*Clyde's POV*

It's already 8 in the evening, I finished packing my things and I'm good to go.

*knocks*

"Hijo, nakahanda na yung mesa. Pwede ka ng kumain" manang said.

I turned my gaze at her.

"Manang aalis po ako, sa daan na lang ako kakain" I said.

"Halos kakarating mo lang, aalis ka na naman? Aba'y di ba uso yung pahinga sayo?" She asked.

Napakamot na lang ako sa batok. I'm dead tired, swear. Pero etong weekend na lang kasi yung free eh, next week magiging busy na dahil sa prelims and other activities. This weekend is the perfect time to do our project.

"I'll be fine, manang" I said then I carried my backpack.

"Saan ba ang punta mo?" She asked habang pababa na kami ng staircase.

I sighed. Baka pagalitan ako ni manang but on the other side, sya na lang magsasabi kay dad na umalis ako.

"Sa Baguio po" I answered.

"Juskong mahabagin. Hindi ba pwedeng ipagpabukas yung byahe mo? Gabi na oh, magpahinga ka muna" nagaalalang tanong nya.

I shook my head to disagree.

"May kasama naman ako manang. We'll be fine" I assured her.

Napahawak na lang sya noo nya at lumapit sa isa sa mga katulong namin.

"Ipagbaon mo ng pagkain, si Sir Clyde" utos nya.

"Pang-dalawahan lang" pahabol ko.

Nilingon ako ni manang at tinaasan ng kilay.

"At sino naman yung kasama mo?" Tanong nya.

Napailing na lang ako habang natatawa sa kanya. Mas malala pa sya kay mom but it's ok, para na ring syang lola ko, since my grandparents on both sides has passed away.

"Si Dev—Si Mielle po" I answered.

Baka pagalitan pa ako lalo ni manang pag nalaman nyang tinatawag kong devil yung babaeng yun. Tsk!

Bigla naman syang napangisi sa akin.

"Sya na ba ang bago mong nobya?" tanong nya.

"Hindi po" I answered immediately.

Natawa naman sya tapos naupo sa may couch. She motioned me to sit beside her, so I did.

"Alam mo Hijo, madalas yung hinahanap mo nasa harapan mo lang" she said.

My forehead creased. Anong sinasabi ni manang?

Lumapit na sa amin yung isang katulong at inabot yung paper bag na puro pagkain.

"Masyadong madami manang" I said habang tinitignan ko yung laman.

May mga Tupperware na may lamang kanin at ulam, may biscuits at chips at may kasama pang inumin.

"Dalhin mo na yan, Hijo. Mahaba ang byahe nyo ng nobya mo" nakangising sabi nya.

"Hindi ko sya girlfriend manang" I said in a serious tone.

Yung devil na yun? Girlfriend ko? tsk! She's not my type, not even close.

"Sayang naman, bagay pa naman kayo" seryosong sabi ni manang habang tinapik yung balikat ko.

"Oh sya, umalis ka na baka hinihintay ka na ni Mielle" she said then tumayo na at hinatid ako palabas.

Inayos ko sa backseat yung pagkain pati na rin yung gamit ko then I quickly walk towards the driver's seat and then umalis na ako.

Ramdam na ramdam ko yung pagod ko dahil sa training kanina. Makakapag drive naman ako ng maayos eh, sana?

Nagpark ako sa harap ng bahay ni Drei, hindi muna ako lumabas dahil baka hindi pa tapos yung devil sa pagaayos ng gamit nya. Sinandal ko muna yung ulo ko sa manibela at pumikit. Naalala ko na naman yung performance kanina nung devil na yun. Ang galing nya talaga at talagang bumagay sa kanya yung black swan na role dahil pareho silang masama. Tsk!

"Oo pareho silang masama" I said to myself.

But the black swan isn't bad at all. Hindi rin naman talaga masama yung devil na yun. Lately she's being so nice to me. Kaninang umaga lang naisip pa nyang gisingin ako. tsk!

Biglang nagflash sa isip ko yung itsura nya kanina na parang may hinahanap sa audience, kaya ako napatayo nun dahil...

Ugh!

Damn it! Bakit ba ako tumayo nun?!

"At bakit naman nya ako hahanapin!?" tanong ko sa sarili ko.

Yeah. Kaya ako tumayo, hindi dahil para bigyan sya ng standing ovation. Tumayo ako dahil baka ako yung hinahanap nya. Nahampas ko yung manibela at lumabas na. I pressed the doorbell at pinagbuksan naman ako ni Drei ng gate, na mukhhang hindi nya ako ineexpect kaya gulat na gulat.

His reaction tells me that the devil didn't say anything about our project.

"Wait—aakyat ka ba ng ligaw?" He asked.

I glared at him.

"Hindi mo ba ako papapasukin?" I asked.

Natatawa syang tumabi at pinapasok nya ako.

"Bakit ka nandito?" he asked.

"Aalis kami nung devil" I answered him in a bored way.

Bigla syang napatigil sa paglakad at hinarap ako.

"'Aalis kami ng devil' did I heard it right?" he asked.

I nodded then dumaretso ako sa couch para maupo.

"Pupunta kaming Baguio" I said.

"Ano?!" gulat na tanong nya.

"Hindi nya sinabi sayo?" I asked.

Well, obviously dahil hindi nya alam, it means na hindi nga sinabi nung devil sa kanya.

"Mr. President"

Napatingin ako sa second floor.

"Stop calling me that, wala tayo sa school" inis na sabi ko.

She just rolled her eyes at me then pumasok ulit sya sa room nya. Akala ko tapos na sya, tsk! Ang bagal kumilos!

"You look awful" Drei said kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

Ako? awful?

"Gwapo" I corrected him.

Umiling lang sya. Mayamaya lang bumaba na yung devil. I'm still not used to see her wearing specs, though bagay naman sa kanya.

"Kailan mo balak magpaalam?" Drei asked in a serious tone.

"Ngayon" the devil answered plainly.

Nilingon ko yung devil.

"Bakit kasi ngayon ka lang magpapaalam?" inis na tanong ko.

She stared at me and it's getting awkward, dahil mukhang pinagaaralan nya yung mukha ko. Is there something wrong with my face?

"Kakauwi lang nyan galing sa date" She answered.

It felt like I've been stabbed in the chest after hearing those words from her. Alam naman nyang I still have this unrequited feeling towards Arielle, yet she spoke to me like I've already moved on. She doesn't know that hearing Arielle's name itself sends pain to me.

"Inggit ka lang" Drei said.

Napalingon ako sa kanya na para bang ako yung sinabihan nya.

"Why would I?" she asked.

"Wala ka kasing lovelife. You never had one" Drei answered.

Natahimik yung devil. Looks like Drei stepped on a land-mine after mentioning the word 'lovelife' to the devil.

"Is it required?" she asked.

Her tone of speaking is as cold as ice, kaya hindi nakasagot si Drei. Mukhang pinagiisipan pa nya yung isasagot sa pinsan nya.

"You know it too well, Alexandrei. If I want to have a boyfriend, I could easily have one. I could have that lovelife thing in just a snap of my fingers" She added.

Walang kumibo sa amin. Damn it! Time is running!

"Aalis na kami" I said.

"Anong gagawin nyo sa Baguio?" He asked.

"Project" I answered.

Natawa sya, in a sarcastic way.

"I don't know what's going on between the two of you. What I mean is, you don't have to lie to me, guys" he said.

Mukha bang magde-date lang kami ng devil sa Baguio? Is he actually thought that there's something between me and that devil? Hahaha kalokohan.

"It really is for our project. You can ask Ms. Chaves about that" sabat nung devil.

"Project making in Baguio? Anong klaseng project naman yan?" he asked.

"Kung gusto mo sumama ka sa amin" the devil said.

Tumayo na ako, nagulat ako nung binangga ako nung devil bago lumabas.

"You take care of her. First time nya lang pupunta sa Baguio kaya baka kung anong gawin nya dun" Drei said habang papalabas na kami.

"You want me to babysit her?" I asked.

Natawa lang sya.

"Just let her be" he answered.

Kunot noo akong lumingon sa kanya. What does he meant by that? Nakalabas na kami ng gate pero wala yung devil as well as my car.

"Where the hell is she?" I asked.

"Wala kang dalang sasakyan?" he asked.

"Meron" I answered.

Mayamaya lang nakita ko na yung sasakyan ko. Probably inikot lang nya, para hindi na kami mapalayo sa gate ng subdivision.

Lumapit ako sa driver's seat pero naka-lock yung pinto, binaba nya yung salamin.

"Hop in" she commanded.

Ha! Kung makapagutos sya akala mo sya yung may-ari ng sasakyan eh.

"Ako na magdadrive" I said.

Umiling sya.

"Isa" I said.

"That won't work on me" nakangising sabi nya.

Napalingon ako kay Drei na tumatawa lang sa likod ko.

"How did you get my keys?" I asked the devil.

"Secret" she answered.

"Bumaba ka na dyan" inis na sabi ko.

"Kung sumakay ka na baka kanina pa tayo nakaalis" she said.

"Hindi pa kayo nakakaalis nagaaway na kayo. Man, this will be a long weekend for the two of you. Just let her, Clyde. Sumunod ka na lang sa kanya" he said.

"Bakit ako susunod sa kanya?" I asked.

But then I found myself walking towards the passenger seat.

"Alis na kami, Alexandrei. Don't miss me that much" the devil said.

Natawa na lang si Drei.

"Nope, I won't. Enjoy your trip and Clyde? Bantayan mo sya ah" Drei said then I nodded.

Sinara na nung devil yung bintana then she started driving.

"You need to rest, that's why I took your keys para ako ang magdrive" she said.

Should I be thankful? Ang galing nya ah hindi ko napansing may kinuha na pala sya sa akin.

"I know you're tired but please wag mo muna akong tulugan" She said.

Nilingon ko sya.

"Why is that? You wanted me to rest right?" I asked.

She pointed ahead, then nakita kong sobrang traffic papuntang cubao.

"I hate being stuck in traffic. I need distractions para hindi ma-bored" she said.

Ang daming arte!

"So what do you want me to do?" I asked.

She glanced at me.

"Tell something about you" she said.

Ano 'to job interview? Why would I tell something about me? Bakit interesado sya bigla sa akin?

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not interested to you, I'm just bored" She said na para bang nabasa nya yung nasa isip ko.

Wow.

"Wala akong gana magkwento" I said.

"Kung ayaw mo magkwento about you, magkwento ka about something else" she said.

Napakademanding ng babaeng 'to. Ayokong magkwento bahala sya dyan.

She sighed.

"So sa sky mansion, ikaw lang ba ang nakatira dun?" she asked.

So she's starting a conversation with me, huh?

"No, I'm with manang, some maids, drivers and my dad but we rarely see each other since late na sya umuuwi then maaga naman akong pumapasok sa school" I answered.

Talagang gusto nya akong magkwento.

"It sucks right? And your mom?" she asked.

It sucks? Does she live in a mansion along with their maids back in the US? I don't think so. She looked normal to me. Given na yung mukhang galing sya sa mayamang pamilya but I don't think she's the kind of girl who lives in a mansion.

"Nasa bahay nya" I answered.

Naramdaman kong nilingon nya ako.

"Are they separated?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"They aren't together, though they're ok. My parents are not married" sagot ko.

Hindi na sya nagtanong ulit, probably because the topic is quite personal.

"I'm sorry but I don't understand" she said.

Nilingon ko sya, kahit tutok na tutok sya sa pagdadrive nakikita ko pa ring naguguluhan sya.

"There's a twisted story behind that" I answered. Naalala ko nung kinuwento ni dad yung past nila ni mom, akala ko sa palabas lang nangyayari yun but then, it happened to them.

"Now, I'm curious. Tell me everything from the start" she said.

"It's quite a long story" I said.

"Then make it short" she said.

Mukhang interesado talaga sya.

"Back when my dad was a first year high school student, he was very famous at school, may pagka-mayabang at bully pero matalino. Then she met this girl, a late enrollee, na walang ginawa kundi matulog sa klase at makipagtawanan sa mga kaibigan. Sabi nga ni dad, she's the typical Happy-go-lucky-girl" I said.

"Go on" she commanded.

I rolled my eyes at her.

"At first walang pakealam si dad sa kanya, but then the exam results came at nagulat sya dahil mas mataas pa yung grade ng babae kesa sa kanya. My dad was the top 1 in class, back then. Hindi nya matanggap na yung babaeng tulog ng tulog sa klase, nataasan pa sya. Then later that year, naging magkakumpitensya na sila, for dad lang, kasi wala namang pakealam yung babae sa kanya, tulog pa rin daw ng tulog" I said.

"Siguro matalino talaga yung babae" she said.

I nodded.

"Nainis na si dad sa kanya kaya kinonfront na yung babae, kumalat na rin kasi sa school na hindi na si dad yung top student. Pero yung babae tinawanan lang sya, tapos iniwan. So tinamaan yung ego ni dad. So sobrang inis nya dinamay na ni dad yun kapatid nung babae na first year student din. Binully ni dad" I said.

"That was so childish" she said.

"Oo nga" natatawang sagot ko.

"Then nakarating sa babae yung pambubully sa kapatid nya and nalaman nya si dad pala yung kasalanan nun, so nakatikim si dad ng blackeye galing sa babae" I said.

"Sinapak sya?" she asked.

"Nope, binato sya ng apple at tumama sa mata nya" I said.

Natahimik kami. That scene was quite familiar to me. The first time I met this devil, binato din nya ako ng apple sa mukha.

"Apple? Binato sa mata? Hmm familiar" she said.

I rolled my eyes at her.

"Nagalit yung babae kay dad, gumawa sila ng scene sa school. Dun lang nakita ni dad na sobrang galit yung babae dahil sa ginawa nya sa kapatid nito. Binantaan pa nga sya ng babae na kapag ginalaw pa ni dad yung kapatid nya hindi lang blackeye ang aabutin ni dad" natatawang sabi ko.

"Continue" she said.

"They became enemies. Dad hated her so much dahil hindi na sya naging top student, pinalitan na sya nung babae, unti unti ng bumagsak si dad. Then naging bully na lang sya. Kung sino sino binubully nya tapos naisip nyang i-bully yung babae" I said.

"Then what happened?" she asked.

"Nabully nga yung babae pero hindi din nagtagal because dad found himself falling for that girl. At first ayaw nyang aminin, pero nakaramdam sya ng selos nung makita nyang may kasamang lalaki yung girl. Hindi nya akalain na may magkakagusto sa babaeng yun. Uso kasi noon yung mga mahinhin na babae, Maria Clara yung datingan, that's my dad's type of girl, the complete opposite ng babaeng nagustuhan nya" I said.

"Well that's cliché. The more you hate, the more love daw" she said.

Nilingon ko sya then our eyes met.

"Hindi ako naniniwala dun" I said.

"Ok, continue" she said.

"Umamin si dad, hindi naman makapaniwala yung babae. Dad courted her, after 6 months sinagot din sya. Naging sikat silang dalawa sa school, bumalik si dad sa pagiging honor student with the help of her girlfriend. She was my dad's first girlfriend, he loved her so much. Nagawa ni dad yung mga bagay na hindi nya alam na kaya pala nyang gawin dahil sa babaeng yun. His high school life won't be the best without her, sabi ni dad. He was the happiest because of her. Then graduation came, Valedictorian yung babae at si dad yung salutatorian, sabay pa silang nagbigay ng speech. Sobrang saya ni dad nun, but then it didn't last long" I said.

"Why?" she asked.

Nakita kong napahigpit yung grip nya sa manibela. So she's into my parents' story, huh?

"Magaaral yung babae sa ibang bansa. Sabi ni dad ok lang sa kanya yung long distance relationship, pero ayaw pumayag nung babae. She wanted to break up with him, dahil ayaw nyang matali si dad sa kanya, gusto nyang ma-enjoy ni dad yung college life ng walang iniisip na girlfriend, gusto nyang may makilalang bagong kaibigan si dad, gusto nyang sumama sa mga galaan si dad na walang iniisip na baka may magseselos na girlfriend. Nagalit si dad, that's bullsht daw, ayaw nyang makipaghiwalay, but the girl insisted because she wanted him to be free. Doon naisip ni dad na sobrang mahal sya ng babae and he knows that when the girl decides it's already final and no one can do anything about it. Before they parted ways, sinabi nung babae na magkikita ulit sila and then they will continue their story" I said.

"I admire that girl, she's so brave to set your dad free and she trusted him way too much, na alam nyang may babalikan pa sya. I admire your mom" she said.

Natawa ako.

"She's not my mom" I said.

Nilingon nya ako, kitang kita ko yung gulat sa mga mata nya.

"I admire her too, kung hindi nya pinakawalan si dad hindi nya makikilala yung mom ko" I said.

"Continue" she said.

"First year College days ni dad, he was devastated, hindi nya makuhang maging masaya, hindi sya maka-move on dun sa ex nya. Nagbago sya, naging tahimik, suplado at naging distant sa mga tao. Mga Drei yung datingan before he met Arielle" I said.

Nilingon ako nung devil.

"Dad tried dating other girls pero nakikita nya lang yung ex nya sa mga yun, so he stopped and focused on studying instead, Engineering sya by the way. Everything changed when he met my mom. My mom was head over heels to my dad. Naging classmates sila sa isang subject, dun nagparamdam si mom na may gusto sya kay dad, through letters and drawings. At first dad ignored her, pero mapilit si mom so they started dating. Sabi pa ni dad na niligawan daw sya ni mom. Little by little nakikita ni dad na maraming similarities yung ex nya at si mom. Happy-go-lucky din, palangiti, palatawa. Then my dad started liking her, naging sila pero nagkaroon ng conflict dahil nalaman ni mom na kaya sila nagdate dahil she reminds him of his ex-girlfriend. Naghiwalay sila, then narealized ni dad na mahal na nya talaga si mom, hindi nya nakikita yung ex nya kay mom, mahal nya si mom dahil mahal nya talaga" I said.

Napatingin ako sa labas, traffic pa rin. Mukhang hindi nya napapansin dahil talagang nakikinig sya sa kwento ko.

"So dad did everything just to win my mom back, he courted her. Of course mom loves dad, hindi na nya pinatagal yung panliligaw ni dad at naging sila ulit. All throughout college days, naging masaya na si dad, he told me na mas naging masaya nung nakilala nya si mom. Pinagsabay nila yung pagaaral and relationship, si mom Architect yung kinuha nya. Both of them are busy but they always find ways to spend some time together. Then their 3rd anniversary came and both of them are graduating, something happened" I said.

"What happened?" she asked as she gave a glance on me.

How will I say this? Bahala na.

"Something happened between them" I said.

"What happened?" she asked impatiently. Hindi ba nya gets?!

"It's their anniversary and they so love each other so..." I said.

"So? Get straight to the point" she commanded.

"I happened" I said.

Naiinis nya akong nilingon.

"So you mean that they made love and you happened. Ganon ba kahirap sabihin yun?" bored na tanong nya.

It's kinda awkward.

"So yeah. Something happened between them and alam ni dad na possibleng may mabuo dun, so pinakilala na ni dad si mom sa grandparents ko—my dad's parents. Ayaw ng lolo ko kay mom because she's poor. Ulila na si mom, lumaki sa ampunan pero walang umampon sa kanya. Nakapagaral sya ng college dahil sa scholarship and sa tulong ng mga madre sa ampunan. Umabot ng 2 weeks na hindi nagkikita si mom and dad, then nagulat na lang sya ng mabalita na ikakasal na si dad sa iba, kasabay nun nakatanggap si mom ng malaking halaga ng pera and plane ticket papuntang America, galing yun sa lolo ko at gusto nyang mawala si mom sa buhay ni dad" I said.

"So what happened to your dad?" she asked.

"My mom took the ticket and left. Hindi na nakatanggi sa kasal si dad, hindi nya kayang sumuway sa utos ni lolo. Then the engagement party came, dun pa lang makikita ni dad yung bride nya and to his surprise it's his ex-girlfriend" I said.

"Really? Naka-arrange marriage sya sa ex nya?" she asked.

I nodded.

"I hate arrange marriages" she said as if naka-experience na sya ng ganon.

I ignore her remarks.

"Sabi ni dad, sobrang laki daw ng pinagbago nung ex nya. Naging elegante at mas gumanda, naging seryoso at walang kahit anong expression na makikita sa mukha. Parang ibang tao na daw yung kaharap ni dad pero nawala yun nung bigla syang niyakap ng ex nya, bumalik kay dad lahat ng alaala nya kasama yung babae, lalo na nung makita nya yung mga ngiti nito" I said.

"So what happened next?" she asked.

"Natuloy yung engagement party, nabalita sa lahat ang kasal nila. Dad doesn't want to be with his ex, he wants to be with my mom pero wala syang magawa, hanggang sa dumating na yung wedding day. Maraming dumalo—mga kilalang tao sa business world. Tulala lang si dad nun dahil hindi mawala sa isip nya si mom. Nasa may altar sya at nung pumasok na yung bride, si mom yung nakikita nyang naglalakad palapit sa kanya, pero nung malapit na, narealize nyang hindi si mom yun." I said.

"Weddings are supposed to be happy pero dahil sa arrange marriages, nasisira yun" she said.

"Then tinanong na nung pari kung sino ang tutol sa kasal, the bride spoke at sinabing tigilan na ang kalokohan. Everyone was shocked at nagbulungan na, si dad on the other side hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa ginawa nung bride nya. Kinuha nung bride yung mic at sinabi nyang hindi nya kayang makita yung lalakeng pinakamamahal nya na makasal sa babaeng hindi nya mahal. Gulat na gulat si dad nung bigla syang hilahin nung bride at tumakbo palabas ng simbahan. They stopped at the main door dahil nakapalibot na yung mga guards. All eyes on them, hinubad nung bride yung veil nya pati yung engagement ring at tinapon. Nagulat si dad dahil umiiyak yung bride habang nakangiti. Sinabi ng bride na alam nyang iba na ang mahal ni dad, sinabi din nya kung gaano nya kamahal si dad sa harap ng maraming tao at sa ikalawang pagkakataon handa ulit syang pakawalan si dad, this time is for good" I said.

"It must be hard for the bride" she said.

Nilingon ko sya, kahit nakaside view sya kitang kita ko sa mata nya yung lungkot.

"She loved my dad too much that she's willing to set him free and sacrifice her happiness for my dad's. Wala ng nagawa yung lolo ko dahil yung bride na yung nagdecide, she's powerful—her family was powerful that time. Inutusan ng bride na tumabi yung mga guard and they did. Pinaalis na nya si dad at sinabing hanapin daw si mom and for the last time they hugged each other and the bride whispered 'I will always love you'" I said.

"It's tragic, I can't help it but that damn story made me sad" inis na sabi nya.

"Hindi pa tapos" natatawang sabi ko.

"Go on, tapusin mo na" utos nya.

"Hinanap nga ni dad si mom pero hindi nya talaga makita. The bride left the country at nabalitaan na lang nyang nakasal na ito sa iba—arrange marriage dun sa lalakeng pinagselosan nya nung highschool sila. Hindi na nakapag asawa si dad at nagfocus na lang sa trabaho. My mom on the other side, focused on working as well, naging architect sya sa America" I said.

"The bride, she really is amazing. I'm sure nakasal sya for business purpose. I wonder if she ever became happy again knowing na nakasal sya sa hindi naman nya mahal" she said.

"Yeah, she sacrificed her happiness for my dad. But I think naging masaya naman sya. Sabi ni dad sumikat na yung bride at talagang naging kilala sa business world" I said.

Nilingon nya ako.

"May I know the name of the bride?" she asked.

"Bakit kilala mo?" I asked.

"I don't know that's why I'm asking you, somehow may alam naman ako sa business world" she said.

Inalala ko kung ano yung name nung Bride.

"I think its Mia—ah it's Myrrha. Yeah the name of the bride is Myrrhabelle" I said.

Natigilan sya. literally, she stopped driving.

"Why kila—"

*Beep! Beep!*

She shook her head and resume on driving. Tahimik lang kami, I don't know pero kita kong malalim ang iniisip nya. Does she know the bride?

"Kilala mo ba?" I asked.

"Hindi" mabilis na sagot nya.

Napatingin ako sa bintana, nasa expressway na pala kami. Damn that traffic! Napasandal na lang ako sa upuan ko habang inaadjust para makahiga ako.

"Ikaw naman ang magkwento" I said.

She glanced at me.

"Ayoko nga" she said.

"You're so unfair" I said.

"Matulog ka na lang, nasa expressway na tayo. Wala ng traffic dito" she said.

Umiling ako.

"Magkwento ka, about you or your parents' para quits tayo" I said.

She sighed.

"I'm not a talker, I'm more of a listener" she said.

"Ang KJ, short story lang eh!" reklamo ko.

She cleared he throat the she glanced at me. I mouthed 'Go on' pero inirapan lang ako.

"My mom and dad are bestfriends simula pa nung bata pa sila. Classmates sila nung highschool as well as college at naka-arrange marriage din sila" she said.

That's it?

"Ang galing mo magkwento" I said.

"Thanks" she said.

"Ituloy mo" I commanded.

She hissed at me.

"My dad loves my mom so much but my mom doesn't feel the same way, kaibigan lang ang tingin ng mom ko kay dad" she said.

Should I make her stop? Ayoko ng mga ganyang kwento eh.

"Kinasal silang dalawa knowing that they don't have the same feeling towards each other. My mom love someone else" she said.

Pinikit ko na lang yung mata ko, but I'm still listening though.

"If that bride in your story loves your dad that she's willing to set him free, my dad loves my mom that he's willing to feel the pain in consequence of being with her for the rest of his life" she said.

Napamulat naman ako. ramdam na ramdam ko ang lungkot sa boses nya, tsk! Dapat hindi ko na sya pinakwento eh!

Hindi ko tuloy alam kung paano ko sya patitigilin sa pagkwento!

"Kung paano ako nabuo? It's not out of love but because my grandparents wanted to have a grandchild, hindi pa nga nila ineexpect na babae ang magiging apo nila" she said.

Natahimik kami. Should I act like I'm already sleeping para matigil na sya?

"My dad's love for my mom is unmeasurable, undefined, unknown. Sya lang ang may kayang magmahal ng ganon, so don't be like my dad" she said.

Napalingon ako sa kanya.

"Instead be like that bride. If you keep holding onto something that pains you, your wounds won't be healed but if you let go of the pain, the wounds will heal though it will leave a scar to remind you how strong you are to be able to set something dear to you free" she said.

Pinapakwento ko sya tungkol sa parents nya, so paano ako nadamay dito?

"Don't mind the scars, may ointment naman mawawala din yan" she said.

Dead silence filled the corners of my car. Is that a joke?

"Don't you ever do that again" I said in a serious tone.

"Tsh! Yung joke ko pang intelligent lang that's why I understand kung hindi mo naintindihan" she said.

Ha! Talagang corny lang yung joke! Hindi nga malaman kung joke ba yun or what?

"What I'm saying is..." she said in a serious tone.

What?

"Don't mind the scars because I know someday, someone will come and will accept all of the scars that you've got from the endless war called love" she said.

Grabe! Wala akong masabi. Gusto kong matawa kaso baka ibangga nya yung sasakyan ko or baka masapak ako. Humarap na lang ako sa bintana at pumikit.

*Mielle's POV*

I'm so damn hungry! That's why I decide to stop at the gasoline station after hours of driving. Magpapagas na din ako.

I took my hoodie from the backseat and wore it before going out of the car. The beast is still sleeping like a baby. Inaantok na rin ako. I glanced at my phone, it's already 2:30 in the morning.

"Full tank" I said to the gasoline boy.

I scanned the area, may nakita akong pizza parlor katabi ng startbucks.

Hush now, my dear stomach you will now eat

*Gruu~Gruu~*

Hinawakan ko yung tyan ko, It felt like it spoke to me as it grumbles. Inabot ko na yung card ko sa gasoline boy, agad din naman nyang binalik kasama yung resibo.

Sumakay ulit ako sasakyan and parked near the pizzaparlor. I quickly ordered a box of pizza and a cup of coffee at starbucks, pagbalik ko sa sasakyan tulog pa rin yung beast. Mukhang walang balak gumising.

Sumakay na ako, hinayaan kong mangamoy yung pagkain sa loob ng sasakyan. As I took a bite on the pizza, I can't help but to remember the story of beasts' parents. That story. That bride.

I took a glance at the beast beside me.

"Myrrhabelle" I whispered.

Is it fate or just a mere coincidence? Does history really repeats itself?

"Hmmm"

"Wake up, sleepyhead" I said.

Umayos sya ng upo at binaba yung bintana. Nakigaya na rin ako, I turned the aircon off, malamig naman.

"Where are we?" he asked.

"I don't know" I said.

Napalingon sya sa akin, shocked was written all over his face.

"Naliligaw tayo?" he asked.

I shook my head as I point on the buses beside us.

"Those buses are heading to Baguio, I'm sure tama yung dinaanan natin" I said.

He sighed tapos kinuha yung coffee at ininom. Hinampas ko sya sa braso, ininuman ko na yun eh!

"If you want one, bumili ka! Akin yan eh" I said.

He glared at me.

"Madami naman 'to eh hati na lang tayo" he said bago bumaba.

Pumunta sya sa side ko at binuksan yung pinto.

"Ako naman magdadrive, matulog ka na" he said.

Bumaba na ako, napapagod na rin akong magdrive. Lumipat ako sa passenger's seat at humiga.

"May pizza dyan" I said.

"May baon akong dala" he said.

Nagbaon sya? prepared huh? Sana hindi na lang ako bumili.

He started driving, hindi na nya sinara yung bintana dahil fresh naman yung hangin. I took my shades at sinuot yun then nilagay ko yung specs ko sa bulsa ng hoodie ko.

"That's new, shades in the middle of the night" he said as he glanced at me.

"Kung gusto mo gumaya ka" I said.

Tsh! Ang hilig mangialam eh.

"Edi nabunggo tayo" he said.

"Shhh" I said then I closed my eyes.

Hours later~~

"Hey"

*pokes...pokes*

"Hey"

*pokes...pokes*

"Hey"

Before he could poke me again, nahuli ko na yung kamay nya.

"I'm awake" I said.

Naramdaman kong bumaba na sya, umayos ako ng upo. Damn it! Ang sakit ng likod ko!

He opened the door for me.

"Bumaba ka na dyan para makapag check in na tayo" he said.

"Should I bring my things?" I asked while my eyes are still closed.

"Babalikan ko na lang mamaya" he said.

Bumaba na ako, inaantok pa ako. I felt the hands of the beast on the sleeves of my hoodie, hinihila nya ako.

"Tanggalin mo na yung shades mo, mukha kang timang" he said.

I did what he said then kinuha ko yung specs ko.

"Let go" I said.

Binitawan nga nya ako then I started cleaning my specs. We enter the hotel, nakayuko pa rin ako, I need to remove the stars on my eyes, its so unladylike.

*bogsh!*

"Aray!" I said.

The beast hissed at me, nabungo ko yung likod nya.

"Welcome to Empire Hotel"

What?!

Dali-dali kong sinuot yung specs ko, what the hell are we doing here?! I scanned the whole area, the place is nice but I don't like it here!

"I'm Clyde Alonzo, nagpareserve ako ng dalawang rooms" the beast said.

Hinila ko yung shirt nya.

"Ayoko dito" I said.

"What?" he asked.

"Sir, is it owkay kung magkalayong rooms?" the recepcionist asked.

"Gusto ko sana yung magkatabi na lang na rooms" the beast said.

"Mahal dito" I said through gritted teeth

This is a five star hotel! For sure mahal ang overnight stay dito.

"Ako naman ang magbabayad eh" he said.

Damn it kaya kong magbayad! Kahit hindi pa tayo magbayad we can stay here pero ayoko! May lumapit na isa pang receptionist dun sa babaeng kausap ni beast.

"Nandito daw yung vice president" she said.

After hearing those words it felt like my heart sunk into my stomach. Yumuko na lang ako baka mamaya may makakilala sa akin dito. Fck!

"Sir may magchecheck out po mamayang 8 katabi po yun ng isang room na nireserve ko para sa inyo. Is it ok for you to wait?" she asked.

"No prob—"

"No thanks, I don't like waiting" I said.

Nilingon ako nung beast.

"Sa iba na lang tayo" I said.

"Maganda yung accomodations dito, hindi kita pagbabayarin, anong problema mo?" he asked.

I need to think of an excuse. Damn it!

"maganda yung vice president parang hindi tumatanda"

"napaka elegante ng dating"

"nakakatakot"

"Look, Clyde its not worth it. Maghapon tayong nasa labas kaya hindi rin natin magagamit yung kung anong accommodation nila dito. Masyadong mahal dito, kung sa ibang hotel na lang, magagamit pa natin yung pera pambili ng pagkain or what" I said.

Natulala sya sa akin.

Napalingon ako sa main entrance ng hotel, sunod sunod na pumasok yung mga guards—imperial guards kung tawagin ng witch.

"Kung gusto mo dito ka na lang, maghahanap ako ng ibang hotel" I said.

Dadaan sana ako sa gilid pero nakaharang na yung mga imperial guards mula main entrance hanggang sa reception na kinatatayuan namin. Damn it! Now what?!

"Andyan na sya" sabi nung receptionist

"super yaman talaga nila, pwede kaya akong magpa-ampon?" the other one asked.

I mentally rolled my eyes. Sarili nga nilang anak hindi nila maalagaan tapos magaampon pa? ha!

Inayos ko yung buhok ko then sinuot yung shades, I need to act normal lalo na't malaki yung chance na makakasalubong ko yung witch. What is she doing here anyway?

I walk with my head down, nakatingin lang ako sa red carpet na nilalakaran ko, great I remember that the witch can't walk without a red carpet. Tsh!

*click...click...click*

Even the sound of her heels clacking on the marbled floor sent chills down to my spine. The familiar smell of her favorite perfume lingers as she passed down the hall.

I took a glance at her. Wearing no expression on her face and walking with her head held high, still the same witch as before. I continued walking until I passed her, but then I froze as her voice echoed along the walls of the lobby and as well as in my ears.

"Excuse me, you look familiar"

*End of Chapter*

An*

Thinking about writing a prequel or nah? :)