T R A V I S

Inaayusan si Maxene sa dressing room and dahil sa bawal ako doon, lumabas na lang muna ako. Matapos ng ilang minuto bumukas na rin ang pintuan.

"Maxene, be ready in ten ha." Paalala sa kanya ni Bridgette na napansin akong naghihintay sa labas, "Pwede ka na pumasok Travis." She smiles before she walks away from Maxene's room.

My heart stops when I see her wearing that blue off shoulder wedding dress.

"Hey Hayes." She greets me with a smile, "Bagay ba?" Umikot siya and I stopped her by embracing her from behind.

"You look beautiful." I'm in complete awe. 

Kahit naman ata anong damit bagay sa kanya. Hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit ganito ang epekto sa akin na makita siyang naka-wedding dress.

She looks at me. "Binobola mo lang ako eh." She shrugged. "Oh well, thanks sa make up artists, stylist at yung nagdesign ng damit. Mukha akong tao ngayon." Natatawa niyang sambit. 

Bakit ba parang hindi siya naniniwala na maganda siya?

Kahit hindi maayos ang buhok niya at kahit wala siyang make-up, maganda si Maxene. 

"It's like I'm looking at my future." hindi ko mapigilan sabihin, na dahilan kung bakit namula ang pisngi niya. I traced her face, "Are you my future wife?"

She hissed and hits me playfully containing her glee while I'm still admiring her beauty.

"Ewan sayo, maghanap ka sa labas ng lolokohin mo." Pagtataray niya.

"Bakit ba hindi ka naniniwala na maganda ka?" I can't help but ask her.

"It's just a face Travis," she said, "Balang-araw papangit din ako." She looks down but I hold her chin for her to look back at me, she looks at me with uncertainty. 

"To be honest, this face scares me since," she shrugs, "You witnessed that one time, hindi ba, this face is dangerous whenever I'm alone, kasi madalas wala akong magawa. Minsan gusto ko na lang maging pangit, para hindi ako napapansin masyado."

I know what she meant, I know what she's been through that day.

Just with that thought alone, I know I'll do whatever it takes to protect her. 

"I'm here." I tell her, "I won't let anything happen to you."

"Nah." She dismissed me with a playful smile trying her best to lighten up the conversation, "I'd still become ugly through the years." 

I shake my head and I see her looking away.

I kicked the door and by the time I heard it closed I pulled her to me and kissed her.

"Travis," she was taken aback, "I'm at work, mamaya masira yung make-up ko."

Dahilan lang niya yan, namumula nga siya ngayon. Huwag niya ako niloloko.

"Edi gawin ulit nila ang trabaho nila." I kissed her again and this time she just lets me savored her.

While I could hold back, I cut the kiss and see how flushed she is. 

I kissed her forehead and embraced her.

"Everything in you is beautiful Maxene." I said as I inhaled her intoxicating scent, "Especially your heart." She hugs me tightly.

"Binobola mo lang ako." She couldn't contain the happiness in her voice.

I held her chin so she could face me, "Napakaganda kasi ng asawa ko, hindi ko mapigilan."

Natatawa siya at napapailing. "Fiance pa lang po."

"Basta. Doon na rin naman papunta ito." I kissed her again. 

M A X E N E

The shoot went well and for some reason I couldn't contain my happiness seeing Travis watching me from afar.

He's so supportive.

"Blooming ka ngayon Maxene." Pagpuri sa akin ng isang staff.

"Make-up lang yan." I said humbly. 

Hindi pa rin maalis sa akin ang mga tingin ni Travis, kulang na lang talaga matunaw ako.

Then naalala ko yung sinabi niya, 'future wife' daw.

Kinilig ako, hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko. 

Bakit ba kasi nabanat siya ng ganun?

"Maxene, one more shot." Sabi ng photographer and I posed.

The shoot ended and I approached him.

"Hello Mine." He greets me with a soothing passionate voice. That alone sends butterflies to my stomach.

"Anong Mine?" Hinampas ko siya ng pabiro. I have to contain my glee.

Mine daw.

"Bakit, akin ka, hindi ba?" Possessive talaga eh. He holds my hand and kissed it.

"Magbibihis na muna ako." I told him, "Wala na akong kasunod na schedule." 

He smiles widely.

"Good." He kissed my hands again, "Though I really want to take you home wearing that dress."

"Behave Hayes!" I hit him again bago pa may makarinig sa amin, "Company property ang dress na ito."

"I can pay for it, I just want to take you home in that dress." Pilyo at hambog niyang banat. 

"No." Dinilatan ko siya ng mata pero sa loob ko kinikilig ako.

Nakakainis!

A firm line forms at his lips. "Fine. Sa kasal na lang natin. I'm sure mas maganda ang wedding dress mo doon."

Biglang uminit ang mukha ko na dahilan kung bakit na naman niya ako nginingitian ng nakakaloko.

"Che!" Nauna na ako sa kanya.

Kailangan kong pigilan ang kilig na ito! Nakakainis!

We're currently eating our lunch inside a restaurant.

Late lunch na actually. Still his eyes were on me.

Kung sa ibang lalaki, hindi ako kumportable na tinititigan ako ng matagal. Pero iba kasi makatingin si Travis.

How he stares at me, it feels like he's looking right into my soul. His dark brown eyes drowns me.

I click my tongue, "Tunaw na ako, kanina pa." Tanging kumento ko na dahilan kung bakit siya natawa.

"Aba, bumabanat ka na rin, ah." Sambit niya at tinangkang sinubuan ako ng pagkain.

I roll my eyes at him, "Ugh! I'm not a child, I can eat on my own." I said and he pouts. That's dangerously cute.

Para matapos na lang, sinubo ko na lang yung nasa spoon niya.

I look at him and see how he takes that empty spoon in his mouth and licks it playfully. I feel my cheeks burning up with that gesture alone. He smiled playfully at me. Laughing at me inside his damn head.

Ginagantihan ba niya ako sa-- scratch that thought, I look away. 

This is so embarrassing, I thought this topic is history.

Umayos siya ng upo at ngayon ay nakasandal na siya at naka-cross arms.

I'm currently eating my chocolate moose.

"If that's your first time, how did you know how to do that?" There's a slight amusement in his voice as he looks at me mischievously.

Bigla akong nasamid na dahilan kung bakit tinatawanan na naman niya ako sa likod ng blangko niyang expresyon.

Napalunok ako.

"I thought this discussion is over." I have to maintain my cool. Sasabayan ko siya, huwag ako Travis!

"I'm just very curious how you knew." I look at him and see that ghost smile in his face.

Pinunasan ko ang bibig ko at uminom ng tubig. Be cool Maxene. "Secret ko na lang iyon."

He clicks a tongue shaking his head, "Naughty woman." He uttered almost in a whisper and brushed his lips with his thumb.

Sasabayan ko siya, ang harot niya ha.

Kung kanina halos pagtripan niya ako, ngayon at alam kong first time niya rin iyon, quits na dapat kami. Pero sobra naman kasi sa pilyo nitong lalaking ito.

I tilt my head beside and put my hair on my left shoulder. That action alone had that effect on him. His breathing changed, his eyes darkened and I noticed how he controls himself as he pinches his forearm.

He shakes his head with a smile as if I cheated in this little mind game of ours. That made me smile a bit.

Sabi sayo, huwag ako Travis.

Nagulat na lang ako na may biglang umupo sa tabi ko.

"Hello Maxene." Si Brandon. "Still beautiful as always."

"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked, containing my anger.

"Don't make a scene." He warns next to my ear. "Baka maka-sira sa image mo." I look at Travis and he's now furious about what he is seeing. He is now glaring at Brandon.

"You must be in the wrong place." His voice is warning Brandon. 

Brandon just puts his hand at my shoulder that gives me that uncomfortable feeling again.

"I really don't know who you are, what makes you so special that Maxene Campbell picks you." Sambit ni Brandon kay Travis.

Travis is just across the table containing his emerging anger towards the guy who is making me uncomfortable.

"Let go Brad." Siniko ko siya pero nagulat ako sa ginawa niya. He pulled me close to him and the next thing I knew is his mouth is already on my neck.

He just gave me a fuckin hickey!

Napatayo kaagad si Travis sa kinauupuan niya at sa sobrang bilis ng pangyayari hinila niya si Brandon paalis sa akin at sinuntok siya sa mukha.

Napatingin sa ang mga tao sa amin sa loob ng restaurant.

"Travis." I stopped him bago pa siya hindi makapagpigil. "Travis stop. Let's just leave." There's no light in his eyes anymore.

"Anong nangyayari dito?" The manager arrived and I faced him. "Ms. Campbell."

"He assaulted me." Tinuro ko si Brandon at tinawanan niya lang ako.

"Come on Maxene, really? We dated, I know you missed me." Dahil sa sinabi ni Brandon. Naramdaman kong kumuyom na naman ang kamay ni Travis na parang susuntukin na naman niya si Brandon. I hold his hand hoping that he would let me handle this.

"Don't worry, this time I'll file a claim." He looks at me with surprise.

I look at the manager. "I'm sorry for the ruckus." Tumango lang ang manager sa akin at umalis na kami ni Travis sa restaurant.

He takes me somewhere private where he could steam some heat. 

Bumaba siya ng kotse saglit at kita naman na galit na galit pa rin siya sa nangyari kanina.

He even kicked the wooden post at nakita ko rin kung paano iyon nabali sa sobrang inis niya.

I know I have to do something. I called Bridgette to arrange the paperwork that I'll file against Brandon. I don't really want to see or work with him anytime soon.

I'm worried of what Travis might do.

Bumaba ako ng kotse at nilapitan siya.

His eyes were still on fire.

I tried to face him with a smile.

"Don't worry. I will file some charges against him." He looks at the hickey and bitterness is seen in his eyes.

"Dapat pinabayaan mo akong basagin yung mukha niya Maxene." Mahinahon niyang sigaw na may halong pagbabanta. "Hindi pa ako tapos sa kanya, I'll end him."

I don't want him to go there.

I lay my head on his shoulder. "Let's do it right. Let's not stoop down his level." 

I look at him but it feels like he's still thinking a different approach.

I wouldn't want him to go there.

Masama siyang nagagalit ng ganito.

I faced him and kissed his lips. Even his kisses were angry, but I can feel that he's containing them for me. He is savoring my kisses and he takes me in his arms again.

"Travis." I called him as I cut the kiss. He is now looking at me and I hold out his hands and put them on my face. "Let's play our cards right, okay?" 

I wouldn't want him to do something bad again.

I smiled at him and I know I have to convince him. "That's how you win a fair fight." 

His eyes soften a little bit. He closes his eyes, kisses my forehead and embraces me. "You're right." He said.

I pushed him a little and looked at him with a small smile. "So, how will my future attorney win this case?"

He smirks, "I'm going to make sure that he'll regret what he did."

I smiled at him, I'm glad that he's on the right track.

"It's still a long day," I said, "Ayoko naman matapos ito na badtrip ka, so where to next?"

He sighed and looks at me like an awkward child, "Plano ko sana bumisita kay Nanay, gusto mo ba samahan ako?"

I couldn't help to contain my smile. I nod at him.

We arrived at the institution and I don't know what to expect. 

Naglagay na rin ako ng band-aid para takpan yung hickey ko. Kasi sa tuwing nakikita niya hindi niya mapigilan magalit. Mamaya ko na lang sa penthouse gagawan ng paraan para maalis yung lecheng hickey na'to.

He immediately holds my hand as we walk towards the building.

In his eyes he doesn't know what to expect, but I hold his hand telling him that everything will be fine. That I'm with him no matter what.

I know it wasn't easy for him to let me in, but he is trying his best even if uncertainty is visible in his eyes.

"Lynda Sandoval." He said at the reception.

"Nasa garden po sila ngayon." Sagot ng reception sa amin.

Agad kaming dumerecho sa garden. I didn't really imagine that this place is peaceful as it seems.

Para lang silang nagbabakasyon dito, yun nga lang, inaalagaan sila dito dahil na rin hindi nila kaya alagaan ang sarili nila.

"Dinala mo na din ba si Monique dito?" Hindi ko maiwasan itanong. He held my hand tightly.

"I was supposed to, but that changed since she decided to leave me." There's this sadness in his eyes. "So, ikaw pa lang ang babaeng ipapakilala ko kay Nanay."

I don't know if I should be happy about it, but then maybe I am. Because I've made it this far in his life in a short period of time. I'm getting to know this side of him that even Monique didn't know. I'm glad that he's letting me in.

Kaagad naman namin nakita ang nanay ni Travis at lumapit kami sa kanya.

She had those same dark brown eyes like Travis, her smile is similar to him without his masks on. I can say that her smile is genuine and kind. Her cheeks are a little pale, her lips are rosy and her hair is tied down.

"Kamusta po Nanay." He greeted her and she gave him a hug.

"Ang laki-laki mo na, parang kailan lang ah." Pagbati sa kanya ng nanay niya. Seeing how he embraces his mother warms my heart. I'm seeing this side of him that no one has ever seen.

"Namiss ko po kayo." He kissed her forehead and she giggled. She looks at my direction and I give her a friendly nod.

"Girlfriend ko po 'Nay." He held his hand signalling me to approach them and he holds my hand.

"Siya po si Maxene." Pakilala niya sa akin. Na dahilan kung bakit napangiti ako. I'm really happy that I am this close to him.

"Hello hija, ang ganda mo naman." Pagpuna ng nanay niya sa akin. Masasabi kong kamukhang kamukha ni Travis ang nanay niya sa malapitan.

"Kayo din po." Tanging sambit ko. 

Kung tutuusin, mukha naman siyang okay sa akin, pero kung iisipin ko din ang dahilan kung bakit siya napadpad dito, hindi rin naman biro iyon, lalo na at kagabi lang, binangungot si Travis ng sobra. Malaki din ang naging epekto ng tangkang suicide ng nanay niya sa kanya.

Kaya siguro ganon na lang ang pagpigil niya sa akin at kay Monique dati dahil hindi na siya yung batang na walang magawa para sagipin ang nanay niya sa kamatayan.

We bond with his mother, we color some artworks, kinantahan ni Travis ang nanay niya at dinaan ko naman sa humor ang nanay niya para mapatawa siya.

Everything is perfectly normal, pero hindi din naman nagtagal at kinailangan na ulit ng nanay niya bumalik sa kwarto niya para magpahinga.

"Bibisitahin mo ba ako ulit, anak?" Tanong ng nanay niya sa kanya at hinaplos niya ang mukha ng anak niya.

"Opo 'Nay." Sagot sa kanya ni Travis, "Magpagaling po kayo ah."

Tumango ang nanay niya sa kanya at muling hinaplos ang mukha niya. "Mahal na mahal kita anak." 

Hindi man ako si Travis pero nakaramdam ako ng tinik sa dibdib ko nang sabihin iyon ng nanay niya sa kanya, lalo na at hindi pangalan niya ang sinabi ng nanay niya sa harapan niya. Inalalayan na rin siya ng nurse pabalik ng kwarto niya.

Nakita ko kung paano tinanggap ni Travis iyon pero sa mga mata niya, nakangiti man ito na tinitingnan ang nanay niya, pero sa loob niya alam kong umiiyak siya.

Nadudurog ang puso niya.

He is longing for his mother to recognize him.

We drive away but still there's this sadness in his eyes that I want to comfort. I don't know how to open the topic but he just endures until we reached home.

After he parked the car, he just breaks down in front of me.

"Dapat sanay na ako hindi ba?" He uttered in defeat. I embraced him.

"Why wouldn't you tell her the truth?" I asked, "Why wouldn't you tell her you are Travis?"

"Kapag sinabi ko, baka mabaliw siya ulit." He answered as he hides his face at my shoulder. "I'll be fine. I'm fine." That's an obvious lie to himself. 

I pushed him a little to see his face and he was crying with his eyes closed. I wiped and kissed his tears. I smiled for him.

"Now, do you believe me?" I said as his eyes gaze up to me, "Angels aren't seen by other humans."

He says nothing but reached for my lips and kissed me. In this kiss, I feel his loneliness, agony and pain.

I kissed him with all the love I could give him just to fill the remains of his heart with my love. If I have to fill that void in his heart, I would.

Alam kong hindi pa sapat iyon sa matagal na pasakit niya sa buhay, pero lahat ng meron ako ibibigay ko sa kanya.

"Let's go home." Pagyaya ko sa kanya at tinanguhan naman niya ako na parang bata.

I clicked PH and the elevator closed.

He corners me, touches my face and kisses me passionately. This elevator ride is the longest ride ever, I couldn't contain my breath.

Pagkabukas ng elevator sa penthouse kaagad naman niya ako binuhat at dinala sa kwarto niya. 

He showers me with kisses and by the time he removes the band-aid that I put on to hide the damn hickey that Brandon gave me, Travis marked me as his own. I'm completely overpowered by his strength as all of our clothes fell into place.

I feel his heart beating as I embrace him in my arms. He showered me with his kisses and covered me with his warmth. His breath marks my soul and I kiss him with all I have.

"Maxene." I whisper next to my ear. "I love you. I love you so much."

All of my energy left me as I felt my eyes get heavy, but before he let me go I have to say those words for him, "I love you Travis. I love you with my everything."

He kissed my forehead and embraced me in his arms.

I wish to have a wonderful dream tonight.

A dream where he is smiling at me and we're happy.

T R A V I S

Naalipungatan ako nang marinig ko ang phone ko na nagriring. Anong oras na ba? Sino ba yung natawag?

Si Joshua.

Ano namang meron?

Tinignan ko si Maxene na mahimbing na natutulog. Binilin na niya sa akin na huwag muna ako magpakita sa mga kabanda ko, pero alam kong kailangan ko pa silang pakisamahan.

Tinagilid ko siya at kinumutan. I kissed her cheek before leaving the bed.

I answered the phone.

"Josh. What's up?"

"Travis, sumaglit ka saglit sa bar." Sabi niya.

"Anong meron?" I asked.

"Hintayin ka namin." Sabi ni Josh bago ibaba yung tawag.

I checked the time and it is just eight in the evening. Tutugtog ba kami?

"Max, sasaglit lang ako ah." Nagpaalam ako sa kanya kahit tulog siya, she just grunted. I kissed her forehead. I get myself some clothes, kinuha ko na rin ang gitara ko and I got my keys and leave the penthouse.

Nang makarating na ako sa bar, laking gulat ko dahil hindi naman bukas ang bar ni Gerard ngayon. Now I'm wondering if something is up.

I called Josh and he answered. "Nasa labas ako, nasaan kayo?"

"Nasa loob kami. Pasok ka na lang." He said and I drop the call.

Pagkapasok ko ng bar nakita ko si Pierre na nakangiti sa akin. "At last you're here."

Nilibot ko ang mata ko, nandito halos lahat ng kasama sa fraternity.

Anong meron? Nagpatawag ba si Pierre ng meeting?

"May nakakita sa inyo ni Maxene sa restaurant ngayong araw." I look at him and he's a little amused of what news he received. "Naagrabyado daw kayo ng sobra."

Sino naman kaya ang nakakita sa amin doon?

"It's taken care of." Matipid kong sagot. As much as possible ayoko na rin ito palakihin.

Pierre signaled someone and immediately I see that guy who marked my woman.

Bigla na naman akong nakaramdam ng inis makita ang pagmumukha niya.

"Teka nga bakit ba ako nandito? Sino ba kayo?" Gulong-gulo na tanong ni Brandon.

"Travis," panimula ni Pierre sa akin, "Here's our special guest."

Tiningnan naman ako kaagad ni Brandon. "You? Really you'll stoop this low?" He scoffs. "Bakit hindi ka lumaban ng patas at kailangan pa akong dalhin dito?"

"Hoy, tantanan mo na si Maxene, kung ayaw mong managot sa amin." Joshua warns him.

"Sinabi ba niya na gawin niyo ito para sa kanya?" He shakes his head. "Mamaya imbento lang kayo, unless obsessed fans niya kayo. Kakaiba nga naman si Maxene." Hanga din talaga ako sa lakas ng loob ng taong ito.

Hinarap ko siya. "Tigilan mo na si Maxene."

"Why should I?" He tilts his head beside, mocking me.

"Because she's mine."

He scoffs. "Hindi pa naman kayo official." He faces me with that same smug on his face.

I'm being patient with this guy but he's really getting on my nerves.

"I don't care, I just want you out of her life." I warned him but the motherfucker just laughed at my face.

"Alam mo bang may iba pang prospects si Miranda Campbell sa anak niya?" He looks at me like I'm sort of joke.

"Masyado kang kampante. Bakit ba pakiramdam mo sayong-sayo na siya? Not unless--" He looks at me with amusement, "You're sleeping with her, aren't you?"

My hands are now clenching.

"You lucky bastard." Dagdag pa niya na napapailing. "Dapat pala matagal ko na ding ginawa iyon."

Sumosobra na siya.

"Pa-hard to get pa kasi si Maxene, akala mo namang inosente, nasa loob pala ang kulo niya." He pauses, "So tell me, is she good?"

Hindi na ako nakapagtimpi sa gago na ito at sinuntok na ang mayabang niyang pagmumukha.

Tinangka niyang gantihan ako pero kaagad ko namang naiwasan iyon at tinuhod ang kanyang tiyan ng may buong pwersa.

He glared at me and I smirked at him. He attempts to hit me and luckily he was able to. Sinuwerte lang siyang hayop siya!

"Is that all you got?" Pagmamayabang niya pa. I just smirked at him.

Susungaban na dapat siya ni Joshua pero pinigilan ko siya. He's mine.

"You sure you don't need a hand Travis?" Pierre asked but I didn't answer him. I heard him chuckle instead.

Muling tinangka ni Brandon na makaganti ng suntok sa akin, pero bago pa niya ako malapitan sinipa ko siya na dahilan kung bakit nawalan siya ng balanse. Kita sa mukha niya na napipikon na siya.

"You cocky son of a--" Using his own force to attack me, I grab his head at binalibag ko siya. Huwag niya ako idadaan sa kung gaano katikas ang katawan niya, tinuruan din naman ako ni mama kung paano makipaglaban para maprotektahan ko ang sarili ko.

He stands again. He's persistent, I'll give it to him. He was able to hit me for the second time and by using his collar I was able to throw him away from me again. Malakas siya, kung tutuusin, pero buti na lang tanga siya.

Nauubusan na ako ng pasensya sa kanya, sinuntok ko ang dibdib niya na dahilan kung bakit siya napaatras agad. Nakita ko naman na hindi niya inaasahan iyon. Kung tutuusin, hindi pa buong pwersa iyon, pero halata na kinabahan siya sa ginawa ko. An inch punch is delicate, iyon ang bilin ni papa sa akin. 

Minsan natutuwa na lang ako dahil yung mga tinuro nila mama at papa sa akin, naaalala ko sa mga ganitong sitwasyon. Malaki nga ata ang naging impluwensya nila sa akin.

'Fighting is the last answer to a problem Travis. If you fight without solving a problem on your own, you're just another mindless pathetic little delinquent.' Minsang sinabi sa akin ni Mama 'yon noong nabubuhay pa siya.

Hindi naman lahat ng laban dapat patulan, yung iba pinipili ko din naman. Sa pagkakataong ito, hindi ko mapapalagpas ang pambabastos niya kay Maxene. At mukha namang sineseryoso na ni Brandon ang babala ko sa kanya.

Hangga't maaari, ayoko nang palakihin ito, pero nandito na rin siya kaya kinumpronta ko na siya tungkol sa naging madalas na pag-haharass niya kay Maxene at palihim kong nirecord ang pag-amin niya.

I'll end him in my own way.

"Tantanan mo na si Maxene. Naiintindihan mo?" I grabbed his collar again and glared at him.

Nakita ko naman na kahit labag sa kalooban niya, tanggap niya na natalo ko siya. Masyado kasi siyang mayabang. Pinalayas ko na rin siya sa harapan ko.

"You'll just let him slip that way?" Tanong ni Pierre sa akin.

"That's enough." I said catching my own breath. 

Nangako din ako kay Maxene. Hangga't maaari ayoko nang makasakit pa ng mas malala doon.

"Mukhang party is over." Sambit niya na dahilan kung bakit umalis na yung ibang mga tao. This is weird, kung nagpatawag siya ng meeting bakit hindi ko alam? "Sa bagay, iba nga pala siya kaysa kay Monique." Dismayadong sambit niya sa akin.

"What the hell does that mean?" Anong karapatan ni Pierre ikumpara si Maxene kay Monique?

Instead he answers me, he just smirks. He attempted to walk away from me but I stopped him. "Answer my question Pierre." Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

"You've changed Travis." He looks at me as if he suspects me of something. "Kung dati nga kay Monique, halos ipapatay mo sa bugbog si Laurenz, nagtawag pa naman din ako ng back-up para sayo, tapos yung bumastos kay Maxene, pinabayaan mo lang ng ganon." He shakes his head. "Mukhang hindi naman ata ganon kahalaga ang fiance mo sayo." There's this disappointment in his voice na para bang may iba pa siyang inaasahan na mangyari.

"Huwag mo ako pangunahan Pierre." I warned him and he just smirked at me. "I told you, just let it go. It's none of your business anyway." Bakit ba masyado siyang nangingialam?

"Oh, it would be." He says as if he's warning me and leaves the place.

"Guys, what the hell happened here?" Tanong ni Gerard na kararating lang. Madami ding nasirang gamit sa nangyaring rambulan kanina.

"Long story bro. Rumesbak lang kami sa bumastos kay Maxene." Sagot sa kanya ni Joshua.

"Grabe kayo, pwede naman sa ibang lugar, sa bar ko pa." Pagmamaktol ni Gerard.

"Sorry for the mess Ge. I'll pay for the damages." Sagot ko kay Gerard.

"Aba, dapat lang, nakakahiya naman sa akin, hindi ba?" Tanging sambit ni Gerard.

Sinuyo naman siya ni Joshua para lumipat ng ibang bar para maghanap na naman ng babae. Kaagad naman na akong nagpaalam sa kanila. Ayoko din na maabutan ako ni Maxene na wala sa penthouse. Masyado ng late.

When I approached my car, I saw her waiting for me.

"Travis."