T R A V I S

She probably noticed the person right next to me as she acknowledges his presence with a friendly smile, "Hello Lance, long time no see."

Tinanguan lang siya ni Laurenz bilang tugon at muling binalikan ako ng tingin na para bang sinasabi niya na ayusin ko ang pakikiharap ko sa mga tao sa paligid ko.

She's that discreet around me ever since she found out who is Laurenz in my life. Simula noong nalaman niyang kapatid ko si Laurenz, pinili niyang iwasan ako dahil sa nagawa ko sa kapatid ko noon at dahil na rin sa sulsol ng mga kaibigan ko.

Monique hides my secret because if the boys knew, then this charade will be over. 

She's just avoiding the possible conflict, because she knows what Pierre could do if anyone dares to double cross him.

Not yet Travis.

"Hey, Monique." I greeted her casually.

Wala na akong balita sa kanya matapos ng huli kaming nag kausap noon. Pero sa nakikita ko, mukha namang mas maayos ayos na siya ngayon.

Siguro nag-usap na sila ulit ng daddy niya at muling tinanggap sa pamilya niya, halata naman na mula sa ayos niya at sa dala niyang gamit, hindi man tulad ng dati pero mukhang natuto na rin siya sa tamang paghawak ng pera, hindi rin naman biro ang pinagdaanan niya.

I'm happy for her though.

"What's up Moe?" Gerard gave her a warm welcome, "Are you here for the event?"

"Well scholar ako dito, kaya kakatapos ko lang ng part time sa library." Nakangiting sagot niya.

Wait, what? She's enrolled here?

Alam kong kumuha siya ng scholarship, pero hindi ko alam na estudyante rin siya dito sa school namin.

"Woah, that's a surprise!" Bati ni Joshua. "Glad that we're schoolmates pala!"

"Well I tried on different schools, pero gusto kong maging proud si Dad kaya pinilit kong makapasok dito." Mapagpakumbaba niyang sambit na nakangiti sa kanila. "Alam niyo naman ang standards ng Daddy ko."

"Well, matalino ka naman Moe, kaya kahit saang school kaya mo makakuha ng scholarship." Nakangiting sagot sa kanya ni Pierre.

To be honest, I have nothing against it, but knowing that we're under the same school, gives me an uncomfortable feeling.

"What are you taking?" Tanong sa kanya ni Gerard.

"Nag-shift ako, I'm taking Accountancy, planning to pursue to be a CPA one day." She says with pride. "Well since may na-credit na naman akong subjects sa previous school ko kahit pa paano, irregular student man ako, at least nakaka-catch up naman ako."

"Good for you then." Pierre smirked at her and looks back at me, "Mukhang may reunion kayong tatlo, kaya mauuna na kami sa inyo."

"Muling ibalik na ba?" Tukso ni Joshua kay Monique.

"Siraulo ka talaga Josh, pwede bang friends, kami?" She answered shaking her head with a friendly smile on her face.

"We can't tell, yung isa ex mo yung isa naman reserba mo." Pilyong banat ni Pierre na nakangising nakatingin sa akin.

Pilit ko na lang siyang nginitian habang inaayos ang sarili ko sa harapan nila.

"Hey tama na nga," awat ni Gerard sa kanila, "Just ignore them Moe, sorry."

She said nothing and smiled at them.

"Tara na guys, ayusin na lang natin yung arrangement ng kakantahin natin." Yaya ni Gerard sa kanila.

"Ay, hindi ba sasama si Travis sa'tin tumugtog mamaya?" tanong ni Joshua na nakaturo sa akin.

Binalikan ako ng tingin ni Monique na parang dismayado sa narining niya kay Joshua.

"Kaya pa naman ako nagpa-late ng shift sa library kasi akala ko tutugtog ka kasama nila." Her voice almost sounds disappointed as she keeps a smile.

"Sige na naman Travis, dali na." Pangungulit ni Joshua, "Mamaya na Maxene time, lagi na lang Maxene time. Awat naman!"

"Hindi ko rin naman dala ang gitara ko eh," I'm taking this excuse, "Kayo na lang, kaya niyo na iyon."

"Well, kung gitara lang naman ang kulang, may extra akong dala." Pilyong sagot sa akin ni Pierre, "Well not unless ayaw mo lang talaga?"

I closed my eyes as I took time to think, yet I was caught off guard when Monique held my hand with that same expression on her face.

"Kung iniisip mo si Lance, I can keep him company for a while." She says almost in a whisper.

"If you walk away from them, they'll doubt your loyalty Travis." Monique reminded me as she tightened her grip on my wrist, "Alam kong alam mo kung ano ang dapat mong gawin, dahil matagal mo ng ginagawa ito para iiwas sila sa mahalagang tao sa iyo."

I gulped bitterly as I met her gaze. It's true that I've been distancing myself lately around them, forgetting that one fact.

Kailangan ko pa silang pakisamahan, kailangan kong iiwas ang kapatid ko sa kanila.

Monique is right.

Hindi ko nabantayan ng maayos ang mga kinikilos nila Pierre simula noong dinistansya ko ang sarili ko sa kanila at ang naging resulta nun ay ang nangyari kay Laurenz.

My instincts were damn right, it's their fault. His fault.

I faced them and told them my answer as friendly as I could be, "Sure. Count me in."

Ikinatuwa naman ni Joshua at Gerard ang narinig nila pero si Pierre tahimik lang na nakangiti mula sa malayo.

"Ayos! O siya, hintayin ka na lang namin sa loob." Joshua reminded as they walk ahead of us.

Binalikan ko ng tingin si Laurenz na parang hindi niya gusto ang narinig at nakita niya na sagot ko sa kanila.

Kumuha ng cash sa wallet ko at inabot sa kanya, "Umuwi ka na, Lance."

"Hindi." His voice is solid. "Uuwi na tayo, Travis."

"Kailangan nila ako dito." Mahinahon kong sagot sa kanya.

"Mas kailangan ka Maxene." May diin ang bawat salitang binibitawan niya.

"Saglit lang ako dito." besides she's with Stephanie, maybe she's even with Sarah right this very moment.

Laurenz shakes his head, "I don't like this."

Typical Laurenz, pareho sila ni Kenzo, kung ano ang nasa isipan nila, iyon at iyon ang sasabihin nila. Kaya pareho silang napapahamak sa mga taong tulad nila Pierre eh.

"Lance, kung hindi mo alam, ginagawa ito ni Travis dahil sa'yo." Monique tells him.

"Punyetang dahilan yan!" Galit niyang sagot sa akin at mapait akong tiningnan. "I didn't ask for any of this bullshit. Mas kailangan ka ni Max, kaya ko naman ang sarili ko, Travis."

"Kung ayaw mo tanggapin yung pera, kaya mo naman siguro magmaneho hindi ba?" Inabot ko sa kanya yung susi.

"Are you deaf?" Pabalang niyang sagot sa akin, "Hindi ako aalis ng hindi ka kasama!"

"Lance, nasa teritoryo ka nila, pakiusap lang, umayos ka naman." Paalala sa kanya ni Monique.

"I'm not talking to you Monique." He scoffed, "Why would I bother listening to you, mula noon hanggang ngayon, ganyan ka pa rin." He speaks with disgust.

"Laurenz, stop." Mahinahon kong suway sa kanya at binalikan niya ng tingin.

"At ano, papayag ka na lang na magpagamit sa mga ungas na iyon kung may choice ka naman na humindi? Aba, ano bang meron sa mga gagong iyon at hindi ka makahindi, Travis?"

He doesn't know everything. I can't blame him if he's upset about this.

"Oo." I answered him but still he is looking at me in disbelief, "You'll know soon, but not now."

Not yet.

"Pero Travis--"

"Sisiguraduhin ko na hindi ka na nila gagalawin." Pilit ko siyang nginitian.

"Ikakapahamak mo ang pagdikit dikit sa kanila." He warns, but then I am fully aware of that.

I dived too deep already, I'll let go after I'm done with them.

"They won't do anything to me as long as they know that my loyalty was with them." I tell him, "Just go Lance, take my car and leave." Pakiusap ko sa kanya at bago pa siya sumagot ulit tinalikuran ko na siya at dumerecho sa loob ng campus.

"I'm glad." She muttered, catching up with my pace.

"Saan?"

"That you're still doing what's best for him." She giggled, "Si Lance kasi, kung ano ang nasa isip niyang tama, iyon na lang ang gagawin niya. But you, you see the bigger picture of everything around you, Travis." Her voice sounded pleased as I gave a small smile.

"What is right isn't always what's best." I say with a small smile.

"True." There's this familiar spark in her eyes and I choose to look away.

Pilit niyang sinasabayan ang hakbang ko at dahil sa naka-heels siya bago pa siya matapilok, agad ko siyang nasalo at inalalayan.

"Sorry. Silly me." She says sheepishly.

"Mag-ingat ka kasi Moe."

"Eh kasi naman ang bilis mong maglakad." She teased. "Alam mo namang maliit lang ako, hindi naman ako kasing tangkad ng fiance mo."

"Baka kasi magsimula na yung event." I reasoned, hoping that I was able to convince her from my excuse.

This is the first time I lied to her face.

"Are you uncomfortable around me?" She tilted her head beside reading my thoughts.

I shake my head with a smile, "Of course not." Nang akmang maglalakad na ako ulit bigla niya akong hinawakan sa braso.

My lungs tightened. I gulped.

"We're just friends, ganito rin naman tayo dati," she reminded, "Ako lang ito, kaya huwag kang mailang sa akin." she says with a smile and sighs, "Dapat pala nag-flats na lang ako, nagkaka-cramps ako sa heels."

Just to be polite, I followed her pace.

Naabutan ko sa backstage yung tatlo, at nakita ko ang gulat na expresyon ni Edielyn na nakatingin kay Monique na nakahawak pa rin sa braso ko.

"Ay, hello." Monique notices her with a smile on her face, "May new girl pala."

Nakangiting hinawakan ni Gerard ang kamay ng girlfriend niya at ipinakilala kay Monique, "Edie, meet Moe. Moe, meet my girlfriend Edie." Ngiting tagumpay ni Gerard at nagkamayan ang dalawang babae.

Pero sa hindi ko mawaring dahilan, napansin kong may konting inis sa mata ni Edielyn nang tingnan niya ako.

Inalis ko ang braso ko sa pagkakahawak ni Monique at binigyan niya lang ako ng matamis na ngiti.

"Siya si Chloe Monique Farley, isa sa girl friend ng tropa." Dagdag pa ni Gerard na tinanguan lang ni Edielyn pero maingat niya akong binabalik balikan ng tingin.

"Hoy, Ge, mali ka naman ng intro," pagsingit ni Joshua, at inakbayan si Monique, "Edie, ito si Monique ang nag-iisang girlfriend ni Travis."

Bigla namang namula ang pisngi ni Monique.

I put up a friendly mask around them as I contain my thoughts.

"Tanga Josh, mali ka ng intro." Sabat sa kanya ni Gerard, "Mag-iintro ka na nga lang, mali-mali pa."

"Hoy, hindi, bakit ano ba ang sabi ko, girl friend, hindi ba?" Depensa niya, "Girl space friend. Ano ba?" Binalikan naman ako ni Joshua ng tingin, "Mali ba pre?"

"Eh, wala ka namang ibang babaeng kaibigan pwera kay Monique hindi ba?" Kumunot ang noo niya na para bang gusto niyang bigyan ng katwiran ang pagpapakilala niya kay Monique sa harapan ni Edielyn.

Magsasalita na sana ako kaya lang biglang sumingit si Edielyn, "Ah, so hindi ako babaeng kaibigan ni Travis, Josh?" She raised an eyebrow crossing her arms at him.

"Ay nako, hindi sa ganun Edie." Napakamot siya sa ulo niya, mukhang na intimidate siya sa inaasta ng babae.

Kapag kasi mas matalino sa kanya yung babae, na-intimidate siya. Palibhasa puro kasi hangin. I laugh at him inside my head.

Kaya kahit si Maxene minsan pinagtitripan na lang si Joshua eh.

Bigla ko tuloy naalala, ano ang nagustuhan ni Adrianna dito kay Josh?

"Ugh," Edie rolled her eyes at him, "Whatever na lang Josh."

"Yan, ikaw kasi Joshua eh!" Kutya sa kanya ni Gerard at nang nagkatinginan kami ni Edielyn she's still giving me that suspicious look behind that smiling face of hers.

"Tama na nga yan, umayos na kayo." Awat sa kanila ni Pierre at inabot sa akin yung extra niyang gitara na may malawak na ngiti sa kanyang mukha na para bang umayon sa kanya ang pagkakataon. "Mabuti talaga at nandito ka na ulit kasama namin, Travis."

Nginitian ko na lang siya pabalik at pilit siyang binabasa.

"Ah, hindi mo na kasama si Mendez?" His voice sounds curious.

"He doesn't even belong here." My voice almost sounds sarcastic.

"True, yet it's odd to see you tag along with that trash." He speaks unkindly, "Not unless you're messing around the lone wolf?"

"Wala akong panahon sa kanya." I'm mimicking his unfriendly tone. "Why waste time on some loser, like him?"

He chuckles, "Well, nagkataon na naabutan ko siya one time na naglalakad pauwi ata," he shrugs as if he doesn't care of the following words he'll say, "I got bored so," nagka sukatan kami ng tingin, "You know what happens."

I forced out a smile as I cursed him in my mind.

"Sayang naman at wala ako doon." I avoided his gaze and adjusted the tone of the guitar, "Oh well, looks like you had your fun."

He chuckles, "Oh, I'm just getting started."

What does he mean by that?

"Well what did he do to you anyway?" Sinabi rin naman ni Laurenz na pinatulan niya si Pierre, pero gusto ko pa rin malaman mula sa bibig niya ang sagot.

"Wala naman." He says mischievously and shrugs. "It's just a coincidence that our roads just crossed that day."

"So, who hit first?" I ask as I try to pick up the pieces together.

What's your play, Pierre?

But he says nothing and chuckles shaking his head.

He taps my shoulder and approaches the boys.

My gut tells me that he is up to something and it anxious me.

I approached them and heard them talking about the song arrangement that we'll play.

I still have to keep them close.

M A X E N E

Hay nako Hayes, sabi namang sa condo ka na lang maghintay, pero nang makauwi ako walang Travis na naghihintay sa akin.

Nagmadali pa naman ako para makapag bonding din kami.

Hindi rin naman kami ni Stephanie nagtagal kasi nga gusto ni Sarah mapag-isa muna. Hindi naman namin siya mapilit na lumabas, kapag talaga down siya ayaw niyang maka-apekto ng ibang tao.

I just know what that feels like.

Hindi rin naman alam ni Stephanie kung ano ang naging gulo nila Laurenz at Sarah.

Wala naman talagang gulo, pero dahil nga sa narinig ko yung napag-usapan nilang dalawa noon sa beach, hindi ko maiwasang hindi mag-alala para sa kaibigan ko.

Pero naman kasi, wrong timing na naman ako.

Anyway, these past few days, madalas kaming magkita ni Stephanie, lalo na kung tungkol sa pagkain, sa kape at sa girl talk.

Ni hindi ko nga naisip na magiging close rin kaming dalawa. Sadyang magaan lang ang loob ko kay Stephanie, no wonder at siya ang isa sa best friend ni Sarah.

Malaking tulong na rin siguro ang pagsama ko sa kanya dahil natututo ako sa mga dapat kong gawin para mapangalagaan ang katawan ko.

Lalo na at alam na ni Stephanie ang tinatago tago kong sikreto. Siya na rin ang kasa-kasama ko kapag nagpapa check up ako kaya kahit papaano ay may umaalalay rin naman sa akin.

Nararamdaman ko naman din na suportado naman niya ako.

Para ko nga siyang Ate, kung asikasuhin niya ako talaga namang ako na lang ang mahihiya kapag sinuway ko siya.

Kahit na sa totoo lang may part na minsan inis ako dahil sa pagiging bossy niya, pero kasi iniintindi ko naman siya kung bakit niya ako pinagsasabihan.

Siguro maganda na rin at nakapagsabi ako sa kanya, kasi kahit pa paano lumuwag ang pakiramdam ko. Dati kasi kay Pierre ako nagkukwento, pero dahil nga sa nagkagulo kami ni Travis, dahil doon, kaya dumistansya ako.

Hindi na rin naman ako kinukulit ni Pierre... though hindi ko maiwasang isipin na baka nagtampo na iyon ng tuluyan sa akin.

I shake my head with that thought, I'm sure he'll understand.

Besides, he told me that he understands Travis. Laking gulat ko nga ng minsang magkwento siya kung paano niya naging kaibigan si Travis.

Even if I am fully aware of why Travis befriended them in the first place.

Sa totoo lang, kaibigan talaga ang tingin ni Pierre kay Travis. Para kay Pierre si Travis ang naging bestfriend niya sa kanilang apat. Sanggang dikit nga daw sila simula pa nung mga bata pa sila, pero hindi ko naman maiwasan isipin na hindi iyon ang tingin ni Travis kay Pierre.

I sometimes pity Pierre regarding that one thought, kasi tulad ko rin siya kung paano magpahalaga ng kaibigan.

Oo nga at, nakaka-intimidate siya minsan, he's cruel and cold upfront, but to be honest, he's in fact gentle and kind.

He's overprotective of his sister too. Naikwento nga niya sa akin kung paano niya pahirapan si Joshua sa panliligaw ng kaibigan sa kapatid niya.

Sa totoo lang kung magkakaroon man ako ng Kuya, si Pierre ang masasabi kong ideal big brother.

Anyway, kamusta na kaya yun?

I sighed and looked at my phone, wala pa ring paramdam si Hayes, ni hindi ko naman alam kung saan siya pupuntahan. Sabi niya mag-update, pero matapos ng naging usapan namin kanina, hindi na niya ako inupdate.

Magtatampo na ako.

Hoy Max, ayan ka na naman, ayusin mo nga ang sarili mo.

Ugh, moodswings.

My phone lifts up as I see an unknown number. Bakit ba may mga taong magaling manghula ng ibang mobile number?

Yung iba asking for load, yung iba, asking for money, modus ba ito?

But this text message is different, because attached is an MMS, with a subject: PLAY ME.

I'm not sure if I should open it, it's been a while since I received one.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla akong kinabahan. I clicked the MMS and saw a miniclip.

Dati picture lang ngayon miniclip na. I clicked play and I saw a short video that makes me hard to breathe.

But still I don't believe in what I saw, it's just a mere coincidence that she tripped and he caught her.

At least I know where he is.

But why is she there?

Pumara ako ng cab at dumerecho sa school nila.

May event sa school kaya naman open sa lahat tao ang campus. Kaya ba nandito rin si Monique?

Nakita kong nasa stage silang apat na nagpeperform at talaga namang maraming tao ang iniidolo sila.

I couldn't help to smile at him seeing how he sings in front of this huge crowd. Bakit ba hindi rin niya subukan na sumunod sa yapak ni Radcliffe?

I couldn't contain my smile as I watched him alongside the crowd.

I'm so proud of him.

Dumarecho ako kaagad sa backstage nang makita kong tapos na sila magperform.

Pero agad din akong nagtago dahil nga kasama nila si Monique at hindi sa kalayuan ay kasama rin ni Gerard si Edielyn.

"Biruin niyo nakakamiss pala tugtugin ang dating pinerform natin noong high school?" Joshua says while stretching his arms up high.

"Oo nga eh, lakas maka-throwback." Gerard says with a friendly smile.

"Thank you for singing those songs Travis." That's Monique looking at him. I don't know why I feel pissed seeing how she looks at him as if she's looking at her boyfriend.

I'm literally biting my lip as I see how blooming she is up close, sa video kasi malayo ang kuha nito kaya hindi ko naman inakala na ganito gumanda si Monique.

She's wearing a nice make up. Her blush is almost noticeable, she's wearing a glossy pink lipstick. Nakalugay at nakaayos ang kulot niyang buhok na abot hanggang balikat at nakasuot siya ng semi off shoulder red top na may frills and strap, at naka-tuck in iyon sa fitted jeans niya kaya naman kitang kita ang mala-bote ng coke niyang katawan. Nag compliment pa doon ang ankle strap cream heels niya.

I'll give it to her, she looks pretty... she looks damn pretty and I hate it.

Bigla akong napatingin sa sarili ko, loose jumpsuit, underneath an ordinary black long sleeve shirt and a rubber shoes, I look like a commoner with this get up. Hindi pa ako ulit nagsusuot ng fit na damit.

Ang pangit ko kumpara sa ayos ni Monique sa harapan ng fiance ko! Nakakainis!

He said nothing but smiled at her. He keeps his distance, agad din inabot ni Travis ang gitara na ginamit niya kay Pierre.

"Si Travis lang talaga ang maka kanta ng mga kantang iyon, paano naman kasi, iba kapag mag pinag-aalayan ng kanta." Hirit na naman ni Joshua sa kanya, "Hatak nga ang audience eh."

"It's just a song, nothing more, nothing less." He says impassively, I don't know the look of his reaction because he is facing them and all I see is his back.

"Pero aminin mo, lahat ng kantang iyon, minsan mong inalay kay Monique, hindi ba?" Pierre taps his shoulder smiling at him.

"Sus, guys, tama na iyan." Saway ni Monique sa kanila. "Kanina pa kayo. Past is past. Respect that."

Good thing she knows. Hindi ko maiwasang magtaas ng kilay. As if naman Max, makita ka? Para kang tanga!

"Pero kung single pa rin si Travis, ano sa tingin mo Moe?" Tukso ni Joshua sa kanya. "Ano na kayo ngayon?"

"Edi baka kami na." She says almost proudly.

My heart sinks in bitterness.

"Eh ikaw naman kasi Moe--" Hihirit pa sana si Joshua pero natigilan siya nang biglang magsalita si Travis.

"That's enough." His voice is solid as he dismissed his friend, "Let's call it a night, I have to go." he's about to walk away, but Monique holds his forearm.

Let go of him!

Max, huminahon ka muna. Para akong tangang nakikipag-away sa sarili ko.

"Hey, biruan lang naman iyon. Alam mo naman tong mga to." Monique tilts her head beside looking at him as if she's calming him down.

"Oo nga, masyado kang serious dude." Joshua clicks his tongue shaking his head, "Chill lang, wala naman siya."

What the hell was that supposed to mean Joshua?

"I really have to go." Travis tells them.

"Eh sino maghahatid kay Moe?" Tanong sa kanya ni Pierre.

"May lakad rin kami ni Edie, kaya sorry, dude." Sagot ni Gerard kay Travis nang tingnan niya ang kaibigan.

"Kikitain ko si Addy ngayon." Sagot ni Joshua sa kanya.

"I have to meet my Dad, so out of the way ako." Sagot ni Pierre nang tingnan siya ni Travis.

"Hey guys, you know what I'll manage," Monique keeps her cool in front of boys, "Masaya lang akong nakita kayo mag perform kaya nagpa-late ako ng shift sa part time job ko dito sa school."

She's also a student here?

"It's fine. I'll take you home." Sagot sa kanya ni Travis, "It's getting late kaya dalian na lang natin."

Alam ko naman na walang malisya ang sinabi ni Travis kay Monique pero naiinis akong tingnan na parang ikinatuwa niya ang concern sa kanya ni Travis.

Pinanghihinaan ako ng loob. Mauulit na naman ba yung dati?

Hindi ko alam kung bakit mas pinili kong taguan sila Travis matapos kong marinig ang naging usapan nila ng tropa niya.

Sinundan ko sila hanggang parking at nagulat akong makita na nandoon si Laurenz na para bang hinihintay siya sa kotse.

"Bakit hindi ka pa umuwi?" Tanong sa kanya ng kuya niya.

"Iniwan mo yung susi mo sa akin, tanga ka ba? Plus hindi ako marunong magmaneho." Iritang sagot ni Laurenz sa kanya.

Travis said nothing but shook his head in front of him.

Hindi ko alam pero nung makita ko na kasama niya si Laurenz, nakahinga ako ng maluwag, kaya naman ngayon nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob para lapitan sila.

"Ihatid na muna natin si Monique tapos tsaka na tayo umuwi Lance."

Laurenz hissed rolling his eyes at him, "Dapat nga kanina pa, nag-aksaya ka lang ng oras dito, gago." Binuksan ni Laurenz yung passenger seat at doon sana uupo pero napansin niya akong palapit sa kanila. Para siyang na estatwa nang makita ako.

Before Travis could look back, I held his hand and smiled at him.

"Max." He looks at me in surprise. I noticed Monique stepped back from my peripheral vision.

"Tada." I say like I'm performing a magic trick and hear him chuckled.

"How do you know I'm here?" His eyes are filled with warmth.

I locked my hand with his and giggled childishly, "I just know where to find you." I winked at him.

"Dahil nandito ka na, sa likod na lang ako uupo." Sambit ni Laurenz at agad na ring umupo sa back seat.

I glanced at Monique and greeted her with a smile, "Hello."

She greets me back casually and sits beside Laurenz.

Bago kami pumasok ni Travis sa kotse hinila niya ako sa kanya at hinalikan. "I'm just happy that you're here." He kissed my hand attempting to read me. "Maxene, about Monique being here--"

"That can wait." I tell him. "We'll talk later." I tell him as I keep my emotions at bay.

"Okay."

Buong biyahe tahimik sa loob ng kotse hanggang sa makarating na kami sa tapat ng apartment ni Monique.

"Salamat sa paghatid ah?" She says with a gentle voice. As she taps his shoulder with a friendly smile.

Nang nagkatinginan kami pilit ko siyang nginitian kahit na sa totoo lang nabababawan na naman ako sa sarili ko dahil may paghagod pa siya sa balikat ng fiance ko.

Umalis na rin kami kaagad pagkapasok ni Monique sa loob ng apartment niya, hindi ko naman alam kung bakit talaga namang hinintay pa nito ni Hayes makapasok yung babaeng iyon, eh hindi naman siya baldado para alalayan pa ng tingin.

Buwisit!

When we arrived at their place, agad na ring bumaba si Laurenz sa kotse, "Ihatid mo na si Max. Salamat sa libreng angkas." Sambit ni Laurenz at sinarado ang pintuan at dumarecho sa condo building.

He holds my hand, "We're past curfew." His voice is filled with regret, "I'm sorry kung marami tayong naging detour, tapos traffic pa."

I look at him and shake my head, "It's okay. I'll stay here with you." He looks at me in disbelief.

"Pero hindi pa weekends Max, ayoko namang mapagalitan ka--"

I grab his collar and shuts him with a kiss. I pull him close to me as I deepen the kiss and I feel he responded.

"I want to stay here with you." I say as we catch our breaths after I cut the kiss.

He looked into my eyes as if he's looking into my soul.

"Okay." The tone of his voice is vague but solid. We parked the car first and went straight to his place.

I approached the sofa and sat there as I kept a light environment between us with a smile on my face.

"Max," he sits right next to me, woos me as he takes me in his arms, "I didn't know that she's a student there." He just knows right away how to fill in the questions in my head. "Galit ka ba?"

"Galit, anong galit?" Nginitian ko siya at tinuro ang mukha ko, "Yung mukhang ito, galit?" I shake my head as I put up a comical face. "Ikaw ah, issue ka." I sneered. "Well, good for her, hindi ba?" I shrugged sitting straightly. I need to relax myself. Keep your cool Max.

He sighs, "Do you doubt me?" He asks looking into my eyes. Nakapalumbaba siya at nakapatong ang siko niya sa sandalan ng sofa.

I shake my head with a smile.

"I trust you." I tell him even if there's this emerging fear in my core. Pero kasi kailangan kong manindigan.

Conquer your fear Max.

Those voices in your head are just your foul moods and insecurities.

You've been fighting them since she told you about her feelings for him. Stay strong Max.

Ikaw ang mahal niya.

Ikaw ang fiance niya.

Ikaw ang binigyan niya ng singsing.

Pero kung hindi naman kami na-arranged sa isa't-isa baka sila na nga...

"Anyway, I can say that she looks better." That's a compliment keeping my cool before my insecurities break me.

He tilts his head beside observing me carefully.

I smiled at him as I kept these unwanted thoughts inside my head, "At ang sexy niya ah, in fairness... bebot...ganun..."

They look so good together.

He is facing me calmly and collected as always.

"She looks like a different person." I say avoiding his gaze, "I'm sure that she's smart too, kasi nakapasa siya sa school na pinapasukan mo."

Wala na bang ibang university, bakit doon pa siya nag-enroll?

"True. Nakakuha nga siya ng scholarship doon eh." He says casually. I don't know if he's proud of her telling me that she's a scholar, but knowing that she is, I can tell that she is smarter than me academically.

Great.

"Wow, ang galing naman niya, beauty and brains." I let out an awkward laugh, "Pwede siyang pang Miss Universe."

He is looking at me as worry emerges in his eyes.

I bit my lip avoiding his gaze, keep your shit together Max.

"Dapat siguro umuwi na lang ako, you surely had a long day... I'm sorry if I'm being insensitive."

I said I'd go, but my strength left me.

Tumungo ako at may sariling utak ang kamay ko para kumuyom sa hita ko.

Nanliliit ako sa sarili ko.

"Maxene," He cupped my face adjusting himself so he could keep me close, "I love you." He says with warmth.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit tinraydor ako ng puso ko at napaluha ako sa sinabi niya.

"Mine." He says, wiping my tears away, "I love you."

I gulped, "I know... I know..." I nod as I cover my face and my tears just explode, "I'm sorry..." I laugh, "Ano ba yan mukha akong tanga..." Pilit kong inaayos ang sarili ko sa harapan niya.

Pilit kong tinatahan ang sarili ko pero hindi ko mapigilan ang mga luha ko.

He embraces me tightly and I feel his lips on my temple. "Let everything out. I'll listen..."

"Ano ka ba, wala naman akong sasabihin..." I say between my cries as I put my face on his chest. "Masaya naman ako ah..." My voice betrays me.

He leaned on the sofa as carries my weight while caressing my back.

"Masaya... schoolmates na ulit kayo..."

I hear him take a deep breath.

"Wala namang problema doon, kasi friends din naman kayo, hindi ba?"

He says nothing and kisses my head.

"You sing so handsomely earlier... hearing that those songs are for her..." I let out an awkward laugh again, "I can tell, you really loved her from those songs..."

He embraces me tightly.

I hate this... even if I keep on ignoring this fact, no matter what I do, Monique holds a big part of him that I'll never have... She is his past.

My insecurity is eating me... as the scenes from earlier keep replaying in my mind.

Kung single pa rin si Travis, edi sila na ni Monique malamang ngayon. Dakilang epal lang naman ako.

'Edi baka kami na.'

'Baka kami na.'

'Kami na.'

I squeezed his shirt as I battled my demons silently.

I don't want him to see me like this.

I'm so pathetic.

He holds my hand that is on his shirt and I feel him kissing it locking it with his hand. I'm still hiding my face to his chest as I listen to the sound of his heart.

He took a deep breath and brushed my hair. His hand is soft as a feather comforting me.

[Staring at the moon, so blue
Turning all my thoughts to you
I was without hopes or dreams
Trapped to die and never scream
But you, saw me through.]

He sings a familiar song as if he is singing me a lullaby.

He is singing You Took My Heart Away by MLTR.

He caressed my face as he lifted me to meet his eyes. I see him facing me with a gentle smile still singing me this one song.

My heart just melts all over again.

[You took my heart away
When my whole world was grey
You gave me everything
And a little bit more
And when it's cold at night
And you sleep by my side
You've become the meaning of my life.]

He brushed the tears in my eyes and pulled me up for a kiss.

"It's true that those songs were the songs I sang for her because she couldn't hear me." he started, "I was able to convey my feelings through singing in front of a huge crowd. Iyon lang ang pabor na maibibigay ko sa sarili ko dati." he smiled bitterly, "But now, I am singing for you only, because you're much bigger than the crowd around me."

His words overwhelms me as he looks at me like I'm his everything.

"Kung mapapansin mo, puro pang-one sided lahat ng kinanta ko kanina," he chuckled awkwardly as he fix himself in front of me, "But with you, my songs were different." he says adoringly.

"See the difference?" he traced my face and I bit my lip, "She will never be you."

"Pero kung wala namang Maxene, hindi ba sa kanya ka pa rin?" I put up a smile as I see him shaking his head.

"Anong oras ka pumunta sa school?" He asks me and I tell him what I overheard. "They're just messing with me, Max. That meant nothing to me."

I force out a laugh and nodded. "Masyadong kasing immature at mababaw itong babaeng kaharap mo." Tinawanan at nilait ko ang sarili ko.

I'm so sensitive and my emotions were all over the place when it comes to him... especially now...

His hand caged my face, "This woman in front of me, is my future." He kissed my lips again, "That fact won't change."

"Kahit pangit ako?"

He shakes his head, "Sino ba ang nagsabi sayo na pangit ka?" He asks with a friendly smile on his face, "Why do you insist na pangit ka?"

I pouted, "Ewan, basta napapangitan ako sa sarili ko." I sighed, "Tapos, ni hindi pa ako nakakapag-college, pakiramdam ko ang liit-liit ng tingin ko sa sarili ko. Wala pa akong maipagmamalaki sa iyo. I'm not even confident if I am as smart as her."

"Stop comparing yourself to Monique, why do you keep doing this to yourself Maxene?" His voice is displeased.

"I can't change my past, you know that. But that's all behind me now." He holds my hand to his face, "You are my present and my future. No matter what happens, it's you and me, right?"

I nodded with a smile as I saw my own reflection in his eyes. I am melting.

"Umay ka na ba?" I asked shyly and saw him crease his brows. "Sorry napaka selosa ko nga talaga." I frowned. "Aaminin ko na lang iyon."

He gave out a light chuckle, shaking his head and immediately I'm in his arms again. This time I'm sitting on his lap and he closes the gap between our foreheads.

"I'm faithfully yours... I'm all yours." his words holds a strong promise.

A promise that I'll cling onto.