Chapter19

If I'm going to summarize my stay in the Corprew's, I felt like I was a third-party. All through day and night, kasama namin si Amauree. Wala namang masama ro'n. She's pretty and nice pero nababahala lang ako kasi parang wala lang kay Cashel 'yong halikan nila no'ng isang gabi. Hindi rin niya sinabi sa akin iyon. I saw it in my own eyes, I guess, he still has his feelings for her.

At wala akong magagawa ro'n.

If his mind only set to kiss me in front of the public's eyes and kiss someone behind my back, that's totally fine for me. May kaunting saksak lang sa puso. Hindi ako super hurt, mild pain lang. I knew this would happen before I accepted his proposal.

Ganito rin naman ang buhay sa showbiz sa Pinas. Kapag maganda ang takbo ng career with an on-screen partner, that should stay as long as people love to see it. But behind all those things, of course, may mga private stuff din kaming pinagkakaabalahan and this is one of them.

Hindi ko na naman sinabi kay Cashel ang nakita ko. Kailangan siya ang magsabi no'n sa akin o magmumukha akong atrimidida. Hindi dapat ako nangingialam sa gusto niyang gawin. We're just friends.

What I actually noticed, Cashel has been more close to Amauree since we got here. The only thing I know was they were childhood friends, got together when they were in high school, almost got married. I guess that's enough to stop thinking about our possibilities when I'm also after the benefits of what we are right now.

Kung mag-gagamitan lang din naman pala kami, susulitin ko na.

Someone already caught my eye other than him and he's gorgeous.

I've been furiously checking Chevy's Instagram profile at alam kong napapansin iyon ni Cashel. I'm just not saying anything to him dahil baka kung anong isipin niya. I'm not sure kung bakit hindi niya kilala when I mentioned him when they were following each other.

Just that when I knew that's Chevy might be a model too. He's posting professional photoshoots, as well. Most of his posts are sponsored, too. Just like what Cashel does, aside from modelling, hindi na niya kailangan pa ng raket o kung ano man. He's already winning a lot of money and attention on his profile. He has roughly four million followers and his posts mostly estimated from five hundred thousand to a million. I mean, how could he be ever famous with that?

I'm also reaching half a million followers and it's crazy how fast it changes my whole life. I maybe owe it to Cashel but works are on me now. And talking to Chevy isn't cheating, right? Even though he has a strong accent, he's sweet and I'm still living those words he left for me.

Chevy's a cutie—and a hunk. I can't wait to see him again.

"So, Cosette?" napalingon ako sa tumawag ng pangalan ko. It's Amauree. "What about you? What do you think about it?"

Napakunot-noo naman ako sa tanong niya. Buong pagtataka ang bumalot sa mukha ko.

"Ah, what is it?" I asked.

Cashel laughed. "Look who's not here with us. So, absent-mindedly, Cosette? What are you doing on your phone?"

"Yeah, take a bite of those macaroons I made," Amauree said, opening the box of macaroons she bought for us.

I took a piece of pink macaroon from the box and had a quick bite para makita nilang kinakain ko talaga. Hindi ko talaga alam kung bakit isinama pa nila akong dalawa kung maghaharutan lang din pala sila sa harapan ko.

Hello, Cashel? You're supposed to be flirting with me instead of kissing her. But who am I to go against their friendship. Teka, friendship nga ba?  Isang malaking joke. Though joke din naman ang meron kami ni Cashel, does he really likes to play this card? Weirdo.

"This is tasty, so good," komento ko saka humagikgik si Amauree and that means she likes my response.

"But what can you say about me moving to Paris?" Amauree raised her question. Sandali akong natangahan sa tanong niya kaya agad ko ring pinick up ang sarili ko para sagutin ang tanong niya. 

Namilog ang bibig ko at kinain ko ng buo ang macaroon. I let my answer be mumbled, "I'm not really sure about that. But you're working here, right? So how will be able to do that while you're there? You're the Manager of the Corprew Wine Brand, right?"

"Yes," she pointed it out quickly. "I do find that it'll be more accessible for me to work the brand if I'm in Paris. Well, I've talked about it to his father and he's also thinking about it too. It looks like it won't affect the business since I'm just going to have my office in Paris from the usual routine I do here."

Kibit balikat na lamang ang sagot ko sa kanya.

"Cosette's speechless," ngisi pa ni Cashel and he's been like this towards me simula no'ng makarating kami sa bahay nila. I feel like I shouldn't be here at all. "But I do really thinks that it is a good opportunity. Might take it as an expansion of the wine business, right?"

"I agree with that," Amauree bobs her head. "Though it will take some time surely, if it's going to work out, then I'll be in Paris soon!"

"And you'll be more updated what's happening in the city of love," tawa pa ni Cashel sabay kurot sa braso ni Amauree. Mas gusto ko pang kasamma si Adie ngayon kaysa sa kanilang dalawa. I really felt left out. Third-wheel na third-wheel ang ganap ko.

"I'm just going to take a walk," I excused and stood from the picnic mat laying on the ground.

Hindi nila ako pinigilan. I only took my phone with me and then walked a few steps away from then. Habang papalayo ako ng papalayo sa kanila, mas nakakahinga ako ng maluwag. We're on the far end of their wine field at sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon ay parang laruan lamang sa laki ang bahay nila. 

Everything seems nice. Hindi gaanong malakas ang ihip ng hangin and it's not that bad to breathe in and out when there are greens all around me. Ipinikit ko ang mata ko at dinama ko lang ang hangin kasabay ng malalalim kong paghinga. Kahit na naririnig ko ang tawanan nina Cashel at Amauree hindi kalayuan, I still chose to mind my own business.

Binuksan ko ang camera ng phone at nag-post sa aking story. I have shown how beautiful the wine field and I know everyone will appreciate it. Makalipas lang din ilang segundo, maraming reactions and DMs ang pumasok sa akin. Hindi ko naman kilala iyong mga nag-me-message but I tend to leave some heart reactions to their messages, heart emoticons, or simply thank you's. i guess those are enough to show how grateful I am right now.

Ang natatanging pumupukaw lang ng atensyon ko ay kapag nagme-message si Chevy sa akin. Ewan ko pero  feeling ko ang close-close na namin sa isa't isa. We're just talking, sending cute photos and all. He's a funny guy at malakas din ang pakiramdam ko na bet niya ako. Ako pa bang hihindi kung siya naman ang nakaabang na sasalo sa akin matapos akong ipagpalit ni Cashel kay Amauree?

How would Cashel react kaya kapag nagkataon? Siguro, hindi naman big deal sa kanya. I know Chevy won't publicly send out our conversation. Well, I trust him on that kaya malakas ang panalangin kong isa siyang mabuting tao. He knows Cashel and they're doing the same thing. I'm almost doing the same thing as them—except sa pagiging model, but I guess that'll rule out kapag bumalik na kami ng Paris bukas.

After my class, didiretsyo kami ni Cashel sa photoshoot para maging cover page ng magazine ni Trudy. Sa history ng career ko, ngayon lang mangyayari 'to. Lahat naman ng nagaganap sa buhay ko ngayon, hindi naman sa bago pero hindi ko inaasahan.

And maybe it is really a good thing na hindi ko tuluyang binitawan ang acting career ko. Look how it brought me to fame.

Chevy Fitzgerald: That's gorgeous, Cosy. But I prefer to watch you rather than those things. You're much more than a view, do you know that?

Cosette Calafiore: Not sure what you're talking about but thanks! And hey, we'll be heading back to Paris tonight!

Chevy Fitzgerald: C'est cool! So can we see each other tonight? 

Cosette Calafiore: I'm not sure if we can and tomorrow I have a photoshoot so we have to postpone it again. What do you think so?

Chevy Fitzgerald: That's fine, I also have a photoshoot tomorrow. Maybe next time. Are you free this week so maybe we can check our calenders and choose a perfect date for both of us?

Cosette Calafiore: I'll let you know about that. But I guess, for you, I will find the time! You're like my knight in shining armor so I owe you big time.

Chevy Fitzgerald: I appreciate it, Cosy. So, what's going on with that? Are you still going to put some charges to that paparazzi?

Cosette Calafiore: For sure. His pictures and videos have been leaked online and it's already evidence of actual harassment he did to me. he will be charged for it. Cashel already talked to someone and then we'll go there. He said there'll be a lot of work to do but that's the thing he can only do for now.

Chevy Fitzgerald: And good thing I was there. ;)

Cosette Calafiore: Yes, merci beaucoup!

Mayamaya lang ay hindi napansing nakatayo na sa tabi ko si Cashel. I startled when he cleared his throat by announcing his presence. Bigla ko rin namang na-exit ang app at binalik iyon sa bulsa ko. Nilingon ko si Cashel. I plastered a smile on my face kahit na kinabahan ako sa biglang pagsulpot niya sa tabi ko.

"Are you talking to Victor?" he asked, pocketing his hands.

Agad naman akong tumango sa kanya. "Yes, sinabi ko lang na uuwi na tayo ngayon and he can't wait to see me again."

"Sure..." he slowly nodded his head. "But why are you smiling like you're in love? You're only supposed to be in love with me, Cosette. Gugulpihin ko 'yan."

I laughed at his remark. "Ikaw gugulpihin ko kapag sinaktan mo si Victor. He is precious so don't ever lay a hand on him. At saka, why does it only have to be you? Pagmamay-ari mo na ba ako? We're only doing this for a show, Cash. Stop daydreaming. If lying is our best suit for success, then flaunt it, right?"

"Yeah, right," ngisi pa nito. "Anyway, we need to go back to chateau now, Amauree's already packing up the set-up."

Tinanaw ko naman si Amauree at isa-isa na niyang nililigpit ang mga kagamitan doon. Binalik ko ang tingin ko kay Cashel. At sa tuwing titingnan ko siya, parang wala lang... kaibigan na lang talaga ang tingin ko sa kanya. Ibang tao na ang nagpapangiti sa ako ngayon. And I think that's fine.

"Sure... let's help her before the dark crawl us up," I said at sabay kaming tumungo pabalik kay Amauree at tinulungan siyang mag-ayos.

Ako naman ang nagrolyo ng picnic mat habang inaayos nila ang mga pagkain na ilagay sa loob ng basket.

"Hey, Cosette," tawag pa ni Amauree sa akin. Nilingon ko siya. "There are still two boxes left of macaroons. Do you want to take them back home?"

Agad naman akong tumayo. "Sure, I think I'll also share that to Victor—my first friend here in Paris."

"Oh, that's nice, I'm sure you'll like it the way you do," she said.

"Hehe," I winced and nodded awkwardly.

When we finally finished packing and cleaning the set-up ay bumalik na kami sa sasakyan ni Cashel. Ako ang umupo sa likuran ng sasakyan and then Amauaree seats in the front. Hindi naman ako umangal at hinayaan ko na lang. Nang umandar ang sasakyan ay inabala ko na lamang ang sarili ko sa pagsagot sa mga emails o kaya naman messages sa akin.

They are everywhere, lahat ng social media ko ay tina-tag ako. Probably my colleagues sa Pinas ay nagtataka na kung paano biglang nag-bloom ang pangalan ko. They must be jealous of me right now. Kung hindi ba naman kasi nila ako ini-snob, siguro ay namamayagpag na ako sa isang box office movie but they chose to ignore me and that's fine.

At gaya nga sabi ng iba, kapag hindi pa itong ang tamang panahon, it will be and it will be more than that at hindi nga sila nagkakamali. I've got more than just a fame.

Hindi rin nagtagal ay huminto sa pagmamaneho si Cashel. Nang iniangat ko ang ulo ko ay bababa na pala si Amauree at naabutan ko pang hinalikan niya si Cash on both cheeks. Nang nasa akin naman ang atensyon niya, she did the same thing.

"It's really nice to meet you, Cosette. I'm sure we'll be able to meet again in Paris soon enough, take care and love you both," Amauree said and hopped out of the car and we watched her walked inside the house she lives.

"Cosette," tawag sa akin ni Cashel at bahagya niyang nilingon ang ulo niya sa direksyon ko. "Seat here with me. Oh, allez."

He demanded like a higher officer kaya agad akong sumunod sa kanya. Lumabas ako ng sasakyan para lumipat sa harap katabi niya.

"It's good to see that you and Amauree became good friends," he smirked. "I like it."

"Yeah..." I chuckled. "And it's nice to see you and her kissing the other night."

And his face turned shocked. Kahit ako ay hindi ko inaasahan na lalabas iyon sa bibig ko. After that, hindi na lang ako nagsalita at kinuha ang seatbelt at saka ko ikinabit. Naging tahimik naman si Cashel hangga't sa makarating kami sa bahay nila. I don't know why he became quiet. Kung hindi naman big deal iyon, siguro hindi naman magiging ganyan ang reaksyon niya but it seems like it is.

"Cashel, it's okay if you guys are in a relationship—"

"No," he instantly cuts me off. "It was an accidental kiss. She kissed me. We're just friends, Cosette. Nothing big of a deal there."

"Chill, Cash, you don't have to explain it for me," I chuckled, but deep inside of me, I know he's lying. Oh, it's one of his best cards nga pala. "At saka wala namang problema if we like someone, right? We're not in an actual relationship. Para lang tayong on-screen partners and other than that, wala na... gets?"

He nodded but heaved out deep sighed. "Let's get inside now."

Nauna akong pumasok sa loob while he grabs the picnic set-up from the trunk. Sinalubong naman ako ni Adie na excited nang umalis. Bigla namang lumabas from the kitchen si Tita at sinabing mag-dinner muna kami bago umalis. Saglit lang din ay pumasok si Cashel at pumayag naman siya. It'll be a three-hour-long-drive din kaya mas maigi nang may laman ang aming sikmura.

Pumanik naman ako sa kwarto ko sa itaas ko para kunin ang gamit ko. Hindi na rin naman ako nagpalit ng damit kahit buong araw ako nasa labas. Pinapasyal ako nina Amauree at Cashel and for the last time, nagmukha akong third-wheel sa magjowang akala mong naglalakad lang sa Luneta Park.

Inamoy ko ang sarili ko at wala namang amoy. Yellow flower printed white sundress lamang ang suot ko at naka strap nude sandals. When Amauree's around, kahit ano pang suotin niya ay super taob ang ganda ko.

Bitbit ang bag ko ay isinara ko na ang pinto ng kwaro ay tuluyan na akong bumaba. I put it in the corner when I heard Tita's already calling for me. Naabutan ko naman silang tatlo roon. Wala pa si Cashel pero baka sumunod na rin 'yon.

I settled on my seat and a moment later ay pumasok sa kusina si Cashel saka niya ako tinabihan. We can't even look in eyes for so long now. Bigla-bigla niyang iniiwas ang tingin niya sa akin at hindi ako sure kung bakit. Does it make him awkward?

Sorry na naman walang preno kong bibig.

"Bon appétit," Tita said, and we all eat in silence and munching.

***

After dinner, hindi na rin naman kami nagtagal at nagpaalam na rin kami sa kanila. Ayaw ni Cashel ang gabihin kami sa daan kaya mas mabuting umalis na kami habang may liwa-liwanag pa.

His parents welcomed me so much. Parang tinuring nila akong totoong anak dahil sa alam nilang magjowa kami ng anak nila. Where in fact, in love sa ibang babae ang anak nila. And that's not me. Pero kiber, may naghihintay din naman sa akin pabalik ng Paris. It could be Victor but in my head, it's Chevy.

Matapos magpaalam ay tumungo na kami sa sasakyan at agad pinatakbo ni Cashel ang sasakyan. Wala pa mang isang oras ang nakakalipas, Adie already falls asleep. Tahimik lang kami sa loob. He just broke the thin silence between us when he turned on the radio. I really feel the tension. Hindi ko sure kung saan nanggagaling ang mga ito but I feel like he has something to say pero hindi niya lang masabi.

It's past ten when we finally reach Parmentier Avenue, where my apartments at.

"Good night and see you tomorrow, Cosette," that's the only words he said. "And oh, I'll be picking you up again so we'll be at the photoshoot at the same time, alright?"

Tumango na lamang ako saka lumabas ng sasakyan niya. He went out to take my bag out of his trunk and then he tapped the side of my shoulder.

No kisses. No hugs. Wala iyon. Hindi niya nga tinatama ang mata niya sa akin. I know I had no fault of slipping that out in my mouth. Kung sinabi niya sa akin ang totoo, wala namang problema sa akin but I know somethings going on right now.

I just watched him drove away and then I head inside the building now. Para akong nawalan ng energy ng akyatin ko hanggang seventh floor but everything's worth it nang makahiga ako sa kama ko.

What happened this weekend is crazy. A lot of things happened and another week is coming, am I ready for it?

***

#FrenchKissInParis19 #FKIP19

Interact with me on Twitter >>> @Imjacobxoxo