“Kumusta? Saan kayo galing?” aniya sa tatlong mga bagong dating.

“Sa bahay, nag-tambay. Kumain ka na?” si Henry.

“Hindi pa. Kumain kayo?”

“Oo. Halika, kain ka...” yaya sa kanya ni Henry.

“Papakainin mo ako?” biro niya.

“Siyempre,” sagot ni Henry.

Pumunta sila sa Food Court ng mall. Magkasama sina Diana at Henry na bumili ng pagkain niya. Habang kumakain ay nakikipag-kuwentuhan siya sa mga kasama.

“Henry, ano, papapuntahin ko ba?” halos pabulong na tanong ni Vicky.

“Papuntahin mo na,” kampanteng sabi ni Henry. “’Wag ka ng bumulong dahil alam naman ni Dee ang lahat.”

Ngumiti lang si Vicky. “Bakit, sino ba’ng darating?” tanong ni Diana.

“Si Sheryll,” sagot ni Vicky. “Okay lang sa’yo?”

“Ay, okay na okay sa akin!” malakas ang loob na sabi niya. “Bakit, may problema ba kayo ng friend mo?” tanong naman niya kay Henry.

Tumawa lang sina Henry at Serge. Ang huli ang sumagot. “’Di kasi maka-get over si Henry kay She,” biro ni Serge.

“I just can’t forget her. She’s my friend,” pahayag naman ni Henry na may halong biro rin.

“Chick boy daw kasi si Henry,” ani Vicky.

“Mali. Hindi siya chick boy. Magkasama pa nga kaming nanglalalake,” biro naman ni Diana. “Bakit ka ba napagkakamalang chick boy? Explain mo nga sa akin.”

“Siyempre, guwapo si Henry,” sabi ni Serge. “Gentleman, mabait... Kaya nami-misinterpret ng ibang tao.”

“Kaya akala ni Sheryll nangangaliwa siya,” ani Vicky.

“Siyempre, wala namang ginagawang masama sa’yo ang tao, magiging mabait ka. Gabi na kayong natapos sa project, iahahatid mo siya sa bahay nila,” paliwanang ni Henry. “Sinabi ko naman sa kanya na hindi kaya ng konsensya ko na pauwiin siya ng mag-isa. Ang dilim-dilim saka babae siya.”

“How about being sweet?” tanong ni Serge.

“I don’t know. Siguro ‘yong pagiging gentleman. I value my friends naman, pare. You know that.”

“So, hindi totoo na nagpapakilig ka ng babae? Hindi mo sinasadya?” si Vicky.

“Ay, may isang babae akong pinapakilig talaga,” ani Henry at sinabayan iyon ng tingin kay Diana.

Kunwari’y kinilig din siya. “O, ayan, kinikilig na ako.” Sinabayan nila iyon ng malakas na tawa.

“O, ano, pupunta pa ba si Sheryll?”tanong ni Serge.

“Okay ba talaga sa’yo?” tanong sa kanya ni Vicky.

“Vic, ang tanong d’yan: Okay lang ba sa kanya na nandito ako?” aniya.

“Tingin ko, hindi.”

“’Wag pilitin ang ayaw,” aniya. “Hayaan mo na. Marami talagang ganyan. Babae rin ako kaya naiintindihan ko si She.”

“Excuse, kukuha lang ako ng tubig,” sabi ni Henry. Pumunta ito sa drinking station. Napansin yata nito na tapos na siyang kumain at hindi pa nakakainom ng tubig. Pagbalik ay mayroon itong dalang isang baso ng tubig. “Dee, o, tubig mo.”

“Thank you,” malambing na sabi niya. Naa-appreciate niya lahat ng ginagawa ni Henry para sa kanya, kahit maliliit na bagay lamang. Alam na alam nito kung ano ang mga pangangailangan niya.

“’Yan ang sinasabi ni She  na nakakakilig...” tudyo ni Serge.

Parang nabulunan si Henry sa narinig kahit hindi naman talaga ito kumakain. Hindi ito tumigil sa kakaubo. Ibinigay ni Diana ang tubig niya kay Henry. Nang mahimasmasan ay pabiro nitong pinalo sa braso si Serge. “Ikakamatay ko yata ang mga pinagsasasabi mo. Wala na tuloy tubig si Dee. Kaunti lang yung nainom niya.”

“Okay lang ‘yan, at least naghalo ang mga laway n’yo. Para na rin kayong nag-kiss,” sabi pa ni Serge.

Nag-blush si Diana sa narinig. Kahit matagal na rin silang magkasama ni Henry, hindi pa nila pareho nararanasan ang first kiss. Protective si Henry pagdating sa kanya.

“Shhh... Serge, ano ka ba?!” saway ni Vicky nang mapansing nag-blush siya.

Hindi dumating si Sheryll nang hapong iyon. Pagkagaling sa mall, sumama sila kay Henry sa church upang panoorin ito sa pagpa-practice. Habang tumutugtog si Henry, nagmamasid lang si Diana dahil nagku-kuwentuhan sina Serge at Vicky.

Biglang naramdaman ni Diana na may mga kamay sa ulo niya at ginugulo ang buhok niya. Tumingala siya. Si Henry pala. Pabiro niya itong tinapik at kinurot. “’Wag nga kasi,” parang nahihiyang sabi niya.

Inakbayan siya ni Henry. “Ang tagal na nating magkasama, naco-conscious ka pa rin sa akin?”

Sa tuwing hahawakan siya ni Henry ay nakakadama pa rin siya ng kilig kahit matagal na silang magkasama.

“Teka, bago ko makalimutan, nagkasundo tayo na babasahin natin ang journals natin sa Formation Program... ‘Di ba magkaparehas ang first Journal Entry natin?” sabi ni Henry. Magkapareho kasi sila ni Henry ng Facilitator sa Formation Program. Curious si Henry sa sinulat niya sa first Journal Entry kaya’t nagkasundo silang dalhin ang journals nila nang araw na iyon at ipabasa sa isa’t-isa.

“Opo, dala ko,” aniya. “’Yong sa’yo, dala mo ba?”

“Of course!”

Nagpalitan sila ng journals. Kulay blue ang disenyo ng journal ni Henry at mayroong nakalagay sa cover page na larawan ng CN Tower at sa ibaba ay pangalan ni Henry. Magkahalong kaba at excitement and nadarama ni Diana nang simulan niyang basahin ang journal nito.

Journal Entry no. 1:

Ten things about me that other people don’t know

1.                                                                                                                                                                                        Canadian father + Filipino mother = Handsome Henry XD
My father is a Canadian and my mother, a proud Overseas Filipino Worker twenty years ago met her future husband while working in Canada. The young couple had six children; four handsome boys and two beautiful girls. I’m not very open to other people about my family.

2.                                                                                                                                                                                        Few friends
I only have few and chosen friends. Most of them are in Canada. I’m friendly, but not that friendly.

3.                                                                                                                                                                                        Daddy’s boy
Being the eldest child, I help my father with the decision-making in our family. My parents are separated and we are all closer with Dad than with Mom. I’m living with my Mom but I miss my Dad and I think of him a lot.

4.                                                                                                                                                                                        God-fearing
God is the center of our family and of my life. I offer to Him all of the trials, challenges and happiness I am facing. It feels good to have a Father like Him. I love my biological father, but God is the perfect Father.

5.                                                                                                                                                                                        Basketball player
Eversince, playing basketball has been my hobby. It just feels so good and great everytime I play and it makes me feel complete.

6.                                                                                                                                                                                        CN Tower
It’s one of my favorite tourists spots in the world. Whenever I am there, it feels like I’m on top of the world.

7.                                                                                                                                                                                        A mysterious man
People say that I am “suplado” and boastful maybe because of the way I look and walk. But I am not. Deep inside, I am friendly and kind. My friends affirmed that. Maybe I’m really mysterious. Hard to read.

8.                                                                                                                                                                                        Book-ish
Reading makes me more productive. Plato, Aristotle, Einstein, Alexander the Great and other well-known man because of their achievements amaze me that’s why I began to love reading about them.

9.                                                                                                                                                                                        NGSB
No Girlfriend Since Birth. I don’t know why some of my classmates, at first encounter keep on asking if I already have a girlfriend. Or when I am with a friend of the opposite sex, others would think that she’s my girlfriend. It annoys me sometimes, but  I keep it to myself.

10.                                                                                                                                                                                    “I want to get married to my bestfriend someday.”
This was my statement during my early secondary years in Ontario. I may not have a girlfriend right now, but I am inlove with my bestfriend. The first time I met her in our high school senior year, I wanted her to be my friend... I wanted to know her and be close to her... because I knew I feel something special for her that time. Until now, I still have that special feelings for her. She’s the most special person for me outside the family, but I want us to be best friends first before I pursue with courtship.

Hello, handsome Henry!

Thank you for sharing! You are blessed with such family and indeed, a great Father. May your good relationship with your family continues. They must be very proud to have you as their son and brother, given that you are already helping your Dad in decision-making.

I’ll pray that you will be able to have that courage to express your true feelings for this special friend of yours. J

God is always with you!

Ate Elaine

Panay ang ngiti ni Henry habang binabasa ang journal ni Diana na may titulong: Princess Diana’s Diary. Parang lumaki ang mga tenga nito.

Journal Entry # 1: My Top Ten Secrets

(Ten things about me that other people don’t know yet...)

1)                                                                                                                                                                           I miss Ontario, Canada. Being chosen as one of the exchange students in high school was a great opportunity for me. I was sent to St. Thomas of Aquinas Secondary School in Ontario, Canada to spend my last year in high school. I met new friends, new environment, new culture and new weather.

2)                                                                                                                                                                           I love Niagara Falls. It’s quite amazing that my very first exposure to a falls was in the Niagara Falls in Ontario. I was not given the chance to visit falls and beaches here in our own land before. Not even Malabsay falls which is near our place. That’s why when I was in Canada, I kept on visiting Niagara with a special friend.

3)                                                                                                                                                                           Kisses and Toblerone. These are my favorite chocolates! When I want to indulge myself, I always eat Hershey’s Kisses chocolate and Toblerone. I just love the taste of these chocolates!

4)                                                                                                                                                                           I miss my bestfriends/sisters. I do not have so much friends before until I was sent to Canada and I met these crazy ladies namely Catherine/Kate, Alicia/Leesh and Britanny/Brit. They are Italian, Spanish and Mexican respectively. Since we were all exchange students, we shared the same sentiments and do things together in our dormitory. We’re still in touch but I miss them a lot. They are considered as my family. My sisters. I love them dearly. Hope to see them again... sigh

5)                                                                                                                                                                           Diana wanted to meet Princess Diana. My mother named me ‘Diana’ because I share the same birthday as the Princess of Wales herself, the late Lady Diana Spencer. Mom is really a BIG FAN of her. I remember her telling me stories about the princess. I learned to love her in my childhood until now and we were sad when she passed away. It was my dream to meet her in person. But now that she’s gone, all I want to do is to visit United Kingdom someday and visit the places where I can feel her presence.

6)                                                                                                                                                                           Loves Pope John Paul II. He is the pope of my generation. Someday, I’ll visit Rome and see him in person. J

7)                                                                                                                                                                           I love JC. Jesus Christ. I’m a big fan of him. I idolize him and my day is not complete without seeing his photo on my wallet or bedroom. I may be not close with my father and did not experience a close tie with him, but I am still thankful because I have Jesus Christ. I may not have a boyfriend right now, but surely, JC is my Endless Love. J

                                                                                                                                                                           Henry Ignatius Roberts. My friend, brother, angel, hero, preacher, counsellor, tourist guide, technician, crush and special someone. It was on our senior year when we met. I could still remember the first day we talked to each other and how annoyed my friend, Leesh, was because Henry offered to help me with something. He was famous because of being a basketball player in our campus and many of the girls like him so much.We became very close with each other. He is the special friend who always comes with me in Niagara Falls, CN Tower and other places in Ontario. It was with him and his family that I first experienced Thanksgiving Day. When I am with him, there are no ordinary days. When I am with him, I feel so secured. J
But honestly and seriously speaking, I’m afraid. Afraid of losing him; afraid that he might just tell me one day he’s inlove with another girl. I must admit, I’m inlove with him.

9)                                                                                                                                                                           Endless Love. It’s my favorite song. I don’t know why, but even though I don’t have boyfriend yet, it’s always in my head and I want it to be played on my wedding day. J

10)    Loves children. I love kids! Whenever I visit friends or relatives with kids, I cuddle them, hug and kiss them. It’s my dream to be a mother, in God’s time. I want to see the little me or my male version. J

Princess Diana,

Indeed, you are a princess of your own kingdom. You are as beautiful, kind and gentle as the princesses in fairy tale. Your prince charming will surely come at the right time. Like what you’ve mentioned, in God’s time. For now, continue to enjoy what life offers you. Make more friends and treasure them.

Thanks for sharing and may God bless you always!

Ate Elaine

 Tila kay bilis ng panahon. Apat na taon na rin ang lumipas. Marami ng pinagdaanan sina Diana at Henry. Graduating na si Diana at nag-shift naman si Henry sa kursong B.S. Psychology. Mas naging intresado ito sa field na iyon dahil na rin madalas nitong makita kung ano ang ginagawa ni Diana lalo na sa tuwing may ipapasa siyang requirements, kaya matatagalan pa si Henry bago makatapos ng kolehiyo. Nakapagpatayo si Henry ng computer shop malapit sa paaralan kaya’t mayroon na rin itong pampa-aral sa sarili.

Kung minsan ay napag-uusapan din nila ang mangyayari sa kinabukasan, ang mga gusto at plano nila. Naiisip din ni Diana na kailangan niyang yakapin ang relihiyon ni Henry kung sakaling sila nga ang magkakatuluyan. Minsan na ring sumama sa kanya si Henry sa pagsisimba. Wala silang isyu pagdating sa bagay na iyon. Parang wala na siyang mahihiling pa. Si Henry na nga yata ang ibinigay sa kanya upang makasama habambuhay.

Present Time: Love Rendezvous

Nahinto ang pagmumuni-muni ni Diana nang makarinig siya ng masigabong palakpakan. Natapos ang segment ng My Young Love sa pagbibigay ng tips at advice hindi lang para sa young couple na guests ngunit pati na rin sa lahat ng kabataang naroroon na nasa isang relasyon.

“You know what, Champ?” sabi ng emcee na babae sa partner nito, “it really feels good to fall in love even at the young age specially if you know that both of you are serious. I mean, you’re not just playing around or papalit-palit ng ka-relasyon, ‘di ba? Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag totoo kayo sa isa’t-isa.”

“You’re right, Cez!” pagsasang-ayon naman ni Champ. “A while ago, we heard the story of the young couple, and I really feel happy kapag nakakarinig ng mga masasayang stories about love. Now, let’s hear a different story about love with our young professional guests... Kakaiba naman ang mapapakinggan nating istorya ng pag-ibig.