."Love is a choice you make from moment to moment" - Barbara de Angelis.

Chapter 1 - Choice

In a city, there was a girl named Isabelle. She traveled everyday in a chariot, together with other students, on her way to school; and everyday she caught sight of this boy whom she knew in her heart, they were meant to be. This boy, whom Isabelle not know his name, was of different school and noticed Isabelle's look at him. They were two love birds on one ride to different destinations. Though Isabelle thought of this boy-next-door type of guy all the time, her mind sometimes swings to another guy in school, much younger than her though. He was Juanito, known to many, and was described to be friendly and a happy-go-lucky person. Isabelle's friend, Maria, thinks Juanito is gay but Isabelle thought otherwise, she always defended Juanito.
Every morning, before school, Isabelle would tell what happened in the lovely chariot, where she and this guy she didn't know of would look at each other, stare at one another's hand or clothes. They were shy to talk to each other but they knew they liked one another. But once she reached the school and saw Juanito, her heart would speed and she would take her mind of the 'guy in the chariot'. The school was a small place, making it very easy to see this guy, plus Maria was close to Juanito's bestfriend which made it hard to avoid him.
She was stuck in the middle. The guy she saw everyday of her life and knew something about or the boy whose name she can't seem to know but her heart calls out to.

So who would she end up with?



(based on a true story of my close friend)

.Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it - Thomas Fuller

Chapter 2 - Mystery guy

Usually, Isabelle would have the guts to sit right next to him which leads to them becoming closer and closer, the mystery guy pulling himself towards Isabelle; but sometimes, there would be no space for Isabelle and she would have to make do the with space across him. And when their across, they catch each other's gaze but look away for they are too reserved to show their inner feelings. Isabelle would notice this guy's eyes - like the moon in a dark sky, hair - tidied up, he was much taller than her and his lips - a deep luscious red. Once, during a gusty storm, the guy went back to his house via the chariot for he had forgotten his umbrella and Isabelle was there. At that moment, she caught a glimpse of this guy's looks, his shirt - decent and sweet - smelling, his pants - rugged and appealing, his hair - fashioned up and his dear house - now Isabelle new the location of her dream man. She was dazed for awhile as she was gaping upon a strikingly beautiful man, whom she knew she was in love with. Her heart raced as this guy was approaching the chariot; and once he was seated, the chariot journeyed toward the destinations. As soon as it arrived in the Academy, Isabelle's profound school, she departed the chariot and caught a quick glance of the guy whom she adored, looking at her, and she smiled. Isabelle always arrives in school early, she was among the few. It was worth it though, since everyday she would see that charming boy in the chariot and their eyes would meet and burn right through her fragile heart.

."Love isn't blind; it just only sees what matters". - William Curry

Chapter 3 - Juanito

The Academy has 2 main buildings, Ciencia and Constante. Ciencia was for the sabio or the wise; while Constante was for the parroquiano, the average people. Isabelle was a sabio, along with Juanito. The only difference was Isabelle was in 3rd year; while Juanito was a 2nd year. That was what kept them apart. Adrian Juanito Moreno was known to be popular in school though he wasn't handsome, he had an appeal. He was attractive. He was tall and thin; He had white complexion and slanted eyes. Isabelle seemed to always think about him. Whenever he passes by, Isabelle would smell his sweet scent, which was rather strong and fragrant. She would follow him with her eyes and gaze upon him. Was she betraying her mystery man? It's just a crush,she'd always say to herself. Juanito was rich. He loves to go shopping and his clothes we're not just your ordinary labels, they were branded. He dined at luxurious restaurants and fancy places. You wouldn't see him inside a mall or around the streets; though Isabelle once saw him in a stall where parroquianos usually hang out. Her friend Maria, always teased Juanito as gay; because of some doubtful signs. He's carriage was pink with hearts on it, he had many friends that were mostly girls and he liked to put his arms around his fellow boy friends. won't you think he's gay? But Isabelle always defended him. Her likeness for him would never fade even with these accusations. He was her inspiration. She needed that, for life in the Academy was stressful place, and Juanito was the kind of guy who would cheer her up.

"Love is a moment that lasts forever..." - Julie Wittey

Chapter 4 - Isabelle

It was a Monday morning, first day of the week for school again. Her mother came in, opened the windows and woke Isabelle up. Isabelle was first, hesitant, after all it was 5am in the morning; but because of her mother's perseverance, drowsily she got down her bed towards the bathroom. She washed her face and stared at the mirror. Her hair was rugged, eyes hazel brown and her skin was a fair complexion. She started brushing her long straight hair and tied it in a bow, "this would have to do", she told herself. She descended upon the staircase, ate breakfast and went back the bathroom to brush her teeth and smiled. After putting on her uniform, she made sure everything was all set; then heard the sound of the chariot. Her heart raced once again, any minute now she would see her man. She went out the gate and saw the chariot approaching half way to her home. She checked her mirror for one quick second. Her lashes we're curled, lips a deep red and eyes shaped like the earth. She had normal looks, the looks of a teenager in a normal life. She was stunned in a moment, the chariot was right in front of her; and Isabelle was not sure, but she saw the mystery guy staring at her. That was odd. As she was on her way to the chariot, her mom screamed "Isabelle Kate Turell! have you got your lunch with you?" Isabelle was embarassed and just nodded, she didn't know if he ever heard it.

."Love, like a river, will cut a new path whenever it meets an obstacle". - Crystal Middlemas.

Chapter 5 - Another Day

Isabelle was so embarrassed, she couldn't even look at that charming guy sitting across her; but in her peripheral vision, she could see him staring at her, gazing upon her for such a long time. Isabelle flushed, what did I do? She thought to herself. After a moment, she had the guts to look at him; but, wrong choice, once Isabelle tilted her head, Miguel - as she liked to call him, quickly changed his glance towards the window. Now that was really weird. The chariot reached The Academy. Isabelle descended down the chariot; and, sure enough, a gust of wind blew her skirt. She quickly held it and ran towards the school building. As if she wasn't humiliated enough. Isabelle scurried towards her classroom without even bothering to smile at the guard. Once again, she was the first person to enter the classroom. She decided to calm herself down first, what happened today was not going to interfere with such a lovely morning. Finally, people were starting to come, and as she was looking outside the room, someone in a green and white jacket passed by, he was white and Isabelle knew who this person was. Juanito. She got composed and went on over to the seat next to her friend, Daniel. They we're having a quiz and needed to review. "Who is the father of history?", Daniel asked. Isabelle thought for a second, she new this. She was reading about it while on the chariot, of course she wasn't fully concentrating on it because of Miguel. How can she concentrate with all the fuss that happened this morning? Isabelle gave out a big gasp and answered, "Herodotus?" Daniel nodded. Isabelle gave out a big smile, she was right, maybe what happened wasn't so bad after all. She found her inspiration. The question is, who was her inspiration? Miguel or Juanito?

"Love is not who you can see yourself with. It is who you can't see yourself without."

Chapter 6 - Morning rights

Like every school, The Academy held morning rights. There was the oath to the country, singing of the anthem, and prayer to the gods and goddesses. Every class was lined up according to height. Isabelle was 6th in their line, at the back of Costanza, another close friend; while Juanito was near the last of theirs. At the front of the 3rd year section of the Sabio is the 2nd years, so it was easy to spot Juanito. So as hard as she tries, Isabelle couldn't keep her eyes off of him. She concentrated on the national anthem; but she can't stop but look at the person who was in front of her, Juanito. She remembered, one afternoon, while they were reviewing for an upcoming exam on physical education and math. For P.E. there was a practical quiz on dance steps, and for math - postulates. She was rehearsing with Maria while José was asking questions. Then right at their break for a while, Juanito emerged from the Constante building. She was shocked, stunned, she couldn't get hold of herself; suddenly, she blurted out, "Ruler Postulate" while holding Maria's hand for the Waltz position. Everyone who heard her, laughed. What was I thinking?!, she said to herself. She was completely out of her mind that time. Isabelle remembered everything perfectly clear, and went back to the present. That will never happen again! Full concentration! She thought to herself. Morning rights were done, and they were headed to their classes, she needed to concentrate. All her hard work could not just be thrown away just because of some guy. It's time to be serious.

."Love means never having to say you're sorry."

Chapter 7 - Embarrassment

It was break time; and Isabelle was so hungry. She and Maria went down to the cafeteria. As always, Isabelle ordered the Avena Caliente, it was her favorite. While munching, she thought about her mystery guy for a while, Did he hear my mom?Was he looking when my skirt whooshed?Will I ever know his name? All these was going through her head she didn't even notice Maria was impatiently waiting for an answer. "Well...?", Maria blurted. Isabelle was bewildered for a second, "huh? what?". Maria gave a fuming then a puzzled look, What's wrong with this girl? She thought to herself; then uttered the question again. "How's life in the chariot?, anything new today? Miguel?" As if she was reading my mind, Isabelle thought. Isabelle narrated the story once again; and before they knew it, it was the 3rd floor, they reached their classroom. Isabelle was breathless after climbing the stairs. Maria was just laughing, the story that Isabelle told was hilarious. Her short brown hair was swaying left to right, eyes gleaming with delight together with her petite figure. Was it that bad?, Isabelle thought to herself. Oh no! I wonder what he's thinking right now. She proceeded to the classroom without even bothering to wait for Maria, she had a lot on her head; and then shortly and swiftly, someone white bumped into her. Isabelle went right at the same time Juanito did. Her eyes could not meet his. Finally, Juanito decided to stop, so Isabelle got the chance to walk to the opposite direction. It happened in seconds, but for Isabelle, that incident happened for hours.

."And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." --Khalil Gibran

Chapter 8 -Absence

Isabelle opened her eyes to a beautiful morning, checked the clock and saw that it was 7am. She ran downstairs, fuming. "Mamá! I will be late! The chariot has left me already!".Upon mentioning the chariot, Isabelle quickly thought of Miguel, is he missing me right now? Is he flirting with somebody else?. Then her mother gave out a burst of laughter, Isabelle glanced at her,how could she be laughing at this time?"Mamá! Mamá! stop laughing! What about school?"
what about miguel and juanito?, she asked to herself, worriedly. Her mother, realizing Isabelle was not joking, smiled and said,"Isabelle dear, it's a saturday, I can't beleive you forgot your favorite day of the week, too stressed in school maybe?"Isabelle was thrown aback for a second, she counted the number of days, the number of times she saw Miguel; and realized her mother was right, it was a Saturday. This was not her favorite day of the week. She went to her room disappointed, she wouldn't get to see Miguel or Juanito for today. Lying on her bed, she thought of Miguel - his soft look on the chariot, mysterious gestures and patronizing smile; and Juanito - his sweet scent, soothing voice and welcoming eyes. Isabelle just sighed, she would miss them. The question is, who did she miss more? Juanito or Miguel? She closed her eyes, and then slowly drifted to sleep.

."Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition".

Chapter 9 - Savior

She looked left then right; but there was no escape, the trees were all around her. She could hear the rage of creepy creatures and the owl's quite hymn, see the dark sky - there we're no stars in the sky,and feel the breeze of the wind, she shivered. Isabelle was stuck in the woods. She ran in circles, no stop until her feet can't handle it anymore. She leaned on a tree and tears started to fall. "How will I ever escape this forest", she told herself. Then suddenly, she heard a sound creeping near the bush. Isabelle got frightened and wanted to run; but what was the point? She was too weak. As the creature was approaching, her heart was racing faster; then it emerged from the bushes. She was shocked then blissed; there he was, standing 50 feet away from Isabelle, her savior. Her eyes were blurred from the tears that fell and she couldn't hear well anymore. The man was approaching her and kept asking, "Are you alright? I'm on my way! Don't worry!". Isabelle became composed, rescue was coming. She couldn't see clearly who this guy was. She then felt a warm hand carry her to the trees. Isabelle saw this guy vaguely, she caught sight of his hair - black and spiked, complexion - smooth and white and he was wearing a necklace with the letter "M" on it. M, this would forever be stuck in Isabelle's heart, she would remember the man who saved for life. Her vision was still unclear, she didn't realize her Mamá was right in front of her. Her mother was shedding tears and welcomed her daughter with open arms. The guy placed Isabelle on the couch. Isabelle shivered, her Mamá quickly got a blanket and wrapped it around her; but Isabelle was not cold, she was scared that her savior might leave her. She was too frail, she wanted to sleep; but she contained herself, she won't let her guy out of her sight. Isabelle could hear her mother, talking to the man, praising and gratifying him with all her life. This is good, Isabelle thought to herself, at least "M" would be stuck here. She caught various questions her Mamá said, if he liked to stay for dinner, was it he's job to save people and "Do you want to see Isa's baby pictures?". Isabelle was caught off guard. She quickly arose from the couch and said, "Mamá! Mamá! DON'T!!!!" But it was too late, "M" - guy saw it, her humiliating baby photos.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Isabelle swiftly got up her bed, "it was just a dream", she sighed a relief. It was ALL a dream; but she couldn't help but think, who was that guy? Who was her savior? Why did it have to be a vague image? His hair was spiky, Miguel? But his complexion was white, Juanito then? But the most important detail, he was wearing a necklace with the pendant "M", that was tricky. Isabelle was never sure if her chariot guy's name was Miguel, she doesn't even know what letter it starts with. Juanito could not be it. Right? But that letter "M" could mean so many things. It could be a gift from his mother or worst - case scenario, the name of his girlfriend. Isabelle could not be even sure if that was a letter M, it was very vague. Did her dream really mean anything? She couldn't get back to sleep after that, Isabelle kept on thinking, "Go back to reality, that was just a dream, it doesn't mean anything".

"True love never dies."

Chapter 10 - Fed - up?

He was there, sitting across her, Miguel. Early this morning Isabelle was so anxious to go to The Academy, to ride the chariot, to see him. She woke up with a happy smile and gay strides. Her eyes have been curled, face powdered and hair neatly tied up. Isabelle scrolled her books, wondering why Miguel wasn't. It was always like these, All the students had their bags and books with them except for Miguel and Isabelle always wondered why. Doesn't he study? He was a sabio in his school., all these were going through her head until she suddenly noticed. Miguel wasn't looking at her, not even a glimpse. Puzzled, she looked at him and saw that he was listening to his el jugador música; Isabelle got irritated. Was she paranoid? or just obsessed? Isabelle looked at him, hoping he would look back; but she failed. Isabelle's stare was no match for the power of music. She crossed her legs and looked at the other side, still hoping; but no luck. The chariot had reached her destination. She went down and saw Miguel look at her, she smiled but that was not enough. Was he fed -up? Isabelle missed Miguel so much, and all it took was one look; but she was not contented with that look. Before, Miguel used to stare until Isabelle would melt; but this time, it was just a simple glimpse. A glimpse of Goodbye. She shook the thought, "that would never happen", she thought to herself.

."Love starts with a smile, Grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear.".

Chapter 11 - Hidden

As she entered the classroom door, Isabelle kept thinking. What if he was fed - up? Is it too late? Should I speak to him already? Must I wait? Maybe he wasn't in the mood back then, with all these thoughts Isabelle became dizzy. She sat for a while; then she felt the gusty wind. Chills went down her spine. Then suddenly, someone or something, banged on the door. She became frightened. She ran towards the door and searched. No one was there. She went outside; and sat on the staircase. Isabelle waited for people, while observing her school. The aged paint, old cracks and dull lobbies. Not much to see. Finally, people were starting to pile up, by twos, threes, fours. It was 7am. While checking her shoes, someone passed by her with a great whiff of fragrance. She looked up and saw Juanito. Their eyes met; but Juanito looked away immediately. Isabelle's eyes looked the other way too. Her heart raced and she was feeling kind of queasy. Juanito passed by her. His eyes met hers. She flushed, she didn't notice Daniel was calling her. Isabelle, come on! Come inside!. Isabelle grabbed her notebook and swiftly went down. Their class was going to practice for the upcoming cascabeleo, the annual sing and dance festivity. Isabelle wasn't that of a dancer nor a singer; but their class was short of people so they grabbed everyone to present. Usually, Isabelle would play the escritura but they used the guitarra this time. So Isabelle had no choice but to dance and sing like the rest of them. The first line was "Cami gu Elite Por Pabor". She analyzed it and saw a sign. Cami gu Elite Por Pabor. What did that mean? She thought to herself. Was Miguel, her mystery chariot guy, the one? She scanned for other clues. Then she saw it, the last line, HiaJ uan itoko. This was getting confusing. Miguel or Juanito. It always ended like this. Even when reading between the lines. This was getting irritating and annoying. Isabelle told herslef, "Just choose"; but it wasn't that easy. It isn't like choosing between studying or not, walking or riding, this or that. No, It was far from that. It was a decision not by the mind, but of the heart. A choice of the heart.