CHAPTER FIVE

TRECIA'S POV

"I'm staying here," I told Martina as I entered his office. I then saw Jester's sister on the sofa.

Nagtataka naman akong tiningnan ni Martina. "At bakit naman, aber?"

I sat on his visitor's chair. "I'm bored." I even matched it with a deep sigh, perfecting my act. I have to watch her closely to make sure that she won't ruin Martina's reputation.

"Why won't you go ahead and shop like you used to?" pagtatanong pa rin nito. His forehead even creased as he tried to figure out my real reason.

I turned my head to face him as I gave my most bored-looking face. "I have no one to shop with," I pointed out.

He sighed, clearly getting tired of my constant reasons. "You can always call Fel—"

"She's busy. She always is," I quickly cut him off. Fel really is busy. Finding herself. Don't wanna bother her.

Hindi naman na muling sumagot si Martina saka ibinigay ang buong atensyon niya sa mga papeles na hawak nito. When I'm finally sure that he's too focused on what he was doing, I slowly faced the woman on the couch.

It's not that I don't want you for my best friend, I just don't want you to ruin his reputation at all. Just like how your brother ruined mine.

I shook my head, before continually observing Theresia. I know that Martina was entranced by her. It's pretty obvious even though I've been staying for a few days here, and I noticed how Martina moves around her, how he treats her. But I can't risk it. I just can't.

"Tres, how about we go shopping now?" I suddenly heard Martina's voice.

I turned to face him with a smile on my lips. "I would love that very much."

Martina already stood up and was reaching for his phone and wallet when he suddenly spoke. "Tere, tara sama ka—"

"No," bigla namang sabay naming sinabi ng babaeng 'yun.

"No, thanks. I still got a lot to finish," pagpapaliwanag nito habang may seryosong nakatingin kay Martina.

I rolled my eyes. When I turned my head to face Martina, his eyes were wide open while staring at me with meaning. "I don't want her to come. She's not my friend. I only wanna shop with friends. And besides, didn't you miss me, Martina?" I pointed out.

Martina let out a breath as he slowly shook his head. "Hindi ka na nagbago." Nilingon niya naman ang babaeng seryoso pa rin sa sofa. "Well then, I'm sorry about my best friend over here. She's normally like this, don't worry." He then walked towards Theresia. "Are you sure you'll be fine here?"

I was a bit stunned by the way Martina asked her. The soft tone was obvious. It was like... he... deeply cared for... her. I stared at the woman who was also focused on my best friend's eyes. She... she also shows... strong, genuine emotions for him.

But... why? How?

Bakit kung magtinginan sila eh para bang... importante ang isa't isa?

Aren't they scared of what other people are gonna think of them?

Theresia knows that she already has a child with no husband.

Martina knows that he made it look like he accepted Noah's proposal publicly.

Don't they even care about what the outcome of their actions might lead them?

It has also been the same.

Pain and disappointment.

Nothing more.

"Tres!" I heard someone's voice shout my name which quickly pulled me out of my train of thoughts.

I blinked numerous times. "What?"

It was Martina who shouted and was now shaking his head. "Are you really in the mood to shop? You might wanna try resting. You seem exhausted and clouded."

It was my turn to shake my head in disapproval and plastered a comforting smile. "I'm fine. I was just thinking of clothes to buy. As well as bags and shoes. I have to choose the best among the rest."

His smile turned into a chuckle. "Okay, fine. Let's go ahead so we can come back as soon as possible." Martina guided me in leaving the room. "I don't wanna leave all the work to Tere, you know?"

We were already outside the office when I heard him say her name. I changed the pace of my walking and without looking at him, I asked, "What is she to you?"

I felt him look at me but I didn't return the gaze. "Hmm? Who?"

"The woman inside your office," I nonchalantly replied.

"Ahh... Tere." He chuckled and faced ahead. Binuksan niya pa ang pinto ng shop niya para makalabas na kami ng tuluyan. "She's my partner for the upcoming shows—"

I glared at him. "You know that's not what I meant." We headed to his car and went inside.

Mahina na naman siyang natawa at hindi na inalis pang muli ang ngiti sa labi. "I don't exactly know, Tres. Ang alam ko lang ay importante siya sa akin." He looked at me for a second before he looked back at the road again and started the engine. "Gusto kong nakikita siya. Gusto kong nakangiti siya at ako ang rason. I'm utterly confused though."

"She's biologically a woman, Martina. Ipapaalala ko lang sayo."

Natawa naman siya. "Alam kong wala siyang lawit, Tres." I rolled my eyes. "Pero ewan ko ba. Ayaw mo nun? Bumabalik na ako sa dating daan," he joked.

I shook my head as I once again rolled my eyes at his remark. "If only you knew what she was hiding," I whispered.

"Huh? May sinasabi ka?" naguguluhang tanong nito.

"I said you're confusing as hell and slow as a sloth. What time are we gonna reach the mall?" pag-iiba ko ng topic.

It was his turn to roll his eyes. "Napaka-mareklamo mo talagang babaita ka. Mukha ba akong driver mo? Umayos ka't itatalsik kita palabas ng kotse ko."

Hindi ko naman na siya pinakinggan. As if he can do that. He's not even seriously pissed.

I looked outside over the window. I wanted nothing but for my friends to find their happiness. And that happiness shouldn't be mixed with pain.

I'll never let them experience the hell I have been through. Never.