Showing posts with label all-nighter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label all-nighter. Show all posts

Friday, February 11, 2011

Act 20: Nerves


Wow!  I thought as we entered Gian’s house.

There were three cars parked in the garage and there’s a spacious garden right in front. I didn’t know that Gian is this rich. He just told me stories about his family but never did I imagine that his family’s this wealthy.

Anyway, I contacted Gian a few days ago and asked if we could stay at his house to do an overnight for our thesis. Fortunately, he agreed as long as his parents would meet us personally. I was so thrilled that time and I immediately told my groupmates about it. Because of my excitement, it never sank in to me the last part of his statement or the single most important condition that we need to do so that we would be totally allowed to stay.

The house was the perfect place for an all-nighter. I’m glad that everyone agreed to do an all-nighter in my boyfriend’s house. Well, none of them knew that Gian was my partner. All they knew was that he’s my best friend. Well, apparently, it’s true; it’s just that it’s not the whole picture.

“Thanks Gian for letting us stay in your house. It really means a lot to us!“ Charm said as she put down her backpack near the sofa.

“Oh, it’s ok! I’m glad Marky called me regarding this. I’d rather let you guys stay here than in a public café. At least here, I know you are safe and you have everything you need.” Gian said with a smile.

I looked at him and tapped his back. I would’ve wanted to hug him right then and there but I managed to control myself. I just smiled back at him.

“By the way, your rooms are upstairs. Danny and Charm, both of you can stay in one room, unless you want to be in separate rooms, it’s ok with me.”

“We’ll just share a room Gian. We don’t want to bother you with cleaning more than enough rooms.” Charm said.

Danny had been unusually quiet all throughout the trip until we arrived in Gian’s house. Even if she was responding to conversation, I felt something different about her. I don’t know if it’s negative or positive but I knew she’s still wondering who Gian really was.

Before we went to Gian’s house, we all decided to just meet at McDonald’s just outside the campus. That was where Gian would fetch us so he could accompany us to his house.

Since it was still early, I thought I was the first one to arrive. But as I entered the store, I immediately saw Danny sitting a few tables away from where I was standing. She was reading this book written by her favorite author, Haruki Murakami.

I approached her and said “Hi!” as I tried to put down my bag on the empty chair in front of me. She just looked up at me and responded with the same greeting and went back to reading.

“Hey, you seemed so engrossed with that book you’re reading.” I said jokingly.

“Well, you know too well how I loved Murakami’s works. This is his newest book. It was given to me by Vic as a monthsary present.” Danny’s stern expression suddenly shifted to a lighter, much happier one at the mention of her girlfriend’s name.

“Oh, I see. Cool. How long have you been together again? We haven’t really talked about you two ever since you introduced me to her.” I said teasingly.

“We’ve been together for two months now. We just celebrated our second monthsary last week.” Danny said, blushing.

“Hmmm, so it’s been more than a month already. Why didn’t you tell me? I thought you were my close friend? Shouldn’t I be the first one to know that?” I said, pouting.

Danny’s expression turned serious again and she went back to reading her book.

“You didn’t ask…. And, what is it for you anyway? I thought you stopped caring for me the day you broke me. And who are you to say that. As far as I’m concerned, you are the one who’s not telling me about this guy. What was his name again?” Danny said with his eyebrow raised.

“Gian... His name is Gian…. Okay, okay. Sorry. I didn’t tell you because apparently, you shut me out of your life since that fateful day. I hardly even see you in our college. You are not even replying to my messages. What can I do?”

“It’s not my fault. I was hurt. But let’s not change the subject. Who’s Gian? Your boyfriend?”

I was a little caught off-guard with what she said. Does she know? Nah, how could she?

“Haha, very funny. Gian was my best friend.”

“Best friend? So you already replaced me just because I didn’t talk to you for days?”

“Replace? What do you mean? You are my closest friend in this college, no, make that this whole university. Of course, no one would ever replace you. But Gian is my best friend. You know, my buddy! There really are certain things that only two guys can talk about, if you know what I mean.”

“Yeah sure, guy thing. Fine. But, when and where did you meet him? How long have you been best friends?” Danny asked me a lot of questions as if she’s an investigator trying to solve a heinous crime.

I was about to answer her when Gian finally arrived. He smiled to us and I smiled back. Danny was just staring at him as if she had seen a ghost.

“Well, Danny, this is Gian. Gian, this is Danny.”

“Hi Danny! I’m glad to have finally met you! I’ve heard a lot of things about you from Marky!” Gian extended his right hand to Danny for a shake.

Danny looked at me frowning. I just smiled and winked at her. She then shook Gian’s hand as she smiled back at him. Then eventually, the others arrived and after the never-ending introductions, we left the place and we head straight to Gian’s crib.

“How about Marky? Where would he sleep?” Danny asked all of a sudden. I didn’t know whether she is really concerned about me or if she’s just trying to confirm something. Well, unlike me, Danny in a way has the gaydar. She can sense whenever someone is gay or bi. I don’t know if that’s because of the fact that she is bi, but how about me? I’m bi and I don’t even know whether a person is queer or not.

“Well, Marky can sleep in my room. We’re both guys anyway. Unless he would want to stay in a different room.” Gian looked at me and smiled. I saw Danny looked at me through the corner of my eye.

“I’ll just stay with Gian. Like what he said, we’re both guys anyway, so no problem.” I winked at Danny again, and she just smirked at me.

I saw Gian blushed when he heard that I wanted to sleep with him. He probably is expecting that I wouldn’t ditch him in front of my friends and would say something like I want to have my own room. Actually, it was my plan all along. The whole setup was in a way staged by me. Of course, it wouldn’t have happened without the agreement of my friends but I made sure that they won’t have a choice. They should agree to do an all-nighter at Gian’s house.

After all was set, it suddenly dawned on me; I'll be meeting his parents. My palms became cold and sweaty, and I felt a little uncomfortable. It will be my first time to meet Gian’s parents. I can’t deny it. I was nervous.

After bringing Charm, Danny and Rina to their room, we left them so they could unpack and Gian led me to his room.

After closing the door, Gian immediately hugged me and I hugged him back.

“I missed you…” Gian whispered to my ears.

“Aww, I missed you to beshie!” Beshie was another one of our endearments which we derived obviously from the word bes (or bessy for some).

“My parents are still not home, but they’ll be here later. I’m so excited for you to finally meet them!” Gian looked at me while holding my hands.

“Uhm, Gian, I’m nervous. What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t live up to their expectations? What if they get irritated or annoyed at me? What if…”

I wasn’t able to finish my statement. Gian just hugged me and whispered.

“Shhh… Relax. They would like you. No need to worry. It’s not like you’re going to ask them for my hand in marriage.” We both chuckled at the thought of it.

“Besides, I already did mention you to them even before. I’m pretty sure that they already have a good image of you in their minds.”

“Aww Gian, thank you very much!” We again hugged each other tightly.

“So, are you ready to change now?” Gian asked.

“Huh? Change what?”

“C’mon! You don’t plan on wearing these for the rest of your life, are you?” He said as he lightly yanked the shirt I was wearing.

“Oh, haha. Sure, let’s change! I feel a little icky anyways.”

“Haha, for someone who perspired a lot on the trip, you still smell really good!”

I blushed at Gian’s comment.

“Haha, thanks! I really thought I already smell bad after being exposed to all those dust and smoke. Unlike you, you look so haggard!”

“A ganun! After I praised you, you’ll bring me down? Patay ka sa ‘kin!” Gian grinned as he slowly approached me.

“Waaah, I was just kidding!”

My cry for mercy didn’t do anything for Gian was already all over me and tickling every inch of my body.

“Stop! Stop! Haha! Please stop!” I begged him but he continued what he was doing.

“No! Haggard pala ha! This is what you get for taunting me! Hah!

My eyes were already tearing up as I tried to fight him back but he was such a strong guy. With all the stunts and workout they do during cheer-leading practices, I’m no match for him.

We were both sweating and laughing at the same time when he finally decided to stop. I was panting. Gian stayed on top of me and he bent over so that our face would be parallel to each other.

He looked at me in the eyes and he smiled. God, he was handsome. He placed his right hand on my cheek as he used his right thumb to wipe away the sweat below my eyes and on top of my lips.

“I love you very much beshie!” Gian said in his very sexy, manly voice.

“I love you too!”

Then again, we kissed. Slowly. Passionately. We planted gentle kisses on each other’s lips. Then, all of a sudden, I felt Gian’s tongue in action.

I looked at Gian and I saw his eyes closed. He was feeling every bit of sensation coursing through his body.

We were wildly kissing while on the floor, his body on top of mine.

Gian started to caress my chest as we continued kissing each other. I, on the other hand started rubbing his back.

We were intimately sharing each other’s company when someone suddenly knocked on the door.

By impulse, I immediately pushed Gian away and tried to straighten up. I was afraid someone might catch us red-handed.

“Relax. You’re too jumpy. Remember, the door’s locked. No one would see us!” Gian said as he held my shaking hands. I really got nervous when I heard the knock on the door. My heart was still pounding. Gian noticed my distressed breathing so he rubbed my chest so I would calm down. He looked at me and smiled and mouthed “It’s ok.” I smiled back and took a deep breath.

“Gian? Are you home already?” The voice called out from outside the door. It was a woman’s voice.

“Mom!” Gian suddenly blurted out.

Again, my heart began to beat faster. It’s time! I thought to myself. I’ve never been this nervous before. But I’ve got to face it. I’m finally meeting the woman who gave birth to the guy I’ve been in love with all this time.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Act 19: Solution


As usual, the last semester had always been the most tiring and most challenging period for a college student. It is during this time when a lot of deadlines and clearances are being fixed and finalized. Usually, this causes tears to flood the hallways of our building for some might just find out that they have incomplete requirements, lacking units and failed subjects. And I had been a part of that tradition even if my status is irregular (for I shifted from another course).

The discussion room was again crowded. Normally, this area is where students gather to discuss about academic stuff. But based on my experience, students spend only a quarter of the whole period for academic discussions and the rest would just revolve around anything under the sun.

I saw a lot of familiar faces as I try to find a spot where I can wait for my thesis mates. I tried to greet everyone I know as I made my way and luckily I was able to find an empty table on the farthest corner of the room.

I laid my bag on the table, sat on the chair and heaved a sigh of relief. I wiped the sweat off my forehead with my hanky and opened my bag to get my notebook.

I opened it and something fell on the floor. It was a piece of paper. I bent over and reached under the table. It was the message Enzo gave me a month ago after we did the “deed.”

I’m sorry Marky. I know we shouldn’t have done what we did. But to be honest, I didn’t regret what happened. It was something I would’ve done before with you if only you had given me a chance to love you. But I know eveything is over between the two of us. I know you liked somebody else and I respect that. But here’s an advice from an old friend, if you love him, go for it. Try to let go of your inhibitions and just let things happen. That way, you’ll be able to give the love that you had been keeping all this time.

Love,
Enzo

I smiled as I read the letter. Enzo is now just a part of my past but he left me something really valuable, something that opened my eyes. And now, I’m finally able let my feelings show. I’m happy that Gian is now finally a big part of my life. I folded the piece of paper and kept it in my bag.

I scanned my notes and started thinking about ideas for our thesis topic.

After a few minutes, I spotted Charm entering the room and scanning where I probably was. I raised my hand to make it easier for her to find me.

Charm, carrying a backpack, had a difficult time squeezing herself through the crowd, but she was able to manage.

She was sweating when she reached my table and she quickly laid her big backpack and sat down the table opposite mine.

“Hey!” She said as she tried to relax and take out her own notebook from her bag.

That is how Charm works. She is always ready to work and in the mood to start the agenda.  No time for fooling around or wasting time. That is what I liked about her. Whenever she’s in my group, we usually finish our job because she kept on putting all of us back on track whenever we start to deviate from our supposed task.

“Hi Charm! How are you?” I responded as I smiled back at her. She was so busy writing stuff on her notebook that she probably didn’t notice what I said. I repeated my question.

“How are you?”

“Oh, sorry, I just wrote something important about my previous class, I might forget it. Well, I’m good, only tired. I had been here since 8am this morning, and this supposedly my only break.”

“Oh, I see. Sorry if we still need to get your break but we really need to discuss this, you know we have a deadline to follow.” I said, sounding sympathetic.

“Oh, it’s ok, don’t worry. I know. I also want this to be done as soon as possible so we could already consult with sir.” Charm said smiling, assuring me that it’s really fine with her.

We were in the middle of our conversation when Rina and Danny arrived. As usual, they were carrying a pile of books and they probably came from the other college building were Danny works as a student assistant.

It has been really quite a while since I saw Danny. She changed since I last saw her. One of the most obvious was her weight gain. She really gained a lot. I suspected that Vic was the reason why she got fat. But of course, who am I to know. Anyway, she looked really blooming that time and I’m really happy for her.

We all greeted each other and they sat on the other two empty chairs. We began to brainstorm on which topics would likely be used for our thesis and all of us were able to exhaust our brain cells and listed down as many as possible ideas. Danny was the one who was able to give as many ideas as possible.

After finishing, Charm asked us if she can just buy some food from the cafeteria for she is already starving. Rina also asked if she could come with Charm to buy food. Of course, we can’t stop them so there we were, the both of us, Danny and I, left sitting alone on the table.

Secretly, I hated Rina for leaving just us two but I guess it’s better that we talk. To be able to have a good harmonious working relationship with each other means that we should already settle anything that happened in the past. I know Danny and I haven’t talked yet since the 2nd floor incident.

“Uhm, hi Danny! Uhm, hmmm, ho-how are you?” I stuttered like a little child trying to confess something. I really looked stupid that time.

“Oh, I’m fine. How about you?” Danny was looking at me as she replied. The good thing is she was smiling so I took the courage to continue the conversation.

“I’m also good. It’s been a long time.”

“Yes, I know. I’ve been busy nowadays. You see, I’m already working as a part-time student assistant.”

“Ah, yes, I’ve heard it from Rina. That’s good. At least you can earn a little extra to help you in your finances.”

“Totally correct! Since she (her mom) left, I really need to budget the money that she’s sending us, and having a source of extra income really made it easier for me to apportion the money for our daily expenses. Whew, it’s really hard to budget!” Danny said putting her right hand on her forehead and acting as if she’s wiping sweat from her forehead as gesture while smiling.

“Haha, it’s hard becoming a mom!” I said as Danny nodded her head. Right now, the only description for what she’s been going through is acting as the single mom of her two younger siblings.

“Well, actually Danny, I would like to say sorry for…”

“Oh, that? It’s ok. Don’t say sorry, it’s not your fault. You just told me the truth and I really respect that. Actually, I thank you for being honest. At least you didn’t make me fall even deeper without you right there to catch me.” Danny responded without me even finishing my statement, as if she could read my mind.

Her response actually made everything easier for me. She continued.

“I was the one who should say sorry. I left you there hanging. I’m sorry. It was just so heartbreaking that the only thing I can do is to leave because I didn’t want you to see me breakdown. I’ll be honest, you totally devastated me that time. I hated you for not being able to return the love and for rejecting me. But I realized that that’s how life is. We live, we love, we get hurt, and then we learn. Of course, it took me sometime before everything finally sinks in. But I’m ok now. I’m fine and I’m happy!”

Danny said, all-smiles. I’m on the verge of asking her about Vic when suddenly, a tall woman arrived and she was smiling at Danny. Danny in turn smiled back and she introduced who the newcomer was.

“Hey Marky, by the way, this is Vic!” The woman standing in front of me smiled and she extended her hand for a shake.

I just stared at the woman who apparently is the current girlfriend of Danny. Luckily, I was able to react immediately. I smiled back and shook her hand.

Vic sat next to Danny and they looked so sweet together. Danny didn’t directly introduce Vic as her girlfriend probably to avoid tension but she looked at me and smiled. I mouthed the words “I know” and she smiled even more as she hugged Vic.

Rina and Charm arrived carrying a lot of food. They said that it’s quite bothering if they will only be the ones to eat so they also bought food for us. Rina knew that Vic is coming so she also bought for her but she didn’t expect to see her arrive early. Charm looked at Vic, clueless, so Danny introduced her.

We began chatting as we munch on the kikiam, the chicken balls and the kwek kwek they bought just outside the building. We were all having a good time when suddenly Charm remembered something.

“Guys, guys, I just thought about this. Since we will probably start doing all-nighter most of the time to finish our thesis within the given time, have you ever thought of a place where we can stay up all night?”

We were all looking at each other trying to digest what Charm said. Obviously, we haven’t thought about it.

“Well, Rina and I live in an all-girls dormitory so we really can’t offer our place. Unless Marky will dress up in girl’s clothes so we could sneak him inside the building.” Danny said looking at me and grinning.

I rolled my eyes and we all started laughing. Even if I’m bi, I didn’t even consider cross-dressing. For me, it’s the last thing I’d ever do even if I finally admit to everyone that I also liked guys.

“Hmmm, I also live in a dorm, but we can’t stay there very late because we have a curfew. They’re really quite strict.” Charm said.

We only have two people left as options and we’re starting to lose hope. When we organized our group, we didn’t think that place would post a problem to us, but now that we’re trying to think about it, it’s starting to dawn on us that we might not pass the subject given this quandary.

“Uhm, we can actually stay at our place, but you know, I live in Bulacan and you know, it’s not a stone’s throw from here.” I said, sounding unenthusiastically.

“Same here, I live far from here so I can’t offer my place either.” Vic said in a dull voice.

We were all there, losing our appetite as we thought of a place where we could stay.

Actually, there are 24-hour cafés around the university but the problem is that we need a stable internet connection and electricity to plug our computers, but most of these coffee shops don’t have both. It’s either one or the other. Also, if we’re going to do this most of the time, we’ll be spending a lot and since all of us are financially challenged, we already discounted that option.

All of us were silent when all of a sudden, my phone beeped. I took it out and saw who texted.

1 message received
FROM: Gian

A smile crept on my face as I saw who the sender was. I read the message.

Hi love! My classes are done. Do you want us to meet today? :)

As I read the message, something popped out in my head.

“Hey! I already know the solution to our problem!” I finally blurted out.

“What is it?” All of them said in unison.

“I know where we could stay! We could stay at Gian’s house!” I sounded excited more than ever.

They looked at each other, bewildered, until Danny asked “Gian? Who’s Gian?”

I didn’t mind their confused looks, I just flashed them my widest smile as I assured them that we finally have a place. Secretly, I smirked as I saw Danny’s puzzled expression.