pte

. I was tired but I enjoyed

est. I was tired too," I said. I h

e up. She even managed to ru

roaned. She lay down next

. "Why are you waking me up, Pressy?" I asked, pre

up because dinner is ready," s

ead. I'll just c

t's

center table. I walked over and

to bring it, but in the e

when I was only five years old. I

as even more surprised when someone knocked on the do

, and at the same time, the door opened. The

because his gaze had fallen

gift to me, Fra

e, almost too serious. "I'll just make you a new one, Brother. I didn't mean to let

st take it," he said, but I shook my

ew one," I said, bu

s I pulled again, we

y face. Silence reigned be

and threw it in the trash bin. He was still clueless as he stood up and stared at me. "When

t was torn," he said, sounding as if he

I answered, pointing to the do

your maid to clean it up," he reminded me. I just shr

. "Don't touch it, Brother!" I shouted because he was picking up the pieces one by one. "Could you please clean my

and he let go. I d

ing, Francine," he war

ight, you're already

ey?" my mother asked. Our

on't worry about it. Go ahe

ner with us," Mommy

et back home right away. Mommy is w

's okay

iately. "Okay," I simply replied. He even

n? What are you cleaning in your room?

he painting that was me

, honey?" I shook my h

Mom. Let Manang clea

hing happened, F

tore up my photo, I still saw the sadness in his gentle face. Or maybe it

noticed that my chest feels heavier.

ut I didn't have a frame anymore, so I planned to buy o

like that, or maybe it's because she'd rathe

ope you'll always be like that, Francine. You're just a chi

ecause of on

aria, but we went straight to my school. I was still confused. He us

s soon as I got out of his car. He just shook his head. He e

ted to ask more, but Brother Khai didn't w

are, Brother," I said, smiling

e shouted my name, and my eyebrows fur

is arm around mine. We're both very close, whi

orning, Brother Khai!" he shouted

I could smell the sweet scent of

" I said, and he pulled out another one. I

at couple. But honestly, I think Brother Khai would be a better match for her. Your crush has a mature mindset, beh. Meanwhile, with Calystharia, I just feel like she give

outed and quickened my pace.

ruth! Beh!" he shouted, as I unwra

he shouted, but I just lau

d our playful banter until our teacher arrive

lphone. I wasn't going to meet up with Brother Khai today

various items. I knew the size of my canvas, so

sing the card Dad gave me. Both

d usage. She says it's rare for me to spend much. When it comes

e, I noticed a familiar car, a

i, beh?" Vira asked

got out. I wouldn't have moved from where I

anymore. What if he sees us here? I

go home. You shouldn't have to see the

to distract me, but she failed. The sadness and pain I felt were overwhelming,

nd the comforting feeling e

s were already there, with only Mom abs

e of them," I said. The

Cody quickly joined her side. I played with them to t

ainting to Brother Khai. Pressy was with

Contin