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My phone's screen was lit again. . . for the twentieth time, maybe? It was still caused by the messages, which I wouldn't want to read, from an unknown number. Damn your messages to bedrock, Peter. Just rot, please. You can't change my mind. Ever.

Before I could even notice, the poor pencil in my hand was already broken into two. It looked mercilessly broken. I looked around to see if any officemate of mine saw my anger concentrated on the pencil just a few seconds ago. Buti na lang ay walang nakapansin dahil ang lahat ay naka-focus sa sarili nilang mga computer. It was usual to see them that way, and I wondered what time it was. But instead of looking at the small clock on my desk, I took a glimpse at the large windows half-covered with Venetian blinds.

Some stars appeared to be shy as the world gradually became darker. Yes!

Several clicks that stilettos produce against the floor made their way to me. And there, at my front stood Kailey in a fit, smoke-colored dress under her even darker blazer. She was smiling at me as I drew my hand out of my pocket where my broken pencil peacefully lay.

Sana lahat ng broken peaceful, 'no? One "ew" for that line, from Glenn.

"Good evening, Glenn," she said, smiling at me in an awkwardly lovely way.

I heard some of my officemates' seats moving, a sign that they were preparing to leave. Well, it was getting a bit late, so I supposed they were going to see their children at home. . . and bond with them. Then, they will sleep through the tiring night.

No, I bitterly thought to myself after I noticed my mistake. Everybody around me is either single or in a new relationship; they still don't have children.

"I'm going to a bar nearby," Kailey whispered, drawing my attention back to her dark brown eyes. "Will you go with me?"

But I wanna go home.

"Okay, I'll go." I didn't know what came over me—the strong will in her voice or the magnetic shape of her face—that made me say that.

Upon hearing my response, Kailey grinned then quickly took it back.

"Wait, first time mong iinom, right?" Kailey asked, her eyes wide.

"Uh. . . oo," I answered. "Bakit?"

"Nothing," she smiled. "Don't worry. I got you naman."

"See you in my office," she added then gracefully walked away, leaving the atmosphere back to light.

Almost every girl around me rummaged their bags as if they were in a hurry. Some already took their bags with them as they headed to the washroom, I supposed. Soon enough, as I was finishing my work and calling it a day, I saw some putting their lipsticks on.

Hindi naman ako nadi-distract, pero I felt uneasy. Ni pulbos, hindi ko malagay sa mukha ko nang may nakakakitang iba. It was probably just because I was being shy about it. As quick as I could, I clicked on my mouse to log my computer off and headed straight to the washroom to freshen up my face.

I was going to a bar with Kailey. Maybe, I didn't know why it was me, the one she chose to be with, but I always knew one thing. I didn't really consider going to places like that.

I looked down at the pointed toe of my heeled shoes as I walked to Kailey's office. I didn't have makeup on my face like my officemates do, but I told myself that it was okay. I had always felt uncomfortable with cosmetics.

Ano ba'ng mayroon ngayon? I didn't completely agree to come with her, did I?

"Oh, there you are," Kailey said as her eyes met mine. Brown and pretty.

"Are you all set?" Kailey continued, taking her shoulder bag.

"Yeah," I smiled awkwardly.

"Let's go?" When she said that, I nodded, lowering my head.

I smiled as she led the way out of the office. And she wasn't in her blazer. Kung ano man 'tong pinasok ko, I'm sure this is new, and it's scaring me. I may be straight from a breakup, but I'm not into partying. Like. . . nah.

We were in the elevator when Kailey touched a topic, which I really hated to remember, in my life. Just a small part of it, actually.

"So. . . isn't Peter asking you out tonight?" Kailey, who wasn't aware of our breakup, asked. "Because you agreed."

"No," I said. Then I grimaced.

Looking up, my eyes met hers. She showed enough concern, but I didn't need it.

"I broke up with him," I said, answering her unspoken question. "Last night, on his birthday."

"That's wicked," she said, letting out a belly laugh.

"I know, right?" I said, not planning to dig deeper into the truth—that I did it because he was falling in love with a girl in his workplace. Yet he wanted to keep me. Yikes. "Pero kailangan, e. Everything about us will always be unworthy."

The elevator stopped as she was still laughing like she wasn't my boss. Like we were a pair of crazy best friends. That is exactly what I wanted us to be in high school. But that never happened. People hate the boring ones like me.

We stepped out of the elevator, and Kailey was still laughing at it. Was it really that insane?

"Bakit ka tumatawa riyan? You're more wicked. You never gave someone a chance." I said, finally realizing that Peter's birthday, yesterday, was February 13.

Today's the fourteenth of February.

And Kailey was practically the one I was spending time with, at least, if she thought about it that way. I rolled my eyes at the thought. As if she would.

"So bakit mo naman naisipang isama ako sa bar?" ang tanong ko naman sa kaniya. "Of all people, Glenn. . . Glenn, who never drinks."

"So. . ." she stopped walking then faced me, "bakit ka pumayag?" She held her face close to mine as if it does not produce much awkwardness between the both of us.

Bakit nga ba? What the hell.

"Hindi ko rin alam," I grinned like it could keep me away from the sight of Kailey's gorgeous eyes.

"I was surprised you said yes," Kailey said. "That was why I emphasized on the fact that it will be your first time to drink."

"Ah," I uttered. "Just wanna try. Siguro?" I giggled. She continued walking with me until we reached the exit of the building. I trusted her, so I just followed her as she made her way to the parking lot. When her brown car was in front of us, she opened the door for me. Woah.

Through the windshield, I saw how fetching she walked to the driver's seat. This car shows how successful she is, while I'm here, stuck in not liking cars, I thought. As soon as she entered, she gave me a look.

"Seat belt, Glenn," she said. "Hindi naman ako nakakatakot mag-drive, pero kung maaaksidente man ako, ayaw kong mandamay."

That, somehow, made me smile.

"Oh, by the way," Kailey said, stealing my sight from the rearview mirror. "I did lie about the bar. It's not so nearby."

I was about to protest. I wanted to go home early.

But before I could say anything, she said, "But don't worry. I got you."

With that, I fastened the seat belt. Oh, Kailey.

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