M A X E N E

Matapos ang naging madramang usapan namin ni Mom, ipinaayos niya ang mga bulaklak na binigay sa akin ni Travis at nilagay sa vase para daw ma-preserve.

Iniwan niya rin ako sa kwarto para maayusan na ako ng mga taong mag-aayos sa akin.

They curl my hair and fix it to a princess-like hairstyle and leave some strands of my hair on the loose to make it look more natural.

Some did my nails and since alam kong matagal ako ayusan, nakaidlip na naman ako.

Nagising na lang ako nang alugin ako ng assistant ng make-up artist ko.

They select a rose gold theme makeup for me to match my gown.

Kahit pa ayokong binubunutan ako ng kilay, binunutan nila ako ng kilay para daw mas maayos ang hubog ng kilay ko kapag pinatungan na iyon ng pencil. 

They added the base of the make up and applied it on my face. They used a pencil to make my eyebrows look full and add some fake eyelashes for additional effect and the next thing they did was my eye shadow.

Tinanong pa nga ako kung gusto kong mag-contact lense; kung dati, gusto ko, ngayon ang request ko ay mag mukhang natural ang ayos sa akin.

Tinugunan naman ako ng make-up artist ko ng may ngiti sa labi at humirit pa siyang, "Ako ang bahala."

I give a friendly smile as they do my make up.

After they did my lipstick, they added some makeup spray to prolong the makeup that I have on my face.

I even ask for a mirror for me to check what I look like pero pa-suspense pa ang mga make-up artist, dapat daw naka gown na ako bago ko tignan ang sarili ko sa salamin.

I wear sweet pink lace flower princess gown that shows the fullness of my bosom. May lace naman na nakatakip at may pad naman iyon sa loob, pero hindi naman mapagkakaila ang hubog ng dibdib ko sa gown na ito.

Bigla lang akong na-conscious. 

Dati hindi naman ako na-coconscious sa kung ano ang ipasuot sa akin, but since Travis and I came with an arrangement that I should be wary of what I wear made me a little considerate of how will other people see me.

Pero kasi naman debut ko naman ito at si mom ang halos na nag-arrange nito sa akin lalo na at ang theme pinili niya ay naghahalo sa rose gold, white and black.

When I see myself in the mirror I can't help but smile. The make-up artists really did their job to make me look as natural as I can be. Light blush, nude pink lipstick, rose gold eyeshadow. I think mas maganda kung nag-gray contact lense ako, but then, huwag na lang. Natural look nga eh, hindi ba?

I'm simply pleased how my make up artists make this look possible.

Mom returned to the room and I noticed her wear a rose gold off shoulder long gown. Her hair is curled down that makes her look like she's just her early thirties.

Baka kung pagtabihin kami ni mom, mapagkamalang magkapatid lang kami. Bigla ko tuloy naalala yung sinabi ni Leonard dati.

Mom made me wear the Morganite pink Swarovski crystal jewelry set blush that matches my gown perfectly. Plus the tiara. I shake my head, "Mom, do I really have to wear this?"

"You're your dad's princess," she says almost impassively, "Panindigan mo." There's a little amusement in her voice that made me smile.

Nang balikan ko ng tingin ang sarili ko sa salamin, hindi naman talaga mapagkakaila, magkamukha kami ni mom, side by side. Maybe through the years, I'll look like her too.

"Mom," I called her as she looks at me, "Ito lang po ba ang susuotin kong gown hanggang mamaya?"

"May iba ka pang gown na susuotin mamaya," she answered, "Hindi mo ba gusto ang gown na pinili ko sayo?" She might be seeing me a little uneasy about my gown.

"I like it mom." I say smiling, maganda naman talaga, "Medyo mabigat lang po lalo na at isang buo po yung gown." I giggled and I see her smile a little. "Tapos po mamaya malamigan po ako dahil light lace lang naman po ito."

"Since when did you start to be wary of what you wear?" There's this familiar humor in her voice and she kissed my temple, "Don't worry, you're beautiful Maxene." Mom says with pride and I smiled.

"Well, we better take that off," she was about to take my angel wings necklace but I didn't let her, "Hindi terno ang necklace mo sa set ng alahas mo Maxene." She reminded but I wouldn't let her remove this from me, lalo na at ito ang unang regalo sa akin ni Travis.

She sighed, "Okay fine." mukhang nagets naman ni mommy ang ibig kong sabihin at pinabayaan na ako sa kung anong gusto kong gawin.

Muli kong tinignan ang singsing na isinuot sa akin ni Travis at natuwa ako dahil fit iyon sa kamay ko.

"Lalabas na muna ako at hahanapin yung photographers na kukuha ng picture mo." Mom said and left the room.

I heard someone knock on the door and I immediately turned to see who it was and see Kenzo.

I smiled at him, he's wearing a suit and he even had his hair cut. Parang bumalik ang hitsura niya noong high school siya.

"Wow, ang pogi natin ah?" Pagpuri ko sa kanya.

"Aba talaga." Sagot niya pabalik sa akin.

Natawa ako dahil hindi tulad ni Travis, si Kenzo natanggap ng compliment, dahil bakit naman daw niya ipagkakait na hangaan siya ng ibang tao? Lalo na at iyon lang daw ang meron siya na ipinagmamalaki niya.

Walang kupas din naman talaga ang kayabangan nito ni Ken eh.

"Anyway," he started, "Nakita ko yung mommy mo, sinabi niya sa akin na nandito ka kaya nagbakasakali ako." He approached me and looks at me with awe. "Wow, you..."

I raised an eyebrow crossing my arms.

He smiles at me, "You look rich."

Nahampas ko siya. Hindi pa rin nagbabago kung paano niya ako i-compliment sa tuwing na-ooverwhelm siya sa kung ano ang sinusuot ko.

Kaya rin ayokong nagsusuot ng kahit anong branded dati para hindi niya ako tuksuhin na mukha akong mayaman.

Lalo na at iyon ang dahilan kung bakit madalas siyang manliit kapag kasama ako.

He smiled brushing his nape with his hand and noticed the ring on my finger and met my gaze again.

"Nagpropose na pala siya sayo." He commented and I give him a friendly nod.

He chuckled, "Ang awkward, kasi dati sabi ko, ako ang haharap sa mga magulang mo kapag dumating na ang tamang panahon para sa atin." He pauses, "Pero siguro hanggang doon lang talaga tayo." 

I appreciate how outspoken he is, but hearing this from him makes me a little sad.

"Ken." I uttered his name with uncertainty.

"But I am happy for you." He smiles genuinely, "As long as he makes you happy. I will be happy for you."

"Thank you Kenzo." I held his hand and with my surprise he handed me a gift. "What's this?"

"Buksan mo." Matipid niyang sambit at binuksan ko naman iyon na parang bata.

I smiled as I see his gift, "Oh my God." Tanging reaksyon ko nang makita ko ang dslr canon camera na iniregalo niya sa akin. "Ken, mahal ito ah?"

He says nothing but he smiles at me.

"Ken, you don't really have to." I said as I remember what I told him before; that when I turn eighteen, I would want a dslr for us to take more memories together.

Knowing Kenzo I'm sure na simula nang sabihin ko iyon sa kanya, nag-ipon na siya ng bonggang-bongga.

"Nangako ako sa iyo, hindi ba?" His genuine face warms up my heart.

"Pero hindi na naman tayo Ken." Paalala ko sa kanya.

"A promise is still a promise Maxene." He says, "Nonetheless I'm still a man of my word, so at least let me be."

I became teary as I embrace him. "Salamat Kenzo, salamat sa lahat."

He pushes me and gives me a friendly kiss on my hand.

"Aba, aba ano ito?" Boses ni Martin na kakapasok lang sa kwarto. 

"Kenzo!" Bati ni Alex, "Dude, kamusta na?"

Lahat sila nandito. Si Kathleen, si Abby, si Stephanie, si Sarah at Laurenz.

"How did you guys know where to find me?" Tanong ko sa kanila at talaga namang ang gaganda at gwapo naman ng mga ito. Talagang sumunod sila sa theme. 

Ang naka white sa kanila ay si Stephanie at Abby. Sila Kathleen at Sarah naman ang naka-shade of pink cocktail dress.

And as usual the guys are with their suits pero si Martin lang ang nag-suot ng tie, si Laurenz kasi hindi. 

Si Alex naka-unbutton yung polo. Kung gusto niyang maging model I can say may edge siya. Ang lakas ng dating niya eh. Plus points din yung matangkad siya at maganda ang hubog ng katawan, halatang suki ng gym. Mas matangkad pa ata siya kay Travis.

"We find ways." Nakangising sagot sa akin ni Stephanie, "Para na rin maabot namin sayo yung regalo namin syempre."

"Awww," I make a flattered face, "Makita ko nga lang kayo, masaya na ako." Hirit ko.

"Edi kung ganon alis na kami." Inip na sabi ni Laurenz na nakapamulsa at nahampas siya ni Stephanie sa batok.

"Panira ka ng eh mood eh noh Mendez?" Pinandilatan siya ng mata ni Stephanie.

Laurenz clicks his tongue, "Madali akong kausap. Kakasabi niya lang hindi ba?"

Patola!

"Baka kaya mo sinasabi iyan kasi ayaw mo siyang makita?" I teased him. I'm obviously pertaining to his brother.

Nakita ko naman kung paano na naman niya ako supladuhan ng mukha.

Wait, should I be wary that his friends didn't know about that?

"Ay oo nga, si kuya." Nakangising tinukso siya ni Alex at tumingin pabalik sa akin, "Asan pala si-" bago pa niya mabitawan ang pangalan ni Travis nasiko na siya ni Laurenz na parang ikinakahiya niya pa rin ang factor na magkapatid sila.

I guess they know. At least I shouldn't worry about keeping that secret from them.

Besides I'm pretty sure that the news came from Sarah. Knowing her, I know she just couldn't keep that as a secret. Lalo na at ang gusto niya aware ang bawat isa sa ganap ng buhay ng bawat isa.

Kaya nga para na silang magkakapatid eh.

"Sinong kuya ang sinasabi ninyo?" Curious na tanong ni Kenzo.

"Ayan kasi hindi ka nasama sa amin, kaya wala ka na namang clue." Martin answered by putting his hands behind his head.

"Ugh, people, let's just give her our gifts so we can eat. I'm starving." Pagmamalditang kumento ni Abby na katabi si Kathleen na tahimik na nakangiti sa akin.

"Ay oo nga, you're welcome to eat some snacks sa reception, magsisimula na rin ang party." Sabi ko at tinanggap ang mga regalo nila.

"Thank you for this guys." I really appreciate them, from the bottom of my heart.

"Happy birthday Maxene!" They said in unison and for some reason kahit na hindi pa nila ako lagi nakakasama, I feel like I belong with them. 

"Okay group hug." Alex initiated. At kahit pa ayaw ni Laurenz wala na siyang nagawa dahil nahila na siya ng grupo. Pati si Kenzo natuwa at nasabihan pa silang mga isip batang baliw na walang pinagbago since high school.

Nang matapos ang kulitan namin nakita namin na pumasok si mom kaya ipinakilala ko sila isa-isa.

Nagulat naman siya dahil hindi niya inaasahan na ganito kakwela ang circle of friends ko.

Hindi ko na rin pinalampas na makuhaan kami ng picture since the gang is almost complete.

Almost...

Paano ba naman kasi wala si Travis. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla akong nalungkot doon. Sayang naman ang pagkakataon.

Agad na rin sila lumabas para 'ngumata'. Iyon ang term ni Martin kasi parang daga daw si Abby.

Niyaya na rin ni Alex si Kenzo na sumama sa kanila para daw nasa iisang lamesa lang sila. Natuwa naman ako at pumayag si Ken. Hindi naman siya mahirap kausap, lalo na at mukhang kumportable naman siya kay Alex.

Dad came in the room and look at me with awe. "Ang laki na talaga ng prinsesa ko." He says with pride as he kisses my temple.

"The party is about to start dad, why are you here?" I asked as I noticed a little worry in his eyes. Dad is being emotional again since I'm no longer his little princess.

"Hindi po ba kasama mo si Travis?" I added.

"Well kanina oo, kasama ko siya. But then he left suddenly."

Wait, he left?

"Why?" Tanging iyon lang ang salitang lumabas sa bibig ko.

"I don't know sweetheart, sasaglit lang daw siya, pero hindi pa siya nabalik." Sambit ni dad, bigla naman akong nag-alala, saan naman pupunta iyon?

Bago ko pa man mahawakan yung phone ko para tawagan sana si Travis, tinawag na ako ni mom dahil magsisimula na ang program.

I calm myself down, convincing myself na babalik siya.

Babalik siya Maxene. Calm down.

I heard the host started talking. Maybe mom gave her the queue that I just arrived.

The host introduces herself, greets the guests and starts the programme proper.

Kinakabahan ako.

Bago ako lumabas sa likod ng dalawang pintuan na nakaharang sa pagitan ko at ng mga tao na nasa venue, nagkaroon muna ng opening prayer at ang nag-lead ng opening prayer ay ang kapatid ko na si Beatrix.

I'm sure kinakabahan na naman siya dahil nanginging ang boses niya, lalo na at may stage fright siya. 

But then it's just flattering that she was able to do this for me.

Nang matapos na ang opening prayer, the host introduce my family. Si Dad, si Mom, si Trix at si Maxwell. 

I heard mom's voice as she thanked all the guests who arrived at my party and thanked the people who made this possible for us. Mom kept her message short and sweet.

After that I hear the host speaking again.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit kinakabahan pa rin ako, dahil ba sa malamig ang paligid ko o dahil hindi pa rin ako mapakali sa kung nasaan ang boyfriend ko?

Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili ko nang ipinakilala ako ng host. Nagbukas ang pintuan kung saan ako papasok at makikita ng maraming tao.

Take a deep breath and smile Maxene. This is your night, you have to seize the moment.

"Let's all rise as we celebrate this magical night, let's give a big hand to the lady of the evening, our dear debutante, Maxene Angela Campbell."

And just like that, I walk down the aisle with a smile on my face. I see some familiar faces as they all cheer for me and clap for me.

Natuwa naman ako nang makita na magkakasama sa isang table yung mga malalapit kong kaibigan at kinawayan ako. They even took the best seat in the house.

Though hindi ko rin halos nakita yung iba pang guests gawa ng spotlight na nakatutok sa akin.

Masyadong maliwanag. Nakakahilo yung liwanag.

Nagkaroon muna ng konting ice breaker. Parang mini trivia tungkol sa akin. Nakakahiya na yung mga recorded videos dati ni mom ay ipinakita sa malaking screen.

Natuwa pa ako noong nakita kong may picture kaming magkasama ni Sarah noong bata pa kami.

Nang tignan ko kung yung best friend ko kasama ng mga kaibigan namin, nakita ko naman kung paano na naman nila asarin si Sarah dahil sa picture naming dalawa parehas kaming dugyot.

Paano ba naman kasi pareho kaming may icing ng cake noon sa mukha tapos sa picture naiyak siya samantalang ako, nakangiti lang.

The video ended and I noticed how mom became emotional again as she sees the recollection of memories she has with me.

The host then resumes at the program and the next activity is me blowing the candle on my cake.

Nasa likuran ko ang buong family ko habang kinakantahan ako ng mga tao sa paligid ng happy birthday.

Niyakap ako ni mom at dad ng mahigpit.

I couldn't help to feel emotional since the both of them standing beside me looking at me like I'm the greatest gift they had in their lives.

Miski si Trix natutuwa at proud sa akin, well ganun din naman si Maxwell, pero kasi lait muna bago papuri ang mga banat niya sa akin.

I make a wish and blow the candle.

I wished for nothing but my family's happiness.

Because what else should I wish for?

In fact I am content with what I have already.

My family might not be perfect, but they love me in their own way. I have good and trustful friends and my significant other that I'll share the rest of my life with in the near future.

Pero hanggang ngayon wala pa rin siya sa paligid.

The host introduces the members of the eighteen roses as I stand in the middle of the venue. 

Muling nagpalakpakan ang mga tao sa paligid at tumugtog na ang 'Dance with my Father.'

Lumapit sa akin si dad at hinalikan ko siya sa pisngi at nagsayaw kami.

"I love you princess." Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko hindi maiyak. 

"Dad, I love you too." I tell him, "Ang pogi naman ni dad ngayong gabi." I teased para hindi seryoso masyado at nagsmile kami sa camera.

"Ay ngayong gabi lang?" Hirit niya at natawa kaming pareho. "Syempre, kanino ka pa ba magmamana?"

I giggled, "I would always want what's best for you princess." He said and kissed my temple.

Hanggang chorus lang ang kanta namin ni dad at pinalitan naman iyon ng panibagong kanta para sa amin ni Maxwell dahil siya ang pangalawang makikipagsayaw sa akin.

"Happy birthday Ate Pangit." Banat niya sa akin na may nakakalokong ngiti.

Pababayaan ko na nga lang muna siya habang natugtog ang kanta namin na 'Just the way you are'.

"Pasalamat ka at mahal kita lil bro." I tell him raising an eyebrow and he grins at me.

Ang mga sumunod na nagsayaw sa akin ay yung pinsan kong si Henry, tapos yung ilang mga naging ka-close ko sa showbiz at sa modelling industry, syempre kasama si Cyriel doon.

"So, kamusta naman tayo?" Pagpuri ni Cy.

"Masaya." Matipid kong sagot sa kanya at napatingin naman siya sa singsing ko.

"Ooh, is that what I think it is?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay pero hindi ko siya sinagot. 

"It's just a ring Cy." I answered humbly.

"Sus, girlfriend, huwag nga ako." He chuckled, "The last time I heard, fiance ang tawag niya sayo and the last time I checked your hand, wala ka pang singsing noon, kaya huwag mo akong ineechos." I laughed, he just used a gay lingo.

"Whatevs Cy." I dismissed his assumption. Even though I feel my cheeks reddening.

"Pasuspense pa talaga eh, noh girlfriend?" He chuckled, "Ay baka may magalit." He teased.

I made a puffy face.

"Nakakatakot kaya siya noong unang beses ko siyang makilala," he says playfully, "Did you tell him that I'm a princess too?"

I giggled at how he describes himself as one. Looks like slowly he's coming out. I couldn't help to be happy for him.

Ang mga sumunod na nakasayaw ko ay sila Joshua, Gerard, Alex at Martin.

Ang sunod na nagsayaw sa akin ay si Laurenz, kahit pa ayaw niya talagang isinama ko siya sa eighteen roses ko.

Pero ginawan ko pa rin ng paraan para naman makasama siya kay Sarah sa ngayong araw na ito.

Alam ko din naman na mainit ang dugo ni Nina sa kanya lalo na at dito ginanap ang birthday ko sa isa sa hotels niya.

"Siguro dapat mag-thank you ako sayo." Halos pabulong niyang sambit sa akin.

"Bakit naman?" I asked him as I looked at his chocolate brown eyes. His eyes are lighter than his brother's.

"Dahil nandyan ka para magtino siya." Laurenz uttered with a sarcastic tone looking away. Slowly, I'm starting to understand him. Laurenz is also outspoken like Kenzo, pero pagdating sa tunay niyang nararamdaman, parehas sila ni Travis, mapagkimkim.

I held his hand tightly as he met my eyes and I smiled at him. "Well, did you discuss this with your father?"

He looks away with disappointment in his eyes. "Oo, nagulat pa nga siya kung paano ko nalaman ang hindi ko dapat malaman."

"But then, at least you know." I tell him and he looks back at me, I can say that he's also guarding his emotions around me. "That's all he ever wished for, since," I paused shrugging, "You know."

I tried to smile as I noticed frailty in his eyes.

"Usually, pinaninindigan na lang niya kung ano ang pagkakakilala mo sa kanya, kahit ang totoo nasasaktan siya sa tuwing nagpapanggap siyang walang pakialam sayo." I added.

I hear him clear his throat. "Pero mahalaga ka sa kuya mo. Hindi niya lang alam kung paano niya ipapakita iyon sayo."

He clicks his tongue impatiently, "Huwag kang masyadong maniwala doon." He avoids my gaze, "Sa sobrang bait mo sa kanya, mamaya nauuto ka na niya."

"Well, what could I say?" I giggled, "I love him... Unconditionally." My admission surprises him.

"People can say what they want to say. Pwedeng dahil doon, magbago siya, masira siya o panindigan na lang niya kung ano ang nakikita ng tao sa kanya." I paused,

"But as long as someone is willing to listen and believes in him, that's more than enough for him to be reminded that his shadow doesn't define who he is: That he is more than what others sees in him." I tell him with certainty.

I notice how Laurenz's eyes soften as if what I said made him remember something that suddenly warms up his heart.

He shakes his head dismissing whatever he is thinking that made him smile in front of me like a child.

They share the same smile.

He chuckled, "Parehas kayo." He muttered and before I could even ask who he's comparing me to, he is walking away from me already.

The next person who'll dance with me is Kenzo.

Kahit pa hiyang-hiya siya dahil nagawa pa siyang paringgan ni Maxwell noong makalapit siya sa akin.

Hindi ko naman masisi si Maxwell kung badtrip pa rin siya kay Kenzo dahil nga sa na-broken hearted ako dati gawa ng pag-iwan niya sa akin dati.

But can't my brother understand that we're just friends now.

Siya pa 'tong nahugot na: kalokohan daw na maging friends ako sa ex ko. Eh ano bang alam niya?

To think na ang foundation ng relationship namin ni Ken ay ang friendship namin.

Hindi din naman kami magugulo kung hindi dahil kay mom.

But then everything happens for a reason.

Bakit ba mas hindi pa maka-move on yung kapatid ko sa akin? Mas affected pa siya kaysa sa akin.

Kung isang gulay si Maxwell, isa siyang malaking ampalaya.

May kinalaman ba iyon sa babaeng kinahuhumalingan niya?

Basted ba siya at bitter siya masyado?

"Pagpasensyahan mo na yung kutong-lupa na iyon ah." Halos nahihiya kong sambit kay Kenzo.

He shakes his head chuckling and tells me that he didn't mind.

Nagawa ko ituloy ikwento sa kanya yung posibleng dahilan kung bakit nagmamaktol yung kapatid ko at napatawa naman si Ken dahil doon.

Nang matapos yung kanta namin ni Kenzo, ang kasunod na nasa listahan ay si Pierre. Hindi ko alam kung bakit inilagay siya ni mom kasunod ni Kenzo. Nagawa pang ngisian ni Pierre ng nakakaloko si Ken na ikinabadtrip ko.

Bakit ba hindi na lang ni mom isinunod si Pierre kasama nila Joshua at Gerard?

But then the show must go on, kahit na hindi ako komportable sa kanya.

"Ang ganda naman ni Angel." He said almost in a whisper.

"What did you call me?" I asked him in disbelief.

"Angel," his smile is almost genuine, parang may bago kay Pierre, "Iyon ang pakilala mo sa akin dati, hindi ba?"

I know that was my nickname when I was young but how did this person know about that?

"What are you saying?" I couldn't hide my curiosity.

He chuckled, "I recognized your pictures when you were young, sa screen kanina." He said with a friendly face.

"And now it made sense that you probably don't remember meeting me when you were young. But I remember you completely... Angel." He says my nickname as if he's comfortable around me.

Sinimulan niya ang kwento ng nakaraan kung saan na ang akala kong isang treasure hunting na naganap noong bata pa ako... ay hindi pala sa tulad ng inaakala ko.

Totoong masyado pa akong bata para maalala ko iyon.

He said that I was just five when a stranger took me with him.

Sabi pa ni Pierre, hindi naman daw dapat ako madamay noon pero dahil sa magkasama kami, nadamay ako para walang maiwan na ibedensya na kinidnap ang anak ng isang maimpluwensyang tao. Lalo na at pulitiko ang daddy niya.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng awa sa kanya. Knowing this side from him made me consider that traumatic experience affects the person he is today. Lalo na at matapos ng insidenteng iyon, pinagalitan siya ng daddy niya at sinabihan pa siyang pabaya.

Eh, ano ba naman ang laban ng isang bata sa ganung sitwasyon? Dapat pa nga mas nag-alala yung daddy niya para sa kanya.

He should have at least be proud of him because he stood strong even if it scares him. Dahil kung panghihinaan daw siya ng loob, baka daw umiyak ako noon.

Nagawa pa daw niya akong makumbinsi dati na kasama ang insidenteng iyon sa treasure hunting at kinuha daw kami ng mga pirata para lang hindi ako mag-alala at umiyak.

I didn't realize that he's that considerate of me. Siguro dahil na rin sa may kapatid siyang babae kaya ganun siya sa akin dati.

All of a sudden, gumaan ang loob ko sa kanya.

Maybe I'm too harsh around him since he has the habit of intimidating people, but I totally get him now.

Everybody has their own demons and every demon has their own story why they reside inside a person in the first place.

Para kay Pierre, ang nangyaring insidente na iyon ang nag-trigger sa kanya.

Miski si Travis din naman, na ang naging trigger ay yung tangkang pagpapakamatay dati ni nanay sa harapan niya.

So who am I not to give Pierre a second chance, to give our friendship a second chance?

He closes his eyes as I see how his face softens, this is the first time I see him like this. 

Kwento niya pa, na makalipas ng dalawang araw pa bago kami nahanap ng mga pulis dati at halos daw magwala yung mama niya sa nangyari sa kanya, nagawa pang mag-away ng parents niya para sa kanya.

Well at least there's someone who is worried for him.

"But then help me remember why you know me as Angel." I asked him with a friendly smile.

He chuckled, "Have you forgotten my second name?"

I shake my head in confusion, "It's Azazel." He paused, "It's also based on an angel's name."

"Oh, really?" My voice couldn't hide my amusement.

"Nalilito ka pa nga noon, kung paano bigkasin yung pangalan ko. Sabi mo pa nga dati, Azael." He shakes his head, "Bulol."

"Sorry na." I answered him embarrassingly.

"I guess, I should say thank you." I paused as he meets my eyes. "Because you made that scary memory into a fun one, kahit na hindi iyon naging madali para sayo."

He smiles genuinely and I can say that he is good looking when his face is gentle. He's half-Italian and half-French. 

No wonder, bakit madami na rin ang naging babae niya. Iyon ay ayon sa nakwento sa akin dati ni Gerard. Noong bitter pa siya sa sinasabi nilang 'girl count'.

"I'm glad to have this talk with you." He says with a soothing voice, "What a small world that we would meet again after that incident."

"Oo nga eh, though ang pangit ng simula ng muli nating pagkikita." I giggled.

"Well, we could always start again." His voice is convincing, "alam ko naman kung bakit malayo ang loob mo sa akin. I still have to say sorry for that." He speaks humbly. 

"Aminado din naman ako na mahirap akong pakisamahan." He closes his eyes with a smile. "Siguro nasanay na lang ako, para imbis na matakot ako, ako ang naninindak." He paused as I meet his eyes, "Because sometimes, in order to face your greatest fears, you have to become stronger than your fears. Even though you become what they fear instead." He says almost in a soft voice.

I smiled at him and our song ended, "I'm glad to see a friendly angel again, Azael."

He shakes his head as if he is humored by me, "Only you can call me that, remember that." Pilyo niyang sabi sa akin na ikinatuwa ko naman for some reason.

Before he lets go of my hand where he plants a gentle kiss and walks backward with a smile on his face.

The seventeenth rose came from the unexpected person who just arrived that even the host wasn't able to introduce him.

"Happiest birthday Maxene Campbell." I couldn't help to fangirl. 

It's Radcliffe Reynolds!

"Oh my God, am I dreaming?" Hindi ko mapigilan ang kabog ng dibdib ko, "You're here." My eyes shine as he blushed from my reaction.

Narinig ko namang natatawa yung ilang mga tao sa kinikilos ko kasi para akong batang nakakita ng mascot, sa sobrang tuwa ko niyakap ko si Radcliffe.

"Sorry," I contained myself. "I'm a super fan of yours, I can't help it." Inayos ko ang sarili ko dahil napapasapo na lang si mommy sa ulo sa kakulitan ko. Napansin ko namang nagliwanag din ang mukha ni Trix, kasi miski siya crush din si Radcliffe.

"Hindi naman ako ganun kasikat." Humble niyang sagot at lahat ng paru-paro sa sistema ko nagsiliparan, ang ganda ng boses niya.

"But knowing that you're a fan, flatters me." He says with a smile, "Thank you."

I couldn't help but bite my lip. I can feel my cheeks are reddening.

Looking at him this close, he looks like Justin Timberlake when he was still in Nsync. Sa malayo kasi may angulo din siya ni Adam Levine.

Pero naman! Nagka-anak ba si Justin at Adam para magkaroon ng isang Radcliffe Reynolds?

God you're almighty creative!

Miski si God pinuri ko pa, para akong tanga!

"I'm still glad that you are here." I couldn't contain my glee.

"Actually kababalik ko lang ng bansa, na-delayed pa yung flight ko kaya nagpasundo ako sa taong nangungulit sa akin na makauwi at makapunta dito." He confessed as I look at him with confusion.

"I'm actually here to sing his song for you."

His song...for me?

Radcliffe slowly let go of my hand. His eyes told me to turn around so I did.

Then it was like a dream come true when I saw the owner of my eighteenth rose.

I couldn't help crying. Of all the roses that I received from my dance, his rose stood out the most.

Maybe because of what he told me behind the true meaning of the blue rose.

Communication, trust and commitment. 

Hope and miracle.

Alam kong gwapo si Radcliffe pero mas gwapo pa rin sa paningin ko si Travis. 

He's wearing a black fedora hat that I don't know why it adds to his charm. Tapos naka-suit pa siya, alam ba niyang ang lakas ng datingan niya kapag naka-suit siya ng ganyan?

Para kaming may sariling mundo hanggang sa nagsimula ng tumugtog na si Radcliffe. 

Hindi naman niya ako binigo nang sabihin niya na ang kantang pinili ng taong nasa harapan ko kantahin ay ang kanta na inaalay niya para sa akin ngayon.

He played Out of the Blue by MLTR.

Travis stayed in character as he handed me the rose he just kissed in front of me. I took it from him and kissed it back that made him smile widely.

[I was almost about to lose my faith was still dreaming
But feared is was too late
But then you came along to my surprise
And stole my heart before my very eyes

You took me right out of the blue
Simply by showing that you love me too 
Only by giving me your everything 
With a love so true you 
Took me out of the blue]

He held me close to him without leaving his eyes on me as if the lyrics of the song was every emotion that he is conveying to me at this very moment.

He wipes my tears because I can't contain my feelings for him as we waltz together. I embraced him tightly hearing the beat of his heart singing for me.

When the bridge of the song starts to play, he sings close to my ear.

[You let me out of the darkness
You brought me out in the sun
I think you must be the only one for me
Cause you took me

Right out of the blue
Simply by showing that you love me too
Only by giving me your everything
Breathing air below my wings
You took me right out of the night
Simply by filling my heart with light
Only by giving me your energy
With a love so true you took me out of the blue]

I no longer see anyone else in the area but him. 

I feel my heart invoking his name loudly.

I got nothing to lose as I seized this moment.

I kiss him with all of my heart as he kisses me back.

I feel him cry a tear for me as he whispers next to my ear, "I love you Maxene."

"I love you too Travis."