Chapter 2: So it’s you?
11am SATURDAY…
Paul woke up with nervousness in his heart. This is the day that he will meet Bok-Bok. He ate his breakfast, brushed his teeth, and took a bath. He looked for a nice outfit that is very presentable. He chose a long sleeve skyblue polo, black slacks and black leather shoes. His mom laughed at him because he looks like going to a ball or a wedding, but he ignored her and went off. *(Let’s see if Van woke up with the same feeling as Paul.)
Van woke up with excitement and a big smile. He went downstairs and ate his breakfast. He went to the bathroom and took a bath. His mom was surprised because Van is singing while taking a bath and it is the first time he did that. After he took a bath, he dressed up and went off. *
*Paul arrived at the meeting place first, but he is feeling that he shouldn’t show himself. He texted Van, “Bok-Bok where are you?” Van replied, “I am almost there.” Paul felt his heart beat faster. He asked himself, “Why am I feeling this? What’s happening to me?” Then he saw his classmate and the campus heartthrob Van.
Paul: Hey, what are you doing here?
Van: I’m meeting someone here. How about you? What are you doing here?
Paul: I’m gonna meet someone here too.
Van: Wait a minute, Poknat?
Paul: Bok-Bok?
Van: SO IT’S YOU? Kaw pala yun …(It is you...) ”
Paul: Ikaw si Bok-Bok (You’re Bok-Bok?) ?
Van: Ako nga, kala ko kung sino kaw pala si Poknat…”(Yah, that's me. I thought Poknat was somebody else...) (Laughed)
Paul: Ikaw pala si Bok-Bok… nagugutom ako kain tayo treat ko. (So you're Bok-Bok... Let's go and eat, my treat.)
Van: That’s what I like about you, you’re not afraid to tell something to anyone.
Paul: Well, I grew up like this that’s why I’m like this,
They went to McDonalds near Tutuban. Paul asked Van what he likes to eat, he said anything and Paul can choose what they will eat. Paul ordered two cheeseburgers, two drinks and two ice creams. After the cashier arranged their order, Van stood up then helped Paul in carrying the tray.
Paul: Thanks!
Van: It’s OK…
Paul: So what do you mostly do when you are in the mall?
Van: I just wonder around.
Paul: Aren’t you bored?
Van: No… why? How about you? What do you do when you are in the mall?
Paul: Just stick with me at ako bahala sayo!!!! (Just stick with me and I'll take care of everything!!!!)
Van: OK sabi mo eh… (OK, if you say so...)
Paul: After we eat, we will go to SM Megamall. OK?
Van: OK! What are we going to do there?
Paul: Secret!!!! (With a wink…)
After they ate their lunch, they went to SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. The mall is huge and gigantic but SM Mall of Asia is much larger. It is Van’s first time to go there so he looks from corner to corner of the mall. Paul held Van’s hand and pulled it to the ground level of the mall. When they got at the ground level of the mall, Van was surprised because the ground level is full of amusement parks. There is Worlds of Fun, Time Out and Paul’s favorite amusement park, Timezone. They bought 20 tokens with 10 free tokens. They approached the arcade machine, Dance Maniax.
Paul: Do you know this game?
Van: Nope. What are you gonna do?
Paul: Watch and learn.
Paul started the game and chose the music that he will play. Then as the music plays, Paul began dancing gracefully like a real dancer. Van’s jaw dropped while he watches Paul. Paul moves to the groove of the music. After 5 songs, Van approached Paul.
Paul: So what do you think?
Van: Your great!!! You danced like a professional. Can you teach me how to play that game?
Paul: Oh sure… first let’s learn the basics. The beam above represents the red light on the screen while the beam below represents the blue light on the screen. If you see a red light at the left, swish your hand on the upper left beam above and if a red light on the right, swish to the right. Same as the beam above if you see a blue light at the left, swish your left hand on the lower left beam or vice versa.
Van: Ok I’ll try it.
Van tried to play the game but could barely move his hands so Paul held Van’s hands and controlled them. They looked at each other but they just laughed. Then when Van gets a hang of the game, Paul let go of Van’s hand and watched him play. After Van played, Paul applauded for Van for trying hard to learn the game. Van blushed because it’s the first time he danced in public. Then they played together like a showdown. Van played with more effort than before because Paul made a deal with him that if he has the highest score than Paul, Paul will buy him a ticket for the movies or if not Van will buy the ticket. The game ended. Van won the game and Paul will now buy the ticket for the movies.
Paul: Wow you have beaten me.
Van: Just my luck. (Smiled)
Paul: Let’s go to the cinema and let’s buy those tickets.
Van: Ok… What are we going to watch?
Paul: Let’s see what are the movies available.
Van: I want horror films.
When Paul heard what Van said, he felt his knees froze and couldn’t move. Paul doesn’t watch to horror films because he’s afraid of the dark. Van asked Paul why he is not moving.
Van: Ano nangyari sayo? (What happened to you?)
Paul: Wala.(Nothing.)
Van noticed Paul looking pale.
Paul: What are you looking at?
Van: Why are you looking pale?
Paul: It’s nothing.
Van: Ok… let’s watch SAW III.
Paul gasped.
Paul: Ok, w-wait for me here I-I’ll buy the tickets.
Van: Sure.
As Paul walks to the ticket booth, his knees are shaking and he now looks very pale.
Paul: M-Miss can I have t-two t-tickets for S-Saw 3?
Van: Are you sure your ok?
Paul: Y-yup I’m o-okay…
Van: Are you sure?
Paul: Y-yes…
They went inside the movie house and looked for seats. They chose to sit at middle aisle in the luxury seats. Paul insisted that he will buy their snacks but the truth is he is afraid of the movie. After Paul bought popcorn and drinks, the lights went off because the show is about to start. Paul hurriedly walked to their seat and quickly sat beside Van.
Van: Wow that was fast?!
Paul: Not much.
Van: What did you buy?
Paul: Popcorns and softdrinks. Here is yours.
Van: Thanks.
Paul: It’s freezing here.
Van: Here wear this.
Paul: No I’m alright. You just wear it.
Van: I insist.
He took the jacket given by Van.
Van: Much better.
The movie started. Paul felt his heart is about to explode as son as the movie started. The movie is about a psycho puppet that poisons the mind of others with vengeance. It’s also about killing brutally with mechanical inventions of a “PUPPET”.
