Vierre's POV

The first time I saw her, she's a beauty. The next time I saw her after we came back from abroad, she's still as beautiful and as radiant as the first time I saw her; only that she's more.

I hear my favorite voice from downstairs, her voice, my heart can't stop from beating fast.

"Good luck, man." Yun lang ang sinabi ni Jason sakin nang marinig rin ang boses niya, hindi niya ako hinintay sa pagbaba, alam niyang kailangan kong mag handa.

Bahagya akong nairita, tss, palibhasa kasi, kahit na niloko na siya, magkaibigan parin sila..

Nanatili akong nakapako sa kinatatayuan ko, pinapakinggan lang ang mga nangyayari sa baba. Kausap ni Blythe si Reagan, palagi namang magkasama 'yang dalawang 'yan, hindi na nakakagulat.

Narinig ko rin ang malakas na boses ni Lily na mukhang sinugod si Jason, isa pa 'tong palagi nalang magkasama, hindi ko napigilang matawa sa sarili.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at bumaba na sa hagdanan.

"Ano ba, Seth! Ang manyakis mo parin, hindi ka na nagbago!" Sigaw ni Blythe.

"Namiss lang kita, eh!"

"Ba't tumataas 'yang hawak mo! Tita Alice, oh!"

"Yayakapin lang kita!"

"My-" nagtama ang paningin namin, "-***.. Seth.."

Nakita narin ako ng iba pa naming kasama at lahat sila ay mga natahimik, maging ang bangayan nila Lily at Jason.

Hindi na natanggal ang paningin ko kay Blythe hanggang sa tuluyan na akong makababa, siya yung unang nag iwas ng tingin.

She still haven't changed a bit. In those two years, humaba lalo ang straight at natural niyang buhok. Unlike her friends, I've never seen her dye her hair just once. But I can say, through those two years, I've noticed how she became hotter. Dati ay cute at kagandahan lang ang nakikita ko sakanya pero ngayon..

Nag kwentuhan pa kami roon, minsan ay nagliligpit rin kami ng mga gamit namin from abroad. The girls are as noisy as usual, lalo na si Blythe. At ang mga kupal naman, tuwang-tuwa sakanya, tawa nang tawa.

"Tss.." asik ko habang nag aayos.

Narinig 'yon ni Seth at natawa, "kausapin mo na kasi, V."

"Ayaw niya akong kausapin, halata naman siguro, hindi ba?"

"Paniwala ka diyan kay Blythe! Nagpapa-cute lang 'yan, noh. I know girls, my man, they keep trying hard to get, whereas, I, the mighty Seth, get them easily!"

"Hindi ako makikinig sa isang halay na walang sineryosong babae," pagkatapos ay may naalala, "o baka naman.. meron? Diba?" Dahil roon ay sinamaan niya na ako ng tingin, tumawa ako dahil roon, "isa ka pa pala, eh. Nahihirapan na ngayon sa babae.. o lalaki ba?"

"**** you, Vierre!" Aniya na mas lalong nagpatawa sakin. Lumapit ito at mariin akong pinagsabihan, "gumalaw-galaw ka na, Vierre, bilisan mo. Dahil pag ako ang pumorma diyan kay Blythe, kuha ko 'yan."

"Hmm, good luck." Sobra. Mahirap kunin 'yan, Seth. Papahirapan ka muna. Papaselosin ka muna. Mapapasabak ka muna sa suntukan. Tangina.

Sa ilang oras na catching up namin, hindi kami nag usap ni Blythe. Whenever she's looking at me (and that's lesser than enough), she'll look at me only with a cold stare, pagkatapos ay mapagmahal naman sa iba. Ganun siya kagalit sakin.

Muntik na akong matawa, dapat nga ako ang galit sakanya, dapat ako ang nagpapahirap sakanya dahil sa mga malalamig kong tingin. But no, she hogged all the fucking spotlight. Damn you, Blythe!

"Hija, why don't you stay for dinner? Ikaw rin, Lily." Anyaya ni Mama.

Mabilis na umiling yung dalawang babae, "nako, T-Tita Alice, 'wag na po.."

Inakbayan ni Jason si Lily, "nahiya ka pa, mag stay ka naman samin, hindi mo madalas gawin 'yon."

Umiling muli si Lily, "hindi na talaga, Jason, tsaka.. may pupuntahan rin ako kasama si Nile mamaya." Aniya na ikinabagsak ng ngiti ni Jason.

Hinarap ni Mama si Blythe, "ikaw, Blythe? Stay ka uli samin?"

Nagtama ang paningin namin ni Blythe, titig lang ako rito pero siya ang unang umiwas ng tingin, "huwag na po, Tita, tsaka nalang po. At dapat po ay kayo-kayong pamilya lang muna ang mag uusap-usap ngayon."

Nakita ko kung paano nangiti si Papa, "she does have a point, Alice.." baling niya sa asawa.

Rinig ko ang halakhak ni Reagan na lumapit na pala sakin, "you two are avoiding each other so much."

Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin, "she may, but I'm not."

"Oh, V, I know Blythe as my best friend while you as my brother, kilalang-kilala ko kayo.."

"Hindi ko siya iniiwasan." Matigas kong sambit.

"Prove it, convince her to stay here or just strike a conversation."

"Oh, piss off, Reags. Alam mo kung anong problema namin ngayon."

"Ah, so you admit it then?" Hindi ko nalang ito pinansin at tinaasan nalang ng gitnang daliri ko.

Ilang oras pa ang lumipas hanggang sa dumapo na ang gabi kaya nagsimula ng magpaalam yung mga babae. Hinatid ni Jason si Lily sa gate habang si Reagan naman ay kasama si Blythe maglakad.

Sinubukan ko muling tumingin kay Blythe, she's smiling while talking with Reagan, paminsan-minsan ay pinapalo at kinukurot pa nito ang braso habang nakaakbay sakanya si Reagan na tatawa-tawa rin. Oh dear Lord, I wanted to kick my asshole brother so much.

Nagtama ang paningin namin ni Reagan at nginisihan ako ng kupal, halatang nang-aasar, si Blythe ay hindi na muli pang lumingon sakin habang naglalakad papalabas sa bahay namin.

"Come on, Blythe.." sambit ko noong isang araw at patuloy siyang hinahabol.

"Tigilan mo 'ko, Vierre!"

Sinubukan kong abutin ang braso niya pero iniwas niya 'yon, "I just wanted to talk to you, ba't ba ayaw mo akong kausapin?"

"Wala na tayong pag uusapan pa! We broke up, right?"

"Yes, we broke up! But why are you so mad at me? Hindi ba dapat ako ang nagagalit satin ngayon?"

She laughed like what I said is so stupid, nangunot ang noo ko asta niya dahil alam kong tama ako, may punto ako. "You're throwing that bullshit at me, Vierre? Anong sabi mo? Ikaw dapat ang nagagalit?"

"Oo!" Sigaw ko sakanya, wala akong pakialam kahit na marinig kami ng ibang tao sa paligid, "ako dapat ang nagagalit dahil bumalik ka sakanya, diba? Bumalik ka sa ex mo habang tayo pa!"

She darkly chuckled once again, "we're not on anymore when I got back at him."

"Yes, we are-"

"No, we are not!" Aniya, "nakipag-hiwalay na ako sayo noong naging kami, Vierre!"

Mariin akong napapikit, "ikaw ang nakipag-hiwalay sakin, hindi ako pumayag."

"The hell I care."

"Breakups should only be valid if both individuals wanted it, I didn't want it that time, Blythe."

"I made it clear to you that I don't want anything to do with you! I made it clear, Vierre, I broke up with you." At tinalikuran na niya ako tsaka umalis.

Hindi ko alam, hindi ko alam kung bakit parang ang sakit-sakit ng mga katagang sinabi niya sakin when in fact, ako dapat ang nasasaktan sa pagitan namin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nababasag ang boses niya habang kinakausap ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pinapamukha niyang mas nasasaktan pa siya kesa sa akin.

Goddamn it, Blythe!

Hinabol ko ito at kinuha ang braso tsaka ko hinarap sakin, "Vierre, what-"

"Why are you crying?" Iritado kong sambit sakanya, "bakit namumula 'yang mga mata mo? Bakit ka umiiyak? Akala ko ba ayaw mo sakin-"

"Oo nga!"

"The **** you are, Blythe, stop lying to me! I've had enough with your shits!"

"And I've had enough with your lies!" Sigaw niya na nagpatigil sakin, "don't fucking tell me you want me when I know you don't! Stop pretending, Vierre, sawang-sawa na ako sa mga kasinungalingan mo!"

"What the hell are you talking about? My feelings are sincere-"

"Bullshit, Vierre! Alam ko ang totoo! Nakuha mo na, diba? Wala ka ng gamit sa akin kaya lubayan mo na ako! Let me live my life in peace!" Inagaw niya sakin ang braso niya at tumakbo na papaalis.

I was rooted in place, I don't know what the heck she's talking about. I'm curious as hell and I don't know where to start to make it disappear! Ano bang sinasabi niya? What did she know that made her so mad at me?

Aren't I supposed to be the one mad at her? Because she broke up with me? Because she broke my trust? Pinagkatiwalaan ko siya na hindi na sila magkakaroon ng relasyon niyang pesteng Cervantes na 'yan pero anong nangyari? Nalaman ko nalang two years ago na sila na!

I didn't agree to her breakup in the first place!

****, I'm so smitten over her!

"Eh kung mamroblema ka diyan dahil kay B, tulungan mo nalang kaya ako, Vierre?"

Napatingin ako kay Idony na inaayos ngayon yung suot niya para sa fashion show na pinuntahan namin ngayon.

I am a photographer, alright. But I'm also a model, simula noong kinuha ako ni Idony bilang extra lang sa photoshoot niya, nagustuhan ni Madame Calla ang puri ng ibang tao sa tandem namin ni Idony kaya nag request siya na kung pwede ay sumama rin ako sa iilan pang photoshoots ni Idony, since they offered me big money for it, I went with it.

I see no problem anyway, Idony Von Borja is a monster in the social chain, madami siyang koneksyon at sobrang sikat niya lalo na ngayon. She also models in my photographs and people loved me for it. She's one of the reasons why my career is booming right now.

And now, Idony invited me as a date for her latest fashion week, manonood kami ngayon.

Me and Idony linked arms while the paparazzi are taking shots at us.

"Why does.. your friend hate me so much?" Bulong ko sakanya.

Nag angat ito ng tingin sakin na ikinatawa niya, "because you're a shit?"

Gusto ko siyang irapan kaso dahil nga marami ang nakatingin samin, hindi ko na tinuloy. "Do you think I'm a shit, Idony?"

"No, I think you're a sweetheart for helping me rise this high."

Yabang talaga ng babaeng 'to. "You're already a top star, Idony Von Borja, you don't need my help."

"Of course, V.."

Then I tried to open Pandora's box, "how about my brother? Do you still think he's a shit?"

Naramdaman ko kung paano humigpit ang pagkakakapit niya sakin. I couldn't avoid to smirk. Ah, so Jason still has an effect at her after all..

"Shut up, Vierre." Aniya na ikinatawa ko.

Nang makaupo na kami sa pwestong reserved para sa amin ay doon ako muling kinausap ni Idony, "hmm, hindi ka pa ba nakaka-get over sa kaibigan ko, V?"

I felt the familiar flashes of cameras around us. I shifted on my seat, "your friend is beautiful, it's hard to get over her."

Pagak na natawa siya roon, "B's right, you are a piece of shit."

"So you do know the reason why she's mad at me."

Narinig ko ang marahas niyang buntong-hininga at diretso nang tumingin sakin, "I don't know why she's that mad at you, she never told us." Aniya, "and if you only want my best friend because of her looks, go **** yourself, Vierre Roméo, Blythe deserves better-"

"Like that son of a bitch ex?"

She made a face, "yes, like her boyfriend," umigting ang panga ko roon, "I don't care if we're friends right now but I've been with Blythe from the very start, I'll always take her side. Always. Kung ganyan ka rin naman pala, mas gugustuhin ko pa si Creed na makuha siya kesa sayo."

Iniwas ko nalang ang tingin sakanya at hindi na ito pinansin pa dahil sa galit na bumabagabag sa sistema ko.

Ah, shit.. my greed is waking up again.

Natapos ang fashion show na hindi na kami nag usap ni Idony tungkol roon. Kakalabas palang namin ng venue nang bigla kaming dinumog ng paparazzi.

"Miss Idony, Miss Idony, we heard that you will have a runway for Paris in two weeks again, is that true?" Sambit ng isa.

I saw Idony give her iconic sweet smile, "yes, I will model there."

"Will you stay here in Paris for long then?"

"No, I'll be back in the Philippines immediately. I'll just come back here next week for my runway."

May ibang nagtanong, "I hear you got your spot after Solana Soliven withdrawed, is this true?"

Hmm, interesting..

I watched Idony's reaction carefully. Nakita ko kung paano gumalaw ang panga at kilay niya dahil sa narinig. Muntik na akong matawa, halatang iritado.

But then again, since she's used to people always putting the famous Solana Soliven in her life, she remained her sweet plastic smile professionally.

"No, I got that place fair and square. She doesn't have anything to do with it."

Another one asked, "I see you're with the famous photographer, Vierre Roméo, is he your date for today, Miss Idony?"

"Yes, he is."

I waited for my date to get finished at her interviews, until I heard something, "do you have a relationship with Mr. Vierre?"

Pareho kaming natigilan ni Idony roon. We're used to people thinking that we're a couple from the start but we still seem to be uncomfortable by the idea.

It just seems so wrong in so many ways, given our current histories.

Nagkatinginan kami sandali ni Idony, then she shook her head. Magsasalita na sana siya kaso nagsalita uli yung lalaki, "did he replace his brother, Jason Roméo, as your boyfriend, Miss Idony?"

Oh no, that's a code red.

Mentioning Jason is a fucking code red!

Wala bang utak ang mga 'to?

Tumahimik lang si Idony habang nakatitig lamang roon sa lalaki. Bago pa siya mag histerya at madumihan ang pino-protektahan niyang malinis na imahe ay inunahan ko na siya,

"Me and Idony are not in a relationship. We are just friends. And my brother simply has nothing to do with us." I smiled at them and then I pulled Idony out of the scene.

"What the **** do you think you're doing, Vierre?" Asik agad sakin ng tangang 'to matapos akong itulak.

I smirked at him, "it was only an innocent mistake.."

"Innocent my ***!"

"Do you always treat your customers this way? What a lousy customer service, Cervantes. I'm disappointed."

Ramdam ko ang matinding pagpipigil niya na masapak ako lalo na't maraming nakatingin samin, "I know what you're tryna do here, Vierre.. galit ka dahil nakuha kong muli si Blythe, tama ba?"

I gritted my teeth and shot an eyebrow at him, "I'm only here as a mere customer, nothing else."

Matagal kaming nagtitigan hanggang sa bumuga ito ng marahas na hininga at nag ayos ng tayo, "well then, I shall leave you alone.. wala ka naman palang iba pang kailangan."

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin sa pag alis at sa pagbabalik trabaho niya. Ininom ko ang tequila ko at natawa nalang sa ere.

Hina, Blythe, kung papalitan mo rin naman pala ako.. huwag sa lalaking bago ako.

Uminom ako ng uminom roon. Pfft, kakauwi ko palang galing Paris, naglalasing kaagad ako.

Matitinding emosyon ang nararamdaman ko: galit, poot, lungkot, pagtataka, matibay na hangarin. Ininom ko lang lahat para makalimutan iyon panandalian, tsaka na ako mag aayos pagkatapos ng gabing 'to.

"Vierre, Vierre, gumising ka.." alam kong gising ako, pero sigurado akong lasing na ako.. dahil kung ano-ano ng naririnig ko.

"Vierre, umayos ka nga!" Niyugyog niya ang katawan ko.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko ng pikit parin ang mga mata. What the ****? I'm sure I heard her voice, and felt my body move, not a hallucination anymore.

"Vierre, please.." that's it. Her trademark sweet voice. I fucking went nuts hearing that for years, haunting me in the meantime.

Dumilat ng konti ang mga mata ko, sapat na para makakita bahagya. Kahit na malabo ay alam ko, sigurado ako, na naririto siya ngayon sa harapan ko.

Kumunot lalo ang noo ko at bumangon ng onti, "Blythe?"

"Anong ginagawa mo't naglalasing ka mag isa!?"

Tinanggal ko ang kamay niyang nakakapit sa braso ko, "ano bang pakialam mo?" Yup, lasing na nga ako, tono ko palang.

Marahas itong bumuga ng hininga at muli akong inabot, "tara na, umalis na tayo, hindi magandang iwan ka rito-"

"Stop acting like you goddamn care, B, we both know you're not."

"Tama ka, wala nga akong pakialam sayo, galit nga ako sayo, pero may konsensya ako."

"Conscience my fucking ***, why are you here anyway? How did you find me? Did your ugly boyfriend tell you?"

Tiningnan niya lang ako hanggang sa gumalaw ito para tulungan akong tumayo, nakaakbay na ako sakanya ngayon at hawak-hawak ng kamay niya ang palapulsuhan kong nakaakbay habang ang isa ay nasa tagiliran ko.

Sumuray-suray kami dahil lasing na nga talaga ako, at hindi pa siya ganoon kalakas para suportahan ako. Tss, ano pa bang maaasahan mo? Matangkad ako, maliit siya para sakin kahit na matangkad ito kumpara sa ibang babae.

Nasa labas na kami ng bar at kinulit ko muli siya, "come on, B, tell me.. did your ugly *** boyfriend call you? To tell you I'm here?"

"Tss, no."

"Did your ugly *** boyfriend tell you to fetch me here?"

"No, and don't call him ugly, Vierre." Ah, piss off, Blythe, he's hideous as ****!

Pinasok ako ni Blythe sa isang kotse, palagay ko ay kotse niya ito dahil iba ang amoy nito kesa sa kotse ko kanina.

Inupo niya ako sa shotgun seat at inayos ang katawan ko, "kunin mo nalang bukas yung sasakyan mo o kaya ay ipapakuha ko kay Reags, I'll just take you home right now."

Hindi ko na siya sinagot at sinarado na niya ang pintuan para umikot sa driver's seat tsaka nagmaneho.

Medyo nahihilo na ako pero kinakaya ko parin naman, hindi ito ang matindi kong pagkakalasing.. ang matindi kong paglalasing ay noong naghiwalay kami ng babaeng kasama ko ngayon.

"Blythe.." tawag ko rito kahit na nakahilig na ang ulo ko at hindi na mabuksan ang mga mata ko.

"Hmm?"

"Did you.. ever think of me.. when we broke up?"

Hindi siya nakaimik ng ilang sandali at alam kong hindi siya nag abalang balingan ako ng tingin, "ikaw? Inisip mo ba ako?"

"Hell yeah," amin ko. Damn it, Vierre, you're about to regret what you're doing if you don't shut your good mouth. "I thought about you for two years, B, ikaw lang.. kung anong nangyari satin.. kung bakit tayo naghiwalay.. masaya naman tayo noon, ah.. bakit ka nakipagbalikan diyan kay Cervantes ngayon?"

"Y-You're just drunk, Vierre."

Tumango ako na parang bata, "yes, I'm fucking drunk.. but I know what I'm saying, Blythe.. sana ikaw rin."

Kahit na nakapikit, alam kong lumingon ito sakin, "what do you mean by that?"

"You accuse me of something I'm sure I didn't do.. that's why you're mad at me.. that's why you think of me as a piece of shit.."

"That's because you are, Vierre."

"I'm not.." nabasag ang boses ko, buong lakas kong binuksan ang mga nanghihina kong mga mata at pagod siyang tiningnan. I saw her staring straight at the road, with hot tears on the ends of her gorgeous eyes. "I didn't cheat on you, Blythe, kung 'yan ang ikinagagalit mo.. it's only ever been you.. I've only ever.. want you.. just you.. no one else, kahit na nasa abroad ako for the last two years.."

Hindi nakatakas sakin ang pagbagsak ng luha niya sa pisngi niya.

Maging ako ay hindi ko namalayang naiiyak narin pala. This is the only girl who made me extremely feel this way. The only girl who made me miserable. The only girl I hated for making me feel this way. The only girl who made me dipshit obsessed purely on her. Ang hirap, ang daya, ang sakit, nakakagago.

Pero kung magpapakagago ako, susulitin ko na..

"You know me being greedy, Veena.. but I'm the greediest only on you."

...-End of Preamble: Vierre Roméo-...

Ᏸ: This would be my sub account as an author. I've decided to use NovelToon to release my stories' preambles and chapter 1s as teasers. You could see the complete story in ******* with my pen name "beeyondsay", and in time, I may also complete the stories here so stay tuned! :>

Blythe's POV

"Jason Roméo," my mother said, "you're gonna be married to Jason Roméo."

Kumuyom ang palad ako. I hate this, I hate this stupid marriage arrangement. Tumingin ako kay Daddy, maging siya ay hindi tumututol, inaasahan ko na kakampihan niya ako tulad ng nakagawian palagi pero hindi, wala siyang ginawa para matigil ito, baka nga gusto pa niya mismo.

Umiling ako, "I'm not gonna be married to a guy like him.."

"You need to, Blythe—"

"He is younger than me—"

"By months! That meant nothing!"

"I'm just eighteen, Mom!"

"You're already legal!" Sigaw niya at kinalma ang sarili, "look, baby, close narin naman kayo ni Jason, he's a good man.." tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, "..okay, so maybe he has issues but I guarantee you, he will become a better man in time."

I scoffed, "so we're close, but I'm still not gonna get married to him."

Mariin siyang napapikit, "ugh, enough with this already, Blythe! Napag-usapan na natin 'to, malaki ang tulong ng mga Roméo satin kapag konektado tayo sakanila habang-buhay!"

"Are you even hearing yourself, Mom? Gagamitin mo lang sila!" Sigaw ko, "I know the Roméos, I'm close to them, hinding-hindi ako gagawa ng—"

"We're this close to getting bankrupt! Pabagsak na ang business natin!"

"May mga regular customers parin tayo! Naroon parin sila Idony, sila Reagan, sila Ilya!"

"Like you said, tanging ang mga regular customers lang natin ang pumupunta roon, Blythe!"

"Idony's popular! Dahil sakanya, rumarami ang customers natin!"

"Her popularity is not long-term! Walang kasiguraduhan kung hanggang kailan siya sisikat!"

Mariin akong napapikit, how dare she speak that way of Idony!

I stormed off. 

Nagkulong ako sa kwarto ko ng ilang sandali. I couldn't believe this! Call me corny but I believe marriage is made for love! Sincere love! Hindi yung fixed lang! I believe na mostly fixed marriages ended a disaster! Rare cases lang yung may happy ending, yung may happily ever after!

I'm close to Jason, I mean, he's the brother of my best friend, Reagan, kaya kami nagkakilala. I have nothing against Jason, he's a sweet guy when he wants to but he can be a little.. prideful. Maybe that's one of the reasons why he's not against this fixed marriage, or maybe he doesn't know that I'm suppose to marry him.

"Ugh!!!" Sigaw ko at mariin na dinikit ang unan ko sa ulo para doon naman sumigaw. Irita kong inabot ang phone ko't may tinawagan,

[B?]

"I'm gonna talk to you."

[Uh, okay?]

"Personally."

[Sure, lagi ka namang nakatambay sa bahay.]

Pinatayan ko na siya ng tawag at nagbihis para pumunta sa bahay nila. Lumabas ako ng kwarto at bumaba sa hagdanan, naroon parin sila Mommy at Daddy sa sala, si Mommy ay nanonood ng palabas habang si Daddy ay umiinom ng kape.

Natigil sila sa ginagawa nang mapansin ako. "Aalis ka?" Hindi ko sila pinansin. I'm still mad. "Saan ka pupunta? Kela Reagan?" Nakumpirma niya iyon dahil sa tinatamad kong pagtaas-baba ng kilay. "Ayan, mabuti nga't pumunta ka sakanila, nang mas maging malapit pa kayo ni Jason."

Kinagat ko ang labi ko para mapigilan ang sariling may masabing masama. Mom and I have never really been close, palagi niyang inaatupag yung business niya na wala na siyang oras para sa natatangi niyang babaeng anak. Si Daddy rin naman ay ganoon rin, pero may oras siya para sa anak niya, kaya mas close kami. Over the years, palagi akong kinakampihan ni Daddy, pero ngayon, hindi na, ganoon na ba talaga sila kadesperado na matali sa mga Roméo?

Sakto lang ang layo nila Reagan samin, hindi ganoon kalayo't kalapit. Madalas ay umaangkas ako sa motor ni Reagan para makapunta roon pero naisipan kong mag commute nalang papunta roon, baka mahampas ko bigla si Reagan ng walang dahilan dahil sa pagkairita ko tuwing nasa teritoryo ng mga magulang ko.

Pinagbuksan agad ako ni Nana Celna na mayordoma ng bahay nila nang mamataan ako. Kilala na ako rito sa bahay nila, ang mga katulong, ang drivers, at iba pa.

Pagkapasok ko sa mismong bahay nila'y nakita ko si Reagan na naghihintay sakin ng nakatayo. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay pero sumilay parin ang ngisi, "where's my strawberry cake?"

Ah right, I should tell you, lahat ng mga Roméo ay may kanya-kanyang sayad sa utak. Kayabangan kay Jason, kagutuman kay Reagan.

"I didn't bring any."

"Damn it, B! Ba't ka pa pumupunta rito kung hindi mo rin naman ako binibigyan ng pagkain?"

"Oh, shut up, Reags! I have other problems!" Sigaw ko't naupo sa sofa nila.

Naupo siya sa tabi ko, "what's wrong, Blythe?"

"Where are your brothers?"

"Some of them upstairs, others out."

"And Jason?"

"Out there living his life to the fullest, alam mo ba na nakatali na yung kupal ngayon?" Natatawa niyang sabi, tumingin lang ako rito, "apparently word got out, reached me, and found out he already has a marriage waiting." Tumawa siyang muli. "So what's wrong with you?"

Tahimik ako nang ilang sandali. Reagan is my best boy friend, I have my closest circle of friends but Reagan's one of my closest and trusted too. And he can also keep a secret. "You don't know whom Jason's gonna marry?"

"Yeah, surpresa raw, gusto na ngang sabihin ni Mama kung sino pero nag uumayaw yung loko, gusto daw niya makipagkita muna sakanya para makilala siya at magkaroon ng oras para kilalanin siya since ilang years pa naman ang kasal. So in retrospect, my baby bro's kind of an old-fashioned. He said he'll meet with her soon."

"On Saturday."

Tumango siya, "on Satur—" natigilan siya nang may mapagtanto. Tumitig siya sakin at tinatansya ang iniisip ko, I just stared at him back. "Blythe, you—"

"Yeah," putol ko, "so I'm Jason's future wife."

"What the ****!?" Sigaw niya.

"Calm your *** down, Reagan! Baka may makarinig!"

"But you hate fixed marriages!"

"I know!"

"And you're letting you marry my brother?"

"Hindi ko rin ginusto 'to!" Pabulong kong sigaw dahil baka may makarinig, mabuti nalang at wala ang mga kasambahay sa sala, ang mga kapatid naman ni Reagan ay nasa itaas. "I don't want to marry Jason, Reagan, I swear. I-I'm too young! And he's too young! I'm older than him!"

"By only three months, B, I don't think—"

"Focus!"

"Fine! Fine!" Aniya at bumuntong-hininga, "look, why don't you just tell Jason that you're his fiancee and that you don't wanna marry him?"

"And call it off? I can't, Reags, I'll disappoint my family and your family and I'm sure as hell I'll spit on his pride."

Ramdam ko ang pangingilabot niya nang mabanggit ko ang salitang 'pride' rito, "yeah, you don't wanna mess with that guy's pride." Sang-ayon niya, "but look, B, I'm sure Jason wouldn't mind if you call off the wedding. Kaibigan ka niya, maiintindihan ka niya."

"Pag dating sa imahe niya, walang kaibi-kaibigan sakanya. Alam mo 'yan, Reags."

"Well, what do you plan to do? If you don't marry him and call it off, it's like you're spitting on him every time you meet, but if you do marry him, you'll not be contented in your life because you're sure your marriage with Jason will not have a happy ending, sure, may mga times na matutuwa ka dahil kaibigan mo rin naman si Jason sa simula palang pero hindi ka magiging masaya sakanya."

Tumingin lang ako rito, walang masabi dahil sa haba ng kanyang sinabi. It's a simple yes or no question, will you marry Jason Roméo?

"Oh, Vierre! I didn't know you're here in the house," tukoy niya sa kapatid na kakababa palang, "akala ko kasama mo si bunso sa labas."

"I was upstairs the whole time," lumipat ang seryosong paningin niya sakin, "what's she doing here? Again."

I got a little bit irritated.

Now here's Vierre Roméo.

Maganda ang pakikitungo ko sa mga Roméo, lalo na kay Reagan at sumunod si Jason dahil nga malapit lang ang edad naming dalawa. Pero may isang Roméo na hindi maganda ang koneksyon ko, si Vierre 'yon.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit. They're all intense-looking, kahit pa si joyful Seth, Sebastian and Reagan kapag nag seryoso, lalo namang nakakatindig-balahibo kapag nalilipat sayo ang paningin nila Ezekiel, King at Jason. But this one, this one is the most intense of them all.

All the years I've been with the famous Roméo Seven, only I and Vierre aren't close. Hindi kami nag uusap ng matagal, hindi kami nag uusap ng matino, hindi kami nagsasama, wala kaming similarities na makakapagbigay ng activity para sa aming dalawa. We just don't.. click.

Even with those nerdy glasses, nothing can make him nice-looking. But of course, he's one godly-looking guy, all Romeos are.

"Bumisita lang uli, can you believe she didn't get me a cake? The disrespect." Maybe because he wanted to keep my secret his secret why he said that, o pwede rin talagang iniisip talaga ng loko iyon dahil lang sa hindi ko siya binilhan ng paborito niyang strawberry cake.

Nanatiling malamig ang tingin ni Vierre sakin, para bang may gustong sabihin pero walang balak ituloy, probably tell me to get out of his house. He always hated me, that guy.

"Wag mo ipapakita 'yan kay Seth, kakatapos niya lang sa ginagawa, baka magsimula uli."

"Tangina mo, Vierre!" Natatawang sagot sakanya ni Reagan. Umakyat nalang uli si Vierre sa hagdanan at iniwanan kami. See? He didn't even talk to me directly.

Hanggang sa bumaling ako kay Reagan ay tumatawa parin siya, "what's so funny?"

"Nothing." Tumatawa parin.

"What did he mean earlier?"

"Not for you to find out, pretty," aniya at kinindatan ako, "it's a guy talk." Hindi ko nalang siya tinulak pa.

"So, what's up, cuz? You've been preoccupied lately.." napatingin ako sa pinsan kong si Juniper na nagp-paint ngayon. Me and Juniper are like sisters, we're very close since childhood, palaging kami ang magkakasama. 

And we're both art students, kaya kami nasa track na Arts and Design, though mainly, I wanted to become a Film Director or Camerawoman or Editor, kahit saan basta pasok sa production crew.

"Nothing.."

"No, no, tell me!"

Bumuga ako ng hininga, "it's just.. the whole.. marriage thing."

"Ooh, yeah, you hate the fixed marriage thingy."

"It's just stupid," ani ko at sumandal sa pader dahil nakaupo kami sa sahig, "our business isn't in the brink of extinction, marami pang dumadalo sa gym namin! Ikaw, yung jowa mo, mga tropa niya, sila Ilya, yung mga Roméo—"

"Ah, yes, Roméo Seven.." she repeated dreamily like she doesn't have a boyfriend. In our school, Britannica Academia, Roméo Seven are on the top, most especially because of their wealth. "..kanino ka nga uli matatali?"

"Umm," I felt uneasy, "J-Jason.. Roméo."

Nawala ang ngiti niya, "J-J-Jason? Jason?" Tumango ako. "Jason!?"

"Yep."

"Why!? How!?" Sobrang violent ng reaction niya, nakalimutan ko na may gusto rin pala ito kay Jason. "I mean, bakit siya?"

"Jeez, Juniper, the guy's younger than you for almost a year. And you have a boyfriend."

"Kahit na ba! That's Jason Roméo we're talking about!" Mariin niyang binulong ang huling linya.

"Why do you like him anyway? Everybody hates him here." It's true. Hindi tulad ng mga kuya niya na talagang heartthrob ng mga babae't bading, at kinaiinggitan ng mga lalaki, si Jason lang ang natatanging Romeo na galit ang karamihan sakanya.

Isa lang ang rason: kayabangan niya.

See, that's also one of the reasons why I don't wanna personally date Jason, even though we're friends, kapag inapakan mo ang pride niya, bibitawan ka niya agad. Our marriage won't last a month because of his character! Someone like Juniper, who's head over heels for him, might last Jason forever but not me!

But damn it! I don't wanna risk calling off the marriage and spitting on his pride, he'll definitely kill me. He needs someone who's on par with him, who'll make his pride bloom even more because she's got her own pride that balances his. He needs some girl who might change him eventually, someone who's not me.

..................

............................

...................................

Hmm?

"Umm, Jun, can you excuse me for a bit?"

"Huh? Bakit? Saan ka pupunta? Kailangan na natin ipasa 'to, Blythe, hindi pwedeng ako lang magtatapos nito!" Hindi ko siya pinakinggan at tuluyan na siyang iniwanan sa pag gawa ng aming project sa arts.

"Hey, boo.." nag iingat kong tawag sakanya.

"Hi, boo!" Aniya at nakipagbeso sakin. Nang napansin ang pilit kong over the top na ngiti sakanya ay nawala ang ngiti nito at tiningnan ako ng masama, "what do you want me to do now?"

"Ha! How dare you, I would never—"

"Spill it out, Blythe."

"I need you to pretend to be me."

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya, "ha?"

"Please, Idony, please.. I-I know you're the best one to do the job, please, for me.."

"Sandali, sandali! Punta tayo sa Cafe Nectar para mag usap ng masinsinan, maraming nakikinig dito, tell me everything there."

"Don't you have classes?"

"Uh, yes, I do."

"And we're going to Cafe Nectar?"

"Yes, boo."

"But I have classes!"

"Come on, B! Live a little! Let's go cutting or I won't listen to you at all—"

"Fine! Let's go!" At inunahan siya sa paglalakad.

Ngumisi siya, "ooh, I get you to cut with me, you must be very desperate, boo boo."

Nang nakapasok na kami sa Cafe Nectar ay nag order muna kami ng inumin at si Idony ay may pa-brownies pang inorder.

Let me tell you a little something about Idony.

She's the famous Idony Von Borja. With over 15 million followers on Instagram, that's her only personal social media, imagine if she has Facebook or Twitter. She's a model since a kid, pinasok agad siya sa modelling industry ng kanyang mga magulang, I don't know how she handles the pressure but I'm sure as hell respect her.

She's been my friend since childhood, along with Hyacinth and Ilya. The four of us balance each other out, outdoor people sila Idony at Ilya habang kami ni Hya ay indoor people. All four of us are classmates back in first grade.

Maraming nagkakagusto kay Idony, sure, kung titingnan mo kaming apat, marami talagang magkakagusto samin, but Idony got the most attention, given na 'yon since sikat nga siyang modelo. Any guy would want to date Idony for her fame, her looks, her class, and her money. Kapag nakuha mo si Idony, matik ng gaganda ang imahe mo.

Which is perfect for Jason.

I looked at her seriously, "I need you to pretend to be me."

"How pretend?" Aniya, "not to brag, B, but I'm pretty sure most people know that I'm me and not Blythe Magallanes."

"No, boo, I meant my marriage arrangement."

Napaawang ang bibig niya, "oh no, Blythe, I won't—"

"Please? You know I hate fixed marriages. I just need you to pretend that you're the one in the arrangement, hindi ako."

"I can't do that, Blythe, may kontrata ako. Sino ba yung papakasalanan mo dapat?"

"Jason Roméo."

Tumaas ang kilay niya, "Jason Roméo? That bad boy?"

"Yes," sagot ko, mukhang tuluyan ko ng nakuha ang atensyon niya, "you like bad boys, right?"

Humalakhak siya, "wag mong mabato-bato sakin 'yan, Blythe, please lang."

"Come on, Idony! You always had a thing for living your life to the fullest despite your career! Marami ka ng naging lalaki, don't you wanna try the most famous bad boy in our school?"

"That bad boy who's supposed to be your fiancee!"

"Which I won't marry!" ..yet

Kinagat ni Idony ang kanyang mapupulang labi at sumandal sa kanyang inuupuan, nakita kong marami ang nakatingin sakanya at nagbabalak na manghingi ng autograph o picture pero walang hinahayaan si Admiral, na may ari ng cafe na 'to at kaibigan namin, na may makalapit kay Idony.

"Okay, say I'll do your favor—"

"Yes!"

She raised a finger to indicate that I shut up, "but what's in it for me?"

"Umm, adventure?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay, I continued, "boys?" Sinamaan niya na ako ng tingin dahil roon, "as a declaration that you're my nicest best friend out of the—"

"Blythe!"

"Fine! Ano bang gusto mo? Aren't those enough?"

"I want free sessions in your gym."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, "what!?"

"You know how I want free stuff, B, kahit na pwede akong magbayad, I still think it's unfair that I, one of your best friends, one of the people Tita and Tito liked and trusts, have to pay whenever I go to gym there! Outrageous!"

"Boo, I can't let you gym our place for free!"

"And I won't pretend to be engaged to Jason!"

"Okay, you win!" Suko ko at nginisian niya ako, tsk, the witch. "Look, Von Borja, I can't let you gym in our business without expense," napanguso siya sa sinabi ko, "but I can let you off the hook for half the price."

Akala ko ay hindi ko siya mapapapayag, but eventually, she smiled, "deal."

I was always amazed to Idony because she's a risk taker, mas matindi pa siya kesa kay Ilya. Kahit na may kontrata, she looks like she's in freedom. Pwede siyang mag boyfriend ng marami, pwede siyang mag bar kung kelan niya gusto (trust me, she bars a lot), pwede rin siya gumala kung saan-saan basta't may permiso ng kanyang manager.

"So that's your genius plan?" Salita ni Reagan habang kumakain ng hamburger. Nasa pamamahay nanaman nila ako't nakapatong sa island counter nila. Wala yung magkakapatid maliban sa pinakamatanda nilang kapatid na si King dahil kulong sa kwarto niya. "Ang ipakita sa kapatid ko na si Idony ang pakakasalan niya't hindi ikaw?"

"Yep."

Bumuntong-hininga siya, "why can't you just tell him already?"

"I won't, I'll step on his pride."

"Babe, I think you're already doing that."

"Idony's the best choice in being engaged to someone like Jason. Her profile is great for his image and pride."

"Too great, to be honest. I'm surprised that she actually got in to something like this. How did you persuade her?"

"Umm, paying half her session and.. boys boys boys?"

"Ah, right, typical Idony." Aniya at inubos na ang kinakain, "gaano katagal siyang magpapanggap, Blythe?"

"Umm.." hindi ako makasagot, sa halip ay umiwas nalang ng tingin.

Nagtagis ang panga ni Reagan, "Idony's gonna pretend until before the official family gathering!?"

"Shh! Shh!"

"No, B! What the ****? You're running away from my little brother and letting another run your race? The formal gathering's two years away!"

"A lot can happen in two years, Reagan! Maaaring hahayaan ko yung sarili kong matali kay Jason o 'di kaya'y aaminin sakanya na ako talaga ang fiancee niya, hindi si Idony, at hindi ko siya papakasalan! It's just.." tumigil ako para kalmahin ang sarili, "..I'm not ready to face this marriage yet. And Idony's generous enough to help me out and support my decision, I hope you do the same as my friend." Nag iwas siya ng tingin sakin. Para na akong maiiyak, is it wrong to tell all of this to someone like Reagan? My fiancee's brother? I guess so. "Just until I'm ready to face the fact that I'm engaged and tell the truth to Jason."

Bumalik ang malamig niyang tingin sakin, "you know that I'm siding with my best girl friend instead of my youngest brother."

"A lot can happen in two years, alam mo 'yan, Reags.. I guarantee you that I'll be ready by then, sadyang hindi ko lang kayang tingnan si Jason bilang asawa sa ngayon."

Marahas siyang bumuga ng hininga, "fine! Fine, Blythe! Shit."

"Yes! Thank you!" Malakas kong sambit at lumapit sakanya para mahigpit na yakapin.

Niyakap niya ako pabalik, "tell you this, B, kapag sumobra na kayo ni Idony sa plano niyo, ako na mismo ang magsasabi kay Jason, he's still my brother."

I know I'm supposed to be scared by his warning but I'm too distracted to feel so. "Okay!"

Biglang may tumikhim nang malakas kaya napalingon kami ni Reagan sa pinaggalingan, nakita ko si Vierre na masama ang tingin sa posisyon namin ngayon, "are you two done?" 

Bumitaw na ako kay Reagan at inayos ang sarili, ganoon rin siya. "Kanina ka pa rito, Vierre?" Tanong ni Reags.

"Long enough to catch you two in that state."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Reagan, bigla akong kinabahan. Nagpatuloy si Reagan sa pagtatanong, "may.. narinig ka ba?"

Tinaasan kami ng isang kilay ni Vierre, "may dapat ba akong marinig?"

"Wala!" Sagot ko agad kaya napatingin ang dalawa sakin.

Hindi na natanggal ang malamig at seryosong tingin sakin ni Vierre, mabuti nalang binaling ni Reagan ang atensyon niya sakanya, "kamusta yung exhibition, V?"

I should tell you also, Vierre's an artist and a photographer, an independent photographer. Maaari siyang pumayag sa mga gig na maging photographer ng mga modelo pero hindi niya tinatanggap ang mga iyon, mas gusto niya yung pictures na sariling kayod niya lang, yung pupunta siya sa kung saan-saan at doon kukuha ng litrato at ipopost sa social media niya. He got famous because of that but not as famous as Idony, of course.

"Good, I saw some promising arts but I saw better." Sagot niya lang at walang pasintabing umakyat na sa kwarto niya. Pinanood pa namin siya ni Reagan hanggang sa mawala sa paningin namin.

Bahagya siyang humalakhak, "bakit ba palaging nagpapakita ang ugok na 'yan tuwing magkasama tayo?" I'm sure he's talking to himself and I don't know how to respond to that so I did nothing.

Doon na ako nag hapunan sakanila. Wala madalas ang mga magulang nila dahil sikat sila sa business industry kung kaya't palaging nasa abroad or meetings. Medyo nag diwang pa si Mommy na doon ako kakain at hindi sa bahay namin, talagang determinadong ikasal ako kay Jason.

I mean, bakit si Jason pa? He's younger than me, yes, buwan lang pero mas bata parin siya! Pwede naman akong mapunta sa ibang Roméo, I mean, hindi ako ikakasal hangga't hindi ko gusto pero ba't kay Jason at hindi sa iba? I mean, let's look at the others.

First, King.. nah.

King already has a fiancee for himself, I won't disturb King for something if he already has his.

Next, Seth.. nah.

Seth's a womanizer, extremely a womanizer. Even if I don't like fixed marriages, if I marry Seth, I'm sure he'll have his mistress..es. Hindi ko kayang magmukhang kawawang asawa dahil lang sa nambababae palagi ang asawa ko. My sad marriage life will be even sadder!

Reagan can't also make it to the choices, he's my best friend.

I won't like Jason romantically too because—like I said—he's also supposed to be just my friend like Reags.

I'm sure as hell Vierre won't make it. We hate each other.

So it's down to either Sebastian or Ezekiel. 

"Oh? Hey, B!" Bigla akong namutla habang nakatitig lang kay Reagan na nakatitig rin sakin pabalik. Kagat-kagat ko ang labi ko habang humaharap kay Jason ngayon, ang fiancee ko.

He's the youngest of the group but he's the one clearly working out, I mean, magaganda rin naman ang katawan ng mga kuya niya pero batid mo kay Jason na siya ang madalas mag gym, at sa amin siya nag g-gym kung kaya't.. close ang mga magulang ko sakanya.

Ah, shit. Now I know.

He flashed a sweet smile to me, something a certain Jason Roméo won't do so often with other people. "You staying for dinner? It's already 4 in the afternoon."

Tumango ako, "am I gonna cook?"

"Do you wanna cook?"

"Sure," nakangiti kong sagot, tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Reagan dahil roon. If there's a slight chance that I'm ready to marry Jason, I might as well show him that I can be a wife.

"Great! Bihis lang ako."

Umalis siya para umakyat pero may hinabol ako, "kakagaling mo lang ba sa gym namin?"

"Hmm, yes. Your parents are weird by the way."

Natigilan ako at kaagad na nataranta, "w-why? Why?"

"I mean, I'm fine with it pero parang mas lalo silang lumalapit sakin, lalo na si Tita, hindi lang ako sigurado."

Pilit akong natawa, "ganun rin naman sila sa ibang c-customers.."

"Hmm," ngumuso siya na alam mong hindi nakuntento sa sinabi ko pero sa huli ay tumango nalang, "okay, let me just wash and change my clothes, ano bang lulutuin mo?"

"Please make it edible." Reagan.

"You guys want tinolang manok?"

"Yes!" Sigaw agad ni Reags. Napakagutumin talaga nito!

Rumolyo ang mga mata ni Jason sa kuya, "you don't care about anything as long as it's edible."

"Oh shut up, you runt."

Umalis nalang ako sa kinatatayuan ko para maghanap ng ingredients nila para sa tinola. It's not the first time I cook here, nagawa ko na 'yon dati pero dahil nga may mga kasambahay sila, mga dalawang beses ko lang sila pinaglutuan, pangatlong beses ko na 'to, and I have never even cook with such big portions for the brothers, yung mga luto ko kasi ay iilan lang kumakain sa mga Roméo.

Umakyat na si Jason para makapagligo na at mag bihis, nabwi-bwiset parin ako sa mga magulang ko dahil sa ginawa nila sakanya kanina, Dad might not be as desperate as Mom but still!

"Sinusubukan mo bang ipakita kay Jason ang maternal instincts mo para kapag nalaman niya ang plano niyo ni Idony at nagalit sayo, hindi siya tuluyan magiging galit sayo ng matagal?" Tanong ni Reags sa likuran ko habang nilalabas ang manok mula sa ref nila.

"You and your smart ***." Sambit ko nalang.

Humalakhak siya, "you know, one way or another, he'll get mad at you because of your stupid plan."

"It's not that stupid if I'm gonna marry him in the end."

"Oh, so you're really gonna marry him, then?" Iirapan ko na sana siya nang biglang marinig ang boses ni Nana Celna na mayordoma nila.

"Nako, Miss Blythe! Kami na po riyan!"

Sinubukan niyang kunin ang hawak ko pero hindi ako pumayag, "ako na po, Nana, gusto ko rin po magluto ngayon para kela Reagan."

"Pero.." tumingin siya kay Reagan na nakamasid lang, mukhang nanghihingi ng tulong o permiso sa kung anong gagawin. 

Umiling lang si Reagan, "hayaan niyo sa gusto, Nana, paniguradong gustong matikman nila King 'yang luto niya.. finally."

Doon na pumasok sa sistema ko ang pinasok ko. Pucha, naisip ko ngang iilan lang ang kumakain tuwing nagluluto ako rito, given na si Reagan, si Seth rin ay natikman na, si Jason at si Ezekiel.

Kabado akong tumingin sa kaibigan, "l-lahat ba kayo kakain ng d-dinner ngayon?"

"Sweetie, yes. King's on his room, Jason and Vierre are here, Seth's on his way here after having his way with his girls," typical Seth, "Ezekiel's trip just finished and Sebastian's—" tumingin siya sa gate na bumukas at may pumasok na kotse, "—here." Tumingin ang kumag sakin at nginisihan ako, "good luck, babe."

"I've never cooked for all seven of you before!" Sigaw ko rito habang naglalakad siya papunta sa sofa.

"Just cook enough for us seven, include yourself also."

"Reags!"

"Ako po, Miss Blythe, tutulungan kita." Nakaramdam ako ng panandaliang kasiyahan sa sinabi ni Nana pero—

"No, Nana, let Blythe handle her own problem," binigyan niya ako ng mapang-asar na tingin nang makaupo na sa sofa at binuksan ang T.V, "she might need it in the near future."

Inirapan ko nalang siya at nagpatuloy nalang sa ginagawa. Fine, I'm not backing down from a challenge. At tinatapos ko rin ang sinisimulan ko!