."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)

"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.

."If a rose is supposed to represent love, then why does it wither up and die?".

Chapter 12 - Wave

It was break time, Isabelle and Maria sat on a stair where they usually ate. Maria grabbed a bread stick and started chewing. Isabelle was not in the mood to eat; though she had so many munchies in her bag prepared by her mother. They were talking about the upcoming test on geometry; then they came across with "Regordete" he was a chubby guy in school. Isabelle always admired him, not like the sort of admiration for Miguel, but because he was so cute. Maria and Isabelle talked about his cuteness, chubbiness, how they liked to eat him all up and squeeze his tiny little cheeks. They were laughing and taught what if Regordete passed by the staircase. He was so fat to even last one stair; and even if he did, he might roll over on the second stair. They giggled at the thought. They imagined it very clearly and Maria said, "What if it did happen? What would you say to him?" Isabelle snorted and said, "I'll say goodbye!" with the wave of her hands. Suddenly, Juanito appeared from the bottom staircase. They didn't even notice him climbing up. Juanito saw the hand of Isabelle and quickly looked away. Isabelle flushed and laid her hand back down. That was sorta embarrassing , she thought to herself. Maria just laughed and started to pick - on Isabelle. "I waved at him, Juanito", Isabelle said to herself. She kinda got frustrated too, what is he thinking right now? he doesn't actually think I said goodbye to him? I'm not an obsessed fan nor a stalker Who does he think he is?. Maria gave a big laugh and said "It wasn't that bad, maybe you should have just continued waving, maybe he would've waved back". Isabelle fummed down the staircase and into the classroom and at the same time, the bell rang. Great.

."We are afraid to care to much, for fear that the other person does not care at all."

Chapter 13 - Sense

The sun rose up with a smile on its face, birds were singing happy tunes and the wind was swaying pleasantly. Isabelle got ready for school with her daily routine. She combed her hair and felt different. She had a hunch on her heart. Isabelle tied her hair and got out of the house to wait for the chariot, to wait for Miguel. She was still feeling that weird sensation until the chariot came. She came in and sat on the very first seat her eyes had set upon. Isabelle looked around to find Miguel then her heart froze; Miguel was wearing a black shirt, white shoes and what struck Isabelle the most was his head. He was bald. "What an egg head", Isabelle said to herself. She tried not to laugh, they once maid a mosaic made of egg shells and it reminded her of him. She was feeling insane, for now on, she loved eggs. Isabelle looked up and caught Miguel looking at her. He scratched his blunt head and turned. Isabelle, though seeing it in her own eyes, couldn't believe Miguel was hairless. This time she can see Miguel's features clearly. Isabelle noticed that Miguel was not so handsome, he was plain; but that's what Isa loved about him. He was attractive, a girl could fall in his arms with just a simple smile.

."It takes a couple seconds to say Hello, but forever to say Goodbye.".

Chapter 14 - Jump!

Isabelle sat on the very first step of the staircase, Maria went inside to get something in their classroom. She waited while fixing her things; then suddenly, she smelt a strong scent. Isabelle looked up and saw Juanito wearing a brown fury coat. He went down swiftly and Isabelle admired it. She looked down quickly, Miguel Miguel Miguel,she said to herself. Isabelle wanted only to think about her mystery guy, her now bald guy. He was what she wanted. But Isabelle couldn't help it, she gazed up and saw him again. He was on his way down the second set of staircase, he saw him jump then Isabelle heard a thud! then another. That wasn't right. Usually, when you jump off a step, there would only be one sound; but what Juanito made was two. That would mean he slipped and just regained his balance. Isabelle smiled to herself, this was the second time.

***

It was time to go home. Isabelle grabbed her things and said goodbye. She walked to the gate and saw Juanito near. She bowed down and just acted normal while passing by him. Her chauffeur had not arrived yet, she decided to do some eavesdropping. Isabelle leaned closer to where Juanito was without being noticed. He was talking to his friend. "So how are you guys?", his friend asked. "I don't know we just keep on fighting". "Oh to bad". Then she heard a loud whistle, Isabelle moved quickly and rode the chariot. "We just keep on fighting", this line was stuck with Isabelle. What did that mean? Who was he talking about? Isabelle wanted to know. She wanted to ask; but she knew that could never happen.

."Whats meant to be will always find a way."

Chapter 15 Stare

Isabelle rode the chariot with haste. Her hair was a mess, she didn't get to powder her face and her things were everywhere. She just sat on the first seat that was available. Her eyes wondered around for Miguel. Her heart went wild, Where is he? She looked everywhere; but all she could see were the same faces. Not the face of her beloved Miguel. She then felt her seat mate moving closer to her. Who is this guy? She titled her head and regretted it. Miguel was sitting right next to Isabelle. She gazed upon the opposite direction, no, not this time. She was a complete mess, Isabelle wasn't prepared. Miguel kept going closer to Isabelle; and she retorted with moving to the right. People were starting to stare, she looked down and was getting kinda embarrassed. She then noticed a girl, a 5th grader, eying at her with penetrating eyes, like she was creeping into Isabelle's soul, piercing through her heart, as if she was jealous. Jealous. Of Miguel? No way, Isabelle thought. Was this young child envious of Miguel's closeness with me? Does she like him too? Now, what was her name again?, all these ran through Isabelle's head. She just threw away the thought, Would a 5th grader stand a chance with a high school junior like me? A sabio even. Isabelle looked at Miguel and their eyes met. Their gaze locked for a few seconds. Her heart sped even more like it was about to escape and explode. It all happened for a few minutes but Isabelle felt it happened for hours.

."Don't screw up the best thing that ever happened to you just because you're a little unsure about who you are.."

Chapter 16 - Menace

She descended down the chariot with a smile on her face. She felt as though it was a long ride. Isabelle didn't care if her hair was chaos or if the wind were blowing her skirt. All she thought about was Miguel, that instant. It was like friction, like a magnet. The way their eyes met was magical. The 5th grader was nothing, a speck of dust. She was no problem, not even a menace. Miguel doesn't like her right? . Isabelle wondered what happens in the chariot whenever she's not around. Before and after she rides. Does the 5th grader and Miguel have eye to eye contact too? Are they close? Do they even know each other? Isabelle shivered at the thought, a 5th grader new something about Miguel; but Isabelle doesn't even have a clue what his name was. No, it couldn't possibly be. What Miguel and I have is special. No one can neither replace nor destroy that. We have static between us. Chemistry She silently said goodbye and hoped for the best. That little girl would not interfere. Little. She was young, no idea in life. Miguel was a high school student, like Isabelle. Surely Miguel was mature. But Of course, Isabelle had no idea what year Miguel was in. She crossed her fingers hopping he was a junior too, a straight one at that. She came in the classroom and sat on her seat. This was going to be along day. Isabelle kept on thinking. She planned her next move. A plan to get closer with Miguel and eliminate the competition.

."The only guys worth loving are the ones that will take time just to be with you."

Chapter 17 - Dirt

It was nature week. Students belonging to the Sabio had to have a tree planting activity. They packed their bags and hiked to the mountains. The road was muddy and slippery; it was worth the long journey though. The spot was beautiful. Trees and flowers were everywhere. Birds were chirping, fresh air was breezing and the sweet smell of pine cones. They put down their bags and started to look for a spot to plant. The boys were in charge of digging while the girls lodged the baby plants to the spot. Isabelle looked around, she then spotted Juanito. He was digging like an amateur. Is this his first time to use a shovel? Juanito was taking a long time shoveling and it was like he was really hard - up. Isabelle couldn't help but smile. She finally found a spot near a marvelous flower. Her classmate, Natalia was at her left. Natalia approached her and asked if they wanted to be partners. Sure was all Isabelle could say. She got her shovel and started to dig. Then suddenly, she heard a voice. A man's voice. A tone she would recognize anywhere. Need any help? Juanito was standing next to her; but his back was facing Isabelle. He was talking to Natalia. They were friends. Why does everything have to connect with him? Natalia smiled and pointed to Isabelle. I think she needs it. Isabelle flushed. The soil she dug was only 1cm deep; Natalia's was ready for plotting. Juanito smiled and grabbed Isabelle's shovel from her hand. Her hear sped like crazy. She felt like fainting, if only the floor was not so dirty. She day dreamed while Juanito was sweating from the dig. Suddenly, Miguel's face flashed. She felt ashamed. Who was she really for? Miguel or Juanito? Again, it came to this. She was fooling herself and playing with Miguel. She had to put a stop to this.

."It takes a couple seconds to say Hello, but forever to say Goodbye.".

Chapter 18 - No more games

Another Tuesday Morning, another day of school, another time to see Miguel and Juanito; but this was not going to be those boring games. Isabelle swore to herself that this day would be different. This time, her roller coaster love would end. She would have to make her choice sooner or later, and it had to start now. She had to find out which guy her heart calls out to. This decision would be hard; but Isabelle was tired. Her heart was weary of getting hurt. She was getting dizzy of all the temptations. Just one, it isn't that hard? Right? Choosing between the quiet, mysterious guy in the chariot who looks at her with passion, and the attractive, humorous schoolmate who was younger yet appealing to Isabelle. It was time to pick her Mr. Right. Who was it going to be? This day will be start of her experiment. Day one of the series of test she would perform in order to choose wisely. Not anymore the daily routine. She kept her pen and paper in her pocket, just in case. Isabelle walked out the gate and waited for the chariot. She could hear the strides of the horse as it was approaching. Her heart was racing with it, as the chariot came closer and closer. You can do this. The chariot was right in front of her, she took a deep breath and climbed on the chariot. Isabelle sat next to Miguel purposely and with a flushed face, she opened her mouth and said a mere "Hello"..

."Love reminds you that nothing else matters".

Chapter 19 Experiment 1

Miguel looked at Isabelle with speculating eyes. He wondered for a moment, Did Isabelle just talk to me? At first, Isabelle and Miguel's eyes were locked; then Miguel flushed and turned away. This could not be happening Miguel thought to himself. Why don't you talk to me?!, Isabelle was complaining in her head. She was determined to make her choice, to accomplish this experiment; but she needed Miguel's cooperation. This was going to be hard. Isabelle didn't know where she got her strength to speak to Miguel. Maybe it was her willpower, her heart. A driven force of love to finally speak to him. Still, it upset Isabelle the fact that Miguel was uninterested. Until now, he is looking at the opposite direction, stable. He wasn't even looking at her. Isabelle then looked at the direction Miguel was facing, and her eyes grew wide. He was looking at that little 5th grader; and she was flirting back. What's happening here?, she thought to herself. Are they really looking at each other? Isabelle gave up all hopes of talking to Miguel when she realized they stopped at The Academy. She walked out with heavy feet and noticed Miguel and the 5th grader's eyes gazing upon her. She smiled with delight; but when the chariot left, she felt a stung in her heart. What's going to happen in the chariot? Is Miguel and the 5th grader talking? So that little brat was a threat after all, she thought. Her spirit was down and started to think about what was next. Experiment no.2 : Operation Juanito.

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

Chapter 20 Questions

Well, experiment 1 didn't turn out as Isabelle thought it would be. Was this a sign? She entered their classroom, it was so lonely. No one was around yet, she felt more down. With her pen and paper she wrote,

Experiment 1: Talk to Miguel

Pros: I got to talk to the man of my dreams (something I have been wishing for)
Cons: He just stared and looked at that little 5th grader brat!
Result: a definite FAILURE.

Isabelle sighed and closed her notebook. First part of her test and she's getting bad results. Is it really worth it to leave the other, to disappoint the man who also cares for her? She thought of it for a while; the question is, who was the person who loves her? and whose the person who cares? Miguel's results were devastating. She wondered if he deserved her love. Or was Juanito the right person? She hasn't even taken experiment 2 and yet Isabelle assumed Juanito was going to pass his. How could Miguel look at that 5th grader? Why were they staring at each other? Were they? How bout Juanito? She never knew who was this girl. Did she even had a chance at all to any of this guys? Isabelle was pretty sure she wasn't the one chasing after them, there wasn't any chasing. It was simple romance. A dizzy ride at that. Her mind was full of questions. Questions that needed answers. Questions filled with confusion. Questions that were about to be answered. It was only a matter of time. She was determined. The series of test would now continue. She wiped her last tear and smiled.