CHAPTER 4

As I drive myself, I forgot to ask my mom where

we will be meeting, and so I took my phone to call her. 

“Mom?” I said. “Yes sweety?” she said. “Where are we going to meet?”

I asked. “Oh yah I forgot to tell you. See 

you at the restaurant beside the bank okay?” she said. 

“Okay. I’m coming.” I said as I hung the phone. 

It took me about 10 minutes to reach there.

I parked my car and went in the restaurant. 

I searched around and saw my mom in the corner.

“Mom!” I called. “James!” she said as she gave me

a hug. I really hate her when she’d do that in public.

“So what is it that you’re going to tell me mom” I asked.

“Okay before that, let’s order first.” She said as she 

called the waiter’s attention. The waiter came in and 

took our orders. The waiter left and we had the 

chance to talk. “Sweety. Remember your friend 

when you were still younger?” she asked. “Huh?” 

was all I was able to say. “She just came back from 

the States. I bet you’ve seen her at your school.”

She said. The first person that went in my mind 

after she told me that was Ann.

“Wait mom. What is his or her name?” 
I asked. “You have forgotten your best friend?” 

she exclaimed. “Look I’m sorry mom. 

But we may have been friends since when?

Kinder? Come on mom!” I said. “She’s Annie, or lets say, Ann.

Remember now?” she said. I was dumbfounded

after hearing those words from her. “What? Ann?” 

I thought to myself. “How could that be?” I asked her. 

“How could that what?” she asked. “So is that the only 

reason why you called up to meet me? Just to tell me

that she’s already back?” I asked in a mad tone.

“No sweety. I should have told you something by

now but your dad told me that we’ll be telling yo

u that together after his business trip.” She said. 

“What? Okay fine so can you just give me a glimpse 

of what is that about?” I asked. “Sorry sweety.” 

Was all she said. The waiter came back with our orders.

We ate together and when it was already 12:45, 

I bid goodbye to her. I went back to the school 

and arrived at exactly 12:55. I saw my cousin Patrick

in the corner with his girlfriend Tricia. “James!” he called. 

“Bro!” I said as I went closer to them. “Hey James!” Tricia said. 

“Hey Trish!” I said. “So wazzup bro? How

was the classes this morning?” he asked.

“Well, just the MY NAME IS BLAH BLAH BLAH again.”

I said. “Wait, why you absent?” I asked. 

“I just have some things to do. That’s it.” He said. 

"Really?” I said in suspicious tone.

We chitchatted for awhile then the bell rang.

“See you later babe!” Patrick said to Tricia

as he gave her a kiss. “Okay babe! Bye!” 

she replied. Me and Patrick

went together to our next room for our

next class, Physics. We were just in 

time when we reached there.

The students were searching for 

vacant seats to seat on. Me and Patrick

chose to seat at the back part of the room.

On the other hand, Ann

was seated in the left corner of the room. 

The teacher, Ms. Villacruz spoke about

something and distributed to us a small 

colored paper. She showed us a power point

which is composed of her expectations to us.

The last part of the power point, there was

an instruction which says fill in the blanks.

Everyone answered it. After a short while,

we were asked to share what we have written.

When it was my turn, I could feel the girls’ eyes 

on me. “I know I’m too gorgeous.” I thought to myself.

I stood up and cleared my throat and spoke. 

“My name is Robert James Reid. I am 16 years old.

I am the captain of the basketball team and so as the swimming team. 

When I grow up I want to be a successful doctor.

I expect this class to be fun and exciting.” 

I said while reading those from the paper I wrote. 

Everyone spoke then finally it was Ann’s turn. 

“My name is Li Yi Shuan or you cann call me Ann Li.

I am 15 years old. I am a transferee but I’ve studied

here before. I love sketching and photography. 

I expect this class to be fun and I expect to learn

much in this subject. After everyone’s done speaking,

Ms. Villacruz dismissed us for our next class. 

Students poured out from the rooms as they

headed to the CLVE room. “So. Where is Ericka?” 

Patrick asked. “She’s out there doing something.”

I said. “But it’s the first day of classes. 

Where do you think she is?” he asked. “Honestly dude, 

I have no idea.” I said. “She’s your girl dude! 

How could that possibly happen?” he asked again. 

“I bet the next thing that would happen is a break up!” Bret

interrupted. “Shut up!” I commanded. Bret

ran ahead of us. “Better get ready dude!” Patrick

said. “Including you!” I blurted as he walked faster.

During our Values Ed class, our teacher Mr. Baker

was talking about the background of the class subject. 

I wasn’t paying attention to him because of I checked 

up to my phone from time to time because I’ve waited

for Ericka’s message. The class ended 

and we came out of his room then, we

headed to our Math class. The same 

as the other classes, our teacher Mrs. Miranda 

asked as to do the “MY NAME IS BLAH BLAH BLAH” thing.

After the introduction of names, she gave us

a white sheet of long paper which has the topics

for this school year in her subject “Okay class, I 

will not hold you for a long time, you may now

leave the room.” she said. Again, we poured 

out from her room and headed for our last class.

When we were already in the room, Mr. Paras asked

us to form two lines, 1 for boys and 1 for girls and 

again, find our heights. Now, I was already expecting Ann, 

as my seatmate for this class. Indeed I was right.

She sat beside me, and she will be sitting beside me

the whole time. “Are there new students here?” Mr. Paras asked.

“Ann sir!” some students said as they pointed to Ann. 

“Okay, please come here in front miss and introduce yourself.”

He said. Ann went in front of the class and

started introducing herself. “Hi, my name is Ann Li.

I am 15years old. I just came back from the States. 

I’ll be your new classmate from now on.” She said. “Lil?” Mr. Paras asked. 

“Yes sir.” Ann answered.

“So how are you related with Gary Li?” he asked to Ann. 

“He’s my father.” She answered. “Oh I see. Okay, you may 

now take your seat.” He said. Ann

sat on her seat not minding me. There was something 

that wants me to talk to her. And so I broke the 

silence from us two. “You know what, you seem so familiar.”

I said. I didn’t want to talk about it but I wanted to talk 

to her and this could only be the thing that I could 

tell her to be able to talk with her. “You’ve seen me 

this morning and the classes before this.” She said. 

“How reasonable.” I said to myself as I smirked.

“But yeah, I think we’ve met before.” She said.

“I see.” Was all I could say. There was again 

silence between us two though our 

classmates were already laughing because 

of the jokes that Mr. Paras were throwing to us

. “I saw you with two girls from the first

section this morning. It seems like you 

know each other.” I said. “Oh that? They’re my

friends.” She said. “How could that be? You

were studying outside the country for

almost all your life?” I asked. “No.

I studied here when I was young. They were

my friends before.” She said. “Oh no.

She couldn’t be Ann that my mom’s referring to.” 

I whispered to myself. “So are they 

only your friends here?” I asked. “No. 

I had some other friends here. But I couldn’t recall the

other one. It is because I used to call 

him frog that is why I couldn’t recall his 

name anymore.” She said. “What? Frog?”

I thought to myself. 
(Flash Back..)
“Frog!! Let’s go to the playground and play!” 
“I can’t I have to finish this drawing!” 
“Okay. I’ll help you but promise me will go to the playground after?”
“Sure! Help me first.”
“Okay.”
(End of flash back..)
“What the hell is that name?” I said trying

to keep cool and not to make her see the 

nervousness in me. “Well, I couldn’t recall why 

I called him that. All I know is were friends.” 

She said. After that conversation, I remembered

all the things we used to do when were young. 

“Dude? Let’s go!” a voice said. “James!” another

voice said. When I returned back to myself, I saw Patrick, Bret and Ryan

around me. “What?” I asked still not absorbing the

things that were happening. “Dude! Class is over.” Ryan

said. “You okay cuz?” Patrick

asked. “Oh I.. I was just thinking of something.” 

I said. “Pretty obvious.” Bret

said. “Let’s go?” I suggested. “Okay!” 

they said in unison. We left the room and

headed to the quadrangle. Many students 

were playing around. Some were playing basketball, 

the younger students were chasing each

other, others were playing Frisbee, 

some were chitchatting and others were waiting.

In the group of students whom I saw which 

looked like waiting for someone was Richard’s group. 

I noticed that Ann was with them 

as well. When we were in kindergarten,Jenny, April, Richard, Sophia and Ann

were my group of friends.

Since we reached elementary, our status

in school changed. My sister Lauren

became popular when she was in

elementary and in High school and so, I

gained her popularity as well. Since then, 

I never hang out with them. We already have 

separate lives now. “Seems like Ann

has more friends here.” Bret

commented. “Yeah right.” I said to look cool. 

The three boys were still chitchatting 

about Fretzie’s group but

I didn’t bother to listen. I was only

standing there thinking of things when 

suddenly my phone rang. It was my mom 

who was calling. “I bet your class is over James.” 

She started. “Yeah mom. Why did you call?” I asked. 

“ Your dad’s home. So you better come home early 

and we’ll be eating out.” She said. “Okay mom.”

I said as I hung up the phone. “I have to go guys.

See you tomorrow.” I said as I left. When I passed by Ann 

and the others, Richard 

called my attention. "James!” he called. I

turned around and saw their eyes on me.

“What?” I asked with an annoying tone. “Remember Ann? 

Our friend before?” he asked. “I don’t” I said and left. 

I know I was so rude but it was already my image.

I didn’t bother to look back but I could still feel their

eyes on me. I headed then to the parking lot and got in

my car. My sister Lauren texted me 

to fetch her. “Err.” I said as I drove to Lauren's

building. I saw her waiting but she wasn’t able

to notice the car I was driving because she was 

busy tinkling her phone. I pushed the car’s horn to

make a sound, after getting her attention; she 

went in the car and sat in the front seat. 

“Did mom call you?” I asked. “Yeah. She said 

we’ll be out for dinner.” She answered. “I see.” 

I said as I continued driving. When we reached home, 

I saw dad in the living room. “Dad!” me and Lauren 

said in unison. “Oh James! Lauren!” he said. 

“I thought you’ll be staying there for a month?” Lauren

asked. “Well, I just closed the business that early.”

He proudly said. “So is that the reason why we’ll be

eating out?” I asked. “Duh? What do you think James?

Of course we’ll be out to celebrate!” Lauren

said. I gave her a smirked and went to my

room and changed. My little brother Jack

arrived from school with our maid. I heard

them talking about something but I didn’t

bother to listen. I headed to my room and had 

a quick shower. After I showered, I chose clothes

that I’ll be wearing and changed. After changing,

I fixed my hair and fixed myself. Suddenly, my

phone rang. It was Ericka

who was calling. “Ericka?” I said. 

“Remember what you said this morning?” 

she started. “Uhmm. About what?” I asked.

“The one that you told me? You said you’ll make it up to me.”

she said. “Yeah.” Was all I was able to say. 

“So, let’s go out?” she asked. “I’m sorry Ericka

but I don’t think that’s possible tonight. But if you

want, I’ll fetch you. My family will be celebrating.

My dad has closed a deal.” I said. “Really?” she said. 

“Yup.” I replied. “Okay, I’ll be fixing myself.” She 

said as she hung up the phone. I went out my

room and went downstairs. I saw my mom 

and dad already prepared. They were already

waiting for us. “Mom, is it okay if Ericka’s coming

with us?” I asked. “Did you already tell her?”

my mom asked. “Yeah. Actually, I’ll be in their 

house now to fetch her.” I said. “Don’t you think it’s 

a family occasion?” my mom asked. “Mom. She’s 

already part of our family. She’s my girlfriend mom.”

I said. “Yeah we know that son. But this time she 

can’t be with us.” My dad interrupted. “Fine.” I said 

as I rolled my eyes. “Damn, what should I tell Ericka?” I

asked myself. I went to the garden to call Wendy. “Hello babe?” 

are you already in your way here?” she asked. “Ericka..” I started. 

“What is it?” she asked. “I am so sorry. I can’t bring you with us.”

I said. “What?” was all she said. “I’m so sorry. I pro..” was all 

I was able to say when she hung up the phone. “Great!

Now my girlfriend’s really mad at me.” I said. “James! Let’s go?” 

my mom asked. “I’m coming.” I said as I headed to

the garage. They were in a separate car. I insisted 

to drive myself there to be able to escape when my 

family would make trouble. I mean, they would usually

introduce me to whomever and the girl would usually

flirt to me and I hate it. And so, their car went first

and I followed. I was still pissed off because of 

what happened to me and Wendy. We arrived at 

the restaurant and parked the car. I went out 

of my car and followed my family. We sat on a big

table and the waiters were coming in to serve foods.

“Did you already make reservations mom?” Lauren

asked. “Yep.” My mom replied. “But this is too 

much for us. We can’t finish everything.” Lauren

commented. “We have some visitors Lau.” My dad 

said. “I thought you said this is a family dinner? 

How come there are visitors?” I asked madly. 

“Well explain everything to you later son.” my mom 

said which confused me even more. They’re here!”

my dad said afterwards. We all turned back and 

saw a woman, maybe in late thirties, a man which

is in his late forties and Ann. “What Ann’s here!” 

I thought to myself. I looked back to my parents in

confusion. They both stood up to greet them. I saw Ann

in a shock as well. It seems like I don’t know anything. 

It seems like my family’s hiding something from me. 

“Take a seat.” My dad offered to them. “So is he

going to be my son in law?” the man asked to 

my dad. “Wait, son in law? Is he referring to me? 

It can’t be. Maybe he’s referring to Jack. 

But it can’t be. He’s too young to get married.”

I thought to myself. “Uhuh. This is James.” 

My mom said. “What? Me? His son in law?” 

I asked. “So is this Ann? My future daughter in law.”

My dad said ignoring my question. “Yes.”

The woman answered. “What is this mom, dad?”

I asked as I stood up from my seat.

“Son, this is what we wanted you to know.” 

My dad said. “What do you mean? You’ll let me marry 

this girl whom I don’t love?” I yelled. I saw everyone’s 

eyes on me even the other customers’.

“James, take your seat!” my dad commanded. 

“No I won’t!” I said and left. I heard them calling

me and commanding me to come back but I

didn’t bother to look back. I went to the

parking lot and took my car. I drove home

feeling defeated and betrayed. When I

arrived home, I locked up myself in my room. 

I laid myself to bed hoping it was only a dream. 

I fell asleep that night and when I woke up,

I saw myself in the same clothes I wore that

night. It only means that what happened

last night isn’t just a bad dream, but it was a

real nightmare.