A/N: Today is a very important day in history.

You probably saw or heard  the news about SCOTUS ruling in favour of same-sex marriage.

I saw it trending on Twitter and I was curious to find out what happened.

For months, I've been following the discussions and reading the articles about the deliberations.

I prayed it would pass, not only for me but for everyone affected by inequality.

When I confirmed that it did passed, 5-4, I cried.

I cried for victory and because I was happy.

No one has to hide from anyone or to themselves.

"The more visible we are, the more we become positive role models to the LGBTQ community."

Hence the change in my picture.

I hope that through the stories I wrote, anyone who's ever in the closet, will slowly find the courage to claim their identity and eventually be free.

***

The doctor took forever to call me back.

With everyday that passed by, I was getting more and more anxious to know if my medical records were ready.

I refused the urged to call her and check on the status of my request.

Although I was eager to get a hold of the documents, I don't want to risk being labeled as impatient or demanding.

Since DJ returned from the hospital, I concentrated on taking care of her.

I missed Althea and regretted that I didn't ask for her number.

I consoled myself by thinking that perhaps, it's better that I don't know.

Having access to her would drive me crazier.

Besides, I have to focus on my plan.

I couldn't allow myself to be distracted by my feelings to the woman whose image helps me sleep soundly at night.

Calm seemed to return to the Tanchingco household.

Well, for most of them.

My father looked sullen for the past few days and I stumbled upon the reason why.

Our lifeline, the family business, was on the brink of bankruptcy.

He had to close a few of our stores.

I overheard him talking to Uncle Lucky while I was on my way to our room. The discordant sound of their voices caught my attention.

I hid behind the wall to eavesdrop.

"Althea's company plans to buy three of our stores including the one in Quiapo," Uncle Lucky told my father.

My heart skipped a beat when I heard her name.

"That is not going to happen," was the response from my dad.

"Do you mind not mentioning the name of that woman in this household?" he sounded reviled by the mention of her name.

"Oscar, right now, her company is the only one doggedly pursuing the sale." Uncle Lucky was undeterred.

"We need the money if we want to keep our family afloat." His tone was stern.

"If we don't accept her offer, we could end up without a decent sale to the company we worked hard for," his voice rose.

"I will not allow that woman to own our property!" my father yelled.

"I didn't work this hard only for her to stick her cute little nose in our business!"

"Oscar, I knew you were ruthless but I didn't think you'd be this stupid!" Uncle Lucky replied impatiently.

"Why can't you admit that our fortunes are reversed now?"

"The gods are upset with us because of all the things you did to Althea,"

"You took Jade away from her and punished her for loving your daughter,"

"Do you really think the gods would continue to smile on you for all your manipulative schemes?"

There was a short pause.

My heart wildly against my chest as Uncle Lucky's word echoed in my ears.

I bit my lip to prevent myself from crying.

"Whether you agree to the sale or not is insignificant," he warned.

"Majority of the board are in agreement to sell the company to Althea,"

"If there's an ounce of common sense left in that vengeful mind of yours, you may want to rethink your strategy."

I heard the sound of footsteps coming nearer so I left my hiding place and returned to the living room.

The words hung heavily in my mind.

Uncle Lucky just confirmed what Althea told me.

On my way, I didn't notice Paul and I bumped into him.

He was surprised to see me.

"Are you alright, Jade?"

I could hear Uncle Lucky coming closer so I took Paul's hand and led him to the direction of the swimming pool.

I know I said no one should know about my plan but at that moment, I was stunned by what I heard I couldn't control the emotions that took over me.

"What's going on, Jade?" Paul asked as soon as we were seated on the concrete bench.

My breath hitched as I told him what the story.

There was guilt in Paul's eyes and for a while, he didn't respond.

When he spoke, his words were filled with remorse.

"I'm sorry, Jade."

Paul bowed his head and took my hand in his.

"I've been miserable for a long time," he confessed.

"More so in the last eight years," he looked at me with tears in his eyes.

"Dada threatened me that if I told you the truth, he would disown me and vanish me from this family forever."

"I was okay with that because I saw it as my way to freedom so I challenged him to do it."

"But he saw through me."

"Instead of sending me to a far flung place, he decided to keep me here where he can keep an eye on me 24/7."

He lightly squeezed my hand.

"Is that the reason why you're always drunk?" I asked.

Paul nodded.

"It's also the reason why I'm still a miserable middle-aged single gay man," his voice broke.

"Jade, you had the accident when you tried to run away to go back to Althea." He revealed.

"Dada's bodyguards were chasing after you that fateful rainy night,"

"You lost control of your car and hit the concrete barrier on the highway."

"We thought you died,"

I couldn't recall any of those incident but I felt the anger rose in my throat.

I clenched my hands in a fist.

At that moment, I wanted to confront my father.

Paul sensed my rage.

He put his hand on my shoulder and shook his head at me.

"Don't be too hasty,Jade." He warned me.

"Whatever it is you're planning to do, this is not the right time to lose your focus."

"Don't follow in my steps or you may end up a prisoner like me."

I took a deep breath as I search my mind for clarity.

Paul was right.

Now that things are slowly coming out in the open, the more I should stick to the plan.

It's premature to confront my father about the circumstances that happened a long time ago.

There was no guarantee whether my memory will come back or if my life will be normal, whatever that means.

Right now, I need proof.

***

My phone rang and I took it out of my pocket.

I excused myself from Paul and walked to the farthest corner of the swimming pool.

"I'll be right there," I answered then hung up.

Paul was still sitting on the bench, contemplating.

"Let's get out of here," I told him and he seemed puzzled.

I took the car keys from my pocket.

"Don't worry, Paul."

"I'll take care of the guards."

He stood up from his seat and followed my lead.

As we got closer to the gate, I stopped in my tracks and Paul did the same.

I watched as the guard walked to the bathroom.

When he was gone, I unlocked the car door while Paul pressed the button that opened the gate.

By the time the guard saw us, we were on our way to the hospital.

***

"This is fun, Jade!" Paul exclaimed as he looked behind him to check if we were being followed.

"Since when did you become a badass?" he asked, grinning at me.

"Since I met Althea," I replied.

His face frowned.

"You met Althea?" He couldn't hide the astonishment in his voice.

"How?" there was a look of excitement in his eyes.

"I don't know." I answered.

"Coincidence? Fate?" I replied without taking my eyes off the road.

"Oh my god, Jade."

"This is so exciting!" He chuckled.

It was the first time that I saw him happy...alive.

"What should we do after the hospital?" I asked him.

Things happened quickly that I never had time to plan what we're going to do next.

I'm sure Dada is in a frenzy at the moment and he won't waste anytime sending the entire cavalry to search for us.

"I have a plan," Paul answered.

***

When we reached the hospital, we didn't waste time going to the medical records department.

Paul was my lookout and I hurriedly signed the papers and thanked the guy who only checked my license as proof of my identity.

I clutched the brown Manila folder close to my chest as we returned to the parking lot.

I started the engine and with shaking hands, left the parking lot.

"Where are we going?" I asked Paul.

"To see Gab," he answered.

***