Augustine’s Point of View

“August slipped away into a moment of time, ’cause it was never mine.”

Disclaimer:

This story is based on the Famous Taylor Swift Folklore Trilogy, these three stories will have a Filipino/ Dawnvellichor version. Some of these scenes will be based from Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. fiction names, characters, businesses, events, places, and incidents produced by the author’s imagination and own interpretation on the Folklore Theory, any resemblance to the actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

This story might contain mature scenes and strong language unsuitable for young readers, please read this at your own risk.

This story is purely

unedited

and has lots of errors please if you have encountered a typo’s language error please bear with me, I will try my best to fix it at any moment.

09-23-2023

AUGUSTINE : I (WARMTH OF SUMMER)

Salt air, seaside formosity, a never ending admiration flush in my chest. A beaming lip never left my face. I watch the kids sprinting to the sea, flung off their shoes and socks to the sand.

Starts embracing my arms, as the cold breeze of air touches my skin. I stop at the entrance of the beach, remove my slippers. Bear feet on the sandy ground, ikipinkit ko ang aking mga mata, sinimulang damahin ang mainit na pakiramdam na hatid ng buhangin. That warm feeling, still hasn’t changed, my most pound connection with summer, the feeling of it’s warm.

The warm feeling that once became the center of my world. “Excuse me po,” I open my eyes and move to the side of the way, holding my slippers at my side and the yellow shawl around my arms. “Thank you po.” sambit ng isang binatilyo at dalaga na nais dumaan papunta sa dagat. They were around the age of sixteen to seventeen I guess, holding hands as they smiled and ran towards the seashore.

I smile, and slowly take my steps closer to the beach, to the ocean, the imagined heaving waves that have always been my home. The undeniable beauty of soleil, the sunset is the best part of summer.

Umabot ako sa gilid ng dagat, at gaya ng nakagawian, I walk beside the ocean, letting it touch my feet for a few seconds again and again. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit paulit-ulit akong bumabalik dito, it’s always been the safe place of mine, the feelings always haunts me. I always end up finding myself seeking that feeling every day.

It left a huge scar in my heart, a beautiful summer scar.

When I reach the spot, I stop and sit on the sand, embracing both of my knees and covering it with my showl. Pinanood kong haplosin ng alon ng dagat ang aking mga paa. Napakaganda nitong pagmasdan. Hinawi ko ang aking buhok na bahagyang nagulo dahil sa malakas na simoy ng hangin. Hinawi at itinabi ko ito sa likod ang aking tenga, bago nakangiting pinagmasdan ang palubog na araw.

Sobrang ganda mo, you ’re so beautiful to that point that you’re so painful to watch. Painful of seeing you set everytime the moon arrives. You ’re like a love that was never meant to collide. Beautiful but it can’t be, never will be.

“Sandali hahaha.” napalingon ako sa aking likuran ng marinig ko ang masayang tawanan ng isang binata at dalaga sa dagat, nagtatampisaw na tila ba silang dalawa lamang ang nasa mundo ng isa’t-isa.

Napakasaya nitong panoorin, hindi mapagkakaila ang bumubugso nitong damdamanin para sa isa’t-isa. Watching them felt like seeing myself years back then. I would spend all of my money just to feel that freedom and that summer affair once again.

That beautiful, painful summer. My summer.

---

(10 years ago)

“Happy birthday, Our Sweet darling Augustine! You’re seventeen!” masiglang pagbati ng aking nanay habang hawak ang kulay dilaw na cake sa harapan ko. She was always this cheerful when it comes to my birthday, never missing a chance to buy me my yellow sunflower cake.

“Thank you, mom,” I said and blew the candle. “What? Did you just blow it without wishing?!” hindi makapaniwala nitong sambit at dahan-dahan binaba ang cake sa table. “My wish has already happened, mom. I wish for summer to come faster than before and it does. Now it’s my favorite season, summer.” She smiles and caresses my cheeks.

“What did I do to deserve a wonderful daughter like you? You’re my favorite daughter.” nakangiti nitong sambit. “Mom, ako lang naman ang anak mo eh.” I teasingly roll my eyes on her. “Aba, iniirapan mo na ako ngayon ah.” she said and in a glimpse of an eye. She wiped a yellow icing on my face.

“Mom!” I shouted, but she just laughed and carried the whole cake and pushed it to my face. “Oh my gosh! You’re gonna pay for this!” sigaw ko, agad nitong binitawan ang cake pabalik sa lamesa at tumakbo papalayo sa akin. “Mommy!” sambit ko at mabilis itong hinabol.

We chase each other around our simple bungalow house, “Ahh,” tumili ito sa kakatawa dahil nadulas kaming dalawa sa harap ng main door kakahabulan at kinuha ko ang chance na iyon para ipunas lahat ng icing sa kamay ko sa mukha ni mom.

“Hey, enough na!” she said while laughing, but I kept on going.

“Ayaw mong tumigil ah!” Sambit ni mommy, pero the situation changes, my mom knows my weakness, she starts tickling my waist. “Mom, no! Hahaha!” panay tawanan ang ginagawa namin ni Mommy ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng bahay.

We stopped and my eyes widened when my dad arrived. “Honey,” bati ni Mommy sa kanya, dahan-dahan kaming tumayo sa harapan nito. Dad was serious as he stared at us, we looked so messy.

“Am I late?” he asked. “You we’re never too late honey,” ani ni Mommy, nagkatinginan kami and we knew what’s on each other’s mind. “Never too late for an icing party!” I shouted and jumped into my dad, with my mom and we wiped icing on him.

Nagtawanan kaming tatlo at the house was filled with genuine family happiness. Dad was not always home but he made it to my birthday.

After the playing with icing, we sat on the dining table, at kinain namin ang simpleng handa na niluto ni Mommy. Sanay kami na kami lang ang nagcecelebrate tuwing birthday nang isa sa amin. Kontento na kaming tatlo lang, we were never used to grand celebration.

This simple birthday dinner completes our souls, “I remember you got our student drivers license last week for your stutter, right?” tanong ni daddy habang kumakain ako ng pasta.

I nodded with my mouth filled with pasta. “Well then, this is our gift for you.” he said and put the car keys on the table. Halos mabulunan dahil sa gulat. “Oh my gosh! Daddy!” sigaw ko at nagtatalon sa tuwa. “This is mine!”

“Yes, that’s yours.” Mommy said.

“Yehey, thank you mom and dad, you’re the best!” My heart is so happy right now.

“But one condition, you’re not allowed to drive at night.” natigilan ako sa sinabi ni Dad. What? Why!?

“Night driving is dangerous, prone to many accidents and tonight I know you’re planning to attend the beach party, not gonna happen young lady, we know what beach party is all about. And the last time you go there you end up going home almost dying because you drink so much alcohol.” Mom said. No way, I dreamt of a faster summer for the beach party.

“But—”

“No, buts.” Mom and Dad finish eating and start cleaning the dishes. I grab the keys and kiss both of them a big thank you before going upstairs.

As soon as I closed the door of my room, I shouted. “Goodnight mom and dad!” run to my bed and position my hotdog pillow in the center, cover it with a comforter. I slowly open the window of my room and jump out of it.

Nakayuko akong umikot papunta sa harapan ng bahay at pinaandar ang aking sasakyan.

No one’s gonna stop me from going to the beach party. Beach parties are my life. “Woahh!!” I open the window of my car and raise my arms outside. This will be my best summer ever. I promise!

I arrived at the party and met my friends, “Here a vodka!” Of course alcohol is waiting for me. I dance and live the life of summer.

I kept dancing and drinking until I bumped into someone. “Opss, my bad.” I said.

“Sorry,” he said. He’s charming, that dimple is so captivating. My heart just skipped a beat.

“I’m James and you are?” he said, staring straight to my eyes.

James, what is your role in my summer James why is my heart feels uneasy for you?

---

09-23-2024

DAWNVELLICHOR

AUGUSTINE : II (NEW GUY)

“Ok young lady, you have a lot of explaining to do.” Seryosong sambit ni dad, I sat on the sofa near the door as soon as we entered the house, my cheeks were burning, I felt a little dizzy because of the vodka that I took a sip on.

“Do I really have to explain it dad? You know I live for that beach party, I was meant to be there for the rest of my life.” Bakas sa mukha nito ang pananakit ng ulo dahil sa sagot ko, It took him a couple of seconds before he gather himself and speak.

“Everybody has a free pass from trouble, just once in their life, right now, I’m giving you that freepass only because it’s still your birthday, but tomorrow you’re grounded, no cars, stay in the house.”

“What but it’s summer!” Pangangatwiran ko. I look at my mom and show off the saddest expression that I could give and act as if I’m about to cry. Mom, with her crossed arms on her chest, she grimace, glanced at my dad. “Can we just let her enjoy her summer? Yeah, she did something wrong tonight, that made us all worried but at least she’s safe and she will never do it again, right?” she looked at me, I instantly nodded and both palms together in front of my dad.

“I will never go out at night using the car, I will let mommy and dad drive for me. Please daddy, forgive me. It won’t happen again, I promise, cross my heart, hope summer won’t come.” Sambit ko and flash those bright smiles.

I knew dad won’t handle this one, he sighs before raising up the white flag expression. “Promise.” He said. “I!” Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kanilang dalawa, I hugged them really tight. “Promise!”

“I love you so much guys, I’m so lucky you’re my parents, mwuah, mwuah, mwuah,” pinaulanan ko silang dalawa ng maraming matatamis na halik.

---

The next morning comes as fast as I would like it to, I cheerfully grab my summer bag and put my summer hot on, glance at the mirror, and sway my yellow floral dress before stepping out of my room.

“Mommy, I’ll be on the beach! See you later!” I yelled as I ran towards the garage. “Ok, be careful ok, and don’t go too far from the shore!” Heard her yell back. “Yup, love you!” I said and enter my car, hinagis ko ang aking bag sa passenger seat and started the engine. Dad already left at dawn for work, but I know he made sure my tires are ok.

I drove my way back to the beach and met my friend Selena at the parking lot, wearing a peach sundress with her shades on. “Hello lovely,” I greeted her. I stepped out of my car and reached for my bag before making sure my car was locked, walked towards her and gave her a kiss on the cheeks. She did the same thing, “Hello summer,” she said with a smile. “Last night was epic, buti hindi ka grounded ngayon?” sambit nito habang naglalakad kami papasok sa entrance ng beach.

“I almost got grounded but thanks to the person who invented the quote of freepass, hindi natuloy ang parusa ko, it would be the end of my summer if that happen. I could die.” Tumawa kaming dalawa dahil sa sinabi ko.

“Hi August.” May isang teen instructor ng surfing school ang bumati sa akin nang dumaan kami sa booth nila. “Hi.” bati ko pabalik at nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakas, he smile and wink at me. Yeah, he’s good looking and has a great figure but— “Not my type, hulaan ko that’s what’s inside your mind, alam ko ang mga tipo mo eh, sayang naman ang gwapo pa naman ni Nate.” Selena said, “Edi sayo na lang kasi.” Pang-aasar ko.

“Kung ako lang talaga ang tipo, why not,, hmf!” Inirapan niya ako. Tumawa na lang ako at nang marating namin ang tabing dagat, tumigil muna kami saglit upang maghanap ng pwepwestuhan. A spot near the ocean but enough not to get things wet by the waves. Naglatag kami ng yellow na sapin at umupo dito.

“Mas maraming tao ngayon kesa nung nakaraang taon,” Pagpuna ni Selena, tumango ako bilang pagsangayon sa sinabi niya. The beach was crowded and that’s the way I like it. I smile, close my eyes and embrace the sun shines into my skin. I love summer.

“What’s up, what’s up, ladies!!!” Iminulat ko ang aking mga mata ng marinig ang boses ni Justin. Kasama nito sila Hailey, Gigi, Kendell and Kylie, wearing their summer swimwear. “You guys are late!” Sambit ko.

“Opss, sorry we stop by the store and grab some…” tumigil saglit si Gigi, may kinuha sa buhat na bag ni Justine at may inilabas ng mga beers.“Beers!”

“What!! You’re the best!” Selena said, and they start putting the beers inside the cooler they bring and start playing frisbee. Hindi muna ako sumali at mas pinili kong mag take ng nap under the sun. I wanna embrace the heat of summer.

“Would you look at that hottie over there?” Ani ni Kendell, nakuha nito ang atensyon ko, I open my eyes and look at her, watching her slightly lowering her shades to check on someone. Mula sa pagkakahiga, dumapa ako upang tingnan ang tinutukoy nito.

My lips parted when I recognized the person she was repairing hottie. It was James.

From last night at the party, James. I suddenly sat properly and watched him walk carrying a big chunk of wood that he collected from the shore. He’s all sweaty but still so amusingly handsome.

“I see he got your interest, type mo noh.” Selena said as she sat beside me from playing frisbee and drinking beer.

“He was the guy from last night.” Sambit ko.

I didn’t have the chance to talk to him after knowing his name because dad calls and arrives three minutes after, and I was busted. Nakaramdam ako ngayon ng disappointment thinking that we could have had a longer conversation last night. His presence makes me shy, I don’t know why.

“Bakit hindi mo lapitan?” tanong muli ni Selena. She handed me a can of beer and I took a sip on it. “I don’t know what to say,” ani ko.

“Sobrang daming lalaking nagkakagusto sayo, lahat naman sila nakakausap mo ng maayos, bakit tumutupi ka kay Mr. Summer night?” Pang-aasar nitong sambit. Hindi ko alam kinakabahan ako sa ideya na lapitan at kausapin siya.

“Pag-iisipan ko.” sambit ko at tinulak siya pabalik kila Justin. “Fine, I’ll give you the whole day to think!” She teases and leaves, I continue watching him work at the wood shop near the beach. I could watch him from afar the whole day.

Our town is so small, halos kilala ko na lahat ng tao at mga binata sa lugar na ito. But James surely caught my attention. There’s something in him that made me feel uneasy and nervous that not any guys in this town made me feel.

I want to get to know him, I want to be close to him. His eyes, face, features, I admire it. I admire it like how I admire summer.

The day ended as fast as it could get, now, I’m just walking wobbly with Selena back to my car. This is bad, I promise not to go home late and drunk. How will I drive home? Dad will kill me.

No more free pass, goodbye summer. “Be careful haha,” Sambit ko nang muntikan kaming matumba ni Selena sa parking. “Wahahaha, that was close hahaha.” She kept laughing.

“Where’s my key?” tanong ko sa kanya. “There!” she said and pointed at the sky. Gizz, my head is spinning. “I can’t find my ke—oh there he is, ops!” nabitawan at nahulog ito sa sahig.

I can’t get it because of Selena, we’ll both fall if I bend over to get it. “Somebody help us.” I utter.

Somebody really shows up and gets the key for us, I raise my head and look at this angel sent from abo—. I suddenly felt sober when our eyes met.

“Here.” It’s him. It’s James.

The new guy. James. 

---

03-23-2025 

D A W N V E L L I C H O R