A/N: "Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses."- Ann Landers

***

Hello!

As promised, here is the next chapter.

As we near the end of this story (yes.....it's ending), I would like to thank everyone who spent time reading and giving feedbacks to the chapters.

You made me smile with your generous hearts, jokes, comments and inspiring ideas.

A special shoutout goes to: SamGarcia558, vevskie, Macky_114,cvu1967, GraceGatchiPastrana, rastrodubsmash, MVRastro, GellyAcey, Eye-ra_Mata,GianSorcerer,janggggg, KrisJorge2, PoetLiterati,alexis_althea, LeaSoliman,Mahalfrancate..........................

The ellipses represents all the others who I know are there, reading in silence (are you at the library? ) ;)

I could never thank you enough.

Love to all of you from the bottom of my fangirl heart <3

JagrX1

***

Yes.

The precious word resonated around the rooftop and floated to the high heavens as the golden sun slowly rose in the horizon to welcome the day that officially marked our new beginning.

I looked at Jade's face and saw the tears slowly rolled down her cheek and I felt the sting of my own tears as well.

The joy that flowed from my heart was pure, new, unexplainable.

As she reached out her hand to help me get up on my feet, her hand trembled.

I squeezed it gently to steady her.

"I love you,Althea." She freed the words from her mouth as I took her hand to slip the ring over the old one.

The diamond glistened against the glare of the dim light of the incandescent bulbs as Jade repeatedly shook her head in disbelief.

"Am I dreaming?" she let out a laugh as she faced me.

It was my turn to shake my head at her.

"This is real, Jade,"I answered.

Without saying anything, she pulled me towards her and kissed me for as long as we could hold our breath.

***

Enchanted.

The memory of that scene in the rooftop played over and over in my head as I stared at the ring in my finger.

My make-up artist noticed it and smiled.

"OMG!" she exclaimed as she congratulated me.

In all the days I've spent in her chair, the two of us have gotten close.

After the smile, another question was thrown my way.

"But where are you going to get married?" she asked, her face a combination of excitement and expectation.

"Somewhere legal," I replied.

She nodded her head.

"Makes sense," she said as she expertly applied the eye shadow.

We both fell silent as she concentrated on what she was doing and I ruminated on the question in my head.

Althea and I have a lot of choices now but we both decided to focus on the present moment.

"Let's concentrate on your event for tonight and the concert," she casually remarked as we walk back to our condo.

I couldn't help but laugh at what she said.

She gave me a puzzled look and asked why.

"I don't know how you can downplay the fact that you just proposed to me," I replied.

She blushed.

A guilty look was on her face as she scratched the back of her head.

"Love, it's kind of a big deal you know?" I teased her even more.

She finally opened the door and we both stood in the threshold.

I stole a kiss from her and Althea instinctively closed her eyes and got lost in the feeling.

But I pulled away as quickly as I could.

Her face was stunned at my abruptness.

"See what I mean?" I couldn't stop myself from teasing her.

Althea only laughed, her face turning redder with every banter.

"Althea Gueverra or should I say the future Althea Tanchingco-Guevarra, you have ruined everything for me." I exclaimed.

She bit her lower lip to stifle a laugh.

I closed the door behind us and pinned her on the wall.

"While I, your future wife, willingly obliged......" I unzipped her jacket as I claimed her lips once again.

***

Restless.

The words and the chords are warring with each other.

It didn't take long for the rest of the band to figure out why.

Only Batchi knew because she was with me when we went to Tiffany's to buy the ring.

Roxy called for a fifteen-minute break as they all congratulated me with hugs and kisses.

Someone ran outside to buy a bottle of champagne for later.

We are at work anyway.

My father knew beforehand.

I asked for his blessings before I got the ring.

Although his acceptance of me was unconditional, I still want to be sure that he was okay with what I'm about to do.

I think he cried after he gave me a hug.

"You're all grown up," he declared as he wiped the stray tear with his hand.

I cried too.

Once the congratulations were done, we all took our places to resume our practice.

I looked at everyone and saw the joy in their eyes.

***

Nervous

I peeked behind the curtain and was overwhelmed at the size of the crowd.

The arena was filled to the rafters and it was unbelievable.

The energy was exhilarating as they await the start of the show.

My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I searched for Mama and my brothers in the crowd.

When I saw them, I smiled.

An empty seat was reserved for my father, a gesture initiated by Karen who came over to the make-up room to wish me luck and give me a hug.

She mentioned the spot for Dada.

"I took the liberty of doing it," she revealed.

"Hope you don't mind,"

I thanked her for the effort.

"I'm not going to hold my breath though," I confessed.

"This is my father we're talking about."

She shrugged her shoulders.

"It doesn't hurt to try, Jade."

I agreed with her as I remembered the story she told me about her father's effort to reach out to her and her mom.

"I was angry with him when I was growing up because he favored my half-sister's family more than us but when I thought long and hard about the situation, I realized that we are all suffering from the mistakes he and my mother made." She said to me.

"Why prolong the agony when happiness is within reach?" she rationalized.

I wished I could say the same thing about Dada and I.

***

Showtime!

I was seated besides Batchi and Abby in the arena.

Two rows away from us were Jade's family.

I noticed the empty chair and assumed it was reserved for Mr. Tanchingco.

Paul saw me when I came in and I was caught off guard.

His mom saw me too and I froze.

I don't know if she's upset with me, just like her husband.

When she stood up to approach me, Batchi took my hand and told me to breathe.

"I'm here with you," my friend assured me.

"Althea," Amanda said to me once we were face to face.

I swallowed hard and expected a slap to land on my face.

Nothing happened.

Instead, she smiled and I thought it was just my imagination.

"Thank you for taking care of Jade," she told me.

The kindness and sincerity I saw in her eyes were something I hope would last.

I just proposed to her daughter that morning.

The gesture was a whole other ballgame.

I was tongue-tied and could only nod my head.

I excused myself from her as we took our reserved seats.

The air was charged with excitement and my heart was still pumped from the encounter with Amanda.

Jade warned me beforehand.

But the experience of seeing them there was still nerve-wracking.

"Are you okay?" Batchi said to me and I nodded.

The lights went out signaling the start of the show.

Music blared from the huge speakers as Richard and Lucy came out of the curtains holding hands, smiling and waving at the crowd.

How fitting I thought.

They were dressed as the king and the queen, with crowns and scepters, and a red velvet cape.

The jewels encrusted crowns glistened under the lights and the crowd went wild at the Bench royalty.

Since this is a denim and underwear fashion show, the two were wearing matching silver denims and silver silk tops.

I have no doubt that they still have the body but based on previous shows, they rarely show skin.

I'm not sure about circa 1990's when Richard hunkability was soaring.

They have earned their status.

It's up to Jade and the other models to sizzle and titillate the crowd.

When the couple disappeared backstage, it was Anne's turn to strut her stuff on stage.

Dressed in a transparent white tunic, she had a single red rose in her loose brown hair.

The crowd went in a frenzy as her sexy figure sashayed and teased.

Jade was mum about the concept so I was surprised that the production had elements of Greek mythology.

Anne was Venus and I thought she just captured everyone's heart.

She was holding a red rose as well.

Before she was done with her routine, she went back to the middle of the stage and threw the flower

in the air.

Was it coincidence that it landed in my lap?

Anne winked at me before she walked backstage.

The cameras were focused on me and I was shocked.

There was only one thing left to do—I smiled.

The crowd roared as the camera zoomed in on the retreating figure of Anne.

Batchi nudged me on the arm and I frowned at her.

"Uhmmmm.......engaged?" she remarked and I laughed at what she said.

I heard Abby giggled and in the darkness, I think I blushed.

***

The Finger

I saw what Anne did and I knew it was intentional.

Sure, this was a show and keeping the audience interested will always be part of the act but seriously??!!

She picked my fiancée for chrissake!

Karen was beside me and told me to ignore it.

"Don't mind it, Jade." She pointed towards my ring.

It was at the perfect time for Anne to come back, all smiles from the reception she got from the crowd.

I raised my eyebrows at her but she didn't take offense.

Instead, she went up to me and said it was all part of the performance.

I didn't say anything but raised my ring finger at her and it shut her up.

Two more couples will appear, Alden and Maine as Helen and Paris then Danielle and Kathryn as Cupid and Psyche, obviously.

Afterwards, it will be my turn to appear with David.

He will be the Adonis to my Athena.

To respect my father's request, Bench fashioned an outfit that won't be raunchy.

"We don't want to earn the wrath of your father even more," Karen explained to me.

So while David was clothed minimally to reveal his abs and the rest of him, mine was a modest ensemble of a red satin tunic that only revealed part of my sandaled feet.

The thing was, the fabric was transparent.

People can still glimpse at my underwear that was silky and black.

My goal was to tease because the other models will be wearing skimpy outfits that leave nothing to the imagination.

The song that they picked for our appearance was a mix of Bootylicious by Destiny's Child and Upgrade U by Queen B and Jay-Z.

It's an appropriate choice because aside from the next ensemble bordering on the extreme (almost naked), the outfits are designed to entice, excite and upgrade the otherwise boring and dour underwear of choice.

When the music played, David went out and the crowd cheered.

My nervousness tripled so I closed my eyes for a quick second.

I thought of my girlfriend sitting among the crowd.

If there's only one person I need to impress, it's her.

***

Although nervous of how the audience will respond to my appearance, my doubt was quelled when their applause resounded in the entire arena.

I immediately scanned the venue for Althea and then my family.

The empty seat beside my brother Paul was occupied.

My heartbeat quickened as I saw my father's face.

As usual, he was unsmiling.

Now that he's here, I don't know whether to be happy or scared.

I quickly dispel the nagging thoughts by turning my attention to my girlfriend who was smiling at me.

I unabashedly blew a kiss her way and she caught it.

Afterwards, I focused on the routine and walked around the stage to entertain the crowd.

Their enthusiasm, even the leery looks from perverted members of the audience, had to be taken with a grain of salt.

David and I were supposed to always be at the opposite sides of the stage.

We will only meet in the middle when it's our turn to face the crowd one more time and then go backstage to change into our next costume.

He would give the cue by walking towards the center so when I saw him walk towards that direction, I walked to meet him in the middle.

Once there, he was supposed to take my hand and we would wave to the audience.

He was following the routine.

Or so I thought.

When I moved my head to my right to smile, his face was dangerously close to mine.

He cocked his head and I knew he was going to kiss me.

The crowd roared louder as they waited for my reaction and my eyes grew wild with anger.

With gritted teeth, I avoided the kiss by stepping a few inches forward, letting go of David's hand and walking backstage.

I heard the crowd jeering.

There were a few who booed but was silenced by the quick thinking sound director who turned up the volume a few notches higher.

When David came back, a slap landed in his face.

***

Stunned? Stunned!

I froze in my seat when I saw what David was about to do.

My hands gripped the upholstered armchair as I waited for Jade's reaction.

When she took a step forward, I was triumphant.

"What the hell just happened?" Batchi remarked as we heard the audience's reaction to the failed kiss.

I overheard one guy mentioned Jade was a lesbian.

"If David was trying to turn her, he failed miserably." He laughed afterwards.

I agreed with him.

His weak attempt at cheap publicity was thwarted by Jade's quick thinking.

From where I was seated, I saw Mr. Tanchingco leave his seat.

But before his exit, he searched the crowd.

When he saw where I was, he glared at me like a predator about to devour its prey.

***

One Hot Mess

"You couldn't play along?" David screamed, his face red from embarrassment and anger.

"Why the fuck would I play along with you?" I yelled.

Karen and the rest of the production team gathered around us to diffuse the situation.

Besides, the show wasn't halfway done.

David and I will come back two more times.

We cannot derail the entire production because of what he did.

I took a deep breath and looked around me.

Most of them have a nervous look on their faces.

Karen took me aside to talk to me.

"Hey Jade, it's okay." She patted me on the back.

I stared at her and saw that she wasn't bullshitting me.

"I know you were shocked and you reacted according to your gut."

She lowered her voice.

"You're upset, I understand that."

"But.........?" I glowered.

"These people are intelligent enough to know who you are and what just happened."

She paused.

Her next words were spoken deliberately.

"They are here for the entertainment,"

"I know you're a professional and you won't disappoint them."

She didn't need to elaborate.

I whispered something in her ear and her eyes widened.

"Are you sure, Jade?" she looked unsettled.

I nodded my head and walked towards the costume designer who was waiting for me.

I took one quick look at David but he was already being ushered to a different room by a PA.

While changing, I thought of all the months he was ignoring me.

Was his action pre-meditated?

Perhaps this wasn't the right time to look for answers but I knew him.

He won't do anything this stupid.

Not only did he embarrass himself but myself as well.

But like what Karen said, we cannot let that incident ruin the entire production.

We owe it to the crowd to finish what we started.

***

The Show Must Go On

"Do you think she'll finish the show?" Batchi asked as soon as the other models were done with their routine.

We didn't have to wait long for the answer.

The music changed to M83's Midnight City and Jade reappeared wearing a red hood, holding a whip.

The crowd was silent for a few seconds and then.....they applauded when she removed the hood and let her hair loose.

Some of them, mostly men were on their feet, cheering her on.

Every head turn was deliberate, the hungry look she gave the audience made me swallowed hard.

Vamp, seductive........irrestible.

Whatever happened to the sweet and coy image after the failed kiss was possibly tossed to cover up for the misstep.

The red velvet robe was held together by a gold string and Jade painstakingly took her time to untie it.

When she flung the wardrobe, it tethered on the edge of the stage and a crew snatched it away.

Jade, my Jade, romanced the catwalk wearing a black satin corset, holding on to the whip as if her life depended on it.

As I sat quietly on my seat, oblivious to the adulation of the maddening crowd, I couldn't help but admire her courage.

Whatever or whoever motivated her to do this, for the sake of the show or to save face, had succeeded.

***

The Aftermath

Epic.

That was how everyone described the show.

In my mind, I knew everyone remembered the incident with David.

After we wrapped up the show, we all went backstage to be congratulated for our performance, the laughter and exhilaration of everyone around me couldn't erase my disappointment.

But I have to hide my misgivings.

I put on a smile and joined everyone in the celebration.

Mr. Chan was waiting for all of us and we all gathered for a photograph.

I was standing beside him and before the camera clicked, he whispered in my ear.

"Well done, Jade." He smiled at me.

I searched for any sign of dissatisfaction and found none.

***

At the after party, my family minus my father, came up to congratulate me.

My eyes scoured the room for Althea but I couldn't find her.

"Jade?" my mother had a worried look on her face and I realized she was holding my hand.

I swallowed hard but it was obvious that the answer she needed was right in front of her.

A smile broke from her face and I hugged my mother.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, the fear quickly dissolving with every tear that trickle.

My brothers embraced us and they were genuinely happy at the news.

"Where is Althea by the way?" Paul asked, looking around the room for any sign of my fiancée.

"I have no idea," was my reply.

***

The Encounter

We rushed to get to the venue of the party but I was stopped at the parking lot by voice I knew so well.

Mr. Tanchingco was waiting for me.

"Althea?" Batchi was concerned.

I told her and Abby to go ahead of me.

"Are you sure?" my friend eyed the older man cautiously.

I said yes.

It was obvious that Jade's father had something important to say.

I remained standing where I was.

He was alone and I wasn't sure if his bodyguards were lurking around.

"We have to talk," his voice was commanding, sharp, businesslike.

Mr. Tanchingco walked to where I was but stopped a few feet from me.

"I saw the ring," he remarked.

Of all the things I was expecting him to tell me, the ring was the least of my concern.

"You really love my daughter?" The question should've been a statement by now but

I wasn't surprised.

I nodded.

He took a long deep breath and I stared at him.

His eyes bore no trace of anger or disappointment.

I wondered if this was a dream.

"You're not mad at me......at us?" my voice trailed, uncertain, thrown off-kilter at the sudden change in his behavior.

"Let's say I am surprised," he answered.

"I love my daughter," he added. His face softened when he mentioned the word.

"She broke my heart when she left to be with you,"

He grew quiet, thoughtful.

"I don't want anyone to mess with her,"

I frowned at what he said, unsure of what or who he was referring to.

"As she proudly wore the ring on the catwalk, I knew it was time to settle the score."

There was a warning in his tone.

He checked his watch as if he had an appointment to go to.

I was doubtful, knowing that it was past midnight.

Mr. Tanchingco turned his attention back to me.

"Althea, if you want my daughter's hand, you should do it the right way." He told me.

I opened my mouth to respond but he was already walking away from me, leaving me at the parking lot as if someone spellbound.

***

Try Again

A reporter was interviewing me when my father walked in.

He smiled at me and he must have seen the dubious look on my face.

Could this be the same man who hated me for my choice to be with the woman I love?

As he approached, the walls I built to protect myself from his scathing remarks rose up in an instant.

"Jade?" there was a tenderness in his tone and it was disconcerting.

I wondered if he's had too much to drink.

When he reached out to take my hand, my response was instantaneous—I pulled it away, out of his reach.

A low laugh escaped from his mouth.

"I'm sorry,"

His voice echoed as if he was holding a microphone while he said the very words I never expected to hear from him.

Did my father, Mr. Oscar Tanchingco, the man who was ruthless in the business world and with his family, just apologized to me?

The daughter he disowned for embracing who I truly am?

I thought it unlikely but here he was, in the flesh, telling me he was sorry.

"Dada?" My mind was telling me to be wary but my heart did something else.

I closed the gap between us and I hugged him.

I didn't care if it caught the attention of the other people in the room and the cameras started flashing in succession.

I cried shamelessly, happy to be held by the man who comforted me when I was a child.

I was still sobbing when he let me go.

Dada wiped my tears as he kept telling me he would be a better man this time.

The ring caught his eye and he chuckled.

"She got you hook, line and sinker didn't she?" his eyes crinkled.

I laughed at what she said and noticed that he was inspecting the diamond ring.

I shook my head and reprimanded him.

"What?" he was still smiling as he let go of my hand.

"My girl deserves nothing but the best," He reasoned.

As soon as he said it, the door opened.

Althea came in, her eyes shining with glee.

***