TEN YEARS AGO…

AERA didn’t know why her heart kept beating like a drum when her feet set on the campus ground. It was her first day in section one, a wish she had been hoping to come true since day one. But now, instead of feeling excited, she felt different. She has this feeling that she wanted to back out.

“Hey, Aera!” Penelope nudged her side. “You look pale. Are you not feeling well?”

“E-eh?” She patted her cheeks. “I’m fine, though.”

Her friend laughed softly and patted her back.

“You don’t have to be afraid. Just like the old times, I am here for you. And I assure you, everyone is friendly.”

Aera smiled. “Thank you, girl.”

They held hands as they walked to the classroom.

She has faith in her friend. Everything will turn out fine as long as they stick together.

Penelope opened the door for her. Party poppers and cheers from her new classmates greeted Aera. She didn’t expect that to happen. She turned to her friend, who was now grinning from ear to ear. And then Aera’s gaze turned to a corner as if she was compelled to look there. She saw Choy sitting on the top of a desk with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at her. Her heart jerked on her chest.

“Okay, class, keep quiet now. We don’t want to be reported in the principal’s office,” said the class adviser.

The teacher beckoned her to come in front, and she so she did.

“Welcome to our family, Aera. I’m your new class adviser. You can call me Miss Abuel.” She gave her a warm smile.

Aera nodded shyly. “Thanks for the warm welcome, Miss.”

She looked at Penelope.

“This is not necessary,” she mouthed.

Her friend just shrugged. “We’re just following orders here.”

Aera’s brows furrowed. “Orders from who?”

Penelope pointed her lips on Choy’s direction. “From the class president.”

Her eyes widened in shock. Was it really his idea? She couldn’t believe that!

“Tell me you’re kidding,” she said.

“Nah-ah!”

Choy stood up and strode towards her. She blinked twice while looking at him. Aera knew it was kinda weird, but she was mesmerized by him. She immediately shook her head to clear her thoughts.

“Welcome, Villaraza.” Choy leaned forward. “Have fun…”

Aera patted her chest when she felt her heart skipped a beat.

“Okay, everyone… go back to your respective seats.” Miss Abuel turned to her. “There is a vacant seat beside Choy. You can sit there, Aera.”

She looked at Penelope, asking for back up. Aera wanted to sit beside her friend.

“I thought we’re seatmates…”

“Well…” Penelope pointed at her seat. I was sitting on the other side. It’s just that there’s a space between us.”

Aera’s jaw dropped.

SHE will suffer from a stiff neck for the next couple of days, or it may last until the end of the school year. Aera couldn’t turn her head on the right side because Choy was there. His nearness and his presence made her feel strange for an unexplainable reason.

Soon the bell rang. It was time to go home.

Aera heaved a sigh as she clears her desk and prepares to leave.

Penelope approached her. “Aera!”

“What?” she asked without looking at her. Aera was busy putting her things inside her bag.

“Do you mind coming with me?”

Now she looked at her friend. “Where?”

“In the library.”

“Why?”

“My gosh, girl! You’re unbelievable!” Penelope shook her head. “Library is for books.”

“I know.” She rose from her seat. “What I mean is that, why do you still have to go to the library for books when you can find everything on the world wide web nowadays?”

“I beg to disagree on that. There is one thing that the internet failed to offer.”

“And what is that?” she asked curiously.

“The smell of books.” Penelope winked and clutched to her arm. “Let’s go!”

AERA and Penelope parted ways as soon as they arrived at the library. Her friend went to the Science Fiction section, while she strolled freely on every aisle, looking for nothing in particular. She reads books, but not as often as her friend does. Aera has more interest in music.

Her eyes caught a familiar face when she passed by an aisle. She even took a step back just to be sure. And she was right. She saw Choy standing there with a book on his hand. He was flipping the page continuously without even looking at it. His eyes were focused on the shelf. Aera knew she was peeking at the other side of the shelf, so she took a peek too and found her friend Penelope on the other side. Right then, she ended up with a conclusion that he likes Penelope. Her heart suddenly felt gloomy, and she didn’t know why.

Aera walked towards Choy.

“`You like historical fiction?” she asked.

His gaze instantly shifted on her.

At the corner of her eyes, she looked at the other side of the shelf. Penelope was no longer there.

“You don’t like books. You’re just—” Aera wasn’t able to finish her sentence. His hand covered her mouth.

She pulled his hand away from her mouth.

“What are you doing?” she said irritably.

“Mind your own business, lady,” Choy said coldly.

“Weh, really?” Aera crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Everything that concerns Penelope is my business. I’m her best friend, her soulmate.”

He just gave her a once over.

“You can be honest with me. Do you like Penelope?” Aera won’t stop until she hears the answer.

She did not get a response from him. Choy turned away, but Aera managed to get in front of him.

“Is it so hard to admit that you like someone?”

“You’re…” Choy crossed their distance. “blocking me.”

“W-what?”

His arm raised. Aera looked above her and saw him returning the book on the upper shelf.

“Hey…” She grabbed his tie. “You can’t leave without answering.”

But Choy stood still, looking above them with a knotted forehead. And then, she heard voices from the other side.

“It’s falling!”

“Oh, no!”

Choy immediately pulled her down, his body covering her. She heard him whimper as books fell on his back.

“What’s happening here?” The librarian rushed to them.

“Miss, I’m so sorry, it’s my fault,” said the student who approached the librarian.

“Boy, are you alright?” the librarian asked Choy.

“Yes,” he said as he stood up. He offered her a hand as if nothing happened.

Aera took it, and he pulled her up.

“T-thank you…” she said.

“Aera!” Penelope called hysterically. “Are you—oh, Choy!”

Choy left her with Penelope without saying anything.

“Are you hurt?” her friend asked worriedly.

“No, I’m fine.” Aera ran to follow Choy.

“Aera! Where are you going?” Penelope asked, yelling.

“You go home first!”