a familiar Filipino lady sprinted past them. It was clearly Jacq who continued her escape from the strip club, still left in a thong and that her breasts were still explicitly shown. She got everyone looking at her in surprise as she was passing by them.
Guy: (wearing a Raiders cap as he holds a video camera in his hand) This is going on Youtube. (as he activates video camera)
Narrator: Jacq continued running, the two security guards seeing her passing through the gate.
Guard1: Heeeey!!!
Narrator: Jacq quickly turned back to see the guards chasing her down. Ignoring them, she continued running, hopefully fast enough to avoid them. She made it to the parking lot. Taking another glance behind her back, she saw the guards were far behind her.
As the guards stopped, taking deep breaths…
Guard1: She’s… (breathing) She’s too quick for us.
Guard2: She’s ten times faster than Speedy Gonzales. (breathing)
Guard1: Not bad for a naked hottie to run with lightening speed.
Narrator: Jacq continued running with that extreme speed as she reached the main street. Carelessly, she was running on the street, the cars abruptly stopping as they honked at her. The same went with the other side of the street. After that, she approached the white fence, hopping over it. She was on the verge of getting lost.
SPRINTING STRIPPER
Narrator: Out on one of the residential areas in Cerritos, an old friend of mine, Bea Alonzo, was inside her bedroom of a two-story house as she was packing her stuff in a suitcase. She was currently preparing her clothes.
A second later, her mom walked into her room.
Bea’s Mom: Anak?
Bea: O, Mommy.
Bea’s Mom: Ng ayos kana ba?
Bea: Malapit na.
Bea’s Mom: Anong horas bang flight mo?
Bea: A las tres pa.
Bea’s Mom: Ah. (changes subject) Gutom kana ba? Gusto mo, bibili kitang pakain?
Bea: Okay lang. Hindi pa ako gugutom eh.
Bea’s Mom: O sige. Wag ka masyado pumayat sa walang pakain, ha?
Bea: Opo, Ma.
Bea’s Mom: Sige. (as she leaves Bea’s room)
*
Narrator: Out at the Moonwalk Plaza, Malvern, a white mother along with her two sons somewhere around five years of age, were at the ice cream stand as the kids were getting their ice cream.
Ice cream cashier: (handing two ice cream cones to the kids) Here ya go, little ones.
Boy1: Thank you, sir!
Boy2: Thank you!
Narrator: So the mother an her two sons turned away from the ice cream stand, walking in the direction of the Rue 21 clothing store.
Suddenly, a familiar Filipino lady sprinted past them. It was clearly Jacq who continued her escape from the strip club, still left in a thong and that her breasts were still explicitly shown. She got everyone looking at her in surprise as she was passing by them.
Guy: (wearing a Raiders cap as he holds a video camera in his hand) This is going on Youtube. (as he activates video camera)
Narrator: Jacq continued running, the two security guards seeing her passing through the gate.
Guard1: Heeeey!!!
Narrator: Jacq quickly turned back to see the guards chasing her down. Ignoring them, she continued running, hopefully fast enough to avoid them. She made it to the parking lot. Taking another glance behind her back, she saw the guards were far behind her.
As the guards stopped, taking deep breaths…
Guard1: She’s… (breathing) She’s too quick for us.
Guard2: She’s ten times faster than Speedy Gonzales. (breathing)
Guard1: Not bad for a naked hottie to run with lightening speed.
Narrator: Jacq continued running with that extreme speed as she reached the main street. Carelessly, she was running on the street, the cars abruptly stopping as they honked at her. The same went with the other side of the street. After that, she approached the white fence, hopping over it. She was on the verge of getting lost.
ch. 66 - gettin' flirty
CHAPTER 66
GETTIN’ FLIRTY
Narrator: Meanwhile at Cali Adventure, Sarah and I were currently riding the Grizzly River Run as we were almost hitting the final drop. We were sitting next to each other, Sarah’s head lying on my shoulder as we were both laughing.
Minutes later, we reached the fall, and everyone including us two screamed, our hands raised high in the air. The raft hit the bottom, creating one enormous splash all over us.
-
Already at the exit as we made our way out of the attraction. Good Lord we were completely soaked.
Jay: Dang look at you. (pointing at her)
Sarah: Kaw rin, Jay, pero mas mabasa ka kesa sakin.
Jay: Ganun, ah? Sa tingin ko, ayos pa ring tsura mo.
Sarah: Ako?! Tsura ko? Susko! Kita mo naman kung gaano nabasang damit ko!
Jay: Oo basang basa, pero di talaga ng apecto yung tsura mo, noh?
Sarah: Ano kaba naman? Paano na rin ako magiging maayos yung tsura ko sa ganito?
Jay: Ehh yung buhok mo. Yung mukha mo. Yung outfit mo. (as she glances at her own clothes then back at me) Sarah, wala ka ng babago sa tsura mo yan.
Sarah: Suuus… ewan ko ba sayo. Mukha mo ako parang di ko kilala sa rili ko.
Jay: Ang ganda mo naman eh. Di mo ba na isip yun?
Sarah: (laughing shyly) Kung mag salita ka parang girlfriend mo ako.
Jay: Ha? Hindi, ah? Ito naman, o?
Sarah: Eh siempre may kasama kang babae. Ako pa.
Jay: Yeah pero alam mo naman na friends lang tayo. Diba?
Sarah: Oo.
Jay: So wag ka mag salita ang ganyan. (putting my arm around her shoulder) Let’s just have the time of our lives in this park, shall we?
Sarah: (removing my arm from her shoulder) Bitawan mo ako. Di pa ako masanay sa ganyan.
Narrator: I shook my head afterwards as we continued walking.
GETTIN’ FLIRTY
Narrator: Meanwhile at Cali Adventure, Sarah and I were currently riding the Grizzly River Run as we were almost hitting the final drop. We were sitting next to each other, Sarah’s head lying on my shoulder as we were both laughing.
Minutes later, we reached the fall, and everyone including us two screamed, our hands raised high in the air. The raft hit the bottom, creating one enormous splash all over us.
-
Already at the exit as we made our way out of the attraction. Good Lord we were completely soaked.
Jay: Dang look at you. (pointing at her)
Sarah: Kaw rin, Jay, pero mas mabasa ka kesa sakin.
Jay: Ganun, ah? Sa tingin ko, ayos pa ring tsura mo.
Sarah: Ako?! Tsura ko? Susko! Kita mo naman kung gaano nabasang damit ko!
Jay: Oo basang basa, pero di talaga ng apecto yung tsura mo, noh?
Sarah: Ano kaba naman? Paano na rin ako magiging maayos yung tsura ko sa ganito?
Jay: Ehh yung buhok mo. Yung mukha mo. Yung outfit mo. (as she glances at her own clothes then back at me) Sarah, wala ka ng babago sa tsura mo yan.
Sarah: Suuus… ewan ko ba sayo. Mukha mo ako parang di ko kilala sa rili ko.
Jay: Ang ganda mo naman eh. Di mo ba na isip yun?
Sarah: (laughing shyly) Kung mag salita ka parang girlfriend mo ako.
Jay: Ha? Hindi, ah? Ito naman, o?
Sarah: Eh siempre may kasama kang babae. Ako pa.
Jay: Yeah pero alam mo naman na friends lang tayo. Diba?
Sarah: Oo.
Jay: So wag ka mag salita ang ganyan. (putting my arm around her shoulder) Let’s just have the time of our lives in this park, shall we?
Sarah: (removing my arm from her shoulder) Bitawan mo ako. Di pa ako masanay sa ganyan.
Narrator: I shook my head afterwards as we continued walking.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
ch. 65 - leave her alone
CHAPTER 65
LEAVE HER ALONE
Narrator: Inside the TSU food court, they were sitting in one of the squared tables, Almond and Kay across from one another and Erich in between them two. They were all eating Busy Bee Chinese food from the boxes.
Kay: Erich, ng balita kami sa nangyari sayo kahapon.
Almond: Oo nga eh. Muntik ka namamatay sa mga kasama mong salvahe.
Erich: Sinong may sabi sa iyo tungkol ‘to?
Almond: Si Denise nung lumigtas ka ni Jay.
Kay: Aba aba aba, si Jay pa lumigtas sa yo?
Almond: Wuuuuy… may kilig scene kappa, ah?
Erich: Naku wala yun. Kilig scene. Sa TV lang ang mag kikita mo yan.
Kay: Asuuus…pwede rin sa reality, noh?
Erich: Ibang mangyari sa reality. Sa TV puro fiction ang ng kita mo.
Almond: Erer naman. Dinideny mo pa.
Erich: Anong dinideny ko? Walang nangyari sa aming dalawa, noh?
Kay: Hay naku Erich. Ubusin mo kayang pakain mo. Baka lalo pa maging paranoid ka sa usapan natin.
Almond: Oo nga.
Narrator: Erich shook her head, smiling.
Suddenly, a guy entered the food court through the sliding double doors. It was the same Filipino dude Erich bumped into earlier in the Engineering building, the one who helped her up from the floor.
He looked around to see if there were any available seats – almost all of them were taken. But then, he noticed Erich and her two friends sitting in the table near Busy Bee. The guy smiled as he kept looking at her.
Meanwhile with Erich an her two friends…
Erich: Kukuha pa akong drinks. Sino ng gustong may refill?
Kay: Dito. (as she hands her drink to Erich)
Narrator: So Erich headed over to the drinking machines holding both hers and Kay’s drinks. However, she ended up bumping into a short-haired Asian who was carrying a small cup of coffee in front of him. The cup didn’t contain a lid, and some of the coffee spilled on his yellow T-shirt, causing stains on it.
Erich: Ay, sorry.
Narrator: The Asian dude had a snobby expression on his face when he looked at Erich.
Erich: I’m very sorry. I didn’t see you coming.
Narrator: But the guy grabbed tightly the shoulder of her white blouse, showing his anger at her.
Asian Guy: Look what you did to my shirt! How dare you ruin it!
Narrator: The Filipino guy in the polo shirt saw it all. Without hesitating, he hurried over to the scene.
Filipino Guy: Let her go, dude!
Narrator: The Asian dude and Erich turned to him. The Asian dude released her blouse as he approached the Filipino dude.
Almond: Oh my God. Ano nangyari dun?
Asian Guy: Tell your blind friend to watch where the hell she’s going!
Filipino Guy: Well it’s an accident, buddy! Didn’t she tell you she didn’t mean it?
Asian Guy: Yo, who the hell are you anyway? (getting on his face)
Filipino Guy: I’m a guy that happens to be so protective of girls, and I also hate messin’ with cocky bastards like you.
Asian Guy: Oh, so you wanna fight. Is that what? (pushing him with one hand)
Filipino Guy: Go ahead, dickface! Spill that coffee on me, and we both get expelled from this school.
Narrator: The Asian dude still had a snobby facial expression, but he couldn’t say another word.
Filipino Guy: Next time put a lid on that cup. And don’t come back!
Narrator: The Asian dude still looked angry, but he walked away afterwards.
Kay: Wow, grabe.
Narrator: Erich smiled at the Filipino dude. Once he approached her…
Filipino Guy: Are you okay, Miss?
Erich: Yeah. I’m okay now. Thank you so much for saving my butt out there.
Filipino Guy: Yeah, that guy’s a total douchebag. I’d hate to mess with bitches like him.
Erich: I know. Those jerks can be anywhere.
Filipino Guy: I betchu that guy looks like he’s playing in a football or basketball team.
Erich: (laughing) That’s pretty common.
Filipino Guy: Except that there are more cockheads in football. I’ve seen em all before.
Erich: Yeah, true.
Narrator: As Almond and Kay were watching…
Almond: Naku, sino naman yung gwapong lalaki ang ng usap kay Erer?
Kay: Ewan ko. Baka classmate lang niya.
Narrator: As for Erich and the Filipino guy…
Filipino Guy: Are you Filipino by any chance?
Erich: Do I look Filipino to you? (making a cute facial expression)
Filipino Guy: You sure look beautiful. (as she smiles shyly) I know how Filipino girls look when I see them.
Erich: Why thank you. (laughing)
Filipino Guy: My name’s Fred. (reaching out at her for handshake) What’s yours?
Erich: (gives him handshake) I’m Erich. Erich Gonzales.
Fred: Glad to meet you, Erich.
Erich: Do you speak tagalong?
Fred: Oo naman. (laughing) Pinang anak ako sa Pinas eh.
Erich: Ah ganun? Taga saan?
Fred: Alabang. Ikaw?
Erich: Ahh. Ako? Sa Davao.
Fred: Wow, amazing. To be honest, I’ve never been there before.
Erich: Really? Wow, amazing nga kasi di kapa ng punta dun. (laughing)
Fred: Oo nga eh. (laughing)
Erich: O sige, Fred. Aalis muna ako. Kakain pa ako eh.
Fred: Eating with friends?
Erich: Yeah.
Fred: O sige. Hope I see you around.
Erich: You too. (laughing)
Fred: I’m usually around here in the TSU on my breaks, so you might find me when you visit. (Erich nodding) Bye, Erich. (walking away)
Erich: Byye.
Kay: (watching Erich smile as she waves at Fred) Aba aba, may bagong kilig scene pa.
Almond: Dyos ko. Marami ng kikilig kay Erer.
Kay: Siempre. Babae siya, noh, at maganda pa.
Narrator: A moment later, Almond’s phone rumbled. She took it out of her brown jeans pocket, flipping it open.
Kay: Sino naman ng text sa iyo? Yung shota mo?
Almond: (reading her text message) Oo. Ng laba na siya raw.
Kay: Saan, sa klase niya?
Almond: Oo, tapos ng hintay pa siya sakin.
Kay: Eh kita mo naman na kakain pa tayo?
Almond: Sasabihin ko sa kanya ay one hour.
Kay: Oo, dapat one hour. (as Almond was texting him back)
Narrator: Erich suddenly returned to the table.
Erich: Etong drink mo, Kay. (hands drink to her)
Kay: Ah, salamat. (takes it)
Almond: Erich, sino naman yung lalaki ang ng usap mo?
Erich: Sino, si Fred?
Kay: ‘Baa, alam mong pangalan niya.
Erich: Oo. Bakit? Kukulitan niyo naman ako, noh?
Almond: Sige na. Bilis tayo pagkakain. Ng hintay na yung boyfriend ko sa labas.
Erich: Nan dun na ba siya?
Almond: Oo. Tinext niya sakin ngayon, kaya nan dun na siya.
Erich: Sige.
LEAVE HER ALONE
Narrator: Inside the TSU food court, they were sitting in one of the squared tables, Almond and Kay across from one another and Erich in between them two. They were all eating Busy Bee Chinese food from the boxes.
Kay: Erich, ng balita kami sa nangyari sayo kahapon.
Almond: Oo nga eh. Muntik ka namamatay sa mga kasama mong salvahe.
Erich: Sinong may sabi sa iyo tungkol ‘to?
Almond: Si Denise nung lumigtas ka ni Jay.
Kay: Aba aba aba, si Jay pa lumigtas sa yo?
Almond: Wuuuuy… may kilig scene kappa, ah?
Erich: Naku wala yun. Kilig scene. Sa TV lang ang mag kikita mo yan.
Kay: Asuuus…pwede rin sa reality, noh?
Erich: Ibang mangyari sa reality. Sa TV puro fiction ang ng kita mo.
Almond: Erer naman. Dinideny mo pa.
Erich: Anong dinideny ko? Walang nangyari sa aming dalawa, noh?
Kay: Hay naku Erich. Ubusin mo kayang pakain mo. Baka lalo pa maging paranoid ka sa usapan natin.
Almond: Oo nga.
Narrator: Erich shook her head, smiling.
Suddenly, a guy entered the food court through the sliding double doors. It was the same Filipino dude Erich bumped into earlier in the Engineering building, the one who helped her up from the floor.
He looked around to see if there were any available seats – almost all of them were taken. But then, he noticed Erich and her two friends sitting in the table near Busy Bee. The guy smiled as he kept looking at her.
Meanwhile with Erich an her two friends…
Erich: Kukuha pa akong drinks. Sino ng gustong may refill?
Kay: Dito. (as she hands her drink to Erich)
Narrator: So Erich headed over to the drinking machines holding both hers and Kay’s drinks. However, she ended up bumping into a short-haired Asian who was carrying a small cup of coffee in front of him. The cup didn’t contain a lid, and some of the coffee spilled on his yellow T-shirt, causing stains on it.
Erich: Ay, sorry.
Narrator: The Asian dude had a snobby expression on his face when he looked at Erich.
Erich: I’m very sorry. I didn’t see you coming.
Narrator: But the guy grabbed tightly the shoulder of her white blouse, showing his anger at her.
Asian Guy: Look what you did to my shirt! How dare you ruin it!
Narrator: The Filipino guy in the polo shirt saw it all. Without hesitating, he hurried over to the scene.
Filipino Guy: Let her go, dude!
Narrator: The Asian dude and Erich turned to him. The Asian dude released her blouse as he approached the Filipino dude.
Almond: Oh my God. Ano nangyari dun?
Asian Guy: Tell your blind friend to watch where the hell she’s going!
Filipino Guy: Well it’s an accident, buddy! Didn’t she tell you she didn’t mean it?
Asian Guy: Yo, who the hell are you anyway? (getting on his face)
Filipino Guy: I’m a guy that happens to be so protective of girls, and I also hate messin’ with cocky bastards like you.
Asian Guy: Oh, so you wanna fight. Is that what? (pushing him with one hand)
Filipino Guy: Go ahead, dickface! Spill that coffee on me, and we both get expelled from this school.
Narrator: The Asian dude still had a snobby facial expression, but he couldn’t say another word.
Filipino Guy: Next time put a lid on that cup. And don’t come back!
Narrator: The Asian dude still looked angry, but he walked away afterwards.
Kay: Wow, grabe.
Narrator: Erich smiled at the Filipino dude. Once he approached her…
Filipino Guy: Are you okay, Miss?
Erich: Yeah. I’m okay now. Thank you so much for saving my butt out there.
Filipino Guy: Yeah, that guy’s a total douchebag. I’d hate to mess with bitches like him.
Erich: I know. Those jerks can be anywhere.
Filipino Guy: I betchu that guy looks like he’s playing in a football or basketball team.
Erich: (laughing) That’s pretty common.
Filipino Guy: Except that there are more cockheads in football. I’ve seen em all before.
Erich: Yeah, true.
Narrator: As Almond and Kay were watching…
Almond: Naku, sino naman yung gwapong lalaki ang ng usap kay Erer?
Kay: Ewan ko. Baka classmate lang niya.
Narrator: As for Erich and the Filipino guy…
Filipino Guy: Are you Filipino by any chance?
Erich: Do I look Filipino to you? (making a cute facial expression)
Filipino Guy: You sure look beautiful. (as she smiles shyly) I know how Filipino girls look when I see them.
Erich: Why thank you. (laughing)
Filipino Guy: My name’s Fred. (reaching out at her for handshake) What’s yours?
Erich: (gives him handshake) I’m Erich. Erich Gonzales.
Fred: Glad to meet you, Erich.
Erich: Do you speak tagalong?
Fred: Oo naman. (laughing) Pinang anak ako sa Pinas eh.
Erich: Ah ganun? Taga saan?
Fred: Alabang. Ikaw?
Erich: Ahh. Ako? Sa Davao.
Fred: Wow, amazing. To be honest, I’ve never been there before.
Erich: Really? Wow, amazing nga kasi di kapa ng punta dun. (laughing)
Fred: Oo nga eh. (laughing)
Erich: O sige, Fred. Aalis muna ako. Kakain pa ako eh.
Fred: Eating with friends?
Erich: Yeah.
Fred: O sige. Hope I see you around.
Erich: You too. (laughing)
Fred: I’m usually around here in the TSU on my breaks, so you might find me when you visit. (Erich nodding) Bye, Erich. (walking away)
Erich: Byye.
Kay: (watching Erich smile as she waves at Fred) Aba aba, may bagong kilig scene pa.
Almond: Dyos ko. Marami ng kikilig kay Erer.
Kay: Siempre. Babae siya, noh, at maganda pa.
Narrator: A moment later, Almond’s phone rumbled. She took it out of her brown jeans pocket, flipping it open.
Kay: Sino naman ng text sa iyo? Yung shota mo?
Almond: (reading her text message) Oo. Ng laba na siya raw.
Kay: Saan, sa klase niya?
Almond: Oo, tapos ng hintay pa siya sakin.
Kay: Eh kita mo naman na kakain pa tayo?
Almond: Sasabihin ko sa kanya ay one hour.
Kay: Oo, dapat one hour. (as Almond was texting him back)
Narrator: Erich suddenly returned to the table.
Erich: Etong drink mo, Kay. (hands drink to her)
Kay: Ah, salamat. (takes it)
Almond: Erich, sino naman yung lalaki ang ng usap mo?
Erich: Sino, si Fred?
Kay: ‘Baa, alam mong pangalan niya.
Erich: Oo. Bakit? Kukulitan niyo naman ako, noh?
Almond: Sige na. Bilis tayo pagkakain. Ng hintay na yung boyfriend ko sa labas.
Erich: Nan dun na ba siya?
Almond: Oo. Tinext niya sakin ngayon, kaya nan dun na siya.
Erich: Sige.
ch. 64 - the visit
CHAPTER 64
THE VISIT
Narrator: Jerry was standing, patting his right pinky on the table. He kept moving his eyes left to right, not knowing what to do next.
Suddenly, he heard the room door open again, and Mondo popped out as he walked over to one of the boxes that sat a group of five beer bottles. Not bothering to annoy Jerry, Mondo directly grabbed one and headed back into the room.
Jerry: Yo Mondo!
Narrator: Mondo stopped at the door, turning to Jerry.
Mondo: I thought ya fuckin’ busy, boi!
Jerry: I don’t know what the hell to do next with this (as he picks up and drops Erich’s phone) muthafuckin’ piece of shit!
Mondo: So ya gon’ watch wid us or what?
Jerry: Might as well.
Mondo: Then get the fuck over here and chill.
Narrator: Once Mondo returned into the room, Jerry followed him there and closed the door.
*
Inside the hospital, Edwin was sleeping on the room bed, until Pam walked in holding a clipboard.
Pam: Hey Edwin!
Narrator: Edwin barely woke up, his eyes slowly opening.
Pam: (approaching the bed) Edwin!
Edwin: (in lazy tone) Yeah?
Pam: I have great news!
Edwin: What?
Pam: You’ll be outta this hospital tonight!
Edwin: Tonight? When?
Pam: Supposedly 7 or 8, but could be earlier.
Edwin: Thanks, Pam!
Pam: So right now, get as much rest as you can, and we’ll let you know as soon as possible, okay?
Edwin: Okay.
Narrator: So Pam exited the room afterwards.
*
Meanwhile, Sarah and I were simply having a good time in Cali Adventure, despite that we haven’t ridden any rides yet. We were walking down the aisle that would lead us to the Grizzly River Run rapids ride. We were talking and sharing our laughter with one another.
Sarah: Jay naman, o?
Jay: Bakit? Ibig sabihin di ka marunong gumamit ang kamay mo?
Sarah: Di naman sa kamay yung problema. Ayoko talaga mag piano.
Jay: It’s all about using your fingers, ya know.
Sarah: Oo alam ko. Ng laro ko yan dati nung bata pa ako, pero di ko mahilig masyado sa mga musical instruments. Singing lang talagang passion ko… ever since. (smiling proudly)
Jay: Ganun pala eh. Kita mo naman kung gaano ka ayos yung boces mo. Pati yung tono. Sa tingin ko, you’re nearly a complete singer.
Sarah: Ahh. Baka ng sabihin mo lang yan dahil maganda ako.
Jay: Aba, siempre hindi, noh?
Sarah: Asus, hindi kappa aaminin.
Jay: Sarah naman…
Sarah: Aba aba, ng hiya kapa dyan. Ayaw pa aaminin.
Jay: Kaw talaga, o?
Sarah: (laughing) Siguro sa Pilipinas, lahat ang babae ng kita mo ay maganda. Tapos pag dating sa lalaki, dinidate sila sa babae without caring who they are on the inside. Panay beauty lang ang tingnan nila.
Jay: That is so true. I know how most guys are anyway, at hindi lang sa Pinas na may ganyang lalaki. As a matter of fact, the guys here are worse when it comes to using girls.
Sarah: Puro lust and uusapan natin. Change topic kaya.
Jay: Lust? Naku, masyado mag karoong drama sa usapan nayan.
Sarah: Siempre. Kita mo sa Disneyland pa tayo.
Jay: Sa kabila yung Disneyland.
Sarah: Ah, oo nga pala. California Adventure pala tayo.
Jay: Well either way, we are in the happiest place on earth.
*
Inside the Engineering and Computer Science building, Erich and a couple of her classmates, both of them female, were talking as they walked out of their classroom. They all stood beside the door continuing to socialize.
Classmate1: (Thai, wearing eye glasses, short black hair, looked around her early 20’s) So we meet tomorrow for study group at 4 o’ clock?
Classmate2: (white, red-haired, looked around her late 30’s) Actually, I have a dentist appointment around 4:45.
Erich: So 3 is okay?
Classmate1: Yeah I think it sounds good.
Classmate2: That sounds more preferable. Anyway, I get out of class at 2:45, so it sounds perfect.
Classmate1: Okay. So we meet in library tomorrow?
Erich: How about the lunch court?
Classmate2: You mean in TSU?
Erich: Yeah.
Classmate2: That’s fine.
Erich: Well, I’m about to head off. See you guys later.
Classmate1: Bye Erich.
Classmate2: Byyye.
Narrator: So they all separated from each other as Erich walked away from them.
Outside as she was heading toward the TSU (Titan Student Union), she heard a female voice call out her name from behind.
Erich turned around as she saw two of her Filipino female friends, Kay and Almond, approaching her. Almond was wearing shades with big lens.
Erich: (laughing) Almond! Kay! (as she hugged them both) Ano ginawa niyo dito?
Kay: Day off ako ngayon sa school, kaya pinunta kami ni Almond dito.
Erich: Ah ganun? Dito ka rin pumasok, Almond?
Almond: Hindi. (laughing) Sa Cal Poly Pomona ako mag aaral. Pumunta lang kami dito kasi pumasok rin yung boyfriend ko dito.
Erich: Dumalaw mo lang siya?
Almond: Oo.
Kay: Ano ginagawa mo ngayon, Erich?
Erich: Ahh lunchbreak ko ngayon.
Kay: Ah ganun?
Erich: Gusto niyo ba sumama sakin sa pag kakain?
Almond: Ahm sure.
Kay: Gutom na ako eh.
Almond: Sus, lagi ka gumutom.
Kay: Hindi ako mapigilan yung tyan ko sa pag kulongan eh.
THE VISIT
Narrator: Jerry was standing, patting his right pinky on the table. He kept moving his eyes left to right, not knowing what to do next.
Suddenly, he heard the room door open again, and Mondo popped out as he walked over to one of the boxes that sat a group of five beer bottles. Not bothering to annoy Jerry, Mondo directly grabbed one and headed back into the room.
Jerry: Yo Mondo!
Narrator: Mondo stopped at the door, turning to Jerry.
Mondo: I thought ya fuckin’ busy, boi!
Jerry: I don’t know what the hell to do next with this (as he picks up and drops Erich’s phone) muthafuckin’ piece of shit!
Mondo: So ya gon’ watch wid us or what?
Jerry: Might as well.
Mondo: Then get the fuck over here and chill.
Narrator: Once Mondo returned into the room, Jerry followed him there and closed the door.
*
Inside the hospital, Edwin was sleeping on the room bed, until Pam walked in holding a clipboard.
Pam: Hey Edwin!
Narrator: Edwin barely woke up, his eyes slowly opening.
Pam: (approaching the bed) Edwin!
Edwin: (in lazy tone) Yeah?
Pam: I have great news!
Edwin: What?
Pam: You’ll be outta this hospital tonight!
Edwin: Tonight? When?
Pam: Supposedly 7 or 8, but could be earlier.
Edwin: Thanks, Pam!
Pam: So right now, get as much rest as you can, and we’ll let you know as soon as possible, okay?
Edwin: Okay.
Narrator: So Pam exited the room afterwards.
*
Meanwhile, Sarah and I were simply having a good time in Cali Adventure, despite that we haven’t ridden any rides yet. We were walking down the aisle that would lead us to the Grizzly River Run rapids ride. We were talking and sharing our laughter with one another.
Sarah: Jay naman, o?
Jay: Bakit? Ibig sabihin di ka marunong gumamit ang kamay mo?
Sarah: Di naman sa kamay yung problema. Ayoko talaga mag piano.
Jay: It’s all about using your fingers, ya know.
Sarah: Oo alam ko. Ng laro ko yan dati nung bata pa ako, pero di ko mahilig masyado sa mga musical instruments. Singing lang talagang passion ko… ever since. (smiling proudly)
Jay: Ganun pala eh. Kita mo naman kung gaano ka ayos yung boces mo. Pati yung tono. Sa tingin ko, you’re nearly a complete singer.
Sarah: Ahh. Baka ng sabihin mo lang yan dahil maganda ako.
Jay: Aba, siempre hindi, noh?
Sarah: Asus, hindi kappa aaminin.
Jay: Sarah naman…
Sarah: Aba aba, ng hiya kapa dyan. Ayaw pa aaminin.
Jay: Kaw talaga, o?
Sarah: (laughing) Siguro sa Pilipinas, lahat ang babae ng kita mo ay maganda. Tapos pag dating sa lalaki, dinidate sila sa babae without caring who they are on the inside. Panay beauty lang ang tingnan nila.
Jay: That is so true. I know how most guys are anyway, at hindi lang sa Pinas na may ganyang lalaki. As a matter of fact, the guys here are worse when it comes to using girls.
Sarah: Puro lust and uusapan natin. Change topic kaya.
Jay: Lust? Naku, masyado mag karoong drama sa usapan nayan.
Sarah: Siempre. Kita mo sa Disneyland pa tayo.
Jay: Sa kabila yung Disneyland.
Sarah: Ah, oo nga pala. California Adventure pala tayo.
Jay: Well either way, we are in the happiest place on earth.
*
Inside the Engineering and Computer Science building, Erich and a couple of her classmates, both of them female, were talking as they walked out of their classroom. They all stood beside the door continuing to socialize.
Classmate1: (Thai, wearing eye glasses, short black hair, looked around her early 20’s) So we meet tomorrow for study group at 4 o’ clock?
Classmate2: (white, red-haired, looked around her late 30’s) Actually, I have a dentist appointment around 4:45.
Erich: So 3 is okay?
Classmate1: Yeah I think it sounds good.
Classmate2: That sounds more preferable. Anyway, I get out of class at 2:45, so it sounds perfect.
Classmate1: Okay. So we meet in library tomorrow?
Erich: How about the lunch court?
Classmate2: You mean in TSU?
Erich: Yeah.
Classmate2: That’s fine.
Erich: Well, I’m about to head off. See you guys later.
Classmate1: Bye Erich.
Classmate2: Byyye.
Narrator: So they all separated from each other as Erich walked away from them.
Outside as she was heading toward the TSU (Titan Student Union), she heard a female voice call out her name from behind.
Erich turned around as she saw two of her Filipino female friends, Kay and Almond, approaching her. Almond was wearing shades with big lens.
Erich: (laughing) Almond! Kay! (as she hugged them both) Ano ginawa niyo dito?
Kay: Day off ako ngayon sa school, kaya pinunta kami ni Almond dito.
Erich: Ah ganun? Dito ka rin pumasok, Almond?
Almond: Hindi. (laughing) Sa Cal Poly Pomona ako mag aaral. Pumunta lang kami dito kasi pumasok rin yung boyfriend ko dito.
Erich: Dumalaw mo lang siya?
Almond: Oo.
Kay: Ano ginagawa mo ngayon, Erich?
Erich: Ahh lunchbreak ko ngayon.
Kay: Ah ganun?
Erich: Gusto niyo ba sumama sakin sa pag kakain?
Almond: Ahm sure.
Kay: Gutom na ako eh.
Almond: Sus, lagi ka gumutom.
Kay: Hindi ako mapigilan yung tyan ko sa pag kulongan eh.
ch. 63 - bumped!
CHAPTER 63
BUMPED!
Narrator: On my side of the story…
Sarah and I were heading to the entrance gate of California Adventure on a hot, partly cloudy afternoon. For the first time ever, I saw her wearing summer clothes – a black sleeveless top that fit her whole body, a pair of light brown shorts, and yellow flip flops. Her hair stood long and straight down. She also carried a black purse on her shoulder. Damn right she looked gorgeous!
Anyway, as we approached the gate, a pretty Filipina around her late 20’s, one wearing thick black-framed eye glasses and her hair long and straight like Sarah’s, smiled at us. Her name tag read LESLIE, no last name shown.
Leslie: Sarah!
Narrator: It was her friend all right.
Sarah: Uyy Lez!
Leslie: Tagal na hindi tayo mag kikita ever since high school!
Sarah: Alam ko, noh?
Leslie: Saan ka pumasok ngayon?
Sarah: UC Irvine.
Leslie: Wow, gandang school yan, o?
Sarah: Oo.
Leslie: Ganda mo ngayon, girl. (as Sarah smiles) Boyfriend mo ba yan? (referring to me)
Jay: We’re actually just friends. (laughing softly)
Leslie: Oh. Sorry.
Narrator: We looked at each other for a second, then back at Leslie.
Sarah: Wag ka maalala. Marami din na tinanong sakin ang ganyan dati.
Leslie: Oh really? Ako rin eh. Sa bagay, marami naman akong ibigang lalaki, so kung ng kikita ang mga girlfriends ko na may kasama akong lalaki, lagi sila mag tanong tungkol sa ganyan.
Sarah: Hindi talaga mawawala ang ganyang tanong.
Leslie: Oo nga, noh?
Sarah: O sige na. Pasok mo na kami, o?
Leslie: Sure sure. (handing us the blue entry tickets) Make your day happy sa the happiest place on earth. (grinning)
Sarah: (as she and I already enter the park) Di ba nga sa Disneyland lang ang may sinabi yun?
Leslie: Pwede rin sa ibang masayang lugar. (smiling)
Narrator: Sarah smiled back, and we moved ahead afterwards.
*
Meanwhile with Erich, Mel, and Joyce, as they were walking toward the kinesiology building…
Melissa: Sinabi ko pa sa supervisor ko kung ayaw mo na mag bibigay yun regular schedule ko, edi mag quit na ako.
Erich: Oo dapat.
Melissa: Eh yung problema ay lagi mag trade shift ang mga coworkers ko kaya hindi sila ng show up sa mga busy days.
Joyce: Oo nga, noh? Kaka inis talaga kaya lagi nakaroon ang mga layoffs.
Erich: Masama talagang economy ngayon, kaya ng layoff lahat ang mga kompanya.
Joyce: Yeah.
Melissa: Sige na, guys. Aalis na me.
Joyce: Ako rin.
Erich: O sige. Mel, kikita tayo mamiya, ah?
Melissa: Yeah. Okay, bye guys.
Joyce: Bye, Mel, Erich. (separating from each other)
Erich: (waving at them) Ingat.
Narrator: So Erich continued walking as she headed for the Engineering and Computer Science building.
As soon as she opened the front door, she quickly looked back, and suddenly bumped into a guy wearing a black, red, and dark green checkered polo shirt. Both of them fell on the floor, and the guy, who looked Filipino, got on his feet.
Filipino Guy: Ghee I’m sorry, Miss. I didn’t mean for this to happen. (as he sees Erich dusting off her messenger bag and long grey skirt with white patterned dots)
Erich: Don’t worry about it.
Narrator: As soon as the guy reached out his hand to her, she looked up at it, and grabbed it as he helped her up from the floor.
The guy immediately saw her face as it was standing pretty, her long hair straight down as she wore a light pink headband. It took him about a minute or two getting to know that face, and it seemed likely a sign her beauty caught his attention.
Erich: Thank you.
Filipino Guy: You’re welcome.
Narrator: Erich walked away as he moved past the guy. The guy kept his eyes on her, and he just completely stared at her walking down the hallway. He was definitely in love with her.
BUMPED!
Narrator: On my side of the story…
Sarah and I were heading to the entrance gate of California Adventure on a hot, partly cloudy afternoon. For the first time ever, I saw her wearing summer clothes – a black sleeveless top that fit her whole body, a pair of light brown shorts, and yellow flip flops. Her hair stood long and straight down. She also carried a black purse on her shoulder. Damn right she looked gorgeous!
Anyway, as we approached the gate, a pretty Filipina around her late 20’s, one wearing thick black-framed eye glasses and her hair long and straight like Sarah’s, smiled at us. Her name tag read LESLIE, no last name shown.
Leslie: Sarah!
Narrator: It was her friend all right.
Sarah: Uyy Lez!
Leslie: Tagal na hindi tayo mag kikita ever since high school!
Sarah: Alam ko, noh?
Leslie: Saan ka pumasok ngayon?
Sarah: UC Irvine.
Leslie: Wow, gandang school yan, o?
Sarah: Oo.
Leslie: Ganda mo ngayon, girl. (as Sarah smiles) Boyfriend mo ba yan? (referring to me)
Jay: We’re actually just friends. (laughing softly)
Leslie: Oh. Sorry.
Narrator: We looked at each other for a second, then back at Leslie.
Sarah: Wag ka maalala. Marami din na tinanong sakin ang ganyan dati.
Leslie: Oh really? Ako rin eh. Sa bagay, marami naman akong ibigang lalaki, so kung ng kikita ang mga girlfriends ko na may kasama akong lalaki, lagi sila mag tanong tungkol sa ganyan.
Sarah: Hindi talaga mawawala ang ganyang tanong.
Leslie: Oo nga, noh?
Sarah: O sige na. Pasok mo na kami, o?
Leslie: Sure sure. (handing us the blue entry tickets) Make your day happy sa the happiest place on earth. (grinning)
Sarah: (as she and I already enter the park) Di ba nga sa Disneyland lang ang may sinabi yun?
Leslie: Pwede rin sa ibang masayang lugar. (smiling)
Narrator: Sarah smiled back, and we moved ahead afterwards.
*
Meanwhile with Erich, Mel, and Joyce, as they were walking toward the kinesiology building…
Melissa: Sinabi ko pa sa supervisor ko kung ayaw mo na mag bibigay yun regular schedule ko, edi mag quit na ako.
Erich: Oo dapat.
Melissa: Eh yung problema ay lagi mag trade shift ang mga coworkers ko kaya hindi sila ng show up sa mga busy days.
Joyce: Oo nga, noh? Kaka inis talaga kaya lagi nakaroon ang mga layoffs.
Erich: Masama talagang economy ngayon, kaya ng layoff lahat ang mga kompanya.
Joyce: Yeah.
Melissa: Sige na, guys. Aalis na me.
Joyce: Ako rin.
Erich: O sige. Mel, kikita tayo mamiya, ah?
Melissa: Yeah. Okay, bye guys.
Joyce: Bye, Mel, Erich. (separating from each other)
Erich: (waving at them) Ingat.
Narrator: So Erich continued walking as she headed for the Engineering and Computer Science building.
As soon as she opened the front door, she quickly looked back, and suddenly bumped into a guy wearing a black, red, and dark green checkered polo shirt. Both of them fell on the floor, and the guy, who looked Filipino, got on his feet.
Filipino Guy: Ghee I’m sorry, Miss. I didn’t mean for this to happen. (as he sees Erich dusting off her messenger bag and long grey skirt with white patterned dots)
Erich: Don’t worry about it.
Narrator: As soon as the guy reached out his hand to her, she looked up at it, and grabbed it as he helped her up from the floor.
The guy immediately saw her face as it was standing pretty, her long hair straight down as she wore a light pink headband. It took him about a minute or two getting to know that face, and it seemed likely a sign her beauty caught his attention.
Erich: Thank you.
Filipino Guy: You’re welcome.
Narrator: Erich walked away as he moved past the guy. The guy kept his eyes on her, and he just completely stared at her walking down the hallway. He was definitely in love with her.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
ch. 62 - joyful tease
CHAPTER 62
JOYFUL TEASE
Narrator: New day again, and yes, it was my actual birthday then. Yay! But first, onto Erich’s side of the story…
She and a group of friends were sitting on one of the stoned round tables near the University Hall in Cal State Fullerton. She was with the following: Jira, Melissa, Daphne, and Joyce. They were having a conversation about Erich’s kidnapping moment in the warehouse.
Melissa: No way! How?
Erich: Long story. Nasa Cerritos Town Center kami nung may blackout.
Daphne: Aba, grabe yan, ah?
Joyce: Dyos ko naman, Erich. Buti na lang nan dito kapa. Baka umiyak ako kung nalaman ko ‘to agad.
Erich: Oh Joyce. At least ng ligtas ako. Wag ka maalala. Di na mangyari ‘to ulit.
Jira: Sana naman.
Melissa: Sino ng ligtas sa yo?
Erich: Ha? Uhh friend.
Daphne: Sino si friend? Special friend mo kaya.
Erich: Oo, yung special friend ko.
Jira: Aba, edi si Matteo.
Melissa: Baka si Jay! (as the others “Ooooh”ed at her)
Joyce: Oo nga, Erich. Si Jay kaya…
Erich: Okay okay. Si Jay nga.
Melissa: Sabi ko nga aba eh.
Joyce: Wow, Erich. Mabuti pa siya ang ng ligtas sa iyo. (as Erich smiles)
Jira: Sino si Jay?
Erich: Friend ko nga.
Daphne: Bakit special friend mo siya?
Erich: Naku joke lang yan, o?
Melissa: Joke? Aba, tinatago ka pa?
Joyce: Oo nga. Ibig sabihin may special connection kayo, kaya special friend mo siya.
Erich: Wala, noh? Kulit niyo talaga.
Daphne: How sweet of that guy to do such a thing. He’s so courageous.
Melissa: (princess impersonation, holding her hands together) Oh my hero. That prince charming.
Erich: (lightly slapping Mel’s shoulder) Hoy tumigil ka.
Jira: Gwapo ba yung “only hero” mo?
Joyce: Nakss… “only hero” pa si Jay, ah?
Erich: (shaking her head as she stands up) Kayo talaga. Tigilan niyo ‘to, baka lalo ako dumaldal dito na baka tutulog pa kayong lahat. Tapos mimiss mo pa yun mga klase niyo. Hah.
Melissa: Ah ganun? Dumaldal ka na nga eh.
Erich: Naku naku… gusto mo idamay kita, ah? Sige na. May klase ako ngayon.
Melissa: Me too.
Joyce: Ako rin eh. (as she and Mel stand up)
Erich: Let’s go na. (checking her watch) I have 5 minutes.
Daphne: Bye guys. (waving at the three girls who walked away from the table)
*
Inside the basement, Jerry was working on Erich’s broken phone, repairing every part especially the inside.
Mondo opened the door from their small room hangout, seeing Jerry at the table.
Mondo: Yo Jerry!
Jerry: The hell? I’m busy!
Mondo: Come over n’ watch “Interfuel” with us!
Jerry: I watched that shit like 50 times already!
Mondo: See it again then!
Jerry: Get the fuck outta here, foo! I told ya I’m fuckin’ busy!
Mondo: K man… sheesh… (returns into room)
Narrator: As Jerry was working on Erich’s phone, he picked up the pliers beside his left shoulder, and pulled out the wires from the inside of the device.
JOYFUL TEASE
Narrator: New day again, and yes, it was my actual birthday then. Yay! But first, onto Erich’s side of the story…
She and a group of friends were sitting on one of the stoned round tables near the University Hall in Cal State Fullerton. She was with the following: Jira, Melissa, Daphne, and Joyce. They were having a conversation about Erich’s kidnapping moment in the warehouse.
Melissa: No way! How?
Erich: Long story. Nasa Cerritos Town Center kami nung may blackout.
Daphne: Aba, grabe yan, ah?
Joyce: Dyos ko naman, Erich. Buti na lang nan dito kapa. Baka umiyak ako kung nalaman ko ‘to agad.
Erich: Oh Joyce. At least ng ligtas ako. Wag ka maalala. Di na mangyari ‘to ulit.
Jira: Sana naman.
Melissa: Sino ng ligtas sa yo?
Erich: Ha? Uhh friend.
Daphne: Sino si friend? Special friend mo kaya.
Erich: Oo, yung special friend ko.
Jira: Aba, edi si Matteo.
Melissa: Baka si Jay! (as the others “Ooooh”ed at her)
Joyce: Oo nga, Erich. Si Jay kaya…
Erich: Okay okay. Si Jay nga.
Melissa: Sabi ko nga aba eh.
Joyce: Wow, Erich. Mabuti pa siya ang ng ligtas sa iyo. (as Erich smiles)
Jira: Sino si Jay?
Erich: Friend ko nga.
Daphne: Bakit special friend mo siya?
Erich: Naku joke lang yan, o?
Melissa: Joke? Aba, tinatago ka pa?
Joyce: Oo nga. Ibig sabihin may special connection kayo, kaya special friend mo siya.
Erich: Wala, noh? Kulit niyo talaga.
Daphne: How sweet of that guy to do such a thing. He’s so courageous.
Melissa: (princess impersonation, holding her hands together) Oh my hero. That prince charming.
Erich: (lightly slapping Mel’s shoulder) Hoy tumigil ka.
Jira: Gwapo ba yung “only hero” mo?
Joyce: Nakss… “only hero” pa si Jay, ah?
Erich: (shaking her head as she stands up) Kayo talaga. Tigilan niyo ‘to, baka lalo ako dumaldal dito na baka tutulog pa kayong lahat. Tapos mimiss mo pa yun mga klase niyo. Hah.
Melissa: Ah ganun? Dumaldal ka na nga eh.
Erich: Naku naku… gusto mo idamay kita, ah? Sige na. May klase ako ngayon.
Melissa: Me too.
Joyce: Ako rin eh. (as she and Mel stand up)
Erich: Let’s go na. (checking her watch) I have 5 minutes.
Daphne: Bye guys. (waving at the three girls who walked away from the table)
*
Inside the basement, Jerry was working on Erich’s broken phone, repairing every part especially the inside.
Mondo opened the door from their small room hangout, seeing Jerry at the table.
Mondo: Yo Jerry!
Jerry: The hell? I’m busy!
Mondo: Come over n’ watch “Interfuel” with us!
Jerry: I watched that shit like 50 times already!
Mondo: See it again then!
Jerry: Get the fuck outta here, foo! I told ya I’m fuckin’ busy!
Mondo: K man… sheesh… (returns into room)
Narrator: As Jerry was working on Erich’s phone, he picked up the pliers beside his left shoulder, and pulled out the wires from the inside of the device.
Friday, May 22, 2009
ch. 61 - she's back!
CHAPTER 61
SHE’S BACK!
Narrator: We were on our way back to the Cerritos Town Center, where Denise, Koji, Maja, Sarah, and Erich’s other friends were waiting. They were all still standing outside Marie Calendar’s where they ate their dinner.
As soon as Koji saw us walking toward them…
Koji: Guys! Look!
Narrator: Once they all turned their heads to us…
Brenda: Erich?
Narrator: Once we approached them…
Denise: Oh my God! (running toward us)
Erich: (doing the same to Dense) Heeyyy!!
Narrator: They hugged each other desperately, and I stood there watching the rest of Erich’s friends, including Maja and Sarah, approaching Erich as well.
Brenda: (hugging her) Hay naku. Buti na lang nan dito kapa. Dyos ko!
Koji: Jay!!
Narrator: He and I approached each other and hugged, laughing.
Koji: Mayn ya shoulda let me watch your ultimate crime fighting skills out there! (joked)
Jay: It’s never too late for me to do more of those, ya know.
Maja: (hugging Erich) Hay salamat talaga ang Dyos.
Erich: (putting hand on her shoulder) Wag ka maalala. Lagi nan dun diya para sa lahat ang problema ang mga tao.
Jamilla: Siempre. Lagi siya lumigtas sa mga araw natin. Gusto siya lagi tayo masaya. (as Erich smiles)
Denise: (hugging Erich from behind) Na miss ko talaga yun isang idol ko.
Erich: (laughing) Denise naman. Siempre hindi ako mawawala.
Narrator: Sarah then came up to me.
Sarah: Ang tapang mo talaga, Jay. Buti na lang hindi ka nadala sa hospital.
Jay: Hindi na kailangan. Basta, a man has a soldier’s way of surviving the deadly flames.
Sarah: Asus, ang lakas mo pa, ah?
Jay: Naku wag mo iintindian yun. Para sa lalaki lang ‘to, o?
Sarah: (lightly pushing my arm) Kaw naman.
Jay: O bakit? Siguro… Na miss mo ako, noh?
Sarah: Ha? Aba, sinagot ka pa.
Jay: Oo. So, na miss mo ba ako?
Sarah: (smiling shyly) Jaay… ewan ko ba kung ano talaga kailangan mo pag tunayan sakin. Parang may sasabihin ka.
Jay: Ako? Di, ah? Paano mo malalaman yan?
Sarah: Mataas ang mata ko, noh? I’m sure meron ka dapat sasabihin sakin tungkol sa friendship natin.
Jay: Our friendship? Wala. Tama na yang assumptions mo. Kaka rindi. (laughing)
Sarah: (shaking her head, smiling) Ang weird mo naman.
Narrator: Just cuz she thought I was focusing so much on her beauty? Eh, that doesn’t seem to be the case (even though sometimes I get a lil too flirtatious at her)
Anyway, Maja came up to us, standing beside her best friend.
Maja: Jay, maraming salamat, ah? Mabuti naman ang ginawa mo, kahit mahirap pa ang ng sakripisyo mo. (smiling at me)
Jay: (also smiling) Wag ka maalala. Siguraduhin ko na hindi mangyari ‘to ulit.
Maja: (nodding) Sana. Sana hindi ka nasasaktan ulit.
Jay: I know.
Narrator: Then without hesitation, Maja hugged me, her arms tightly wrapped around me enough to make it serious. Sarah watched us with her very own eyes. She looked worried, which was not a good sign especially when it comes to a drama teleserye.
After the hug…
Maja: Na miss ka naming eh.
Jay: I know how it feels to leave your friends behind.
Narrator: Meanwhile with Koji, Erich, and her friends…
Jamilla: Kumain kana ba?
Erich: Oo. Binili kaming pakain.
Brenda: Saan?
Erich: Sa Kapit Bahay.
Koji: Wow. Mayn we shoulda ate there.
Brenda: Naku, sanay na ako dun. Kita mo, lagi bumili kaming pamilya ko yan. Almost every night pa!
Erich: Mm grabe ah?
Nina: Hey Erich. May Pilipina ang ng kilala namin kanina sa Marie Calendar’s.
Erich: Really?
Nina: Yeah. Fil Australian siya.
Erich: Oh cool.
Denise: Kung pupunta kami ulit dun, sasama ka namin.
Erich: Ng trabaho ba siya dun?
Brenda: Oo. Siguro this weekend, we’ll go.
Nina: (hand on Erich’s shoulder) Stay with us next time, ah?
Brenda: Yeah, Erich. Ayaw namin mag saktan ka ulit.
Erich: Sensya na, ah? Di ko na isip talaga ang maayos nung ng biglaan yung earthquake.
Brenda: Oo saka dinala kappa yung lalaki sa medyo na dilim sa labas ang lugar nito. Hindi ba na isip niya talaga ang maayos?
Erich: Hoy, wag na tayo maisip yan. Saan ba siya ngayon?
Nina: Sa hospital. Pinag dala siya kanina eh.
Erich: Oh.
Narrator: Meanwhile on my side…
Sarah: Sige, Jay. Uunahan na kami.
Jay: Uuwi nab a kayo?
Sarah: ‘Ba oo. (laughing) Saan pa ba? Sa dagat?
Jay: (laughing as I shake my head) Sobrang lamig dun, noh? Probably around 10 degrees.
Maja: Haha very funny. Sige. Bye na.
Narrator: As the girls approached Erich’s gang…
Maja: Uunahan na kami, guys.
Brenda: You’re leaving now?
Sarah: Oo.
Denise: Ingat kayo, ah?
Maja: Oo. Ikaw rin, Denise. (as they hugged)
Narrator: Sarah hugged Denise as well, then Sarah and Maja hugged Erich. (holding Erich’s hand) Remember, lagi nan dun si Lord para sa yo. Wag mo siya bibitawan, ah?
Erich: (smiling) Oo.
Sarah: Wag ka maalala. Dito rin kami para sa yo.
Narrator: Maja and Sarah then waved at Erich’s friends as well as Koji, and they waved back at the two girls.
Nina: It’s been nice hangin’, guys.
Narrator: Then they turned to me again, giving their last goodbye of the day.
Sarah: (single pat on my arm) Ingat ka, Jay.
Narrator: I nodded, smiling. As soon as the girls walked away from the Town Center…
Sarah: Kikita pa rin tayo bukas, ah?
Jay: We will.
Narrator: They took off afterwards.
Koji: Yo Jay!
Jay: (turning to Koji, nodding) Whattup, homie?
Koji: We should probably get home now, don’t ya think?
Jay: I’m actually about to leave anyway.
Koji: Yeah man it’s like (checking his watch) almost midnight.
Jay: Wow. Anong horas na?
Koji: 11:42.
Jay: Shit, we better go.
Narrator: When we approached Erich and her friends…
Jay: Erich? (as she turned around facing us) Ingat ka, ah?
Erich: Aalis na ba kayo?
Jay: Yeah.
Denise: Bye, Jay. Salamat ulit sa pag ligtasan mo kay Erich, ah?
Jay: Sure thing.
Brenda: Dude, how do we owe ya?
Jay: Me? (laughing) I’m sure it’s not about the money.
Jamilla: Oh please. Why not a trip to the Bahamas or something?
Jay: That’d be nice, if only I can afford a thousand dollars gettin’ there.
Nina: Don’ worry, man. I think I know just the perfect place where we can treat ya.
Jay: What’s that?
Nina: Ehmm secret muna.
Jay: Tsk oh c’mon. How long until I find out?
Denise: Basta wait ka na lang. Surprise treat ‘to.
Jay: (laughing) Ang corny naman kayo.
Erich: Aba, ayaw ka mag hintay, ah? Sige. Alam ko birthday mo bukas, kaya gagawa kami ‘tong surprise treat.
Brenda: Wow, Jay. Birthday mo pala bukas eh! Bukas I treat namin ni Erich sa yo.
Denise: And don’t ask kung saan kasi I blindfold ka namin.
Jay: Huh? Tsk please…
Denise: Joke lang yan, o? (as she and the other friends laughed)
Koji: I got blindfolded once when I was taken to the swimming pool. My friend removed it, then he pushed me in there!
Jamilla: Wow. Ano ginawa niyo that time?
Koji: House party maaayn.
Jay: Aba, pumunta ka sa mga ganyang rowdy party, ah?
Koji: Mmm not always that way.
Erich: So kikita ba tayo bukas, Jay?
Jay: Ummm… anong horas?
Erich: Ahmm say about sunset o kaya bigla na dilim na.
Jay: (nodding) Sure, maybe around 9.
Erich: 9? Ang late naman yan.
Jay: O sige 8 na lang.
Erich: Bakit? Meron kabang puntahan nyong araw nayan?
Jay: Sa Disneyland.
Denise: Wow! I wish I go!
Erich: Sinong kasama mo?
Jay: Some friends (didn’t wanna mention Sarah so the drama wouldn’t spread in the conversation).
Erich: Oh. Well, can you still make it for tonight?
Jay: Yeah of course. I’ll tell my friends about this.
Erich: O sige. Sabihin mo agad sa kanila, ah?
Jay: I wil, don’t worry.
Erich: Sige. Ingat kayo, ah?
Jay: We will.
Erich: Thank you ulit, ah?
Jay: No problem.
Narrator: After some two-second hesitation, I smiled, patting Erich on the arm. Me and Koji left afterwards, Erich still looking at us with a very content smile. I turned back, Koji continuously walking. I gave my one last look at Erich, grinning. Erich also grinned.
Denise: Bye Jay!!
Narrator: Instead of waving at the gang, I showed them my peace sign as I continued walking. Erich laughed softly.
SHE’S BACK!
Narrator: We were on our way back to the Cerritos Town Center, where Denise, Koji, Maja, Sarah, and Erich’s other friends were waiting. They were all still standing outside Marie Calendar’s where they ate their dinner.
As soon as Koji saw us walking toward them…
Koji: Guys! Look!
Narrator: Once they all turned their heads to us…
Brenda: Erich?
Narrator: Once we approached them…
Denise: Oh my God! (running toward us)
Erich: (doing the same to Dense) Heeyyy!!
Narrator: They hugged each other desperately, and I stood there watching the rest of Erich’s friends, including Maja and Sarah, approaching Erich as well.
Brenda: (hugging her) Hay naku. Buti na lang nan dito kapa. Dyos ko!
Koji: Jay!!
Narrator: He and I approached each other and hugged, laughing.
Koji: Mayn ya shoulda let me watch your ultimate crime fighting skills out there! (joked)
Jay: It’s never too late for me to do more of those, ya know.
Maja: (hugging Erich) Hay salamat talaga ang Dyos.
Erich: (putting hand on her shoulder) Wag ka maalala. Lagi nan dun diya para sa lahat ang problema ang mga tao.
Jamilla: Siempre. Lagi siya lumigtas sa mga araw natin. Gusto siya lagi tayo masaya. (as Erich smiles)
Denise: (hugging Erich from behind) Na miss ko talaga yun isang idol ko.
Erich: (laughing) Denise naman. Siempre hindi ako mawawala.
Narrator: Sarah then came up to me.
Sarah: Ang tapang mo talaga, Jay. Buti na lang hindi ka nadala sa hospital.
Jay: Hindi na kailangan. Basta, a man has a soldier’s way of surviving the deadly flames.
Sarah: Asus, ang lakas mo pa, ah?
Jay: Naku wag mo iintindian yun. Para sa lalaki lang ‘to, o?
Sarah: (lightly pushing my arm) Kaw naman.
Jay: O bakit? Siguro… Na miss mo ako, noh?
Sarah: Ha? Aba, sinagot ka pa.
Jay: Oo. So, na miss mo ba ako?
Sarah: (smiling shyly) Jaay… ewan ko ba kung ano talaga kailangan mo pag tunayan sakin. Parang may sasabihin ka.
Jay: Ako? Di, ah? Paano mo malalaman yan?
Sarah: Mataas ang mata ko, noh? I’m sure meron ka dapat sasabihin sakin tungkol sa friendship natin.
Jay: Our friendship? Wala. Tama na yang assumptions mo. Kaka rindi. (laughing)
Sarah: (shaking her head, smiling) Ang weird mo naman.
Narrator: Just cuz she thought I was focusing so much on her beauty? Eh, that doesn’t seem to be the case (even though sometimes I get a lil too flirtatious at her)
Anyway, Maja came up to us, standing beside her best friend.
Maja: Jay, maraming salamat, ah? Mabuti naman ang ginawa mo, kahit mahirap pa ang ng sakripisyo mo. (smiling at me)
Jay: (also smiling) Wag ka maalala. Siguraduhin ko na hindi mangyari ‘to ulit.
Maja: (nodding) Sana. Sana hindi ka nasasaktan ulit.
Jay: I know.
Narrator: Then without hesitation, Maja hugged me, her arms tightly wrapped around me enough to make it serious. Sarah watched us with her very own eyes. She looked worried, which was not a good sign especially when it comes to a drama teleserye.
After the hug…
Maja: Na miss ka naming eh.
Jay: I know how it feels to leave your friends behind.
Narrator: Meanwhile with Koji, Erich, and her friends…
Jamilla: Kumain kana ba?
Erich: Oo. Binili kaming pakain.
Brenda: Saan?
Erich: Sa Kapit Bahay.
Koji: Wow. Mayn we shoulda ate there.
Brenda: Naku, sanay na ako dun. Kita mo, lagi bumili kaming pamilya ko yan. Almost every night pa!
Erich: Mm grabe ah?
Nina: Hey Erich. May Pilipina ang ng kilala namin kanina sa Marie Calendar’s.
Erich: Really?
Nina: Yeah. Fil Australian siya.
Erich: Oh cool.
Denise: Kung pupunta kami ulit dun, sasama ka namin.
Erich: Ng trabaho ba siya dun?
Brenda: Oo. Siguro this weekend, we’ll go.
Nina: (hand on Erich’s shoulder) Stay with us next time, ah?
Brenda: Yeah, Erich. Ayaw namin mag saktan ka ulit.
Erich: Sensya na, ah? Di ko na isip talaga ang maayos nung ng biglaan yung earthquake.
Brenda: Oo saka dinala kappa yung lalaki sa medyo na dilim sa labas ang lugar nito. Hindi ba na isip niya talaga ang maayos?
Erich: Hoy, wag na tayo maisip yan. Saan ba siya ngayon?
Nina: Sa hospital. Pinag dala siya kanina eh.
Erich: Oh.
Narrator: Meanwhile on my side…
Sarah: Sige, Jay. Uunahan na kami.
Jay: Uuwi nab a kayo?
Sarah: ‘Ba oo. (laughing) Saan pa ba? Sa dagat?
Jay: (laughing as I shake my head) Sobrang lamig dun, noh? Probably around 10 degrees.
Maja: Haha very funny. Sige. Bye na.
Narrator: As the girls approached Erich’s gang…
Maja: Uunahan na kami, guys.
Brenda: You’re leaving now?
Sarah: Oo.
Denise: Ingat kayo, ah?
Maja: Oo. Ikaw rin, Denise. (as they hugged)
Narrator: Sarah hugged Denise as well, then Sarah and Maja hugged Erich. (holding Erich’s hand) Remember, lagi nan dun si Lord para sa yo. Wag mo siya bibitawan, ah?
Erich: (smiling) Oo.
Sarah: Wag ka maalala. Dito rin kami para sa yo.
Narrator: Maja and Sarah then waved at Erich’s friends as well as Koji, and they waved back at the two girls.
Nina: It’s been nice hangin’, guys.
Narrator: Then they turned to me again, giving their last goodbye of the day.
Sarah: (single pat on my arm) Ingat ka, Jay.
Narrator: I nodded, smiling. As soon as the girls walked away from the Town Center…
Sarah: Kikita pa rin tayo bukas, ah?
Jay: We will.
Narrator: They took off afterwards.
Koji: Yo Jay!
Jay: (turning to Koji, nodding) Whattup, homie?
Koji: We should probably get home now, don’t ya think?
Jay: I’m actually about to leave anyway.
Koji: Yeah man it’s like (checking his watch) almost midnight.
Jay: Wow. Anong horas na?
Koji: 11:42.
Jay: Shit, we better go.
Narrator: When we approached Erich and her friends…
Jay: Erich? (as she turned around facing us) Ingat ka, ah?
Erich: Aalis na ba kayo?
Jay: Yeah.
Denise: Bye, Jay. Salamat ulit sa pag ligtasan mo kay Erich, ah?
Jay: Sure thing.
Brenda: Dude, how do we owe ya?
Jay: Me? (laughing) I’m sure it’s not about the money.
Jamilla: Oh please. Why not a trip to the Bahamas or something?
Jay: That’d be nice, if only I can afford a thousand dollars gettin’ there.
Nina: Don’ worry, man. I think I know just the perfect place where we can treat ya.
Jay: What’s that?
Nina: Ehmm secret muna.
Jay: Tsk oh c’mon. How long until I find out?
Denise: Basta wait ka na lang. Surprise treat ‘to.
Jay: (laughing) Ang corny naman kayo.
Erich: Aba, ayaw ka mag hintay, ah? Sige. Alam ko birthday mo bukas, kaya gagawa kami ‘tong surprise treat.
Brenda: Wow, Jay. Birthday mo pala bukas eh! Bukas I treat namin ni Erich sa yo.
Denise: And don’t ask kung saan kasi I blindfold ka namin.
Jay: Huh? Tsk please…
Denise: Joke lang yan, o? (as she and the other friends laughed)
Koji: I got blindfolded once when I was taken to the swimming pool. My friend removed it, then he pushed me in there!
Jamilla: Wow. Ano ginawa niyo that time?
Koji: House party maaayn.
Jay: Aba, pumunta ka sa mga ganyang rowdy party, ah?
Koji: Mmm not always that way.
Erich: So kikita ba tayo bukas, Jay?
Jay: Ummm… anong horas?
Erich: Ahmm say about sunset o kaya bigla na dilim na.
Jay: (nodding) Sure, maybe around 9.
Erich: 9? Ang late naman yan.
Jay: O sige 8 na lang.
Erich: Bakit? Meron kabang puntahan nyong araw nayan?
Jay: Sa Disneyland.
Denise: Wow! I wish I go!
Erich: Sinong kasama mo?
Jay: Some friends (didn’t wanna mention Sarah so the drama wouldn’t spread in the conversation).
Erich: Oh. Well, can you still make it for tonight?
Jay: Yeah of course. I’ll tell my friends about this.
Erich: O sige. Sabihin mo agad sa kanila, ah?
Jay: I wil, don’t worry.
Erich: Sige. Ingat kayo, ah?
Jay: We will.
Erich: Thank you ulit, ah?
Jay: No problem.
Narrator: After some two-second hesitation, I smiled, patting Erich on the arm. Me and Koji left afterwards, Erich still looking at us with a very content smile. I turned back, Koji continuously walking. I gave my one last look at Erich, grinning. Erich also grinned.
Denise: Bye Jay!!
Narrator: Instead of waving at the gang, I showed them my peace sign as I continued walking. Erich laughed softly.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
ch. 60 - short dinner
CHAPTER 60
SHORT DINNER
Narrator: Inside Kapit Bahay…
An elder Filipino cashier lady gave us he bag of our food, and I carried it as we were heading out the door.
We were actually sitting at one of the round tables outside the food place, eating our wonderfully delicious Filipino dinner out of the boxes.
Erich: Maraming salamat, Jay.
Jay: (smiling) You can thank me for everything I did to save your day.
Erich: Oo nga eh. Akala ko tapos na agad yun araw ko. Buti na lang ng haba pa tuloy.
Jay: O, at least masaya kana.
Erich: Jay naman.
Jay: O bakit?
Erich: Eh kasi… na gulat ako sa pag dating mo sa warehouse kanina.
Jay: Bakit naman?
Erich: I’m just surprised. Ngayon lang ang nangyari ‘to sakin eh. Kinidnap ako, tapos ng ligtas sakin yun ibigan ko. Ikaw pa!
Jay: Alam mo, siguro kung hindi na nangyari ‘to, hindi ko alam kung saan ka, at baka na wawala sa rili ko kapag ng hanap kita sa gitnang kalye.
Erich: Ah ganun? Mukhang masyado kang close friend saking buhay.
Jay: Eh close friends naman tayo diba?
Erich: (after long pause as I notice a spot of white hanging on the very right side of her lip) Sa tingin mo ba, close friends ba tayo?
Jay: Umm Erich?
Erich: O?
Narrator: I pointed at my own right side of the lip, indicating her the white spot hanging on her lip. Erich actually pointed it correctly with her own finger, and I nodded with a big smile on my face.
The minute she grabbed her napkin, I stopped her as I held her hand, and instead I used my napkin as I wiped off the white spot from her lip. Some guts I had, eh? (= Anyway, Erich smiled afterwards.
Erich: (laughing softly) Salamat.
Narrator: I smiled as well.
SHORT DINNER
Narrator: Inside Kapit Bahay…
An elder Filipino cashier lady gave us he bag of our food, and I carried it as we were heading out the door.
We were actually sitting at one of the round tables outside the food place, eating our wonderfully delicious Filipino dinner out of the boxes.
Erich: Maraming salamat, Jay.
Jay: (smiling) You can thank me for everything I did to save your day.
Erich: Oo nga eh. Akala ko tapos na agad yun araw ko. Buti na lang ng haba pa tuloy.
Jay: O, at least masaya kana.
Erich: Jay naman.
Jay: O bakit?
Erich: Eh kasi… na gulat ako sa pag dating mo sa warehouse kanina.
Jay: Bakit naman?
Erich: I’m just surprised. Ngayon lang ang nangyari ‘to sakin eh. Kinidnap ako, tapos ng ligtas sakin yun ibigan ko. Ikaw pa!
Jay: Alam mo, siguro kung hindi na nangyari ‘to, hindi ko alam kung saan ka, at baka na wawala sa rili ko kapag ng hanap kita sa gitnang kalye.
Erich: Ah ganun? Mukhang masyado kang close friend saking buhay.
Jay: Eh close friends naman tayo diba?
Erich: (after long pause as I notice a spot of white hanging on the very right side of her lip) Sa tingin mo ba, close friends ba tayo?
Jay: Umm Erich?
Erich: O?
Narrator: I pointed at my own right side of the lip, indicating her the white spot hanging on her lip. Erich actually pointed it correctly with her own finger, and I nodded with a big smile on my face.
The minute she grabbed her napkin, I stopped her as I held her hand, and instead I used my napkin as I wiped off the white spot from her lip. Some guts I had, eh? (= Anyway, Erich smiled afterwards.
Erich: (laughing softly) Salamat.
Narrator: I smiled as well.
ch. 59 - that crazy chick
CHAPTER 59
THAT CRAZY CHICK
Narrator: Inside a strip club with pink outlines all around the sides of the building, Jacq was sitting at one of the big tables taking her last of five shots of whiskey. After filling the whole drink in her mouth, she immediately slammed the shot glass on the table, breathing deeply.
Once a female Hispanic server arrived at her table…
Female Hispanic Server: Dang, girl. You’re all wiped out!
Jacq: Don’t sweat it. I’m just trying to finish up my day here.
F.H. Server: Really? Have you had enough yet?
Jacq: Does it even look like I’m done?
F.H. Server: Ya know, it looks like you oughta cool off in the outdoors. You’re letting your emotions get the best of you.
Jacq: (standing up, approaching server) Get this: (pointing at herself) It’s my life, my body, my emotions. (now pointing at server) YOU have no right to pick on my emotions like that!
F.H. Server: Look, lady. I ain’t here to fight. This is a strip club. Why are you here all by yourself?
Jacq: Who are you to say I can’t be here, just becuz I’m all by myself? Who do you think you’re talking to?
F.H. Server: The question is, who are YOU talking to? If you’re gonna have that attitude on me, then I might as well kick you outta this building.
Jacq: You would do that?
F.H. Server: Yeah! If you want to, I can have security do it right now!
Jacq: (moving her head as though she were drunk) Don’t be so hard on me. (putting hand on server’s shoulder) Lemme do a dance first.
Narrator: Once a techno song began playing…
Jacq: It’s on, baby. (lets go of the server’ shoulder)
Narrator: So Jacq went to the stage platform doing her wild drunk dance. A couple of the strippers on the stage backed away, and the whole audience was watching her.
Hispanic Male Bartender: Daaym she’s fuckin’ crazy! (watching Jacq spinning rapidly around the pole)
Narrator: But it wasn’t until a few moments later that Jacq removed her black tanktop as she tossed it on the stage floor. Then she dropped her skinny blue jeans on the same floor and continued dancing.
White Man: (somewhere around his 30’s, wearing a black suit; with his other white male friend) Wow she’s one dangerous dancer!
Narrator: Some of the guys were cheering and raising their hands at her.
Jacq later hopped off the stage platform and immediately kissed the same white guy directly on the lips. After a long one…
Voice: Ey!!
Narrator: Jacq turned her head to the two security guards approaching her. Ignoring them, Jacq continued kissing the guy as everyone was cheering.
The security guards got closer, and one of them grabbed her, pulling her away from the white guy.
Jacq: Hey! What are you doing?!
Guard1: You’ve gone too far on this, missy!
Jacq: Let go of me!
Narrator: While the guards were carrying her toward the front door entrance…
Jacq: I love you!! (referring to man she kissed as she blows her last on him)
Narrator: But the guards threw her out the door as she fell on the ground.
Jacq: Heyyy! (as they walked away) Don’t leave me here!
Narrator: Jacq remained silent afterwards, then saw a couple of guys passing by her, laughing at her as one of them blew a love whistle at her.
Jacq got up on her feet, and immediately sprinted away from the strip club.
THAT CRAZY CHICK
Narrator: Inside a strip club with pink outlines all around the sides of the building, Jacq was sitting at one of the big tables taking her last of five shots of whiskey. After filling the whole drink in her mouth, she immediately slammed the shot glass on the table, breathing deeply.
Once a female Hispanic server arrived at her table…
Female Hispanic Server: Dang, girl. You’re all wiped out!
Jacq: Don’t sweat it. I’m just trying to finish up my day here.
F.H. Server: Really? Have you had enough yet?
Jacq: Does it even look like I’m done?
F.H. Server: Ya know, it looks like you oughta cool off in the outdoors. You’re letting your emotions get the best of you.
Jacq: (standing up, approaching server) Get this: (pointing at herself) It’s my life, my body, my emotions. (now pointing at server) YOU have no right to pick on my emotions like that!
F.H. Server: Look, lady. I ain’t here to fight. This is a strip club. Why are you here all by yourself?
Jacq: Who are you to say I can’t be here, just becuz I’m all by myself? Who do you think you’re talking to?
F.H. Server: The question is, who are YOU talking to? If you’re gonna have that attitude on me, then I might as well kick you outta this building.
Jacq: You would do that?
F.H. Server: Yeah! If you want to, I can have security do it right now!
Jacq: (moving her head as though she were drunk) Don’t be so hard on me. (putting hand on server’s shoulder) Lemme do a dance first.
Narrator: Once a techno song began playing…
Jacq: It’s on, baby. (lets go of the server’ shoulder)
Narrator: So Jacq went to the stage platform doing her wild drunk dance. A couple of the strippers on the stage backed away, and the whole audience was watching her.
Hispanic Male Bartender: Daaym she’s fuckin’ crazy! (watching Jacq spinning rapidly around the pole)
Narrator: But it wasn’t until a few moments later that Jacq removed her black tanktop as she tossed it on the stage floor. Then she dropped her skinny blue jeans on the same floor and continued dancing.
White Man: (somewhere around his 30’s, wearing a black suit; with his other white male friend) Wow she’s one dangerous dancer!
Narrator: Some of the guys were cheering and raising their hands at her.
Jacq later hopped off the stage platform and immediately kissed the same white guy directly on the lips. After a long one…
Voice: Ey!!
Narrator: Jacq turned her head to the two security guards approaching her. Ignoring them, Jacq continued kissing the guy as everyone was cheering.
The security guards got closer, and one of them grabbed her, pulling her away from the white guy.
Jacq: Hey! What are you doing?!
Guard1: You’ve gone too far on this, missy!
Jacq: Let go of me!
Narrator: While the guards were carrying her toward the front door entrance…
Jacq: I love you!! (referring to man she kissed as she blows her last on him)
Narrator: But the guards threw her out the door as she fell on the ground.
Jacq: Heyyy! (as they walked away) Don’t leave me here!
Narrator: Jacq remained silent afterwards, then saw a couple of guys passing by her, laughing at her as one of them blew a love whistle at her.
Jacq got up on her feet, and immediately sprinted away from the strip club.
Friday, May 15, 2009
ch. 58 - still waiting
CHAPTER 58
STILL WAITING
Narrator: At the Town Center…
Nina: Saan kaya sila ngayon?
Denise: (checking her watch) Almost 11 na. Akala ko dumating na sila dito.
Brenda: Oo nga eh.
Maja: Baka kakain pa sila. Kaya ganun.
Denise: Huh.
Jamilla: Tawagan mo ulit si Jay.
Narrator: So Denise took out her phone and dialed my number again.
*
Once my phone rang, I immediately picked up my bluetooth device, hooking it to my ear before answering the call, which I read came from Denise.
Jay: Ey.
Denise: Jay, saan na kayo?
Jay: Ahm… sa kalye pa rin kami.
Denise: Eh hihintay pa rin kami dito. Kakain ba muna kayo?
Jay: Bibili lang kaming pakain. Gutom na gutom ‘to si Erich eh.
Denise: Ganun ba? O sige. Bilisan mo, ah?
Jay: I will.
Denise: Okay. Bye muna.
Jay: See ya. (disconnecting bluetooth)
Erich: Ahmm Jay?
Jay: Yeah?
Erich: Just letting you know, wala nang phone ko.
Jay: You mean it’s gone?
Erich: Oo. Nung kinidnap ako, ng kuha yung isang salvahe ang phone ko, tapos hinagis niya sa bintana. Ayun.
Jay: My goodness that’s ridiculous!
Erich: Oo. Na wala lahat ang mga contacts ko, everything.
Jay: Kawawa naman.
Erich: Pero pakisalamat ang Dyos na mabuhay pa ako.
Jay: Siempre. At the time when I found out about you getting kidnapped, tinawagan kita, tapos may message pa, saying the “number you dialed is no longer in service.”
Erich: Sorry talaga, Jay.
Jay: Ya know what? Don’t worry about it kasi at least nan dito ka pa.
Erich: Tama ka. Wag ka maalala. Kikita pa rin tayo sa school, diba?
Jay: Sure. You’re always around.
Erich: (laughing) Oo nga, noh?
STILL WAITING
Narrator: At the Town Center…
Nina: Saan kaya sila ngayon?
Denise: (checking her watch) Almost 11 na. Akala ko dumating na sila dito.
Brenda: Oo nga eh.
Maja: Baka kakain pa sila. Kaya ganun.
Denise: Huh.
Jamilla: Tawagan mo ulit si Jay.
Narrator: So Denise took out her phone and dialed my number again.
*
Once my phone rang, I immediately picked up my bluetooth device, hooking it to my ear before answering the call, which I read came from Denise.
Jay: Ey.
Denise: Jay, saan na kayo?
Jay: Ahm… sa kalye pa rin kami.
Denise: Eh hihintay pa rin kami dito. Kakain ba muna kayo?
Jay: Bibili lang kaming pakain. Gutom na gutom ‘to si Erich eh.
Denise: Ganun ba? O sige. Bilisan mo, ah?
Jay: I will.
Denise: Okay. Bye muna.
Jay: See ya. (disconnecting bluetooth)
Erich: Ahmm Jay?
Jay: Yeah?
Erich: Just letting you know, wala nang phone ko.
Jay: You mean it’s gone?
Erich: Oo. Nung kinidnap ako, ng kuha yung isang salvahe ang phone ko, tapos hinagis niya sa bintana. Ayun.
Jay: My goodness that’s ridiculous!
Erich: Oo. Na wala lahat ang mga contacts ko, everything.
Jay: Kawawa naman.
Erich: Pero pakisalamat ang Dyos na mabuhay pa ako.
Jay: Siempre. At the time when I found out about you getting kidnapped, tinawagan kita, tapos may message pa, saying the “number you dialed is no longer in service.”
Erich: Sorry talaga, Jay.
Jay: Ya know what? Don’t worry about it kasi at least nan dito ka pa.
Erich: Tama ka. Wag ka maalala. Kikita pa rin tayo sa school, diba?
Jay: Sure. You’re always around.
Erich: (laughing) Oo nga, noh?
ch. 57 - first murder celebration
CHAPTER 57
FIRST MURDER CELEBRATION
Narrator: Inside the large basement, Jerry and his three friends were sitting on the wooden boxes beside one another having their celebratory alcohol fest. They were all sharing their laughter at one another, mainly because of their brutal murdering on Hermit.
Jerry then spoke, giving everyone his attention.
Jerry: (raising his glass half full of red Ultra Brand Rum) My precious friends. We as a team know our rights and wrongs. To the underground human hatchets for completing our very first mission!
Hokai: (as he and his other friends raise their glasses) Toast!
Mondo: Toast!
Tanaka: TOAST!
Narrator: So everyone at the same time touched each other’s glasses, then went back to socializing.
Mondo: Dude, ya really busted the hell outta that guy! Like 10 times bloodier than how Jigsaw kills his people!
Tanaka: Yeh, foo! Straight up da block! (as Jerry smiles)
Narrator: Everyone then cheered.
Jerry: You know… I could never be more than myself. Myself the leader of all serial killers!
Hokai: Ya BOMB, dude!
Mondo: Hell yeah!!
Jerry: Guys, it feels THAT good to be a serial killer! That’s why you guys are killers too!!
Tanaka: FUCK yeah, BIOTCH!!
Narrator: Cheers once again.
FIRST MURDER CELEBRATION
Narrator: Inside the large basement, Jerry and his three friends were sitting on the wooden boxes beside one another having their celebratory alcohol fest. They were all sharing their laughter at one another, mainly because of their brutal murdering on Hermit.
Jerry then spoke, giving everyone his attention.
Jerry: (raising his glass half full of red Ultra Brand Rum) My precious friends. We as a team know our rights and wrongs. To the underground human hatchets for completing our very first mission!
Hokai: (as he and his other friends raise their glasses) Toast!
Mondo: Toast!
Tanaka: TOAST!
Narrator: So everyone at the same time touched each other’s glasses, then went back to socializing.
Mondo: Dude, ya really busted the hell outta that guy! Like 10 times bloodier than how Jigsaw kills his people!
Tanaka: Yeh, foo! Straight up da block! (as Jerry smiles)
Narrator: Everyone then cheered.
Jerry: You know… I could never be more than myself. Myself the leader of all serial killers!
Hokai: Ya BOMB, dude!
Mondo: Hell yeah!!
Jerry: Guys, it feels THAT good to be a serial killer! That’s why you guys are killers too!!
Tanaka: FUCK yeah, BIOTCH!!
Narrator: Cheers once again.
ch. 56 - just being sweet
CHAPTER 56
JUST BEING SWEET
Narrator: Back inside my car, where Erich and I were enjoying our wonderful one-on-one conversation…
Erich: Ah, Happy Birthday pala, Jay.
Jay: ADVANCED Happy Birthday. Bukas pang actual birthday ko.
Erich: Ah, akala ko ngayon. Sorry, ha?
Jay: Don’t worry. I’ve already had a couple of my friends with that same mistake.
Erich: Heh. Ehh akala ko birthday mo ngayon dahil ng kita kong birthdate mo sa profile mo ang Facebook.
Jay: Did it actually say January 14?
Erich: Oo!
Jay: Ha? Paano nangyari yun? Siguro ng limutan ko mag palit yan. Tagal na kasi hindi ako mag Facebook, kaya ganun.
Erich: Ah, edi change mo.
Jay: When did you last visit my profile?
Erich: Naku, long time ago na. Siguro mga November pa ‘to. (laughing)
Jay: Whaa…? (laughing) Ang tagal, noh?
Erich: Oo nga eh. (changing subject) Gutom na ako.
Jay: Ah, di ka pa kumain?
Erich: Di eh. Kanina dapat bago kami manunuod ang movie.
Jay: Are you like starving?
Erich: Kanina pa nung nasa cine ako. Medyo ng kulong yung tyan ko.
Jay: Oh. Eh gusto mo… bibili kitang pakain?
Erich: (smiling) Talaga?
Jay: Sure, why not? I treat kita, noh?
Erich: Bakit kailangan gagawin mo ‘to?
Jay: Kasi ipapasayain kita sa pag tapos ang nangyari sa warehouse.
Erich: Wow. Ang sweet mo naman, Jay. Salamat, ah? Salamat talaga. (grinning)
Jay: Ay naku. Mukhang excited ka dyan.
Erich: Oo… (laughing) Bakit, masama bam aging excited?
Jay: Siempre hindi, noh? Yung overexcitement ay masama.
Erich: ‘Ba oo. Para ka isang baliw na hindi mo alam kung bakit excited ka. Basta may gagawa ka na hindi mo iingatan. Tapos may masama pang nangyari sa yo. Ganun.
Jay: Well, aren’t some of us like that?
Erich: Naku hindi ako ganyan, noh? Siguro ganyan lahat ang mga lalaki.
Jay: (lightly slapping her right arm) Aba, ang suplado mo naman.
Erich: Sorry. Basta, lahat ang lalaki ng kasama ko dati ganyan.
Jay: Huh. Eh kita mo naman ang ugali nila. About 95% of them are like that.
Erich: Oh REALLY?
Jay: Yeah, pero I’m not one of them. (smiling)
Narrator: Erich looked like she didn’t buy that one. So she shook her head, smiling.
Erich: Siguraduhin mo na ng niwala ako sa mga actions mo, ah?
Jay: Erich namaaan. Kilala mo ako, diba?
Erich: Oo… ibigan naman tayo, noh?
Jay: Uhh yeah.
JUST BEING SWEET
Narrator: Back inside my car, where Erich and I were enjoying our wonderful one-on-one conversation…
Erich: Ah, Happy Birthday pala, Jay.
Jay: ADVANCED Happy Birthday. Bukas pang actual birthday ko.
Erich: Ah, akala ko ngayon. Sorry, ha?
Jay: Don’t worry. I’ve already had a couple of my friends with that same mistake.
Erich: Heh. Ehh akala ko birthday mo ngayon dahil ng kita kong birthdate mo sa profile mo ang Facebook.
Jay: Did it actually say January 14?
Erich: Oo!
Jay: Ha? Paano nangyari yun? Siguro ng limutan ko mag palit yan. Tagal na kasi hindi ako mag Facebook, kaya ganun.
Erich: Ah, edi change mo.
Jay: When did you last visit my profile?
Erich: Naku, long time ago na. Siguro mga November pa ‘to. (laughing)
Jay: Whaa…? (laughing) Ang tagal, noh?
Erich: Oo nga eh. (changing subject) Gutom na ako.
Jay: Ah, di ka pa kumain?
Erich: Di eh. Kanina dapat bago kami manunuod ang movie.
Jay: Are you like starving?
Erich: Kanina pa nung nasa cine ako. Medyo ng kulong yung tyan ko.
Jay: Oh. Eh gusto mo… bibili kitang pakain?
Erich: (smiling) Talaga?
Jay: Sure, why not? I treat kita, noh?
Erich: Bakit kailangan gagawin mo ‘to?
Jay: Kasi ipapasayain kita sa pag tapos ang nangyari sa warehouse.
Erich: Wow. Ang sweet mo naman, Jay. Salamat, ah? Salamat talaga. (grinning)
Jay: Ay naku. Mukhang excited ka dyan.
Erich: Oo… (laughing) Bakit, masama bam aging excited?
Jay: Siempre hindi, noh? Yung overexcitement ay masama.
Erich: ‘Ba oo. Para ka isang baliw na hindi mo alam kung bakit excited ka. Basta may gagawa ka na hindi mo iingatan. Tapos may masama pang nangyari sa yo. Ganun.
Jay: Well, aren’t some of us like that?
Erich: Naku hindi ako ganyan, noh? Siguro ganyan lahat ang mga lalaki.
Jay: (lightly slapping her right arm) Aba, ang suplado mo naman.
Erich: Sorry. Basta, lahat ang lalaki ng kasama ko dati ganyan.
Jay: Huh. Eh kita mo naman ang ugali nila. About 95% of them are like that.
Erich: Oh REALLY?
Jay: Yeah, pero I’m not one of them. (smiling)
Narrator: Erich looked like she didn’t buy that one. So she shook her head, smiling.
Erich: Siguraduhin mo na ng niwala ako sa mga actions mo, ah?
Jay: Erich namaaan. Kilala mo ako, diba?
Erich: Oo… ibigan naman tayo, noh?
Jay: Uhh yeah.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ch. 55 - nurse pam
CHAPTER 55
NURSE PAM
Anyway, moving on…
Inside the Anaheim Memorial Hospital, a young 19-year-old Filipino nurse was walking down the hallway of the third floor, holding a clipboard on her hand. Another nurse was passing by her. She was white and looked around her 30’s.
White Female Nurse: Hey Pam! (stopped)
Pam: (stopped as well) Yeah?
White Female Nurse: What time do you end?
Pam: 11.
White Female Nurse: Wow, that’s pretty late.
Pam: I know. That’s my usual shift, though.
White Female Nurse: Hmm… well, do what ya gotta do.
Pam: Are you off already?
White Female Nurse: Yeah, barely. (laughing)
Pam: Lucky.
White Female Nurse: Yeah. Well, gotta run now. Bye. (waves at her as she walks away)
Pam: See ya.
Narrator: So Pam continued walking down the hallway until she reached Room C-58, the second-to-last room around the corner.
Once she headed inside, she saw Edwin lying peacefully on the hospital bed, his wounded right leg all bandaged up.
When Edwin turned to her…
Edwin: Nurse…
Pam: (approaching him) Hi Edwin. Are you feeling a lil bit better?
Edwin: Uh… sort of.
Pam: Well, get it some rest overnight, and we’ll let you know when we can release you.
Edwin: Okie. Thank you.
Pam: I’m sorry about your leg. How did you hurt it?
Edwin: Oh, long story. (smiling)
Pam: You don’t wanna tell me? Is it too much for me to know?
Edwin: Uhh yeah.
Pam: I see. Well, the more important thing is you’re okay. (as Edwin nods) You should be more careful of where you’re going next time.
Edwin: Yeah.
Pam: But it’s good you’re healthy. Are you hungry?
Edwin: A little bit.
Pam: Well I’m about to leave in a few minutes, so I’ll have another nurse drop by in here so she could help you out. Okay?
Edwin: Thank you, Nurse.
Pam: Call me Pam. I look too young to be called “Nurse.” (laughing)
Edwin: Eh you’re a nurse anyway. So I might as well call you “Nurse Pam.”
Pam: Okay okay. That’s fine. Just don’t call me “Nurse” only though.
Edwin: Why not?
Pam: Cuz it makes me feel old.
Edwin: (laughing) Didn’t mean to make you feel that way.
Pam: It’s okay. Well, I gotta go now. (walking near door) You have a good night, Edwin.
Edwin: You too.
Narrator: So Pam headed out the door afterwards, closing the door.
NURSE PAM
Anyway, moving on…
Inside the Anaheim Memorial Hospital, a young 19-year-old Filipino nurse was walking down the hallway of the third floor, holding a clipboard on her hand. Another nurse was passing by her. She was white and looked around her 30’s.
White Female Nurse: Hey Pam! (stopped)
Pam: (stopped as well) Yeah?
White Female Nurse: What time do you end?
Pam: 11.
White Female Nurse: Wow, that’s pretty late.
Pam: I know. That’s my usual shift, though.
White Female Nurse: Hmm… well, do what ya gotta do.
Pam: Are you off already?
White Female Nurse: Yeah, barely. (laughing)
Pam: Lucky.
White Female Nurse: Yeah. Well, gotta run now. Bye. (waves at her as she walks away)
Pam: See ya.
Narrator: So Pam continued walking down the hallway until she reached Room C-58, the second-to-last room around the corner.
Once she headed inside, she saw Edwin lying peacefully on the hospital bed, his wounded right leg all bandaged up.
When Edwin turned to her…
Edwin: Nurse…
Pam: (approaching him) Hi Edwin. Are you feeling a lil bit better?
Edwin: Uh… sort of.
Pam: Well, get it some rest overnight, and we’ll let you know when we can release you.
Edwin: Okie. Thank you.
Pam: I’m sorry about your leg. How did you hurt it?
Edwin: Oh, long story. (smiling)
Pam: You don’t wanna tell me? Is it too much for me to know?
Edwin: Uhh yeah.
Pam: I see. Well, the more important thing is you’re okay. (as Edwin nods) You should be more careful of where you’re going next time.
Edwin: Yeah.
Pam: But it’s good you’re healthy. Are you hungry?
Edwin: A little bit.
Pam: Well I’m about to leave in a few minutes, so I’ll have another nurse drop by in here so she could help you out. Okay?
Edwin: Thank you, Nurse.
Pam: Call me Pam. I look too young to be called “Nurse.” (laughing)
Edwin: Eh you’re a nurse anyway. So I might as well call you “Nurse Pam.”
Pam: Okay okay. That’s fine. Just don’t call me “Nurse” only though.
Edwin: Why not?
Pam: Cuz it makes me feel old.
Edwin: (laughing) Didn’t mean to make you feel that way.
Pam: It’s okay. Well, I gotta go now. (walking near door) You have a good night, Edwin.
Edwin: You too.
Narrator: So Pam headed out the door afterwards, closing the door.
ch. 54 - great long chat
CHAPTER 54
GREAT LONG CHAT
Narrator: Inside the Kia as I was driving…
Erich: Buti na lang ng ligtas mo ako. Paano mo malalaman kung saan ako?
Jay: I know what happened. Trust me. I’ve heard it all.
Erich: Talaga? Basta marami kang references para mas updated ka tungkol sa pag nangyari sa ibigan natin.
Jay: Siempre. That’s why it’s good to make lotsa friends in this world so they can help each other out more easily with their problems.
Erich: True.
Jay: Just remember that I always watch out for my friends. Kahit ano mangyari sa kanila, I’m always there for them.
Erich: Talaga, ah?
Jay: Yeah… there’s absolutely no way I could miss a single happening.
Narrator: Erich smiled afterwards, then…
Erich: Jay, salamat ulit, ah? Hindi ako alam kung ano mangyari sakin kapag na huli ako.
Jay: Just be more careful of where you go around places kahit sa madilim. Mas maraming salvahe sa mga dilim ang lugar.
Erich: Oo nga eh. Yun ibigan ko kasi. Pinipilit niya mamasyal kami sa labas ang Wal Mart nung ng dilim lahat ang mga ilaw.
Jay: Sino siya?
Erich: Di mo kilala. Classmate ko siya dati nung high school. Tatrabaho siya sa cine ang nasa Cerritos.
Jay: Ah ganun? Babae ba?
Erich: Lalaki, actually.
Jay: Oh. (worrying)
Erich: Why?
Jay: Wala lang.
Erich: Naku, Jay. Kung ano man ang ng isipin mo tungkol sa ating dalawa, wala yun. Ibigan lang kami talaga.
Jay: Oh… okay.
Erich: Meron kaba dapat sasabihin sakin?
Jay: Ha? Uh… wala.
Erich: Serioso kaba? (smiling)
Jay: Oo. (nervously) Sa tingin mo ba, meron ba ako sasabihin tungkol sating dalawa? (smiling as though it were all a joke)
Erich: (laughing) Tayong dalawa?
Jay: (talking rapidly) Naku naku. Joke lang. Sorry, ah? I didn’t mean to bring this up. Wala yun. Wala.
Erich: (laughing again as she shakes her head) You’re funny, Jay.
Jay: Ako? Ha ha. Si Jay Leno yan, noh?
Erich: Eh bagay ka maging comedian ‘tulad niya, noh?
Jay: Bakit, dahil sa pangalan ko?
Erich: Naku, Jay. Basta, you make me laugh.
Jay: Oh REALLY?
Erich: Oo… ever since we met.
Jay: (smiling) Ang sweet mo naman.
Erich: (laughing) Parang yun lang, o?
Narrator: I guess I’ve made Erich pretty happy after the incident. I’ve made myself happy as well, especially when I saved her from being murdered by Spider’s gang. But could it be enough to make her think I have serious feelings for her?
GREAT LONG CHAT
Narrator: Inside the Kia as I was driving…
Erich: Buti na lang ng ligtas mo ako. Paano mo malalaman kung saan ako?
Jay: I know what happened. Trust me. I’ve heard it all.
Erich: Talaga? Basta marami kang references para mas updated ka tungkol sa pag nangyari sa ibigan natin.
Jay: Siempre. That’s why it’s good to make lotsa friends in this world so they can help each other out more easily with their problems.
Erich: True.
Jay: Just remember that I always watch out for my friends. Kahit ano mangyari sa kanila, I’m always there for them.
Erich: Talaga, ah?
Jay: Yeah… there’s absolutely no way I could miss a single happening.
Narrator: Erich smiled afterwards, then…
Erich: Jay, salamat ulit, ah? Hindi ako alam kung ano mangyari sakin kapag na huli ako.
Jay: Just be more careful of where you go around places kahit sa madilim. Mas maraming salvahe sa mga dilim ang lugar.
Erich: Oo nga eh. Yun ibigan ko kasi. Pinipilit niya mamasyal kami sa labas ang Wal Mart nung ng dilim lahat ang mga ilaw.
Jay: Sino siya?
Erich: Di mo kilala. Classmate ko siya dati nung high school. Tatrabaho siya sa cine ang nasa Cerritos.
Jay: Ah ganun? Babae ba?
Erich: Lalaki, actually.
Jay: Oh. (worrying)
Erich: Why?
Jay: Wala lang.
Erich: Naku, Jay. Kung ano man ang ng isipin mo tungkol sa ating dalawa, wala yun. Ibigan lang kami talaga.
Jay: Oh… okay.
Erich: Meron kaba dapat sasabihin sakin?
Jay: Ha? Uh… wala.
Erich: Serioso kaba? (smiling)
Jay: Oo. (nervously) Sa tingin mo ba, meron ba ako sasabihin tungkol sating dalawa? (smiling as though it were all a joke)
Erich: (laughing) Tayong dalawa?
Jay: (talking rapidly) Naku naku. Joke lang. Sorry, ah? I didn’t mean to bring this up. Wala yun. Wala.
Erich: (laughing again as she shakes her head) You’re funny, Jay.
Jay: Ako? Ha ha. Si Jay Leno yan, noh?
Erich: Eh bagay ka maging comedian ‘tulad niya, noh?
Jay: Bakit, dahil sa pangalan ko?
Erich: Naku, Jay. Basta, you make me laugh.
Jay: Oh REALLY?
Erich: Oo… ever since we met.
Jay: (smiling) Ang sweet mo naman.
Erich: (laughing) Parang yun lang, o?
Narrator: I guess I’ve made Erich pretty happy after the incident. I’ve made myself happy as well, especially when I saved her from being murdered by Spider’s gang. But could it be enough to make her think I have serious feelings for her?
ch. 53 - hearing her voice
CHAPTER 53
HEARING HER VOICE
Narrator: Erich and I hurried over to my car. I hopped into the driver seat, Erich in the front passenger one. Once the doors were closed, I took out my phone, contacting someone.
Erich: Sino ang tinawagan mo?
Jay: Si Denise.
*
Narrator: Outside at the parking lot with Maja and her crew, Denise’s phone rang.
Denise: (reading my name on her caller ID) Si Jay! (answering call) Hello?
Jay: Denise.
Denise: Jay… okay kaba?
Jay: Siempre naman. Eh kayo?
Denise: Eto… tapos na kami mag dinner. Si Erich? Na hanap mo ba siya?
Jay: Teka lang. Pakiusap ko siya sa yo. (as I hand phone to Erich)
Erich: Hello?
Denise: Erich, ikaw ba yan?
Erich: Oo. Musta na kayo dyan?
Denise: Mabuti nga ng buhay kapa! Sobra ng lungkot kami dahil sa yo. Hay pakisalamat ang Dyos!
Erich: (laughing) Kaw talaga, Denise. Alam mo, na miss ko na kayong lahat.
Denise: Oo nga eh. Dito pa rin kami sa Town Center. Kasama sila Maja at Sarah.
Erich: Ah ganun? Nan dun pa rin kayo?
Denise: Oo. Ng hintay ka naming, o?
Erich: Siempre. Nan dun pa ring coche ko kasi.
Denise: Kaya nga. Sige na, Erich. Balik kana dito.
Erich: Pupunta na ako dyan. Mag hintay ka, ha?
Denise: O sige. Hihintay ka namin!
Erich: Sige. (hanging up, handing phone back to me) Tara na.
Jay: My pleasure.
Narrator: So I started the engines, and drove us away from the burnt warehouse.
*
Brenda: Talaga?! Safe siya?!
Denise: Oo! Hindi ako ng biro!
Jamilla: Ng ligtas ba siya ni Jay?! Wow naman!
Maja: Sabi ko na aba eh. Matapang pa si Jay, at superhero pa rin siya!
Sarah: Hay naku. Di ibig sabihin may superpowers siya, noh? Pero sa bagay, marunong siya mag ligtas kahit may baril siya.
Maja: Edi crime fighting hero siya.
Denise: Basta, hero siya, kahit ano gawin niya.
Koji: Yup. I told you na maging James Bond addict siya, kaya ganun!
Nina: Dude, James Bond ka ng James Bond kay Jay. Gusto mo ba siya talaga maging James Bond?
Koji: Oo naman! Bond is like the best movie crime fighter of all time, believe me!
Brenda: Susko. Ang kulit mo naman, Koji.
Koji: I know. (smiling)
Narrator: Sarah then noticed Maja staring at the street, assuming she was actually waiting for my return.
Sarah: (snapping fingers at her ear) Huy!
Narrator: Maja reacted in surprise, turning to her superstar best friend.
Sarah: Bakit ng tunganga ka dyan?
Maja: Wala. (smiling uncontrollably)
Sarah: Naku naman. Ayan na namang ngiti mo.
Maja: Eh ano naman sa tingin mo kapag ganito ako?
Denise: Naku alam mo? May special someone ang ng alala sayo, noh? (teasing)
Narrator: Everyone else including Sarah woooooo’ed at her.
Maja: Naku, wala kayong naalala sa personal life ko, ah?
Jamilla: Asuuus… ng tago ka pa?
Maja: Basta, kahit may boyfriend ako, hindi ako sasabihin sayo yung pangalan niya. (teasing)
Narrator: All Ooooo’ed except Sarah and Jamilla.
Maja: Kayo talaga. Mag Ooo na lang sa rili niyo sa lahat ang nangyari sa mga relacion niyo.
Brenda: Aba, wala kaming pakialam sa mga relacion namin, o?
Denise: Oo nga. Proud na proud kami maging single, and it’s all that matters.
Maja: Talaga, ah?
Brenda: Yah man! Single ladies kick ASS! (high fives Denise)
Narrator: Maja shook her head afterwards.
HEARING HER VOICE
Narrator: Erich and I hurried over to my car. I hopped into the driver seat, Erich in the front passenger one. Once the doors were closed, I took out my phone, contacting someone.
Erich: Sino ang tinawagan mo?
Jay: Si Denise.
*
Narrator: Outside at the parking lot with Maja and her crew, Denise’s phone rang.
Denise: (reading my name on her caller ID) Si Jay! (answering call) Hello?
Jay: Denise.
Denise: Jay… okay kaba?
Jay: Siempre naman. Eh kayo?
Denise: Eto… tapos na kami mag dinner. Si Erich? Na hanap mo ba siya?
Jay: Teka lang. Pakiusap ko siya sa yo. (as I hand phone to Erich)
Erich: Hello?
Denise: Erich, ikaw ba yan?
Erich: Oo. Musta na kayo dyan?
Denise: Mabuti nga ng buhay kapa! Sobra ng lungkot kami dahil sa yo. Hay pakisalamat ang Dyos!
Erich: (laughing) Kaw talaga, Denise. Alam mo, na miss ko na kayong lahat.
Denise: Oo nga eh. Dito pa rin kami sa Town Center. Kasama sila Maja at Sarah.
Erich: Ah ganun? Nan dun pa rin kayo?
Denise: Oo. Ng hintay ka naming, o?
Erich: Siempre. Nan dun pa ring coche ko kasi.
Denise: Kaya nga. Sige na, Erich. Balik kana dito.
Erich: Pupunta na ako dyan. Mag hintay ka, ha?
Denise: O sige. Hihintay ka namin!
Erich: Sige. (hanging up, handing phone back to me) Tara na.
Jay: My pleasure.
Narrator: So I started the engines, and drove us away from the burnt warehouse.
*
Brenda: Talaga?! Safe siya?!
Denise: Oo! Hindi ako ng biro!
Jamilla: Ng ligtas ba siya ni Jay?! Wow naman!
Maja: Sabi ko na aba eh. Matapang pa si Jay, at superhero pa rin siya!
Sarah: Hay naku. Di ibig sabihin may superpowers siya, noh? Pero sa bagay, marunong siya mag ligtas kahit may baril siya.
Maja: Edi crime fighting hero siya.
Denise: Basta, hero siya, kahit ano gawin niya.
Koji: Yup. I told you na maging James Bond addict siya, kaya ganun!
Nina: Dude, James Bond ka ng James Bond kay Jay. Gusto mo ba siya talaga maging James Bond?
Koji: Oo naman! Bond is like the best movie crime fighter of all time, believe me!
Brenda: Susko. Ang kulit mo naman, Koji.
Koji: I know. (smiling)
Narrator: Sarah then noticed Maja staring at the street, assuming she was actually waiting for my return.
Sarah: (snapping fingers at her ear) Huy!
Narrator: Maja reacted in surprise, turning to her superstar best friend.
Sarah: Bakit ng tunganga ka dyan?
Maja: Wala. (smiling uncontrollably)
Sarah: Naku naman. Ayan na namang ngiti mo.
Maja: Eh ano naman sa tingin mo kapag ganito ako?
Denise: Naku alam mo? May special someone ang ng alala sayo, noh? (teasing)
Narrator: Everyone else including Sarah woooooo’ed at her.
Maja: Naku, wala kayong naalala sa personal life ko, ah?
Jamilla: Asuuus… ng tago ka pa?
Maja: Basta, kahit may boyfriend ako, hindi ako sasabihin sayo yung pangalan niya. (teasing)
Narrator: All Ooooo’ed except Sarah and Jamilla.
Maja: Kayo talaga. Mag Ooo na lang sa rili niyo sa lahat ang nangyari sa mga relacion niyo.
Brenda: Aba, wala kaming pakialam sa mga relacion namin, o?
Denise: Oo nga. Proud na proud kami maging single, and it’s all that matters.
Maja: Talaga, ah?
Brenda: Yah man! Single ladies kick ASS! (high fives Denise)
Narrator: Maja shook her head afterwards.
ch. 52 - outside talk with elreen
CHAPTER 52
OUTSIDE TALK WITH ELREEN
Narrator: Back inside Marie Calendar’s, Maja and her gang were at the counter. Jamilla paid all of everyone’s shares to a young white lady with long brown hair, somewhere around her late 20’s.
White lady (handing Jamilla a receipt): Thank you.
Narrator: So everyone walked out of the restaurant, Sarah opening the door. A second later, Elreen popped out, still wearing her work uniform.
Elreen: Eyy.
Narrator: Everyone turned to her as she was approaching them.
Jamilla: Hey. Whatcha doin’ out here?
Elreen: Oh, just got off work right now.
Jamilla: Oh. You know what time it is?
Elreen: (checking her watch) It’s 10:03.
Brenda: Wow, late already.
Elreen: I know. But thanks for stopping by!
Nina: No problem. Great food by the way!
Elreen: (laughing) Thanks, I appreciate it. You guys should visit again sometime.
Denise: We will.
Elreen: (smiling) You guys were really cool to talk to. (pointing at them) Are you guys Filipino?
Jamilla: Weelll… what do we look like to you?
Elreen: (laughing) Can you least tell me a language you already know?
Brenda: Some of us can speak more than one, ya see.
Elreen: Oh… well, I’m multi-lingual as well. I’m fluent in Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, German, and French.
Koji: Wow.
Nina: You’re Australian, aren’t you?
Elreen: Right, but the question is what do I look like to you?
Koji: You look Filipino to me, to tell ya the truth.
Elreen: Exactly! You guys too are Filipino, right?
Denise: Nope. We’re actually Vietnamese. (joking with a smile)
Elreen: Oh…
Sarah: We’re kidding! (as she and everyone else laugh) We’re really Filipino!
Elreen: (laughs, shaking her head) If that’s the case, can you speak tagalog?
Brenda: Naku, hindi kami marunong, o?
Elreen: Oh you guys… (laughing) Kayo talaga, o?
Maja: Aba, marunong ka pala mag tagalog, ah?
Elreen: Not much, really. I was actually born and raised in Australia. I’ve visited the Philippines a couple times when I was like 6 years old. But then I started living here in the States when I was 11.
Jamilla: Cool.
Maja: Can you at least understand some tagalog, kahit konti lang?
Elreen: Yeah. Well, now that I have TFC, why not learn more? Ya know… (laughs)
Sarah: We can always teach you.
Denise: Yeah. We’re willing to help anybody with their tagalog skills. (smiling)
Elreen: Aww… thanks, you guys. Well, I’m about to head home. It’s getting pretty late.
Brenda: You have a good night.
Elreen: You too. Thank you for visiting Marie Calendar’s once again.
Denise: No problem.
Narrator: So Elreen walked away afterwards, waving at the gang. Maja, Denise, and Brenda waved back at her.
OUTSIDE TALK WITH ELREEN
Narrator: Back inside Marie Calendar’s, Maja and her gang were at the counter. Jamilla paid all of everyone’s shares to a young white lady with long brown hair, somewhere around her late 20’s.
White lady (handing Jamilla a receipt): Thank you.
Narrator: So everyone walked out of the restaurant, Sarah opening the door. A second later, Elreen popped out, still wearing her work uniform.
Elreen: Eyy.
Narrator: Everyone turned to her as she was approaching them.
Jamilla: Hey. Whatcha doin’ out here?
Elreen: Oh, just got off work right now.
Jamilla: Oh. You know what time it is?
Elreen: (checking her watch) It’s 10:03.
Brenda: Wow, late already.
Elreen: I know. But thanks for stopping by!
Nina: No problem. Great food by the way!
Elreen: (laughing) Thanks, I appreciate it. You guys should visit again sometime.
Denise: We will.
Elreen: (smiling) You guys were really cool to talk to. (pointing at them) Are you guys Filipino?
Jamilla: Weelll… what do we look like to you?
Elreen: (laughing) Can you least tell me a language you already know?
Brenda: Some of us can speak more than one, ya see.
Elreen: Oh… well, I’m multi-lingual as well. I’m fluent in Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, German, and French.
Koji: Wow.
Nina: You’re Australian, aren’t you?
Elreen: Right, but the question is what do I look like to you?
Koji: You look Filipino to me, to tell ya the truth.
Elreen: Exactly! You guys too are Filipino, right?
Denise: Nope. We’re actually Vietnamese. (joking with a smile)
Elreen: Oh…
Sarah: We’re kidding! (as she and everyone else laugh) We’re really Filipino!
Elreen: (laughs, shaking her head) If that’s the case, can you speak tagalog?
Brenda: Naku, hindi kami marunong, o?
Elreen: Oh you guys… (laughing) Kayo talaga, o?
Maja: Aba, marunong ka pala mag tagalog, ah?
Elreen: Not much, really. I was actually born and raised in Australia. I’ve visited the Philippines a couple times when I was like 6 years old. But then I started living here in the States when I was 11.
Jamilla: Cool.
Maja: Can you at least understand some tagalog, kahit konti lang?
Elreen: Yeah. Well, now that I have TFC, why not learn more? Ya know… (laughs)
Sarah: We can always teach you.
Denise: Yeah. We’re willing to help anybody with their tagalog skills. (smiling)
Elreen: Aww… thanks, you guys. Well, I’m about to head home. It’s getting pretty late.
Brenda: You have a good night.
Elreen: You too. Thank you for visiting Marie Calendar’s once again.
Denise: No problem.
Narrator: So Elreen walked away afterwards, waving at the gang. Maja, Denise, and Brenda waved back at her.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
ch. 51 - the rescue
CHAPTER 51
THE RESCUE
Spider: Da fuck are you?
Jay: (holding gun at the gang) Ya picked the wrong person ta mess wit!
Spider: Yo, who are you? Her second man? (laughing as the rest of his gang laugh)
Jay: (shaking his head) Ya’ll don’ know who ya really dealin’ with, aren’t you?
Nix: Ey, wu’ kinda nigga are you ta fuck widus, ah? Ya don’ even have ya (pointing at me) ballin’ gear on! (laughing)
Jay: I ain’ playin’ games, man! Let ‘er go… or I’ll have to beat the shit outta ya bitches.
Lagga: Yo, ya wan’ battle?! 4 on 1?!
Jay: (shaking his head) I hate playin’ with asshole gangstas like you.
Spider: Then let’s get this shit on, boi!
Jay: My pleasure.
Narrator: To start it off, I immediately shot Jeeva on the left rib, and the rest of the gang approached me as we started fighting.
Jeeva fell helplessly on the floor, groaning as he held on to his wounded rib. As for the rest of us, it’s been all fist fighting and kicking. While Spider and I were at each other, Lagga came up behind me and grabbed my left arm. With an instant reaction, I turned around and smacked him horizontally on the face with the gun.
Nix was next as I kicked him the minute I turned to him when he nearly jumped me. Lagga came again, and we continued fighting. Erich was watching the whole thing.
Lagga and I were still at it, until he prepared a striking punch at me as I grabbed his wrist, twisting it in a full circle. Lagga screamed in pain as I threw him against the wall where the shelf was located. A gallon of gasoline fell on the floor, the lid coming off as the gasoline was spilling.
Spider and I were fighting again. Lagga got up, noticing the gasoline on the floor. Picking it up with both hands, he carried it toward us.
Lagga was actually behind my back as I was fighting Spider. The minute I heard the footsteps, I kicked Spider on the right ankle, grabbed him, and swung him over to Lagga. Both of them collided into one another, Lagga dropping the gallon of gasoline on the floor.
I saw Nix approaching me a second later. Once he was about to jump with his hands in position to catch me, I immediately dodged as he went over me. I grabbed him on the back of the shoulders afterwards and threw him on the ground along with Spider and Lagga.
I turned my head to Erich as she also looked at me. I stared at her for several seconds, so did she. On the other hand, Spider got up, running toward me as though he were ready to tackle me. I didn’t pay attention as I couldn’t keep my eyes off Erich. But when she made eager screams at me, I immediately turned, pointed my gun at Spider, and shot him straight at the chest.
I took two, including the one on the side of his waist. Spider fell on the ground, but Lagga and Nix got up as well. I shot them also, taking multiple fires at them both. Once they fell to the ground, I ran over to where the gasoline was lying, picked it up, and poured it all over Lagga and Nix. I let some of the gasoline spill on the ground as well, then on the wounded Jeeva and finally on Spider.
I dropped the gasoline afterwards, and I looked around to make sure all the four losers didn’t get up. Then I turned to Erich, who was still panicking. Suddenly, I noticed the small detonator hooked right under the chair. The timer already went down to 23 seconds.
Without hesitating, I hurried over to her, removing the masking tape from her mouth. Erich was breathing constantly.
Jay: Are you okay?
Narrator: Erich nodded, breathing. With as much muscle as I could use, I untied the ropes from her hands and waist. Clock running down to 12 seconds.
Erich: Jay, bilis! Baka ano man sa ilalim ang silya nito!
Narrator: Clock now down to 7 seconds… 6… 5…There! Completely freed her!
Jay: Let’s go!
Narrator: I grabbed her hand as we found the backdoor exit of the warehouse in front of us. We ran as fast as we could before the explosion could strike us. As we noticed the lock on the door…
Jay: Erich, close your eyes! (as I close mine)
Narrator: Once we reached the door, I held her tightly around the waist, and we literally barged through it. The clock went down to 1 second, then the explosion occurred as we made it out on time. During the explosion, we dove on the ground together, waiting for it to finish.
When we turned to the warehouse, much of the outside structure still existed while a majority of the inside area was covered in flames. There was no question Spider and his gang were already gone after the explosion.
Erich and I got back on our feet, then our eyes met with deep and serious looks. Erich then hugged me tightly, her eyes closed, as I hugged her. It was quite a long, dramatic one, I admit.
After the hug…
Erich: Maraming salamat, Jay. (as I smiled) Buti na lang nan dito ka.
Jay: I know. Are you okay, though?
Erich: Oo. Jay, kailangan ko bumalik dun sa Town Center. Nan dun yung coche ko kasi.
Jay: Sige. Tara. Baka mahuli tayo sa police when they accuse us for burning down the warehouse.
Erich: Oo nga eh.
Narrator: So I grabbed her hand as we escaped the warehouse area.
THE RESCUE
Spider: Da fuck are you?
Jay: (holding gun at the gang) Ya picked the wrong person ta mess wit!
Spider: Yo, who are you? Her second man? (laughing as the rest of his gang laugh)
Jay: (shaking his head) Ya’ll don’ know who ya really dealin’ with, aren’t you?
Nix: Ey, wu’ kinda nigga are you ta fuck widus, ah? Ya don’ even have ya (pointing at me) ballin’ gear on! (laughing)
Jay: I ain’ playin’ games, man! Let ‘er go… or I’ll have to beat the shit outta ya bitches.
Lagga: Yo, ya wan’ battle?! 4 on 1?!
Jay: (shaking his head) I hate playin’ with asshole gangstas like you.
Spider: Then let’s get this shit on, boi!
Jay: My pleasure.
Narrator: To start it off, I immediately shot Jeeva on the left rib, and the rest of the gang approached me as we started fighting.
Jeeva fell helplessly on the floor, groaning as he held on to his wounded rib. As for the rest of us, it’s been all fist fighting and kicking. While Spider and I were at each other, Lagga came up behind me and grabbed my left arm. With an instant reaction, I turned around and smacked him horizontally on the face with the gun.
Nix was next as I kicked him the minute I turned to him when he nearly jumped me. Lagga came again, and we continued fighting. Erich was watching the whole thing.
Lagga and I were still at it, until he prepared a striking punch at me as I grabbed his wrist, twisting it in a full circle. Lagga screamed in pain as I threw him against the wall where the shelf was located. A gallon of gasoline fell on the floor, the lid coming off as the gasoline was spilling.
Spider and I were fighting again. Lagga got up, noticing the gasoline on the floor. Picking it up with both hands, he carried it toward us.
Lagga was actually behind my back as I was fighting Spider. The minute I heard the footsteps, I kicked Spider on the right ankle, grabbed him, and swung him over to Lagga. Both of them collided into one another, Lagga dropping the gallon of gasoline on the floor.
I saw Nix approaching me a second later. Once he was about to jump with his hands in position to catch me, I immediately dodged as he went over me. I grabbed him on the back of the shoulders afterwards and threw him on the ground along with Spider and Lagga.
I turned my head to Erich as she also looked at me. I stared at her for several seconds, so did she. On the other hand, Spider got up, running toward me as though he were ready to tackle me. I didn’t pay attention as I couldn’t keep my eyes off Erich. But when she made eager screams at me, I immediately turned, pointed my gun at Spider, and shot him straight at the chest.
I took two, including the one on the side of his waist. Spider fell on the ground, but Lagga and Nix got up as well. I shot them also, taking multiple fires at them both. Once they fell to the ground, I ran over to where the gasoline was lying, picked it up, and poured it all over Lagga and Nix. I let some of the gasoline spill on the ground as well, then on the wounded Jeeva and finally on Spider.
I dropped the gasoline afterwards, and I looked around to make sure all the four losers didn’t get up. Then I turned to Erich, who was still panicking. Suddenly, I noticed the small detonator hooked right under the chair. The timer already went down to 23 seconds.
Without hesitating, I hurried over to her, removing the masking tape from her mouth. Erich was breathing constantly.
Jay: Are you okay?
Narrator: Erich nodded, breathing. With as much muscle as I could use, I untied the ropes from her hands and waist. Clock running down to 12 seconds.
Erich: Jay, bilis! Baka ano man sa ilalim ang silya nito!
Narrator: Clock now down to 7 seconds… 6… 5…There! Completely freed her!
Jay: Let’s go!
Narrator: I grabbed her hand as we found the backdoor exit of the warehouse in front of us. We ran as fast as we could before the explosion could strike us. As we noticed the lock on the door…
Jay: Erich, close your eyes! (as I close mine)
Narrator: Once we reached the door, I held her tightly around the waist, and we literally barged through it. The clock went down to 1 second, then the explosion occurred as we made it out on time. During the explosion, we dove on the ground together, waiting for it to finish.
When we turned to the warehouse, much of the outside structure still existed while a majority of the inside area was covered in flames. There was no question Spider and his gang were already gone after the explosion.
Erich and I got back on our feet, then our eyes met with deep and serious looks. Erich then hugged me tightly, her eyes closed, as I hugged her. It was quite a long, dramatic one, I admit.
After the hug…
Erich: Maraming salamat, Jay. (as I smiled) Buti na lang nan dito ka.
Jay: I know. Are you okay, though?
Erich: Oo. Jay, kailangan ko bumalik dun sa Town Center. Nan dun yung coche ko kasi.
Jay: Sige. Tara. Baka mahuli tayo sa police when they accuse us for burning down the warehouse.
Erich: Oo nga eh.
Narrator: So I grabbed her hand as we escaped the warehouse area.
ch. 50 - time is running out
CHAPTER 50
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
Narrator: Meanwhile at Marie Calendar’s, as everyone was eating their food…
Brenda: So guys. (referring to Maja and Sarah) Kailan bang spring break niyo?
Maja: (swallowing a piece of BBQ chicken) Kami?
Brenda: Yeah.
Sarah: Kaumpisan lang ang school tapos iisipin niyo agad mag bakasyon?
Jamilla: Oo nga eh.
Denise: Eh kasi gusto namin lagi mag free time. Walang stress.
Nina: Yeah. School hurts.
Jamilla: Hay naku. Kayo talaga.
Maja: Yun spring break namin ay sa huling linggo ang March.
Brenda: Ah ganun? Kami rin. March… 30 ata.
Koji: Sa April pang spring break ko.
Denise: Ha? April pa? Ang late naman, ah?
Koji: I know. Usually sa mga colleges, ng simula sa huling linggo ang March.
Jamilla: Well, sa tingin ko, universities, which start sa late January, start their break early.
Koji: Ha? Kadaya naman yan. Dapat sa university ako.
Nina: Bakit? Saan ka pumasok?
Koji: Sa Cypress. (smiling)
Brenda: Kaya pala eh. Mas slow pa sa community college kesa sa university.
Denise: Bakit hindi ka sumali dun?
Koji: Tamad ako eh. (giggling)
Brenda: Parehas lang tayo, bro. Sarap mag tamad.
Sarah: Kayo talaga, o?
Brenda: Bakit? Wala ba kayong spring break?
Sarah: Meron, kaya lang hardworking students kami. (smiling proudly)
Nina: Ah ganun? No wonder that you guys are so multi-talented with your careers.
Maja: Oo naman. Proud na proud kami sa mga careers natin.
*
Narrator: Inside the warehouse…
I was sneaking down the hallway searching for Erich.
As for Erich herself, still sitting in the chair all tied up, she panicked greatly as she was moving the chair forward.
Still at the hallway looking around to make sure I didn’t run into anybody…
Timer on the detonator down to 58 seconds now… not much time left… Erich was trying to remove her hands from the ropes… timer now down to 52 seconds.
Down at the hallway, I heard multiple voices at the door ahead of me. They were loud laughs of Spider and his gang. I didn’t bother peeking through the door, so I stayed a few feet behind it, standing still until they pop out.
Erich still stuck… it was no use. But then, as she stopped, she saw a rat crawling out from a pile of wooden crates. Erich didn’t fear it; instead, by making noises, she tried getting the rat’s attention.
However, the rat headed over to the table located on Erich’s right shoulder, jumped on it, and accidentally knocked a small copper cup as it landed on the ground. The cup bounced a couple times making loud clanging noises.
Spider’s gang heard it all.
Spider: Da fuck was that?!
Narrator: They were heading out the door. I turned away as quickly as I could, hiding behind the wall as I turned right on the hallway path.
Spider’s gang walked out the door as they were heading to the direction of the kidnapped Erich.
Erich was watching the rat very carefully, hoping it doesn’t approach her into thinking it’ll bite something under the chair that it would explode. However, the rat was making its way toward her. Erich remained calm as she closed her eyes tightly.
I hurried over to the direction Spider and his gang were heading to, and hopefully I’m not too late if I had already heard a BANG that would’ve been the last draw of her blood. I’m not that far behind, Erich!
Erich’s eyes opened when she heard Spider shouting.
Spider: Fuckin’ bullshit!
Narrator: She immediately saw them, approaching her, the rat turning away from her.
In deep shock, she saw Spider pulling out a gun from his pocket as it was pointing directly at her.
Still at the hallway, an inch or two away from my most awaited moment. I continued running… knowing the worst could happen to her if I didn’t make it on time.
Spider: What the fuck did I tell ya about watching ya moves?!... Feel like ya got something ta say, lady?! Ya wanna FUCK?! Ya wanna fuck wit us?! Is THAT WHAT?!
Narrator: Erich couldn’t help but to wail.
Spider: Yeah, that’s RIGHT! Ya can’t SPEAK! Might as well finish up ya beautiful day ‘fore we cause anymore trouble in this world. (loading trigger)
Narrator: Erich was moving around the chair like crazy, continuing to wail. But as soon as Spider was about to pull the trigger, a gunshot sounded from behind his gang.
Once they turned around, they saw another dude holding a gun. The figure, separated from their crew, was no one other than… me.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
Narrator: Meanwhile at Marie Calendar’s, as everyone was eating their food…
Brenda: So guys. (referring to Maja and Sarah) Kailan bang spring break niyo?
Maja: (swallowing a piece of BBQ chicken) Kami?
Brenda: Yeah.
Sarah: Kaumpisan lang ang school tapos iisipin niyo agad mag bakasyon?
Jamilla: Oo nga eh.
Denise: Eh kasi gusto namin lagi mag free time. Walang stress.
Nina: Yeah. School hurts.
Jamilla: Hay naku. Kayo talaga.
Maja: Yun spring break namin ay sa huling linggo ang March.
Brenda: Ah ganun? Kami rin. March… 30 ata.
Koji: Sa April pang spring break ko.
Denise: Ha? April pa? Ang late naman, ah?
Koji: I know. Usually sa mga colleges, ng simula sa huling linggo ang March.
Jamilla: Well, sa tingin ko, universities, which start sa late January, start their break early.
Koji: Ha? Kadaya naman yan. Dapat sa university ako.
Nina: Bakit? Saan ka pumasok?
Koji: Sa Cypress. (smiling)
Brenda: Kaya pala eh. Mas slow pa sa community college kesa sa university.
Denise: Bakit hindi ka sumali dun?
Koji: Tamad ako eh. (giggling)
Brenda: Parehas lang tayo, bro. Sarap mag tamad.
Sarah: Kayo talaga, o?
Brenda: Bakit? Wala ba kayong spring break?
Sarah: Meron, kaya lang hardworking students kami. (smiling proudly)
Nina: Ah ganun? No wonder that you guys are so multi-talented with your careers.
Maja: Oo naman. Proud na proud kami sa mga careers natin.
*
Narrator: Inside the warehouse…
I was sneaking down the hallway searching for Erich.
As for Erich herself, still sitting in the chair all tied up, she panicked greatly as she was moving the chair forward.
Still at the hallway looking around to make sure I didn’t run into anybody…
Timer on the detonator down to 58 seconds now… not much time left… Erich was trying to remove her hands from the ropes… timer now down to 52 seconds.
Down at the hallway, I heard multiple voices at the door ahead of me. They were loud laughs of Spider and his gang. I didn’t bother peeking through the door, so I stayed a few feet behind it, standing still until they pop out.
Erich still stuck… it was no use. But then, as she stopped, she saw a rat crawling out from a pile of wooden crates. Erich didn’t fear it; instead, by making noises, she tried getting the rat’s attention.
However, the rat headed over to the table located on Erich’s right shoulder, jumped on it, and accidentally knocked a small copper cup as it landed on the ground. The cup bounced a couple times making loud clanging noises.
Spider’s gang heard it all.
Spider: Da fuck was that?!
Narrator: They were heading out the door. I turned away as quickly as I could, hiding behind the wall as I turned right on the hallway path.
Spider’s gang walked out the door as they were heading to the direction of the kidnapped Erich.
Erich was watching the rat very carefully, hoping it doesn’t approach her into thinking it’ll bite something under the chair that it would explode. However, the rat was making its way toward her. Erich remained calm as she closed her eyes tightly.
I hurried over to the direction Spider and his gang were heading to, and hopefully I’m not too late if I had already heard a BANG that would’ve been the last draw of her blood. I’m not that far behind, Erich!
Erich’s eyes opened when she heard Spider shouting.
Spider: Fuckin’ bullshit!
Narrator: She immediately saw them, approaching her, the rat turning away from her.
In deep shock, she saw Spider pulling out a gun from his pocket as it was pointing directly at her.
Still at the hallway, an inch or two away from my most awaited moment. I continued running… knowing the worst could happen to her if I didn’t make it on time.
Spider: What the fuck did I tell ya about watching ya moves?!... Feel like ya got something ta say, lady?! Ya wanna FUCK?! Ya wanna fuck wit us?! Is THAT WHAT?!
Narrator: Erich couldn’t help but to wail.
Spider: Yeah, that’s RIGHT! Ya can’t SPEAK! Might as well finish up ya beautiful day ‘fore we cause anymore trouble in this world. (loading trigger)
Narrator: Erich was moving around the chair like crazy, continuing to wail. But as soon as Spider was about to pull the trigger, a gunshot sounded from behind his gang.
Once they turned around, they saw another dude holding a gun. The figure, separated from their crew, was no one other than… me.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
ch. 49 - made it!
CHAPTER 49
MADE IT!
Narrator: Inside Marie Calendar’s…
Brenda: Gusto ko mag aral yun singing. Alam ko si Erich lang ang pwede mag turoan yan sakin.
Denise: May singer naman dito eh.
Brenda: Sino?
Sarah: (raising her hand) Ako, actually.
Brenda: Talaga? Gaano ka natagal kumanta?
Sarah: Nung five years old pa ako.
Jamilla: Wow. Kasali kaba sa isang banda?
Sarah: Hindi. Ng solo lang ako sa mga concerts.
Koji: Daaaym…
Nina: How awesome! You should invite us to your upcoming concerts one of these days!
Brenda: Yeah! I mean, dati hindi ako masyado mahilig sa mga kantahan, pero ngayon gusto ko talaga maging singer katulad mo.
Sarah: (laughing as she grins) Mukhang desperado ka para dyan. Alam mo, madali yan mag turo kasi boces lang ang kailangan mo.
Brenda: (nodding) Alam ko.
Sarah: Gusto mo I turuan kita kumanta?
Brenda: Sure. Bakit hindi? (laughing)
Sarah: O sige. Simula ngayon, maging tutor ako say o sa singing. (smiling)
Brenda: Yes! (raising her fists in excitement) Salamat, Sarah!
Denise: Gusto ko rin kumanta.
Nina: Same here!
Jamilla: Ako rin!
Maja: Pati ako!
Koji: Me too!
Sarah: Teka teka… di ibig sabihin kailangan ako mag private class para sa iyong lahat?
Jamilla: Naku joke lang!
Nina: Oo nga. Sensya na.
Jamilla: Di kami talaga mahilig kumanta, so don’t worry about us.
Koji: Yeah.
Sarah: Ang kulit niyo lahat. Maj, alam ko marunong ka kumanta. Ewan ko kung bakit kailangan ka sumali sa biro nayan.
Maja: Naku sorry na rin. Corny talaga ako eh.
Brenda: Marunong rin kumanta si Maja?
Maja: Oo.
Nina: Eh sino naman tinuruan sa yo kumanta?
Maja: Walang iba kundi yun isang singer na lagi ako tumabi sa kanya. (wraps her arm around Sarah)
Jamilla: Wow, mga best friends pala kayo.
Denise: At siempre multi-talented pa.
Sarah: Pati ako marunong mag sayaw. (winking her left eye)
Brenda: Ah ganun?
Maja: Oo naman. (as she and Sarah were smiling proudly)
*
Narrator: Meanwhile at the streets, after an easy dodge around the fire, I was still driving at a rapid speed. Then, as I looked ahead with my bare eyes, I noticed the warehouse building.
A minute or two later, I finally arrived at the fence where Spider’s car was parked. Yes, indeed I saw it, but I parked five feet behind it.
*
Inside where Erich was located, the detonator timer ran down to 1:23 left.
As for me, I stood at the fence looking through the warehouse for an opening.
Erich was in deep worry. The clock already went down to 1:14.
Once I found the opening, I quickly headed through the fence, rushing toward the building.
*
Inside a small room in the warehouse, Spider and his gang were at a table playing poker with a pile of blue and red chips, some already scattered on the table. They were throwing their own cards there, sharing their joy of laughter with one another.
Jeeva: Ey Spida! Gimme three, man!
Spider: Bitch ya crazy? Ya get ya own full house, that’s what!
Nix: Yo, ‘fore you bitches start yappin’, beat this! (throws down a straight flush that contained cards 4 through 8, all in a diamond suit)
Narrator: Lagga and Jeeva reacted with their “Ohhh’s!” Spider shook his head.
Spider: Doesn’t mean ya’d already win widat muthafucka.
Nix: Aww don’ be jealous, foo. Everyone has their luck bein’ gangsta, that’s all.
Lagga: Yeah.
Spider: Yeh, we still rule this muthafuckin’ world!
Jeeva: Fuck yeah!
*
Narrator: Once I reached the opening, I stopped, making sure no one was inside. I got in.
MADE IT!
Narrator: Inside Marie Calendar’s…
Brenda: Gusto ko mag aral yun singing. Alam ko si Erich lang ang pwede mag turoan yan sakin.
Denise: May singer naman dito eh.
Brenda: Sino?
Sarah: (raising her hand) Ako, actually.
Brenda: Talaga? Gaano ka natagal kumanta?
Sarah: Nung five years old pa ako.
Jamilla: Wow. Kasali kaba sa isang banda?
Sarah: Hindi. Ng solo lang ako sa mga concerts.
Koji: Daaaym…
Nina: How awesome! You should invite us to your upcoming concerts one of these days!
Brenda: Yeah! I mean, dati hindi ako masyado mahilig sa mga kantahan, pero ngayon gusto ko talaga maging singer katulad mo.
Sarah: (laughing as she grins) Mukhang desperado ka para dyan. Alam mo, madali yan mag turo kasi boces lang ang kailangan mo.
Brenda: (nodding) Alam ko.
Sarah: Gusto mo I turuan kita kumanta?
Brenda: Sure. Bakit hindi? (laughing)
Sarah: O sige. Simula ngayon, maging tutor ako say o sa singing. (smiling)
Brenda: Yes! (raising her fists in excitement) Salamat, Sarah!
Denise: Gusto ko rin kumanta.
Nina: Same here!
Jamilla: Ako rin!
Maja: Pati ako!
Koji: Me too!
Sarah: Teka teka… di ibig sabihin kailangan ako mag private class para sa iyong lahat?
Jamilla: Naku joke lang!
Nina: Oo nga. Sensya na.
Jamilla: Di kami talaga mahilig kumanta, so don’t worry about us.
Koji: Yeah.
Sarah: Ang kulit niyo lahat. Maj, alam ko marunong ka kumanta. Ewan ko kung bakit kailangan ka sumali sa biro nayan.
Maja: Naku sorry na rin. Corny talaga ako eh.
Brenda: Marunong rin kumanta si Maja?
Maja: Oo.
Nina: Eh sino naman tinuruan sa yo kumanta?
Maja: Walang iba kundi yun isang singer na lagi ako tumabi sa kanya. (wraps her arm around Sarah)
Jamilla: Wow, mga best friends pala kayo.
Denise: At siempre multi-talented pa.
Sarah: Pati ako marunong mag sayaw. (winking her left eye)
Brenda: Ah ganun?
Maja: Oo naman. (as she and Sarah were smiling proudly)
*
Narrator: Meanwhile at the streets, after an easy dodge around the fire, I was still driving at a rapid speed. Then, as I looked ahead with my bare eyes, I noticed the warehouse building.
A minute or two later, I finally arrived at the fence where Spider’s car was parked. Yes, indeed I saw it, but I parked five feet behind it.
*
Inside where Erich was located, the detonator timer ran down to 1:23 left.
As for me, I stood at the fence looking through the warehouse for an opening.
Erich was in deep worry. The clock already went down to 1:14.
Once I found the opening, I quickly headed through the fence, rushing toward the building.
*
Inside a small room in the warehouse, Spider and his gang were at a table playing poker with a pile of blue and red chips, some already scattered on the table. They were throwing their own cards there, sharing their joy of laughter with one another.
Jeeva: Ey Spida! Gimme three, man!
Spider: Bitch ya crazy? Ya get ya own full house, that’s what!
Nix: Yo, ‘fore you bitches start yappin’, beat this! (throws down a straight flush that contained cards 4 through 8, all in a diamond suit)
Narrator: Lagga and Jeeva reacted with their “Ohhh’s!” Spider shook his head.
Spider: Doesn’t mean ya’d already win widat muthafucka.
Nix: Aww don’ be jealous, foo. Everyone has their luck bein’ gangsta, that’s all.
Lagga: Yeah.
Spider: Yeh, we still rule this muthafuckin’ world!
Jeeva: Fuck yeah!
*
Narrator: Once I reached the opening, I stopped, making sure no one was inside. I got in.
ch. 48 - severe punishment
CHAPTER 48
SEVERE PUNISHMENT
Narrator: Hermit, who was caught by Jerry and his friends, was hung upside down with no clothes on. His hands were tied to his back with ropes, his mouth covered tightly with a piece of cloth, and his ankles tied with ropes s well.
Hermit looked around. He found himself trapped inside an underground factory, the one Jerry mentioned that was located underneath the rich, $500 four-story building. He was frightened as he was all alone in a small room.
Seconds later, the door opened, and four black-hooded figures entered the room, watching Hermit wailing as he was moving around. One of the figures noticed a large ax hanging on the wall, so the figure took it and threw it to the other figure who caught it.
The figure with the ax removed the hood as Jerry’s face showed up. He slowly approached Hermit, pulling the cloth down from his mouth.
Hermit: (breathing) Jerry… (breathing) Buti na lang nan dito ka. (breathing) Tulongin mo ako… ligtas mo ako…
Jerry: Ligtas? Bakit naman ako mag liligtas say o sa pag tapos ang ginawa mo sakin kanina sa bar?
Hermit: Ha? Ano ginawa ko sa yo?
Jerry: Ginawa mo akong tanga sa harap ang mga babae ang usapan ko!
Hermit: Baka ng lasing lang ako… Look, buddy. Pasensya na. Di ko ulit gagawa yun. Pare, pakiwala mo ako dito, sige na.
Jerry: Walang hiya ka, Hermit. Niloko mo lang ako. Akala mo ibigan pa rin kita?
Hermit: Oh c’mon, dude! Jus’ gimme a chance naman, o? Ibigan pa rin tayo. Sige naaa. Pag awa mo naman!
Jerry: Wala akong pakialam say o! Hindi ako pumayag mag awa sa ibang tao katulad mo!
Hermit: Ey, man. Wag ka masyado maging seriosa sa sinasabi mo yan. C’mon, dude, I was only trying to be a good friend.
Jerry: Tapos na tayo, Hermit. Wag kana mag salita.
Hermit: Oh no… you don’t really mean that, do ya?
Narrator: Ignoring him, Jerry put the cloth back in Hermit’s mouth and tied it strongly. Hermit couldn’t help but to shout.
*I will have to omit the last two sentences in this chapter cuz it contains a very violent act done in detail by Jerry. So basically he just killed Hermit. End of chapter.
SEVERE PUNISHMENT
Narrator: Hermit, who was caught by Jerry and his friends, was hung upside down with no clothes on. His hands were tied to his back with ropes, his mouth covered tightly with a piece of cloth, and his ankles tied with ropes s well.
Hermit looked around. He found himself trapped inside an underground factory, the one Jerry mentioned that was located underneath the rich, $500 four-story building. He was frightened as he was all alone in a small room.
Seconds later, the door opened, and four black-hooded figures entered the room, watching Hermit wailing as he was moving around. One of the figures noticed a large ax hanging on the wall, so the figure took it and threw it to the other figure who caught it.
The figure with the ax removed the hood as Jerry’s face showed up. He slowly approached Hermit, pulling the cloth down from his mouth.
Hermit: (breathing) Jerry… (breathing) Buti na lang nan dito ka. (breathing) Tulongin mo ako… ligtas mo ako…
Jerry: Ligtas? Bakit naman ako mag liligtas say o sa pag tapos ang ginawa mo sakin kanina sa bar?
Hermit: Ha? Ano ginawa ko sa yo?
Jerry: Ginawa mo akong tanga sa harap ang mga babae ang usapan ko!
Hermit: Baka ng lasing lang ako… Look, buddy. Pasensya na. Di ko ulit gagawa yun. Pare, pakiwala mo ako dito, sige na.
Jerry: Walang hiya ka, Hermit. Niloko mo lang ako. Akala mo ibigan pa rin kita?
Hermit: Oh c’mon, dude! Jus’ gimme a chance naman, o? Ibigan pa rin tayo. Sige naaa. Pag awa mo naman!
Jerry: Wala akong pakialam say o! Hindi ako pumayag mag awa sa ibang tao katulad mo!
Hermit: Ey, man. Wag ka masyado maging seriosa sa sinasabi mo yan. C’mon, dude, I was only trying to be a good friend.
Jerry: Tapos na tayo, Hermit. Wag kana mag salita.
Hermit: Oh no… you don’t really mean that, do ya?
Narrator: Ignoring him, Jerry put the cloth back in Hermit’s mouth and tied it strongly. Hermit couldn’t help but to shout.
*I will have to omit the last two sentences in this chapter cuz it contains a very violent act done in detail by Jerry. So basically he just killed Hermit. End of chapter.
Friday, May 8, 2009
ch. 47 - restaurant conversation
CHAPTER 47
RESTAURANT CONVERSATION
Narrator: Inside the Marie Calendar’s restaurant, Maja, Sarah, and the rest of their crew sat in two tables connected together. They were socializing with one another while waiting for their food.
Jamilla: So Maja… sino ng tinuro sa ‘yo mag sayaw?
Maja: Yung mommy ko.
Nina: Talaga? Dancer din siya, ah?
Maja: Oo. Two years old pa ako nung ng tinuro niya sakin.
Jamilla: Ano klaseng sayawan ang ng turo niya sa iyo?
Maja: Tip toe muna, tapos nung ng dating ako dito sa States, ng bigay yun choreographers ko ang mga dance tips.
Koji: Na sali kaba sa isang grupo?
Maja: Oo nung high school.
Denise: Wow. Dapat sumali ka sa “Dancing with the Stars.”
Maja: Naku hindi, ah? Sinabi ni Jay sakin na sana sa “America’s Best Dance Crew,” pero kita mo naman kung gaano na hirap ang mga moves nila.
Sarah: Naku, mas qualified ka pa dyan kesa sa una.
Denise: Oo, mas marami pang magaling babae mag sayaw katulad mo.
Koji: At sexy pa. (smiling, as Maja, Sarah, Denise, and everyone else turned to him) What?
Jamilla: (elbowing him lightly) Hoy, easy ka lang dyan sa sinasabi mo, ah?
Koji: Parang compliment lang yan, o?
Narrator: Suddenly, their server, a good-looking Filipino-Australian girl with long black hair straight down, arrived at the table carrying a tray of each of their drinks. Her first name and first initial of her last name appeared on her name tag: Elreen L.
Elreen: (talking in her strong Aussie accent) Here you guys go. (as she hands the drinks one by one to everyone)
Brenda: I love your necklace. (noticing the shiny silver heart-arrow necklace Elreen was wearing)
Elreen: (smiling) Thanks, dear.
Jamilla: Who gave it?
Elreen: Oh, my mom.
Sarah: It’s very pretty.
Elreen: I know. It’s a heart necklace, so you guys may think I’m in love, but right now I’m single.
Nina: Wow, lucky you. I wish I were single already. (joking)
Elreen: It’s always great to be single. I mean, why would I be so desperate about being in a relationship when relationships only last up to three years. Ya know…? It’s just not enough.
Brenda: True. I know how most guys are anyway.
Koji: I’m not one of ‘em. I’ve gone through five that ended with early rejections. It really sucks being in a relationship, trust me.
Elreen: Got that right. I’d wait until marriage.
Denise: Same here.
Elreen: Your food will be here in a few minutes, all right?
Narrator: Everyone nodded, Elreen walking away afterwards.
RESTAURANT CONVERSATION
Narrator: Inside the Marie Calendar’s restaurant, Maja, Sarah, and the rest of their crew sat in two tables connected together. They were socializing with one another while waiting for their food.
Jamilla: So Maja… sino ng tinuro sa ‘yo mag sayaw?
Maja: Yung mommy ko.
Nina: Talaga? Dancer din siya, ah?
Maja: Oo. Two years old pa ako nung ng tinuro niya sakin.
Jamilla: Ano klaseng sayawan ang ng turo niya sa iyo?
Maja: Tip toe muna, tapos nung ng dating ako dito sa States, ng bigay yun choreographers ko ang mga dance tips.
Koji: Na sali kaba sa isang grupo?
Maja: Oo nung high school.
Denise: Wow. Dapat sumali ka sa “Dancing with the Stars.”
Maja: Naku hindi, ah? Sinabi ni Jay sakin na sana sa “America’s Best Dance Crew,” pero kita mo naman kung gaano na hirap ang mga moves nila.
Sarah: Naku, mas qualified ka pa dyan kesa sa una.
Denise: Oo, mas marami pang magaling babae mag sayaw katulad mo.
Koji: At sexy pa. (smiling, as Maja, Sarah, Denise, and everyone else turned to him) What?
Jamilla: (elbowing him lightly) Hoy, easy ka lang dyan sa sinasabi mo, ah?
Koji: Parang compliment lang yan, o?
Narrator: Suddenly, their server, a good-looking Filipino-Australian girl with long black hair straight down, arrived at the table carrying a tray of each of their drinks. Her first name and first initial of her last name appeared on her name tag: Elreen L.
Elreen: (talking in her strong Aussie accent) Here you guys go. (as she hands the drinks one by one to everyone)
Brenda: I love your necklace. (noticing the shiny silver heart-arrow necklace Elreen was wearing)
Elreen: (smiling) Thanks, dear.
Jamilla: Who gave it?
Elreen: Oh, my mom.
Sarah: It’s very pretty.
Elreen: I know. It’s a heart necklace, so you guys may think I’m in love, but right now I’m single.
Nina: Wow, lucky you. I wish I were single already. (joking)
Elreen: It’s always great to be single. I mean, why would I be so desperate about being in a relationship when relationships only last up to three years. Ya know…? It’s just not enough.
Brenda: True. I know how most guys are anyway.
Koji: I’m not one of ‘em. I’ve gone through five that ended with early rejections. It really sucks being in a relationship, trust me.
Elreen: Got that right. I’d wait until marriage.
Denise: Same here.
Elreen: Your food will be here in a few minutes, all right?
Narrator: Everyone nodded, Elreen walking away afterwards.
ch. 46 - trapped!
CHAPTER 46
TRAPPED!
Narrator: Hermit kept running along the sidewalk, hoping he find a safe place to hide. But a moment later, a pair of headlights appeared not too far away. They were heading in the opposite direction of where Hermit was running.
Hermit, shaking his head, turned around as he ran in the opposite direction, hoping to avoid the chase of the headlights. The car was too quick, though, as it caught up to Hermit. The front passenger window rolled down, and a gun popped through it as a couple of bullets fired at Hermit.
Hermit was hit on his own back as he fainted directly on the sidewalk. The car stopped abruptly as Tanaka and Hokai got out, carrying him into the vehicle before taking off.
*
As for me, time was running out. I was still driving at the same speed on the same empty street. But then I saw, ahead of me, bits of smoke on the right side of the upcoming intersection. Finally, a sign! That smoke should lead to them, I’m sure! So once I approached the intersection, I immediately turned right.
*
As for Spider and his gang, they arrived at an enormous warehouse building protected by the fence, which was 15 feet away from it. The car parked on the dirt in front of the fence, its engines being turned off.
Inside the warehouse, Erich sat on a chair. Her mouth was still covered with masking tape as well as her hands being tied to the back of the chair. The only difference now as that her whole body was wrapped around with more ropes. Her eyes were still closed until Spider slapped her cheek, waking her up.
Erich continued being frightened as she looked up at Spider as well as his gang surrounding her. She was panicking desperately, but Spider stopped her as he slapped her face hard.
Spider: Ey SHUT up!! Who said ya have the right ta show off?! Tss… lil’ bastard! Yo Nix! Blind this bitch for me, will ya?
Narrator: Nix nodded, took out a black blindfold and wrapped it around her eyes tightly.
Nix: Teh, ya blind now, pretty lady!
Lagga: Yo Spider! (holding a small detonator) Should I be ready to set this shit?
Spider: (points at Erich) Right under the chair, boi!
Narrator: Erich didn’t like what she was sensing, so she decided to keep it blank as she remained calm. Lagga gently hooked the detonator under the chair as Erich could hear the click of it. Still, she didn’t bother to think about what was sitting under her.
Spider suddenly removed the blindfold from Erich, but her eyes were still filled with fear as she was still looking around the warehouse.
Spider: (approaching her) Aww don’t be a wuss. Ya not alone, ya know. (playing with her long hair) We’re gon’ do a lil experiment, n’ I promise ya it won’ hurt one bit. (laughing evily)
Narrator: Erich couldn’t help but to panic. Reacting, she kicked Spider on the front of his right calf.
Spider: Oww!!
Narrator: Angry, Spider aggressively pulled the back of her hair with one hand and pointed the gun at her with the other hand.
Spider: Ya hurt me again, Miss, and you’ll make me wanna bleed ya head out. Ya got that?!
Narrator: Frightened, Erich responded with a nod, and Spider slapped her face hard.
Spider: That’s more like it.
*
Narrator: Out on the streets, I was driving through the smoke trying to find a clearing. Instead, ahead of me was a small herd of flames sitting on the middle of the street. Another sign! A bigger one! I’m getting closer!
Once I approached the fire, I drove around it as the tires were screeching. At last, a clear viewing! So I continued my way on the street in hopes of finding Erich’s kidnappers.
*
Inside the warehouse…
Spider: Yo Nix! Ya ready or what?!
Nix: I’m on it! (as he holds the remote controller for the detonator)
Spider: (approaching Erich, touching the front sides of her hair) Don’t be afraid, sweetheart. We got this all under control.
Narrator: Spider backed away afterwards, and Nix pressed the green button on the controller, activating the timer that displayed exactly 2:00 on the detonator. The clock started running down afterwards. Erich didn’t like what she saw on Nix’s hands, so she panicked, moving her whole body around the chair. Trying to stop her, Spider once again held his gun at her, loading the trigger.
Spider: Ya betta watch ya moves, young lady! Don’ make me have ta bust ya head open!
Narrator: Erich remained calm immediately, frightened, as her whole body now stood still.
Lagga: Yo Spider! Let’s get the fuck outta here!
Narrator: So Spider and his gang turned away from Erich as they slowly headed out the warehouse building. Lagga carelessly tossed the controller on the ground as it was rolling over a couple times making sure the front side doesn’t face down.
Jeeva: Sweet dreams, suckaa! (laughing)
Narrator: Once the gang left, the detonator timer went down to 1:42 left.
TRAPPED!
Narrator: Hermit kept running along the sidewalk, hoping he find a safe place to hide. But a moment later, a pair of headlights appeared not too far away. They were heading in the opposite direction of where Hermit was running.
Hermit, shaking his head, turned around as he ran in the opposite direction, hoping to avoid the chase of the headlights. The car was too quick, though, as it caught up to Hermit. The front passenger window rolled down, and a gun popped through it as a couple of bullets fired at Hermit.
Hermit was hit on his own back as he fainted directly on the sidewalk. The car stopped abruptly as Tanaka and Hokai got out, carrying him into the vehicle before taking off.
*
As for me, time was running out. I was still driving at the same speed on the same empty street. But then I saw, ahead of me, bits of smoke on the right side of the upcoming intersection. Finally, a sign! That smoke should lead to them, I’m sure! So once I approached the intersection, I immediately turned right.
*
As for Spider and his gang, they arrived at an enormous warehouse building protected by the fence, which was 15 feet away from it. The car parked on the dirt in front of the fence, its engines being turned off.
Inside the warehouse, Erich sat on a chair. Her mouth was still covered with masking tape as well as her hands being tied to the back of the chair. The only difference now as that her whole body was wrapped around with more ropes. Her eyes were still closed until Spider slapped her cheek, waking her up.
Erich continued being frightened as she looked up at Spider as well as his gang surrounding her. She was panicking desperately, but Spider stopped her as he slapped her face hard.
Spider: Ey SHUT up!! Who said ya have the right ta show off?! Tss… lil’ bastard! Yo Nix! Blind this bitch for me, will ya?
Narrator: Nix nodded, took out a black blindfold and wrapped it around her eyes tightly.
Nix: Teh, ya blind now, pretty lady!
Lagga: Yo Spider! (holding a small detonator) Should I be ready to set this shit?
Spider: (points at Erich) Right under the chair, boi!
Narrator: Erich didn’t like what she was sensing, so she decided to keep it blank as she remained calm. Lagga gently hooked the detonator under the chair as Erich could hear the click of it. Still, she didn’t bother to think about what was sitting under her.
Spider suddenly removed the blindfold from Erich, but her eyes were still filled with fear as she was still looking around the warehouse.
Spider: (approaching her) Aww don’t be a wuss. Ya not alone, ya know. (playing with her long hair) We’re gon’ do a lil experiment, n’ I promise ya it won’ hurt one bit. (laughing evily)
Narrator: Erich couldn’t help but to panic. Reacting, she kicked Spider on the front of his right calf.
Spider: Oww!!
Narrator: Angry, Spider aggressively pulled the back of her hair with one hand and pointed the gun at her with the other hand.
Spider: Ya hurt me again, Miss, and you’ll make me wanna bleed ya head out. Ya got that?!
Narrator: Frightened, Erich responded with a nod, and Spider slapped her face hard.
Spider: That’s more like it.
*
Narrator: Out on the streets, I was driving through the smoke trying to find a clearing. Instead, ahead of me was a small herd of flames sitting on the middle of the street. Another sign! A bigger one! I’m getting closer!
Once I approached the fire, I drove around it as the tires were screeching. At last, a clear viewing! So I continued my way on the street in hopes of finding Erich’s kidnappers.
*
Inside the warehouse…
Spider: Yo Nix! Ya ready or what?!
Nix: I’m on it! (as he holds the remote controller for the detonator)
Spider: (approaching Erich, touching the front sides of her hair) Don’t be afraid, sweetheart. We got this all under control.
Narrator: Spider backed away afterwards, and Nix pressed the green button on the controller, activating the timer that displayed exactly 2:00 on the detonator. The clock started running down afterwards. Erich didn’t like what she saw on Nix’s hands, so she panicked, moving her whole body around the chair. Trying to stop her, Spider once again held his gun at her, loading the trigger.
Spider: Ya betta watch ya moves, young lady! Don’ make me have ta bust ya head open!
Narrator: Erich remained calm immediately, frightened, as her whole body now stood still.
Lagga: Yo Spider! Let’s get the fuck outta here!
Narrator: So Spider and his gang turned away from Erich as they slowly headed out the warehouse building. Lagga carelessly tossed the controller on the ground as it was rolling over a couple times making sure the front side doesn’t face down.
Jeeva: Sweet dreams, suckaa! (laughing)
Narrator: Once the gang left, the detonator timer went down to 1:42 left.
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