Don't Give Up On Me (High School Series #1)

Chapter 02

"Manong ano ba 'yan? Hindi niyo chini-check bago gamitin?"

Our car broke down just when we were about to leave the neighbourhood. And it's the first day of school.

"Sorry po ma'am. Pasensya na po talaga."

I was so frustrated that I almost pulled my hair out. But I spent so much time making it, so I stopped myself.

"Manong, I'll commute na lang."

He looked at me concerned.

"Ma'am, nako po bawal po. Baka masisante po ako ng magulang niyo."

He really looked scared while looking at me.

"They won't know, just don't come home early. And if they do happen to know, I'll take care of it. I just can't be late, especially today."

He was having second thoughts. So, I told him na babawiin ko lahat ng ibinigay ko sa daughter niya. Although I didn't plan on doing so.

"Basta ma'am, bente lang po ang bayad sa jeep ha. Huwag po kayong magbayad ng malaking bill at baka lokohin po kayo. Tapos ang babaan po nang school niyo Rellego Street."

He explained while we were waiting for the jeep. Hindi ko alam na kailangan pa pala maghintay for the jeep, I thought they would just be here waiting.

"Will someone tell me if we've arrived at rellego?"

It's my first time commuting, so I'm starting to feel anxious.

"Mayroon pong iba na nagsasabi, pero kapag wala po tandaan niyo na lang po ang landmark. Basta po kapag nakita niyo na 'yung malaking----"

I moved closer to him. A car suddenly drove fast right in front of us right after he was telling me about the landmark.

"Ayan na po ma'am ang jeep. Pasok na po kayo."

Tinulungan niya ako makasakay sa jeep.

"Malaking what manong? The landmark, what was it?"

I tried asking him again, but cars started honking, so he didn't hear me. Tumakbo na siya pabalik sa kotse sa takot na mabukasa ito ng iba.

I looked in front awkwardly. Everyone was looking at me. I just walked and tried to find a vacant seat.

What I didn't know is that drivers start driving even though their passengers aren't seated yet. Hindi nila inisip na delikado 'yun. Nawalan tuloy ako nang balance.

"Aray!"

I looked at the guy na nakaupo sa may gilid ko. My eyes widen after seeing my hand in between his legs.

"Baka gusto mong tanggalin miss, masisira ang future ko."

"Omg, sorry!"

I panicked and removed my hands, causing me to be out of balance again, but this time, he held me and made me sit beside him.

"Dito ka nga, ako na i-stress sa'yo."

He scooted over and left a space for me beside him.

"Sorry ulit."

He just nodded and turned his back on me. Hindi pa puno ang jeep kaya pwede pa maupo nang kumportable.

I started hearing people's whispers and giggles. Probably talking about me, but I didn't care. My mind was full of that stupid landmark. I didn't hear what it was, so how can I find it now?

"Huy! Miss."

I looked at the guy earlier na kanina pa pala kinukuha ang atensyon ko.

"What?"