Win

Prologue

Win

FINALLY completed all the requirements for the clearance in Senior High School, Chelin was certain she'd graduate with honors. Hihintayin na lang niyang pormal nang magsara ang klase, at ang graduation. At dahil wala nang ginagawa, kahit maaga pa ay inabala niya ang sarili sa paglilista ng ilang mga kakailanganing kagamitan sa college—gusto na niyang mamili ng mga gamit habang maaga pa. Things like sticky notes, note pads, pens, and such. She's still listing about those things when her childhood friend, Brian, phoned her.

"Chelin," bungad nito. He sounded restless.

"O, bakit?"

"Can you help me convince Mom to go back in Manila?" pakiusap nito

"What? Why?" gulat niyang tanong.

"I want to move away. Do you remember Xycie? The girl I told you that I am courting?"

"Yes, bakit? Ano'ng nangyari? Basted ka, boy?" pangungutya niya. He didn't even respond though.

"She told me she loves me."

Naiwang nakamaang ang bibig niya dahil nabigla sa isiniwalat nito. Nanlumo siya ngunit hindi pinahalata. "You should be celebrating, then!"

"Yes! But... It's just that I pretended I didn't hear her and lied that I had a game." Ang tinutukoy nito ay ang kina-a-addict-ang online game. "And that was weeks ago."

"You're crazy."

"Kaya nga gusto kong lumayo muna. Wala pa akong ibubuga para sa kanya, Chel. Gusto kong tapusin ang pag-aaral diyan but I know Mom won't allow our family to go back there," esplika nito.

"But sooner or later, babalik din kayo, hindi ba? Baka pinalalamig lang ni tita ang sitwasyon," giit niya.

"It's been two years. I'm sure safe na riyan sa atin."

"Pero Brian Lee, intindihin mo si Brianna, baka traumatised pa rin siya sa nangyari noon," paalala niya na tinutukoy ang nakababatang kapatid nito.

"I already talked to her and she wants to go back, too."

She sighed. "Alright. I'll help you."

"I knew I can rely on you!" masayang sambit ni Brian. "Thanks, Chelin. You're the best!"

May humaplos sa kanyang puso nang mapagtantong napasaya niya ito kahit paano.

"Whatever my plan will be, you have to agree. Okay?"

"So long as we can go back in Manila."

I'm sorry to whoever he is courting, but this time, I'm going to win Brian's heart.

She shouldn't like him. They almost grew up together and she knew he didn't like her romantically. Yet she couldn't stop devoting herself to him.

Would she be able to win his heart?