The Homophobic Series: Book 2-B [I] CHAPTER 7 (The Gay Guy Turns Homophobic)

The Homophobic Series Book 2-B [I]: 

(CHAPTER 7) 

"The Gay Guy Turns Homophobic"
Written by: Adrianne A. Aguilar



Message from yours truly: I am really sorry for the late upload, medyo naging busy this week, tama ung unang nag-comment, next week ko nga na post. Again sorry and enjoy the rest of the story.

The crew for the whole shoot arrived earlier, nag-bigay na raw kasi si Mr. Veraperez ng instruction kung ano ang magiging layout at takbo ng shoot nila for today. Kahit nandoon naman sila business as usual pa rin naman kami, si Ms. Anya Ferrer ang unang dumating. The hair and make up ladies were already there to fix her up.

“Dane, maraming salamat talaga at pinaunlakan mo kami to have our shoot here. We would be starting at around 5pm, anyways on the way na rin rito ung director/TV producer natin. So be ready ha…” at hinaplos nya ang aking mga kamay, some sort of an encouragement.

And after an hour it was around 10 minutes before five in the afternoon ng dumating na ang hinihintay namin na director.

Laking gulat ko ng ang tinutukoy pala ni Anya ay si Mr. Dan Veraperez. For all I know akala ko he was just a production assistant sa show nya. Pero mukhang marami pa talaga akong hindi alam.

“So Snaps of Time Team, Mr. Sto. Domingo, I would like you all to meet our director/TV producer… My fiancé Dan Veraperez… I believe that you have met each other right?” pakilala nito. Matipid namang ngumiti si Mr. Veraperez to acknowledge Anya’s introduction.

Maging sina Jessica at Keiji, kitang kita sa kanilang mga mukha ang pag-ka puzzled sa mga nangyayari.

“So guys, we would be starting in maybe 10-20 minutes, I’ll just check on the lightings…” paliwanag ni Dan.

Tamang-tama naman na kararating lang ng kaibigan kong fashion designer na si Tats Gonzales, Anya requested him to be there for some personal reason. He just walk into the chaos in our studio.

Upon walking in ang unang una nyang nakita was Dan Veraperez.

“Raine, since when…” he was about to talk to Dan ng bigla ko syang nilapitan. “Nope Tats, hindi sya si Raine… Well I am also trying to convince myself na hindi nga sya… Hayyy” napapabuntong hininga ako sa dismaya.

“Huh? Bulag ka ba? Well there might be changes, pero kamukhang-kamukha nya…” reaksyon din nito.

“Hay Tats. Ganyan din ang reaksyon namin ni Jessica, pero mag observe ka pa malalaman mo rin ang tinutukoy namin.” Paliwanag ni Keiji.

After some minutes, nakuha na ni Tats ang sinasabi ni Keiji. To the point na nasabi nya na, “I agree hindi gumagana ang gaydar ko sa kanya. And look oh, may pakiss kiss pa kay Ms. Ferrer. Mag ano ba sila?” natanong ng aming designer friend.

“Fiance” sagot ni Jessica.

“Fiance? Hahaha, never gagawin ng sisterette Raine ko yun, na pumatol with a girl. At mag fifiance pa? Kahit mag ka amnesia pa yun tyak beki pa rin ang sis ko at di papatol sa babae…” natatawang sinabi ni Tats.

On the middle of our conversation, lumapit na ung PA nila, “Mr. Sto. Domingo, 3 minutes mag simula na po tayo, doon po ung spot ng interview nyo…” paliwanag nito.

Naisip ko naman na it was the moment na ipakilala si Tats sa kanila.

“Anya, Dan… This is my friend, Mr. Tats Gonzales…”

“And finally na-meet ko na ang THE Tats Gonzales, I’ve seen your work in some of our premiere wedding magazines and I must say I am a fan…” pag-bigay ni Ms. Ferrer ng compliment sa aking kaibigan.

“The pleasure is mine madame, maraming salamat for appreciating my work.”

“I see, yup nakita ko rin yun, pinakita sakin ni Anya, I must agree with her choice…” paliwanag ni Dan.

“Choice?” nasabi ko sa sarili ko.

“Ahhmmm… With all due respect can you be more specific?” pagtanong ni Tats.

“Oh I am sorry if we vaguely explained it. Siguro excitement na rin siguro. I wanted you to design my wedding gown. Dan and I are getting married this year.” And Anya has dropped the bomb already.

Tats was speechless upon hearing that. “Well Mr. Gonzales, I am also interviewing you later as part of our debutante-prom feature. I’ll just proceed with Dane’s interview, and if it is not too much after the shoot we can visit your place para mapag usapan na rin ung details?” paliwanag ni Ms. Anya sa kanya.

Tats was in awestruck, ang nasabi nya lang is “Sure. Let’s talk later… Salamat Ms. Anya for choosing me…”

“Anya na lang ano ka ba” politely she said.

And so the interview pushed thru, the lighting all over was a bit blinding on my part, medyo hindi pako nakakarecover sa pag iyak ko last night at buti naitago ng concealer ang mga eyebags ko.

“So Mr. Sto. Domingo if you are to answer some of the questions this would be the angle on where you are be looking, and please don’t be shy in doing hand gestures when talking. It gives life to scenes pag natural lang ang mga galaw natin…” as Dan gave me his directions, ako naman eto lunod na lunod sa bawat salita na nariring ko sa kanya. I was intoxicated with how he talk, he really reminder me of my love Raine. Wala pa rin ako sa aking sarili pero narinig ko na ang signal nyang lights camera action!

“So Mr. Sto. Domingo what inspired you to put up this business Snaps of Time?” unang tanong ni Anya sa sakin.

Alam ko naman ang isasagot syempre ang kaisa-isang dahilan is si Raine lang yun, pero right now I am extremely distraught with what I am feeling lalong lalo na na kaharap ko lang si Raine este si Dan.

“Dane, are you okay?” natanong ni Anya.

“I am sorry, but I am just new at this…” pag hingi ko naman ng paumanhin. Nakita ko naman na palapit si Dan sa amin.

“Dane, just be cool. In my very first shoot this year with Anya kinabahan din ako, pero after learning the tricks to the trade, nalaman ko na natutunan din ang lahat, and eventually nakuha ko rin doon yung confidence ko, sige think of it as a very casual talk, like a talk over coffee… Alright…” and he had tapped me on my back. Something that really felt reassuring coming from him.

“Action!” sigaw nito for the second take.

“About your question. It was really a labor of love…” and eventually ikinwento ko nga ang part ng love story namin ni Raine.

While having that interview napansin ko naman how focused Dan is into his work, as if he has been doing this for ages. So I realized na possibleng hindi nga sya si Raine.

My interview eventually ended I just gave Anya answers na hindi ko nga alam if it made any sense. And then it was Tats’ turn. After some time natapos rin ito and it was the time for them to wrap it up.

Ewan ko ba I am still uneasy with this kind of set up. Mas may lalala pa ba rito.

At lumapit si Anya sakin, “Dane maraming salamat at pinaunlakan mo kami… I would love to have some coffee with you again pero pupunta kasi kami sa shop ni Tats tonight…” paliwanag nito.

“It is alright, may next time pa naman. Actually salamat din at you did a feature on my business…” sagot ko sa kaniya.

“Or it might be better kung sasama ka sa amin? Ain’t that a good idea right Tats?” sabi ni Anya dito.

“That is fine with me, cool nga yun eh…” pag sang ayon ng aking kaibigan.

“At kailangan talagang sumang-ayon ka?” sabi ko sa aking sarili. Kung kalian ganito pa ang nararamdaman ko.

“Ah alright so it is all set now. By the way hon, dala ko ung isang sasakyan. So susunod na lang ako sa inyo.” Paliwanag ni Dan kay Anya, and it was the first time na I’ve heard na may term of endearment sila.

“That is fine hon. Si Tats sasabay sa akin, at para mapag usapan namin yung mga details ng gown ko. At di mo marinig, hahaha!” tawa ni Ms. Ferrer, sabay lapit nya sa akin, “Would it be alright Dane kung kay Dan ka na sasabay at least may makakausap sya on our way and at the same time mapag usapan nyo na rin ung para sa aming wedding photography?” pakiusap nito.

“Hon, okay lang naman… I can manage to be alone sa byahe. And besides nakakahiya naman kay Mr. Sto. Domingo.” Ang sabi naman ni Mr. Dan Veraperez.

There is a part of me saying na I should go and be with him and another part na nagsasabi na huwag at masasaktan ka lang, and then I answered, “Nope, okay lang sakin Dan. Wala naman problema kung sayo ako sasabay and at least mapag-usapan din natin yung about sa inyong wedding photography.”

And so nag-paalam muna ako kina Jessica at Keiji.

“Are you sure na magiging okay ka lang?” pag aalala ni Jessica sakin.

“I hope so, sana maging okay nga ako.” Isang tipid na sagot ko rito.

Tats and Anya went to the Mercedes car while I went with Dan sa Pajero nito.

Sa may Ayala-Makati pa ang location ng shop ni Tats, at pagkakataon nga naman syempre we are trapped on the heavy traffic ng EDSA.

“Anya just texted, bili muna daw tayo ng take out coffee sa Ayala vicinity before tayo pumunta ng shop ni Tats…” paliwanag ni Dan sa akin.

I smiled briefly sign na I acknowledged yung sinabi nya.

Wala naman ng lumabas na isa pang salita in the next 15 minutes. He was a really focused driver. Maingat mag-maneho. Naalala ko tuloy si Raine, ayaw na ayaw nya with my reckless driving. Reading his journal entry that was the time ng tumuloy sya ng hotel because I was drunk driving. Malalim ang aking pag sulyap sa langit, ng biglang, “By the way Dane it was nice hearing your story sa interview kanina. It is rare nowadays na makakita ng ganyang klaseng relasyon just like yours and your departed partner. Raine ang pangalan nya right?”

Sa buong oras pala ng interview ay nakikinig sya sa istorya ko. Something na kumurot sa aking puso. Raine kung ikaw man yan sana maalala mo na. Pero the more na nagkukwento sya, mas lumalayo ang katotohanang hindi nga sya si Raine.

“Actually Anya and I met 5 years ago thru one of our colleagues. Junior reporter pa lang sya noon, ako starting director and TV producer pa lang. Pa side line side line lang. Pero there was one time, that was the very first time that we had coffee together sa may Greenbelt ng nakilala ko sya ng lubusan. At nasabi ko sa sarili ko, sya na ang babaeng para sa akin. You cannot meet a lady as sophisticated and classy and gentle as Anya is, it is to good to be true na nakilala ko sya. Hindi naman kami on a hurry na magpakasal. But just last October of 2009, I popped the question anyway.” At bigla syang napangiti.

We are now approaching the vicinity of EDSA Ayala, tuloy naman sya sa kwento. “Naalala ko pa nga rito rin sa vicinity na ito, nag-mamadali ako kasi on that day na I popped the question, nag-MRT ako, nasiraan ako ng sasakyan, nag hihintay si Anya sa coffee shop.” And then I realized sya rin yung same guy na hinabol ko sa MRT ng October 2009. “And there she was, divine as always, alam mo yung feeling na your heart beats slower then faster at the same time.” Kitang kita mo sa mga mata ni Dan how sincere ang kanyang kwento. Hindi ko mapigil ang aking sarili na malungkot upon hearing his story. Kahit ako that day when I asked Raine’s hand in marriage, hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman. Natatakot ako na he might reject me pero buo ang tiwala ko sa kanya na he wanted to be with me. Seeing him in his usual self, na kikigising lang, and that smile na hinding hindi ko makakalimutan. Oh God why of all people sa kanya ko pa maririnig ang ganitong seemingly parehas na story. Naramdaman ko na mamasa-masa na ang aking mga mata. Pilit ko namang pinunasan ito.

“Are you alright Dane?” tanong ni Dan.

Syempre di naman ako nag pahalata, “I’m okay, may naalala lang ako…”

“You must really love him right?” sa lahat ng sasabihin nya yung ang lalong dumurog sa puso ko, those words coming from Raine’s doppelganger.

“Yes, if you just knew how I loved him.” As I passionately answered. At napabuntong hininga ako.

The group decided to stop by sa Starbucks sa may Greenbelt. May I checheck din kasing gamit si Anya na gusto nyang bilhin. Pero we went ahead na sa coffee shop. While sinamahan naman ni Tats si Anya sa gusto nyang bilhin na bag.

“So Frap sayo Dane? Anya texted they would be here in a while, I’ll just get their Caramel Machiatto…” at pumila naman Dan while ako na ang pumili ng pinag-kakaupuan namin.

I just opened my phone and browsed on a picture of Raine and I, habang pasulyap na tumitingin kay Dan. Pilit ko pa ring kinukumbinsi ang sarili ko na kung ano ba talaga ang tama.

After a while ay dumating na sya, “Medyo marami din ang tao dito ngayon, I think ganito rin karami yung tao nung nag propose ako sa kanya rito.” And he smiled again, bawat ngiti nya ay pumipilas sa sugatan kong puso. “By the way, the wedding is on May 28, 2010, we decided to have it on that day for some personal reason. We are expecting our baby by July of this year na rin kasi.” At ayun na, nasagot na ang tanong ko, kailangan ko ng tuldukan ang kahibangang ito. Malayong si Dan at si Raine ay iisa. Lalo pa at mag bubunga pa ang kanilang pag mamahalan. Pero realizing it there is something with that date that tickled my heavy heart but it seems I can’t really point it out.

Hindi na maipinta ang aking mukha, buti na lang tinawag na si Dan for our ordered coffee, tamang tama naman na dumating si Anya, “Oh nandito pala kayo. I’ll just order some pastries and cakes” ng tumayo ako bigla, “Anya, something came up…” pilit kong pinigilan ang pag iyak ko.

“I needed to go, Jessica texted din kasi, something happened doon sa isang print out namin and I need to get at the office quick… And besides napag usapan na rin namin ni Mr. Veraperez yung details sa wedding, I’ll be there…” at kinamayan ko sya at dali daling umalis.

Nagulat ako ng hinabol pa pala ako ni Dan, “Hey Mr. Sto. Domingo, here’s your coffee, take out naman ito. Anyways pwede naman kitang ihatid, pasasalamat na rin sa pag-sama mo sa amin.” At iniabot nya ang Mocha Frap sakin.

“Salamat Mr. Veraperez, medyo in a hurry na rin ako, I’ll just ride on a cab. Text text na lang for the other details.” Pilit ko pa rin ikinubli ang aking sarili, and for the last time, he smiled at me again.

I exited at Ayala Avenue. My hands are all wet di ko makuhang inumin ang ice cold drink na iniabot nya sa akin at sa halip, naihambalos ko pa ito sa isang granite pillar ng isang building, at pinag susuntok ko pa ito. Ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay lumuha ng lumuha… Walang tigil na pag luha hanggang sa umuwi ako sa bahay sa Bel-Air ganun pa rin ang tanging naramdaman ko, na as if I am in this impossible nightmare. I was lost, lost in this labyrinth that fate has put me in.

NEXT:

Chapter 8 - The Homophobic Series Book 2-B [I]: 
http://boykissesbydane.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-homophobic-series-book-2-b-i.html

The Writer's Apprentice (Chapter One)

"The Writer’s Apprentice"

Story Written By A. A. Aguilar – R. Mercado

Chapter 1: The Rules of Engagement

Lakas ng loob, yan mismo ang isang bagay na nagtulak sakin upang buong tapang na maisulat ang kaunaunahan kong gay love story ang “The Love Comeback”, ngunit yung mismong lakas ng loob na iyon ay hindi ko makakamtan kung hindi dahil sa isang tao, isang tao na kahit kailan ay hindi ko man lang nakilala ngunit sa bawat istorya na kanyang isinulat, nililok, minahal, masasabi kong ngayon ay napalapit nako sa kanya. Pinaluha nya ako sa “Intertwined Lovers”, pinakilig sa mga banat ng “The Homophobic” at syempre makakalimutan ko ba ang “Wanted: Pet Lover” kung saan kapangalan ko pa ang main character na si Kian.

Ngayon na nasa ika-25th Chapter na ako sa aking isinusulat may mukha na akong maihaharap sa kanya, sabihin na lang natin na mataas lang talaga ang pag-hanga ko kay Aidan Aguirre dahil buong tapang nyang pinararataring ang gusto nya sa pamamagitan ng pag-sulat, even it is taboo or something na tataas talaga ang kilay na magbabasa nito.

At dumating na ang araw na sya ay aking nakadaumpalad, I was browsing my Facebook, ng makita ko thru one of my friends na common friends nya ang bagong post nya na story.

I decided to like his post.

Nagulat ako ng sumagot kagad ito thru a post, “Salamat Kian… :)”

Aaminin ko kinilig ako, para bang kinurot ang aking puso ng ang hinahangaang ko writer sumagot sa akin for the very first time.

Looking at his pictures ay mas lalo pa akong naging interesado sa kanya, medyo malaman sya than the usual staple of the hunky or payatot na guys, a cross breed ni John Lloyd at ni Geoff Eigenmann. Payatot kasi ako eh, kaya I am into stocky guys, ewan ko ba, sa tinagal tagal ngayon lang ako nagkalakas ng loob para sendan sya ng isang friend request.

And for the second time around ay ginulat na naman nya ako ng walang pag aalinlangan ay inaccept nya ang aking FB friend request, and from that very moment doon na nagsimula ang interaksyon namin Mr. Aidan Aguirre.

At around that time, I decided to have a post on my FB wall regarding the new chapter ng “The Love Comeback”, kausap ko yung isang common friend ko na si Aran, about sa bagong post ko.

Aran T. dela Torre:  asan na :)

Kian Matteo:  soon ate.. naubos kasi ng wrong turn 5 yung romantic side ko GrrRrrr.. kainis..

Aran T. dela Torre:  ayyy!nun ko pa kasi hinihintay!!hahaha!!hamishu Kian!!!

Kian Matteo:  miss you more teh!!! Now drafting chapter 25 :)

Aran T. dela Torre:  yey!sana mapost na..hahaha!demanding lang..ingat ka Kian..mwaahh!

At sa gitna ng aming conversation ay bigla na lang may pumukaw ng aking atensyon, it was Aidan, he liked my post, at hindi lang un may bonus pa.

Aidan Aguirre: wow so you are the writer of that story... nice! :)

Kian Matteo: waaa... dont tell me you read it.. :)  but thanks :)

Aran T. dela Torre: mukang nabasa na nya Kian :)

Na-excite talaga ako of the idea na nabasa na nya ang story ko, mamaya maya pa he replied,

Aidan Aguirre: actually hindi pa, i rarely read other stories kasi baka ma influence ako, alam mo un ganun...  :) pero alam ko how popular your stories are kasi nababasa ko yung comment section sa ibang blogsites... and I wanted to congratulate you for that... Keep inspiring people! By the way do you own your own blog? Para ma follow kita... :)

Hmmm di pa pala nya nababasa, hihihi… But it is just fine, ang mahalaga ay kinakausap nako ng idol ko. And so I replied sa last message nya,

Kian Matteo: hahahah... yeah i have one pro under construction pa lang hehe but here www.roguematteo.blogspot.com

Aidan Aguirre: thanks for sharing, hope to see you around kian!

Kian Matteo: yeah.. you too idol :)

Aidan Aguirre: huh? idol? hmmm... do you read my stories, if you don't mind me asking? and if you do, ano dun un nabasa mo? 

Yun na ang aking pagkakataon upang sya ay aking pasalamatan, for inspiring me to write.

Kian Matteo: haha suki ako ng boykisses idol  I finished intertwined lovers... tapos yung the homophobic  tas yung wanted pet lover din.. ang inaabangan kong lumabas eh yung the gummy bears love story ba yun? Basta yun.. adik lang ako sa blog mo eh.. fave much yung Intertwined Lovers!

Aidan Aguirre: wow, i never heard a fellow writer who is into my stories... and for that I really admire you, and I just remembered, Kian din ang name ng bida ko sa Wanted: Pet Lover...  Again maraming salamat, hope you could be my follower, sa Mike’s SOB ka ba resident writer? kasi matagal ko ng iniisip if I'll open my blog for resident writers eh  dont worry updated na ang Gummy Bear Love Story hope you enjoy the rest of the stories!

Kian Matteo: Yup full time Mike’s SOB resident writer hehe thanks to sir mike kasi pinayagan niya ko on my first attempt na magpost ng first story ko... yeah babasahin ko yung latest update.. you are such an inspiration sana wag kang tumigil magsulat.. hehe

At masyado na akong close sa kanya at nakuha ko pang magbiro… Hihi.

Aidan Aguirre: haha... actually minsan im having doubts kung i22loy ko ba ang pag sulat... pero if alam ko na may mga taong tulad mo na susuporta at magiging inspired... kahit isa lang ay magiging masaya nako... if you can just see my list of ideas, sa story storage ko, ung iba di ko masimulan, siguro nga kailangan ko tapusin ung nauna na... actually bilib ako sayo, di ko kakayanin ang 25 chapters and still continuous na stories... again pinabilib mo ako... yeah ill update you pag may bago... and if magiging okay, kahit small time blog ung akin, you can post your stories there as well, kahit i connect mo na lang sa blog mo, parang promotion narin, tayo tayo lang din naman ang mag tutulungan...

Masyado naman itong humble si idol.

Kian Matteo: dont call your blog small time cause its not...  i will be looking forward talaga if ever i could also be a resident writer on your blog.. thanks really.. ill follow you later

Aidan Aguirre: sure sure... hindi ko lang alam how activate and open the blog to other writers... hahaha... anyways salamat ulit kain lang ako dinner  hehe

Kian Matteo: yup enjoi your meal idol

Ilang minuto ay sumagot pa si Aidan, akala ko ba kakain ka na?... Hihi

Aidan Aguirre: haha, Aidan na lang, wag na idol, ive browsed on your story, may Aidan pala sa mga characters mo...

Ohh shoot oo nga ano, hindi ko nga napansin, hahaha!

Kian Matteo: haha yeah he is the main character on the story... ngayon ko lang din narealize..

Aidan Aguirre: so quits pala tayo, may kian ako sa Wanted Pet Lover and may aidan ka sa The Love Comeback, hahaha... so ano ang tawag dito, recipe to a new story? "Wanted: The Love Comeback?" hehehe

Aidan Aguirre: PEACE : )

Kian Matteo: Hahaha.. parang collaboration ganun? Nyahahaha but I like the idea

Aidan Aguirre: ahaha... pwede why not? maiba lang? pero we should think of another title... kasi parang redundant na... maiba lang, pwedeng mash up ng story mo and story ko na may back up ng story natin sa FB,

Kian Matteo: hahaha gusto ko yan idol... este aidan pala.. we could work that out.. teka are you done with your meal na? Hehehe

That was the last message na natanggap ko sa kanya, lumipas ang five minutes, ten, fifteen, twenty minutes… Bakit kaya nawala sya? Anyways, baka nagutom at kumain pa sya.

I’ve decided na mag ayos ayos na muna since mamaya-maya ay papasok na ako sa aking trabaho.

Ngunit bago ko pa i-off ang aking laptop ay isang PM or Private message ang aking natanggap.

Aidan Aguirre:

Hello Kian! I am back!  sensya na nawala ako biglang napakain...

I was thinking of the collaboration thingee, haha biglang bumulwak ang ideas at concept sa isip ko...

Imagine in the 20 minutes na nawala ako, naisip ko na ung takbo ng story from start until ending, fill in the gaps na lang tayo... 

so shall we start this collaboration?

Kian Matteo:

haha as in ngayon na? raw ideas lang muna tayo

haha galing mo talaga as in may naisip ka na kaagad

Aidan Aguirre:

hahaha... hindi naman literal na ngayon na, exchange of ideas lang muna... yeah more of raw ideas... Working Title, theme, names siguro, since we cannot use our names, Kian would be Keith and Aidan would be Aiyan...

Kian Matteo:

ok got it.. hahaha... so ano yung naisip mong theme ng story?

Aidan Aguirre:

hahaha sabog kasi ung utak ko kung pwede nga lang isulat ko as in now na para di ako bumitaw sa concept mas tumatagal kasi ung story mas nawawala ung drive at passion ko... kaya sana masakyan mo ung kabaliwan ko... hehe...

The story would revolve sayo actually, point of view mo ung mangyayari...

pag nagsulat tayo, I suggest we would be making rules...

Kian Matteo:

yeah.. alam ko rin yung feeling na ganyan... yung feeling na as in kung pwede lang gusto mong tapusin yung story now na

Aidan Aguirre:

yeah sinabi mo pa...

Kian Matteo:

The story would revolve sayo actually, point of view mo ung mangyayari...

pag nagsulat tayo we would be making rules...---- ok sige im listening

Kian Matteo:

i mean reading haha

Aidan Aguirre:

hehehe...

so Working Titles would be: "The Writer Apprentice" or The Apprentice Writer" or baka may suggestion ka? the floor is open...

backdrop of our story would be your story "The Love Comeback" which I am to read in the following days para ma inject ko ung flavor nung story mo, and Wanted: Pet Lover, un kasi ang common denomitor natin...

Kian Matteo:

sounds good... ok na sakin yung The Writer's Apprentice

Aidan Aguirre:

so about rules...

Kian Matteo:

ok sige

Aidan Aguirre:

#1 we should decide, up until what chapter ang story natin, since nakaconnect ito sa rule #2

Kian Matteo:

ok got it... so ilang chapters ba nasa isp mo

i suggest wag nating masyadong habaan

baka masyado tayong maover whelm sa story

i mean maover whelm sa excitement natin ngayon

Aidan Aguirre:

#2 we would be dividing the chapters, pwedeng odd/even number etc., since we would be dividing the chapters pwede na nating lagyan ng central theme ang bawat chapter story or parang summary guide para alam na ng writer in our case sating dlawa para alam natin ang gusto natin gawin sa story, (and i suggest may minimum page rin tayo per chapter... pra may limit

Kian Matteo:

haha

Aidan Aguirre:

hahahaha! i agree...

#3 we would be basing our story to our true to life story... pero hindi natin inaannounce na it was a true to life story, i tell you mas effective yun ganun, yung iniiwan mo sila ng hint of realism para the fans would still ask for more...

Kian Matteo:

ok ako rin ako diyan but i would like you muna to make the first chapter.. mas ok sakin na makita muna yung gawa mo sa 1st chpater

agree din sa rule number 3

Aidan Aguirre:

hmmm about the chapters, ill give you an idea nung takbo ng story para may idea to decide hanggang what chapter tayo...

sure chapter 1 is assigned sakin

Kian Matteo:

hoo kei sige sige... excited much!

hehe

Aidan Aguirre:

#4 we should be open for communication... kung gusto mo akong awayin go, para ma open mo ang utak ko, minsan kasi matigas ang ulo ko eh...

Kian Matteo:

matigas din po ulo ko so ok lang naman kung aawayin mo rin ako wahahaha *evil laugh

Aidan Aguirre:

#5 minimum of 5 maximum 8 to 10 pages... standard font sa MS word, para alam lang natin ung haba ng story... if kailangan i edit i open lang po...

hihihi

Kian Matteo:

ok shoot... sige sige ok lang sakin yung 5-10 pages

Aidan Aguirre:

do you have any suggestions sa rules since collaboration naman ito

Kian Matteo:

ano yung mode of communication natin.. just to be honest hindi ako always online sa fb.. tuwing gabi open ang skype and gmail ko since yun yung ginagamit ko sa work

Aidan Aguirre:

i see. here's my number you can text me if you are online 092*********

ill open my own skype although wala akong cam...

hahaha pwde naman thru email

Kian Matteo:

ok nasave ko na number.. ill text you na lang.. email ko is roguematteo@gmail.com

Aidan Aguirre:

salamat kian! are you about to go na ba?

Kian Matteo:

ahm hindi pa naman i have until 7:00 to chat with you hehehe.. ayaw ko talagang paawat eh

Aidan Aguirre:

we are not done yet with the rules, so far we have five, baka may gusto ka rin idagdag for your own benefit?

hahaha alright sige, until 7...

what about deadlines? do we need that?

Kian Matteo:

rule #6: no time pressure...

no deadlines please

hahaha

as long as mamintain naman natin yung communication siguro ok naman yun

Aidan Aguirre:

good to hear that

kasi me either, i am not good with deadlines... hahaha!

Kian Matteo:

yeah... baka kasi ang ending pag may deadline dun ko siya gawin pag malapit ng matapos

hahaha

Aidan Aguirre:

rule #7 since we would basing this into our life stories, which is okay sayo, (i think) so okay lang din na maging open tayo with our personal lives? what you think?

Kian Matteo:

mas maganda kung ma finish yung story kung kelan mas inspired tayong gaiwn yun

Aidan Aguirre:

hahahhaa! patay ka sakin pag masyadong matagal...

maybe patay rin ako sayo pag matagal ko matapos...

Kian Matteo:

yeah its ok.. ok lang naman sa akin maging open personally since yun nga.. baka may matutunan pa tayo sa isat isa on the process

Aidan Aguirre:

connection sa #7, para may kaunting background check lang at research sa buhay buhay natin...

Kian Matteo:

Magpatayan tayo!

hahaha

Aidan Aguirre:

nice... hahaha

Kian Matteo:

ok ano yung in line with rule number 7?

Aidan Aguirre:

#8 okay lang i correct ang isat isa sa grammar or errors, kasi ako self confessed na hindi ako technical sa pag susulat eh... lalo na sa english pero nag susulat ako ng english ahhaha!

Kian Matteo:

haha ok lang me too hindi rin ako magaling sa grammar thing...

sakit ko pa nga yung typos mnsan.. kasi hindi rin ako mahilig mag edit

pag nagawa ko na yun na yun

hahaha

Aidan Aguirre:

#9 we should agree on the laguange na gagamitin, and we should be aware sa style ng isat isa para hindi mag taka ung readers na ibang iba ang pag kasulat hehehe...

ako minsan tamad din mag edit... hahaha

Kian Matteo:

ok sige... pero tell you what it will ba a hard time for me kung english gagamitin natin... kailangan kong i memorize ang dictionary niyan!

Aidan Aguirre:

hahaha, sige taglish would be fine...

Kian Matteo:

i will also read again yung wanted:pet lover paraa marefresh ako ng style mo

deal! sa taglish

Aidan Aguirre:

and the last most important part ng rule natin... #10 We can't fall in love with each other...

joke!

feelingero lang ako hahahaha!

erase ung number ten, pero sa story existing yan, i tell you...

Kian Matteo:

hahaha natawa ako sa number ten... ok sabi mo eh.. yes master we can’t fall in love with each other

wahaha kala ko serious

Aidan Aguirre:

So welcome to my world, Mr. Kian Matteo, well pwede naman nating gawin serious yung number 10, we can never tell right?

so that concludes chapter one of our story... hihi

Kian Matteo:

yeah malay mo... malay mo talaga eh!!! wahahaha Alright Mr. Aguire should I say Master Aidan

Aidan Aguirre:

adik di mo ako master ha... so ingat pag pasok and nice meeting you, bigay ko na lang sayo yung draft for your approval bago ko I post.

Kian Matteo:

ok sige sige, salamat, and nice meeting  you too! 

At hindi na sya nagreply, yun na yata ang huling reply nya after our very long conversation.

And on that note nag desisyon nako na pumasok na sa trabaho.

Naisip ko lang habang naglalakad on my way to the office, since walking distance lang ang layo ng trabaho ko, na somehow, iba ang naging idea ko of his personality, ibang iba sa idea ko kasi I always relate him sa mga characters na sinusulat nya.

Pero who knows, first impression lang pa lang naman eh, pwede pa naman magbago yun in the coming days. Sa ngayon kailangan ko muna, mag focus, sa work, work, work!

~*~

It was a very stressful night sa trabaho, ngunit masayang masaya ako dahil natapos na ito, at the same time ay nakausap ko kahapon si idol, Aidan ko, ewan ko ba sa sobrang pag ka excited, ay nag decide ako to go online to check kung may mga messages na bago from him.

Laking gulat ko ng nabasa, “Seryoso kaba rito Aidan?” sa totoo lang hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kong maramdaman sa pinaka latest na message nya sakin…

NEXT CHAPTER: 

Chapter 2: The Start-up Challenge

http://boykissesbydane.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-writers-apprentice-chapter-two.html

Si Teddy Bear at ang kanyang Panda Bear (Chapter 5)

Si Teddy Bear at ang kanyang Panda Bear

Chapter V: Revelation

Sa panulat ni Adrianne A. Aguilar

Katatapos lang magbawas ni Elijah, pag labas nya sa cubicle, he was very disturbed with the said scene that he saw na ang tanging nasabi nya was, “Whattaheck?”

“Sir sorry po, pasensya na sa abala nag clog kasi yung toilet kaya umapaw…” pag hingi ng paumanhin ni manong janitor sa kanya.

“Okay lang manong, labas nako ha…” at hindi na nakuhang mag hugas pa ng kamay ni Elijah ng nasalubong nya si Annie.

“Tapos na yung shift mo?” tanong ni Mr. Barretto.

“Yes, ikaw two hours ka pa rito di ba?” she responded.

“Yup, haist imagine the hell na naranasan ko sa may men’s toilet, may hand sanitizer ka ba dyan?” at iniabot naman ni Annie sa kanyang kaibigan ang isang bote.

“Ohh ayan, lumabas ka muna kaya ng makalanghap ka ng sariwang hangin…” suhestyon ni Annie.

“Oo nga I think kailangan ko ng kaunting hangin, at alam kong mag yoyosi ka pa eh.” At sumama si Elijah sa kaibigan.

While nasa smoking area, ay nagkamustahan muna ang dalawa sa buhay buhay.

“Ui balita ko natanggap ung best friend mo sa account natin ha… So kumita ka na naman sa referral, I guess?” as Annie asked him.

“Ahh si Dian, oo patapos na training nun… Mamaya sisilipin ko nga eh at alam ko na break time din nya at around this time…” nakwento ni Elijah. After pa ng ilang minutong pag uusap,

“O sya uuwi nako ha… kamusta mo na lang ako sa best friend mo…” at sila ay nagpaalaman na, nakapara na si Annie ng Taxi ng pag balik ni Elijah, ay napansin nya na naiwan pala ni Annie ang kaha ng yosi nya kanina, pagpulot nya rito ay may napansin itong lalaking naglalakad.

“Ang ganda naman ng sapatos nito, parang ganyan din yung gustong sapatos ni Dian na nakita namin sa mall weeks ago…” at ng sinipat nya yung taong nakita ay si Dian yun patungo sa dulo ng hallway ng smoking area.

Sinundan nya ang kaibigan, ng akmang tatawagin na nya ang pangalan nito ay may nakita pa syang isang tao, nanginig ang kanyang mga kalamnan.

“What is he doing here?” nandun si Paul Jake mas nagulat sya sa mga sumunod na nangyari.

Nang biglang halikan ng kanyang best friend si TL Paul Jake.

Napako lang sya sa kanyang pag kakatayo, ngunit ng narealize how shit that very scene na kanyang nakita ay dali-dali din itong umalis.

“Elijah wait…” nakita ni Paul Jake na palayo ito sa kanila.

Tinulak naman nya palayo si Dian, “Gago naman, what the hell are you doing?”

“But I like you…” boldly sinabi ni Mr. Aguiluz kay Paul Jake.

He angrily answered, “Di mo alam ang ginagawa mo, and the fact that Elijah is your friend…”

Dian sarcastically replied, “I don’t care…”

“You are twisted… Dyan ka na nga…” and Paul Jake walked away para habulin si Elijah.

Humahangos ng takbo si Mr. Baretto sa kanyang station para kunin ang kanyang jacket at susi para sa kanyang locker, gusto na nyang umalis sa lugar na iyon.

Nagtaka naman ang mga kaibigang agents sa floor.  Partikular si Gelai, “Sis, anung nangyari? Anong ginagawa mo?”

Ng mga oras na iyon nanginginid na ang kanyang mga luha. Hindi pa rin sya matinag at hindi makasagot.

“Elijah, I can explain…” isang boses ang narining sa floor, nagulat ang lahat,

Ang ginawa ni Gelai, “Now holding my phone call…” at sya ay nakinig sa mga susunod na mangyayari.

Ngunit wala ng mas nagulat kundi si Mr. Barretto.

Doon na napuno si Elijah, ngunit kalmado pa rin nya itong sinagot, “there’s no need for explanations… I understand…”

Paalis na sana ito ng hinablot sya ni TL Paul Jake, “But you don’t. There is still one thing that you don’t understand yet… Elijah… Ikaw ang gusto ko… Mahal kita!”

Namangha at natulala ang lahat sa kanilang narinig na halos napatigil sila sa kanilang mga ginagawa. Kahit si Elijah ay hindi makapaniwala na gagawin yun ng kanyang most admired na boss.  Sa gitna pa ng kanilang mga kasamahan sa trabaho. Ngunit nangibabaw ang sakit ng kanyang nararamdaman dahil sa kanyang nakita.

Animo’y walang narining, sinalag nya pa si TL Paul Jake at dali-daling umalis.

Ang buong team ay nagugulumihanan sa mga nangyari, kahit si TL Paul Jake ay walang nagawa kundi habulin muli itofor the last time.

Napindot na ni Elijah ang close door button ng pinigilan nito ng mga kamay ng isang pamilyar na tao.

It was Paul Jake Santos.

He went inside.

Wiped off Elijah’s tears.

And he reached for his face…

And he locked his lips over his.

Hindi alam ni Elijah on how to react on this. But upon the elevator’s bell sound ringing, ay sabay din ang pag dedecision nito, he slapped him on his face… PJ cannot believe it, he really felt defeated at that very moment.

PJ was about to give something to him ng bumukas ang pinto ay bumulalas ang isang pamilyar na mukha, ang mukhang sumira ng pagkakataon upang umibig syang muli, and that was his best friend Dian.

Dinaanan nya lang ito, bahagyang tinignan ng masama, and then he walked fastly sa corridor, and then  sa lobby and he went outside at pumara ng taxi.

Sa loob ng cab mas inilabas nya ang kanyang mga luha, ng pagkatalo, galit, at higit sa lahat ang kanyang pusong ngayon ay sugatan.

~*~

“Good Morning, excuse me, may I know where is the nearest C.R. here?” natanong ni Elijah sa security ng bagong kumpanyang kanyang pinagtatrabahuhan, at binigyan naman sya ng direksyon nito.

Ngunit sa first day nya ng work it seems medyo naliligaw pa ito. Elijah’s sense of direction is not really his forte. And besides medyo malaki ang kumpanyang kanyang nilipatan kaya medyo hirap rin ito sa pag hanap hanap, dalawang tao na ang nag pass by him ngunit hindi man lang sya nag tanong rito. And on the third time, sabi nga nila, the third time is a charm.

He was indeed a charming man, na sya mismo ang nakapuna na mukhang confused si Elijah sa pupuntahan.

“Are you new here?” tanong ng guy with a sweet sounding voice and an angelic face.

Napatungo si Elijah and he demurely answered, “Yes…”

“Ohh… Akala ko, ako lang ang may ganyang ordeal when I first worked here… are you looking for the comfort room? Kasi it is on the other hallway, medyo tago kasi yung location…” at tinuro nya ang shortest way to get there.

Upon reaching the place, Elijah said, “Maraming Salamat…”

“Walang anuman…” and he has this perfectly white smile, and he introduced himself, “I am Gerald Garcia by the way… See you around!” and they slowly parted ways.

After mag banyo para ayusin ang sarili ni Mr. Barretto ay hindi maalis sa kanyang isip yung lalaking kumausap sa kanya.

“Okay ka lang Lijah? Kaya ka nga umalis sa dati mong work is para lumayo sa mga ganitong klaseng conflicts… Tapos eto ka na naman… Mag focus ka na lang sa bago mong work. And besides hindi naman yun ang top reason mo di ba?” naabot na nya ang pangarap, Mr. Barretto is now a Team Leader of a group sa bagong kompanyang inaapplyan two weeks ago.

On his way to the training room for his first day of the product training someone phoned him. “Hello Annie napatawag ka? Wala ka bang pasok ngayon?”

Sagot ng kaibigan, “Wala, nakipag-palitan si Gelai ng Off, kaya eto pahinga ko today. So kamusta naman ang first day dyan? May nakilala ka na ba?” tanong nito.

Ng maalala na naman nya yung guy na si Gerald Garcia.

“No one important, hindi pa rin kasi ako nakakapagproceed doon sa product training room, hindi ko pa rin nameemeet yung manager namen.” Kwento ni Elijah.

“O sya mag kwento ka ha… Miss ka na namin rito and don’t worry malay mo susunod na rin kami ni Gelai dyan, and besides ayaw na rin namin rito, hays kung alam mo lang kung anong mga lagim ang pinag gagawa ng kamote mong ex best friend… Hayyy bad vibes di na muna ako mag kwento…  Instead I wish you good luck on your first day and again Congrats sa new work mo… Mwah mwah!” at nag paalam na si Annie.

“Salamat Annie, miss ko na rin kayo… See you soon!” at ibinaba na nya ang kanyang telepono.

Kumakabog ang pakiramdam ni Elijah ng papasok na sya sa kwarto na pinapupuntahan sa kanya ng HR. Yun pala madadaanan nya muna ang working station nila bago pa marating ang training room na supposedly ay pupuntahan nya.

To his surprise, “Am I in the right room?”

Nakakatuwa ang kanyang nakita, masaya at light ang environment ng lugar dahil ibang iba ito sa account na dati nyang pinagtrabahuhan who focuses more on healthcare, masyado kasing seryoso at pormal sa dati nyang trabaho, ngayon ibang iba mukhang casual ang environment, Elijah who is a self confessed gaming consul addict is like in cloud nine that time, he is now assigned in an account who handles gaming consuls. Natanggap sya sa trabaho at position dahil sa excellent track record nya sa dating kumpanya at sa knowledge nya with games.

And from nowhere may biglang tumawag sa kanyang pansin. “Elijah!”

“Yes, Ms. Villar…” it was the manager who interviewed him. “Karen na lang… Namukhaan kita from afar kaya tinawag na kita… Wag ng masyadong pormal alright? Mukhang napaaga ka? Mamaya pa yung orientation mo and start ng product training… Pero okay na rin yun so that I can introduce you to your new colleagues.”

At inisa isa na ni Karen ang pagpapakilala nya sa mga makakasama ni Elijah sa floor.

Sa mga TL na makakasama nya, sa mga SME’s sa ilang agents na napadaan sa area nila, but it seems may partikular na taong hinahanap si Karen.

“Hey Gina, where the heck is Jer-Jer right now?” curious na tanong ni Ms. Villar.

“Karen si Jer-jer ba kamo? You know that guy kung saan saan pumupunta at sumisipot?” sagot ni Gina.

“Seriously? Jer-jer ang pangalan nya?” Napangiti si Elijah upon hearing the nick name ng taong hinahanap ng head boss nya. Napansin naman ni Ms. Karen ang reaksyon ni Elijah ng tinakpan naman nya ang kanyang pagngiti.

“Don’t worry Elijah, even I, natawa rin ako ng marinig ko ang pangalang yan, just imagine Jer-Jer? Ano bang klaseng nickname yun?” sabi sa kanya ni Karen.

And then came a very familiar sweet sounding voice from Elijah’s back, “Hey hey hey… What’s with the name calling again? Nick name ko na naman ang pinag uusapan nyo, I am a fan of Jar Jar Binks, kaya Jer-Jer ang gusto ko na nick name, walang basagan ng trip.”

“Oh ayan na pala ang self-confessed Star Wars fanatic… Elijah I would like you to meet our Assistant Manager in the floor…” hindi pa napapakilala ni Karen ang taong iyon, ng humarap si Elijah rito.

“Ikaw…” at nagturuan ang dalawa, si Elijah at ang Assistant Manager upon seeing each other.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Si Teddy Bear at ang kanyang Panda Bear

Chapter VI: The Transfer