The Subic trip (part 2)

Andie woke up at 7 a.m. to prepare for the market trip with Josh and the cook.

“wake up, wake up
wer goin 2 the mrkt,” she texted Josh.

She was at the kitchen talking to the cook when Josh approached them.

“Let’s go!” he told Andie and the cook.

“Are you sure you want to come with us?” she asked Josh while driving them to Bajac-Bajac Market.

He just nods thinking that there’s nothing he can do already. She smiled at him.

“Parking area on that side, we’ll wait for you here,” she points to the area.

When inside, the cook said she’s going to look for the fresh fishes on the right side of the wet market and on the left side for meat where Andie and Josh were heading.

“Come on let me teach you.” “Here’s how you’re going to check if the meat is still fresh and remember to bargain before you pay, got it?” she told him.

He just nods. He knows it will not be his task in the future even if she’ll teach him strategies about purchasing.

She haggled for every price the vendors would offer her, but she resisted. She insisted her price before she pays for them, and if they don’t give in, she’ll leave the seller then hop on the next one. Nice trick, the vendor would convince her to buy for her price instead. This amazed Josh. He didn’t know it’s a trade trick.

“I thought you aren’t from Ilocos?” he asked her.

“Yeah, why?” she laughs.

“That’s the trick, you know these vendors overprice their stuff, so you have to be very careful about that if you don’t want to go home with a little groceries in your basket.” She explained.

She told him the names of every vegetable and fish he’s not familiar with. “How did you know all of that?” he asked.

“Mom used to bring me to the market every week when I was in high school, so that’s how I learned the trick of the trade and she would enumerate to me the names of the fishes, vegetables, spices and everything. It’s funny coz I dreamt of being a market vendor once in my life, thankfully I didn’t, coz if I do, I think a lot of vendors will hate me for hoarding their customers,” she was laughing.

Josh was amused that at young age, she already had a small dream.

The cook is already waiting for them. They arrived at the rest house and then took out the items they bought.

“Any plan of going out today?” Josh asked.

“Okay, I’m taking over, I’ll tour you around Olongapo City after we’ve prepared the food,” she told him.

Andie is restless. She’s thinking of going back to Olongapo that minute. She felt it’s about time to face her unfinished business back to the place.

“Manang, we forgot to buy “tilapia.”

“Let’s go back to the market, I’ll come with you,” Andie suggested the cook.

Josh told them not to worry about it, but Andie insisted in going back. Josh was at a loss and told her he will come with her instead, but she said she and Manang will just ride a jeep.

“Just help Manong grill the meat, I know this place so no need to worry about us,” she said. Then he allowed them.

She was relieved.

They were dropped at the market area. She accompanied Manang first to buy the "tilapia." She told her she wants a bigger and fresher one so they looked for another stall.

“Manang, will you wait for me for a while? Need to call Josh, I don’t have a signal here,” she told the old lady.

When she was able to go out of the market unnoticed, she walked fast toward East Bajac Bajac St. The place was near Victory Liner terminal. She had to cross the street going toward Jollibee. She walked through the whole street carefully checking every corner looking for the house she had stayed on during her vacation there some years ago. She turned off her cellphone then.

She strolled along the alley next to Advance Olongapo Hospital.

“There it is, I knew it!” she thought to herself.

She then knocked at the familiar house. Somebody went out of the house examining her face. Apparently the lady recognized her.

“Andie!”

“Hello Tita Bella,” she said.

“Come in, who’s with you? When did you arrive? Where are you staying?” she asked Andie.

“I’m with my friend, I’m staying in Subic, how’s everything around here?” she asked the lady.

“A lot of things have changed, why didn’t you inform us so we can arrange the room for you?” she asked her.

“No Tita, I just visited you coz I missed you so much, I wasn’t able to tell Hannah either that I’m coming here.”

“So how are you?” she asked the lady again.

“I think you’re asking about someone else?” the lady said, suspecting another thing.

“Yeah, how’s he?” she shyly asked.

“I heard that you and Luke broke up years ago, I was worried about you two, you were both young then, but I’ve seen you so much in love. What happened?” she was curious.

“I don’t know, even if I love him so much I think I need to give up on him coz we couldn’t continue long-distance relationship.”

“You know what? He couldn’t take it either, he almost gave up on his studies, if you only knew,” the lady continued.

“What?” I didn’t know…..where’s he? I want to see him,” she told her while her eyes are turning red.

“I guess it’s too late Andie. After coping from your breakup, he realized he had to move on, so he studied so hard then he worked, now he’s already in California,” she explained.

“California?” she was surprised.

“Where in California?” “I still want to see him, I’ll be taking my stateboard exam soon and hopefully if I pass, I’ll be working in the states and be able to meet him there,” she continued.

“Too late!” “He got the lady pregnant there so he married her and now has one kid, that’s all I know of,” she told Andie.

Tears rolled down from her eyes after hearing what she said. The lady hugged her. She brought her to Luke’s previous house by her request so for the last time she’d see where her great love once lived. Luke’s family already moved to Tarlac after he migrated to the states. When she realized that she had gone for almost an hour, she then told the lady she needs to go. They exchanged cellphone numbers to get in touch with each other. She walked fast back to the market where Manang is already waiting for her.

“What’s taking them so long?” Josh whispered as he looked at his watch. Then he tried calling her but her cellphone is turned off.

He then decided to go back to the market to pick them up, anxious that they might be lost.

Andie wiped her tears and acted like the dust came through her eyes so the cook won’t suspect something happened to her.

“Manang, I’m sorry, as I was looking for a site where there’s signal, I got lost, I walked all over the place, and I got so scared, good thing there’s some people who helped me locate the market,” she told the old lady.

“Are you all right?” she asked Andie.

“Yes.” “Please don’t tell Josh what happened, so he won’t get mad,” she told her. The old lady just nods.

“Hello, what’s taking you so long?” he asked after he was able to finally connect to her phone.

“Hello.” “We’re going home already,” she said.

“Wait for me there, I’m on my way.”

“Okay, bye.”

She was nervous but still can’t believe what she had discovered about Luke, her first boyfriend, her great love.

******

“You alright?” Josh asked when he noticed Andie was so quiet during their travel back to the house.

“What?” she can’t seem to absorb his words.

“I said, are you alright?” he repeated.

“Uh yeah, yes I’m good,” she’s lost for words.

“But you don’t seem like it,” he told her back.

When they’re all back to the house, she requested Josh that they go to a place she’d like to visit.

“The Coffee Shop in Barrio Barretto?” he was curious. She nods.

“Okay, let me change my shirt first then we’ll go.”

******

“Feels like my first time here in The Coffee Shop,” she told Josh while going upstairs to the newly built pavilion.

“I’ll take your order, my treat!” she excitedly told him.

When the menu was handed to them, Andie immediately ordered two huge tacos on hard shell, a platter of French fries and two milk shakes.

“You want something else?” she asked. “Nothing else.”

They seated near the patio in an open air area where they could see different vehicles passing through the long road heading to Zambales proper.

“How’d you know about this place? You’re really a rambler!” he teased her.

“That’s me for you,” she outwits him.

Josh’s eyes widened when the waitress served the hard taco on their table.

“Wow, this is huge!”

“Yes it is. Do you know that this place was inspired by Americans?”

“Some of them would just sit here for a cup of coffee and a tiny serving of taco, but when they felt they can’t get enough of it, they made a huge one, so this place now is popular for the biggest taco in town,” she explained.

“And you still have that history of yours, huh?” he smiled at her. “Yeah!”

“But honestly, this place was very memorable to me,” she told him while her face turned cheerless then she looked outside.

He’s anxious to ask so he just started to eat.

It’s in The Coffee Shop in Barrio Barretto, Zambales where Luke and Andie used to sneak for their secret date back when they first met. They used to order the same foods Andie ordered for Josh. After their date, they would stroll along the winding road of Subic, Zambales far above the ground but parallel to the coastline below where they found the viewdeck overlooking the whole Subic Bay and the lighted docked ships during the night.

Andie called the waitress for their tab when they finished eating. She looked at the amount then looked at her wallet.

“Gosh, I’m short of 80 pesos,” she thought to herself.

When Josh noticed her calculating, he then grabbed the receipt from her then immediately ambled to the counter to pay for it.

“Josh wait, I’ll pay, I’m just short of…..hey Josh,” he ignored her, then got the bill cleared.

“Where are we going next?” he told her while pulling her out of the place.

She just covered her face in embarrassment.

“You know……I’m really embarrassed.”

“Keep quiet I’m driving,” he smiled at her. “Where do you want to go now?”

“I know this viewdeck, we can see the whole ocean up there,” she told him.

After a few minutes, they reached the viewdeck so Josh parked.

“What can you say?” she asked him. “Breathtaking!” he commented.

“I’ve seen different beaches, I’ve seen Boracay all right, but that one is like a paradise.”

Andie was puzzled by his words. She’s not sure if he really meant it or just overreacting on his description. She didn’t notice he’s referencing paradise because he’s with her alone on that place. Andie, on the other hand, was thinking about her memories with Luke on that viewdeck. She felt guilty that her brain is stuffed with the guy she loved while she’s with Josh.

Josh stepped further forward to look over the place while Andie stares at him thinking how it feels if she hugs him from the back.

Let’s go Josh.” It’s already afternoon when they arrived back to the house.

“You wanna go swimming now or later?” he asked.

“I think I’d like to swim later,” she replied.

Andie went straight to her room still thinking about Luke. She knows she should defy whatever feelings she had for him. She almost risked everything from that relationship and finally realized that’s the closure she’d been waiting for, but she doesn’t know where to start. She’s thankful that Luke already moved on, but she hasn’t moved on yet, more so when it was revealed to her that Luke loved her so much. She can’t expect from an impossible thing of getting Luke back, she knows.

“Andie, Andie,” Josh knocks at the door when she didn’t reply from his text.

She immediately rose.

“I’ll be right out Josh,” she told him quick. She freshened up first then goes down wearing her board shorts and a swimsuit with white T-shirt atop.

“I’m sorry I slept,” she told him. “Yeah I don’t wanna wake you up either,” he said while looking at the length of her nice shape hairless legs. He was distorted. She pinched his arm.

“Oh hey, you wanna eat now?” he asked. “I’m still full, what about you?”

“Later, when you get hungry.” “So you want to swim now?” he asked.

“I think I’ll just lie over the lounge chair, I’ll just watch you swim.”

She watched Josh climbed up the steps to the diving board and executed a perfect dive into the pool. There goes his firm pectorals again that she admired.

“Come on in, the water is cool,” he enticed her, but no clue that she’s moving toward him.

“I’ll just wait for you here,” she waved at him.

“Maybe you just need a little encouragement, maybe I should pick you up and throw you in.”

“No!” she exclaimed.

“Hey, I was just kidding.” “If you don’t want to swim with me it’s no big deal,” he said.

“It’s not that….the problem is I can’t…..swim….” she finally told him.

He paused for a long moment, couldn’t believe what he heard.

“I told you it’s no big deal, let me teach you how to swim instead,” he told her while reaching Andie’s hand.

Andie was relieved that there’s no clue of laughter on his face and he was motivated to teach her to swim and let her learn throughout the session.

“I can’t I’m afraid,” she uttered.

“Don’t worry I’m here, I’m always here, you just have to conquer your fear,” he told her.

As they stepped down the pool, the water lapped at their knees, so he tightened his grip on her hand, “Don’t worry I promise I won’t let go of you.”

She smiled back at him, glad that he understood her apprehension.

When the water already rose to their waists, Andie uttered, “It’s cold!”

“You’ll get used to it in a minute. Now just relax and lift your feet off the bottom of the pool.” He told her.

When she couldn’t assume the position, she grabbed his shoulder immediately as she started to go under. He laughed and held her up in his strong arms.

“You okay?” he asked while fixing the strands of her wet hair on her face.

“Can we go back to the lounge chair?” she asked him. “Okay.”

She covered her upper body with a thick towel to suppress coldness. The stars and the moon brightened the dark night and the cool breeze gave them awkwardness in connecting to each other that instant. No one is speaking.

“How come you didn’t learn to swim?” Josh finally asked to break the silence.

“Ha ha ha, like Michael Jordan he violates the Law of Gravity, but me I violate the force of buoyancy,” she was laughing to hide her anxiety.

“Good one, don’t you know that you’re smart?” he told her. She shook her head.

“But you know I’m willing to teach you until you learn to swim,” he insisted.

Andie just stared at the cool blue water where the stars’ reflections blend into it then she remembered something.

“Josh, why do we always go to Bluewave instead of going to some place like Eastwood or Timog?” she asked incredulously.

He wants to laugh but he resisted himself. “I don’t know, I thought you like that place better than those you mentioned,” he then replied.

“Honestly, I haven’t been to Eastwood or Timog, I just heard it from my friends, but didn’t have the chance to go there.”

“Really?” he looked at her curiously. “Okay, I’ll bring you there next time.”

“I honestly thought you don’t like to bring me there coz I looked too conservative and just an average girl with no class, that I really don’t fit the crowd,” she sighed deeply. (Andie’s opinion, testing her self-esteem)

“Whaaat? Don’t you ever say that! “That idea never crossed my mind,” he genuinely answered.

Andie all of a sudden lost her confidence. Her self-esteem had gone too low after her life without Luke. She always referred him as her wind beneath her wings but when they split, she struggled to fly by herself. Josh’s theory turned so true that she tends to get wasted at the height of a relationship. Now he’s up to be the pristine wind aiding her once broken wings.

“I don’t want to take you there coz the crowd don’t fit you, I’ll let you know next time,” he consoled her. (Josh’s opinion)

“Thanks!”

Another silence.

“Josh, have you ever fallen in love?” she straightforwardly asked.

He coughed dryly then he looked at her. She stares back waiting for his answer.

“No.” He replied.

“Ever?”

“Never?”

“Why?”

“I don’t know?”

“You don’t know?”

“Even when you’re in grade school or high school?”

“Not even once.”

“Why not?”

“Just because I haven’t felt it yet.”

“Yet?”

“Yes, and I’m afraid I’m still capable of hurting my partner’s feelings if I would take a commitment with someone,” he honestly remarked.

“So you haven’t had any serious or not-so-serious relationships ever?”

“I’ve had flings, hook-ups, sometimes I double-dated but I never had any serious one, why did you ask?” he told her further even if he knows it will muddle his pride, he’s just being himself and it’s not on his Lexis the phrase, “putting best foot forward.”

“Nothing, thanks for telling me Josh, I admire you for that.”

Now he had a perfect 10 score for his answer. He didn’t analyze things further.

“Have you ever fallen in love?” he suddenly asked back. Andie is reluctant to answer but she knows Josh needs to hear from her too.

“Yes.”

“And?” he continued.

“He was 18 then, I was 17 and he was my first love.”

“At first, the feeling is great but later we realized we didn’t hit it off because of our distance,” she looked back to the pool.

Andie used to be a full scholar during her first till third year in college, that’s when she gets to save money from her tuition. She told her parents that she only had partial scholarship so she can keep the half amount. But when they broke up, she messed up with her studies. She received below average grades so she lost her scholarship. That’s when she started to jeopardize her life but later she realized it’s not helping so she had to pick up the pieces of her. She explained everything to Josh while he was taken aback by her revelations.

“So what happened to him?”

“I’ve heard he’s already married with one kid and now living in California, so I guess that’s all for us,” she added.

He doesn’t want to ask any further coz he anticipates what her next statement would be.

“But the good part is, the money I’ve saved funded my internship in college,” she laughed. He smiled at her but still thinking about her disclosure.

“You want another round of our swimming lessons?” he sneered.

“No, I think I need to take a shower then change.”

“Wait up, I’ll just plunge for one last.”

She waited while Josh could see how sad and quiet she turned so he decided to get off the pool.

After changing to her sleeping garments, she then stayed at the 2nd floor veranda behind the glass sliding doors. She stood up to see the beauty of the site during the night where the swaying coconut trees were concealing the spot.

Andie jerked as somebody cuddled her from the back. It was the same scent she smelt from him when they first met. She could feel his face rested on her head and tightened his embrace, putting his arms across hers.

“I can feel that you are hurt,” he whispered to her ears while kneading her forearms to comfort her.

Andie couldn’t help but release some tears from her eyes.

“Thanks Josh, thank you for everything.”

He wants to say he’s there to love her, to comfort her and to reassure her that everything is going to be alright, but his gestures are more than enough.

Chapter 9 - The Subic trip (part 1)

Josh already arrived at her house at 5 a.m., which the sound of a barking dog echoed around the area. Andie’s mom is already awake while Andie is still packing her things and the beverages she prepared that night.

“Drive safely okay and I trust you Josh, so you better keep that,” mom just told Josh before they go.

“Yes mom, you too take care okay and I’ll keep that in mind.” Josh said. Andie kissed her mom and waved goodbye.

“I didn’t have much sleep last night, is it okay if I nap first?” Andie told him while positioning herself to the side facing Josh cuddling a pillow she brought. Josh just tapped her shoulder allowing her to sleep.

“Wake me up if you need something. I put the sodas at the back if you thirst,” she said then sleeps.

Josh looked at her calm face while she sleeps and couldn’t believe himself that he’s finally out with her alone on a vacation. He told himself he’d give Andie the best vacation she could ever have after the stressors that hit her lately.

After almost three hours of travel, Josh woke Andie up and told her that they’re already approaching the zigzag road of Olongapo.

“Wow I really missed this place!” Andie told him while fixing her hair.

She looked around and then they passed the Municipal Hall painted in pink.

“See that hall and that public market over there? We used to go to those places when my friends brought me here some years back.” She told him while pointing at the places.

They already arrived at the rest house. It was in Subic, Zambales 20 minutes after Olongapo proper.

“Hey, this is nice!” she told Josh in admiration “You really developed this amazing thing?” she asked him.

“Yes, what do you think of it?” he asked while waiting what her answer would be.

“Let me check inside,” she said.

Andie inspects the interior of the house and could see that it was elegantly designed. The house has complete amenities and the furnitures looked expensive.

“Come, I’ll send you to your room,” he gently said as they went up to the second floor.

“Are you all right here?” This will be your room, or my room too,” he teased her.

“Don’t even think about it, Josh!” They both laugh.

Josh set her to stay in the American-designed room next to his room.

“You wanna sleep first?” he asked.

“No, I slept already, we can start touring around,” she told him.

“So let’s go? I’ll be your tourist guide today.” He told her.

Josh toured her around the house while explaining every detail of it, its strategic location, the rooms and their story.

The rest house is situated on the beach side, which was slightly elevated with a few large coconut trees within the vicinity surrounded by 4-feet brick red concrete enclosure not high enough to put on view the beach line. It is a two-storey hotel-type house with beige paint covering.

There was a porch at the left side of the house from the main entrance with steel-made chairs and tables painted in white with a beautifully landscaped garden surrounding it.

At the first floor, the living room was surrounded by large glass sliding doors facing the ocean view with white linen curtains swaying through the gentle blow of the wind. It was furnished with a full set home entertainment system mounted on a wooden organizer. The floor was made up of off-white granites. The walls were made up of beige brickwork that complemented the color of the floor and the staircase. There were also different authentic Contemporary French paintings of thousand dollars’ worth mounted on the wall. The large L-shaped old rose sofa was situated perpendicular to the home entertainment system.

On the right side of the house was a recently filtered 4 to 6-foot deep swimming pool with blue whale-formed tiles underneath. The two lounge chairs are positioned near the holding bar of pool.

Inside the house, after the living room comes the straight alley toward the huge dining room with long Narra table and six pairs Narra chairs. Beyond it was a tidy kitchen with complete Japanese utensils and Chinese cooking wares.

And from the living room on the right side is a large granite staircase going up to the second floor with four bedrooms. The first room has Mediterranean motif, adjacent to it is American where Andie is staying, the third is Caribbean style where Josh’s room is, and the biggest room, which is Josh’s brother’s room has Venetian designs.

Andie was amazed by how they’re able to come up with the motifs of each room. She thought the designs of each reflect their personality, their family background and their level of maturity.

“The rooms are pretty far from my imagination,” she told Josh.

“Did you hire professional interior designer for this?” she asked coolly.

“No.”

“Through the years of traveling in and out of the country with my brother, we’ve seen different places, faces, and cultures, but through all those years, this is the only time I’ve spent my life without him,” he sighed while still showing her the view.

“When he agreed to buy this property, I volunteered to design this one for him. He didn’t hesitate. I told him my idea, he was perplexed at first but suddenly he concurred and he thinks I can do better. I told him I will merge different styles from those faces, places, and cultures and put them in this tangible material.”

“Venice was his favorite place so I made his room in an Italian-like appearance so when he comes home to visit, he’ll remember our time in Italy,” he delightfully told her.

Even though Andie wasn’t sure about what he was talking about, she knows there’s something deeper on his statements he was trying to tell her, but she never bothered to ask. She knows in time, he’ll tell her about it. She’s just glad she’s able to recognize the deeper side of him.

“So he hasn’t seen this rest house yet?” she curiously asked.

“No.” “He hasn’t gone home in 2 years already.”

“How old is your brother again?” she asked.

“He’s 29 years old, we’re five years apart.”

“Then that makes you 24?” she asked in hesitation.

“Yes.”

Andie didn’t realize that she only knows a little about him, only those were told by Manang to her, and she didn’t even know what his age was until that time.

“Josh, why is it I don’t see pictures of your brother’s girlfriend or wife around?” she’s curious.

“It’s because he hasn’t married yet. It’s been a while since his girlfriend for 5 years left him for another man,” he told her.

“I’m sorry, I won’t ask anymore and I’ll keep my mouth shut this time,” she told him while making a zipper sign on her lips.

“It’s okay, I won’t tell you any further anyway,” he grinned.

She just raised her brow. Josh wrinkled her hair and pulled her down toward the kitchen.

Lunch is ready. The caretaker’s wife who happens to be the cook prepared a complete meal for them. Josh told her to prepare kare-kare, lechong kawali, bulalo soup, rellenong bangus, enseladang manga with kamatis, rice and a fresh buko juice.

“This is good!” Andie muttered upon seeing the table filled with different dishes.

They sat beside each other like they normally do except on their first real date.

“Lead the prayer, Josh,” she told him.

“Me again? Come on you do it please.” He told her.

“What do you mean, me again?” You haven’t led any meal prayers yet!” she grinned.

He just shrugs his shoulders unwilling to do so.

“Okay, okay I’ll do it,” she told Josh.

In the middle of their meal, Josh then remembered one topic on Andie’s article that when you’re out with someone of opposite gender alone in another place, that can be considered as another type of date; theirs is the same, only it’s a lunch date.

“Andie, why girls don’t accept lunch dates?”

Andie glanced at him in wonder.

“Why do you ask?” she asked him back.

“Just answer it please, why?” he replied.

“Because lunch dates are for those people who only use each other,” she told him.

“Are you sure about that?” his eyes rolled and raised a brow.

“That’s based on the article I read. It says it’s informal to ask someone out over lunch.”

“Example, you’re alone in a restaurant at lunch break, then you saw this pretty girl officemate of yours alone also. As you don’t want her to see you dining alone the same way she does, your first impulse was to call her to sit with you. You’ll talk a little then after your meal you’ll go to your different departments. No connections. No romance. So, that’s just about it. Unlike when you ask a girl out for a dinner, you plan for it, you even dress well, you speak like you’ve been possessed by Shakespeare, then there’s romance and after that you’ll ask for more, so that’s something special. See the difference?” she told him.

He just nods in admiration.

“But you call that a date?” he is curious.

“Why not?” “It’s informal, it doesn’t have to mean it’s something serious.”

He knows she’s right and it just hits him when she explained to him about lunch dates.

“So have you gone out on lunch dates lately?” she straightforwardly asked him.

He was choked and started sipping the buko juice.

“Ha ha ha, did it hit straight to your face?” she sheepishly told him.

He just frowned. They finished lunch and planned to drive inside Subic Bay Freeport.

The SBMA guards on yellow uniforms inspected their vehicle and the passengers. Andie filled out the small entrance pass with their names and the vehicle they’re driving. After doing so, they’re allowed to enter the vicinity.

“SBMA didn’t fail to amuse me, really!” she told Josh.

“Ooppps, intersection, you should stop,” Andie warned Josh while he abruptly stepped on the brake. The traffic personnel almost caught them.

“Gosh I almost forgot!” he told her.

“Ouch that hurts!” Her head was struck. She was pounding her chin through her clasped fist that moment.

“What are you doing?” He was laughing when he saw her.

“Need to make sure I won’t get dumb.”

“You’re a therapist and you believe that?” He still laughs.

Stopping at every intersection even there’s no red light on or no vehicles approaching is a standard traffic rule inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Anyone caught beating the red light or not stopping at each intersection will be given warning signs and on the third attempt will ban you and your vehicle from passing the vicinity.

“Turn right then straight,” she said.

“What’s this place are we going again?” he asked.

“It’s Times Square, let’s check Cosmic Bowling first,” she told him.

“I’ll just buy some soda at Little Caesar’s okay? Meet me there after you parked,” she said.

Josh walks toward her while she sits on the benches outside Little Caesar’s. He brought his digicam with him and started taking snapshots of Andie.

“Stop it Josh, let me pose first,” they both laugh.

They took pictures in different areas outside the Times Square Cinema, while inside the Cosmic Bowling and the other side of the place. Josh was fond of Cosmic Bowling as different colors fused on their clothes.

“So weird, you looked like a neon human,” he told her while laughing. “So are you.” She laughs.

“Let’s go, we need to catch Zoobic Safari,” Josh said.

Josh drives toward the area but it took them so long to locate the place, as the two haven’t been there yet. They’ve reached Upper Cubi at the ruins of Crown Peak Gardens. Shortly after, at the Cubi they passed by Legenda Suites. Andie asked him to pull over first to take some photos. They couldn’t spot anyone around to take their pictures so they set the digicam and placed it on top of the truck’s hood for automatic shots. They were laughing at themselves by how funny they looked while taking their photos.

“Well, next time we’ll bring someone who could take our pictures,” he told her while he chuckles.

“Next time?” she muttered. “He really thinks there’ll still be next time for both of us?” she giggles.

“Come on now Mr. Singson, we’ll be late for Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure.”

Josh paid for the entrance tickets at Zoobic Safari when they arrived at the place. They first checked The Serpentarian where they saw hundreds of snakes confined in a bunker, next is The Savannah followed by The Petting Zoo and then The Tiger Safari where they rode a safari Jeepney with at least an inch open wire mesh covering the window and the door area while on the simulated Safari. The tigers run to and fro the wild while the Jeepney is coursing throughout, as a male guide dangled a live chicken out of the window to feed them. The wild animals would strike the Jeepney, pushing it hard on the side, which excites the Jeepney’s passengers. After their ride on the shuttle, they decided to stop at Ocean Adventure, unfortunately, they weren’t able to catch the whale viewing and whale encounters, so they decided to drive at Triboa Mangrove instead.

“It’s already 5 p.m. when they arrived at Triboa Park. It’s almost time for the bats to come out in group from the cave. They stopped at the long wooden bridge to take pictures of the bats flying in troupes. Next stop is The Boardwalk.

“I didn’t realize how nice the boardwalk turned,” she told him.

They strolled along the stretch of the boardwalk after Josh parked. It’s getting dark. The lights on the pole were already on. Josh held her at the end of the boardwalk to witness the sunset.

“I really love seeing the sunset,” Josh told her.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I’m certain that the sun will shine again tomorrow,” he promptly answered.

Then he put his arm around Andie’s shoulder as they stare at the setting sun.

“Hurry!” Andie said while pulling Josh from the end of the boardwalk toward the area of grilling station. It was already dark.

The grilling station was located near the boardwalk at Waterfront. There’s also some newly opened restaurant and hotel.

“I like that hotdog, what do you like?” she asked him.

“I think I’m craving for isaw,” he told her.

“They don’t sell isaw here silly!” “Hotdog?” she said while handing him the hotdog on stick.

“You want a casino session instead?” she asked him. “No!” he laughs.

“Can you take me to some isaw stand?” he persisted.

“I told you, no isaw here. Are you hungry already, you wanna go back now?” she asked.

“No, no, I told them we’ll not get home early so I think they didn’t prepare for tonight’s meal. Where do you want to eat?” Josh on the look.

“Wherever you want. I just remembered you told me you’re going to be the tourist guide for today,” she chuckled.

“Okay, I think I saw Gerry’s Grill right there,” he said while pointing on the left side direction.

While dining in Gerry’s Grill, they were talking about where they could spend the night for entertainment.

“I heard there’s this one whole street with different bars here,” he hesitantly told her.

“Yes, that’s Magsaysay Drive, you want to go?” she asked.

“Suggest any,” he continued.

“Let’s see which place is not crowded,” said she.

Already 9 p.m. when they arrived Magsaysay Drive from Rizal Ave.

“Try to park at that diner, then we’ll walk,” she told him.

They coursed through the street to check every establishment.

“What are you looking for, don’t you want to enter?” he asked her while she seems like looking for some place.

“I know it was here, the location is here,” she muttered.

“Chatterbox is our favorite hangout before, but I think it’s already closed.” “We only get to spend 30 pesos for food and drinks throughout the night plus you can sing and dance with the cute band members I remember,” she giggles.

He wasn’t paying attention.

“Manong, do you know where Chatterbox is?” Josh asked the cigarette vendor positioned outside the bar’s main entrance.

“Not Chatterbox anymore, it’s Mondeo’s now,” the vendor told him in a weird Zambal accent. “Okay, thanks,” he told the vendor while tapping his shoulder.

“You hear that? Let’s check that Hard Rock over there,” he pulled her on the next bar.

“Is that it?” Josh was shocked. I don’t like the place, it’s crowded,” he continued.

“Really!” We don’t frequent that place before because we think that bar is as expensive as that one in Makati,” she told him.

Let’s go check another bar,” he told her.

“Okay I know some place,” she pulled him.

“Good good, the place isn’t full yet, let’s go!” she said.

“Sam’s Pizza, “ Josh reads as he enters. “This one’s better.”

Sam’s Pizza is one of the fine diners abode Magsaysay Drive. Yuppies from around the city patronized the place for its pleasant ambiance, nice set of foods and beverages, outstanding performers and great crowd.

“Is there any band here?” Josh asked after placing their orders.

“I’m not quite sure this time, I only know a solo performer,” she answered.

“No idea what kind of music either?” he asked again. She just shook her head.

The performer already sat in front and played his piece. That night’s genre was jazz, pop and 80’s. He greeted the crowd and started asking for request that he’ll be singing if it’s on his lineup.

Josh handed the waiter a sheet of napkin for his request as well as Andie’s.

“There’s someone who’d like to request for the song “Believe it or Not” theme song from “The Greatest American Hero,” the performer announced. “Who is Josh?” he asked while searching from the crowd.

Josh hesitantly raised his hand up through Andie’s insistence.

“He wants you to sing your requested song with him, he knows you’re not from here,” Andie teased Josh.

“What, no way!” Andie laughs.

“Unfortunately Josh, we don’t have the lyrics and the keys of your requested song, but you can help us sing with it in a cappella,” the performer declared.

He shook his head in embarrassment while the crowd were clapping their hands and convincing him to sing. Andie pushed him also to sing but he would not stand up. After a few minutes of persuading him, he finally agreed and went to the stage to sing with the performer.

He tested the mic and it echoed too loud which made the people snicker, but still he continued. He asked the performer to back him up if he would forget the lyrics.

“Who are you going to dedicate this song for?” the performer asked Josh.

“The lady sitting over there and for all of you,” pointing at their direction.

Then he started to sing in a cappella. When he’s on the chorus part, the people sang with him and the crowd turned wild.

“Believe it or not I’m walkin’ on air, I never thought I could feel so free, flyin’ away on a wing and a pray’r. Who could it be? Believe it or not, it’s just me,” his song goes.

The people applauded.

After he sang, he came down from the stage and the people stood up to greet him and shook his hand, giving him a thumb’s up.

“I can’t believe you just did that!” Andie told him while patting his back.

“I can’t believe myself either, don’t tell my friends that I messed up here in Subic, okay?” he told Andie. She just laughs.

Andie’s request was now called and she’s nervous that they might not have the piece either so she’s preparing for her call, and if they do, she might have to hide at the comfort room first, she told herself.

“I believe this song is for your partner over there, the brave man Josh,” the performer told them. Andie shook her head and smiled.

Thankfully, they’re able to sing the song “Whenever I Call You Friend” by Alison Krauss and Michael Johnson. He asked for the next performer’s help for the woman part of the song.

“I don’t know that song,” Josh told her.

“Shhhh just listen to it.” Josh turned silent and was trying to catch up with the lyrics of the song.

After the first set, Andie already asked Josh to go home so they can rest. He then drove off toward the rest house.

Andie laughs whenever she remembers Josh’s performance. She would sing part of the song that he did.

“Stop it Andie, it’s not funny,” he told her.

“Why? I’m just singing,” she told him while still laughing.

“You’re making me mad,” he frowned.

“Let me check the radio if your requested song is there,” she teased.

“Stop teasing Andie,” he told her while his face turned serious.

“Okay, okay I’ll stop,” she bursts out to laugh.

The two then laughed endlessly even until they arrive at the rest house.

“Don’t sleep yet, let’s talk first,” Josh told Andie after walking her in her room.

“Okay, I’ll just freshen up,” she told him.

***

“You still up, Andie?” Josh asked while knocking softly on her door.

Andie slightly opened the door and her desire of seeing Josh on his pajamas satisfied her. Josh looked at her also while she’s wearing her Spandex shirt and stretch jogging pants. She went out of her room and then asked Josh to stay in the veranda, afraid that it might suggest awkwardness between the two if she’d allow him to enter the room.

There’s a period of silence when they’re already seated in the couches at the veranda on the second floor. Josh slightly opens the glass sliding door so the air escapes through the gap.

They’re both waiting who would speak first.

“Ah, would you like to eat, let’s go down the kitchen?” Josh finally speaks.

“No, I’m full. Is there anything you’d like us to talk about?” she sheepishly asked.

“Uhmm, I don’t know, what about you?” he turned back at her. She just shook her head.

A minute of silence again. “God, please help me,” Josh whispered.

“You were saying?” she was yawning. “I guess we need to say good night then?” Andie continued.

“Wait!”

“Yes?”

“Ah no, okay, tomorrow perhaps, I guess you’re sleepy.” He told her.

“Night Josh.” “Night Andie.” He then walked her toward her room.

“Man, what’s wrong with me?” he asked himself while knocking his head. “I won’t forgive myself for this night,” he thought to himself then he entered his room.

Andie was also disappointed when she entered her room and jumped on her bed. Josh couldn’t believe himself he actually got tongue-tied in front of her. Another first time for him. Then he reached for his cellphone.

“u stil up?, his text goes.

“yes.”

"I jst want 2 thank u
4 coming wid me
reli aprc8 it.”

“my pleasure, Josh
tnx 4 bringing me
hir…”

“no prob, we can
come hir every wk
if u want 2.”

“r u sure?
i wont say no
2 that :D”

“ok, so
it’s a date?”

“DATE AGAIN? :p” she texted back with all caps telling him his idea is outrageous.

“btw, I reli like
wat u did in sam’s pizza
I didn’t knw u wer
a gr8 singer, hehehe!”

“wat’s with the all caps txt?
en yea, im helluva singer
hahaha”

“andie, r u happy?”

“yes, josh.”

“ok, I’ll c u
in the mrning
gudnyt.”

“nyt josh.”

“i miss you alrdy.” his text goes.

Their conversation ended there. Andie didn’t want to expect anything from him so she stopped.

PRESS RELEASE

Before I proceed to the next chapter, I would like to thank you guys for taking time to read the story.

By and large, the story is wordy so to speak, because the main character told me to REDEFINE every conversation they make but should be at least 95% accurate, paraphrasing only 5% of it. The reason: should be less mushy. I supposed a lot of you know the film “As Good As It Gets.” It’s all about talking and complimenting. If you’ll dig deep to the storyline, you’ll observe it’s a good movie and you’ll tap witty tricks, same goes with this story. If you only pay much attention to the story, it really won’t excite you, but it’ll make you think, “why am I reading thousands of characters in this blog, waste of time!” But the root word is enjoy, so take the pleasure of every entry I post whether you read it as fiction or non-fiction, I won’t force you to believe, that’s your two cents. This is another person’s story, not mine so it’s really difficult to collaborate with the words, but I strive to show the story’s integrity -- (I should know, I’m one of her friends who bought stuff from her before, lol). And what do I get from this? Nothing…but my friend’s trust and a free accommodation to her place, lol! (ooppsss spoiler, isn’t the ending yet).

Since somebody suggested I should use Tagalog words instead (thanks for the suggestion and comments), I don’t think I can do that this time. I need to use the Universal language as requested (by the main character and our global friends), so those readers may understand what they’re reading, that’s the reason. So I’ll stick to my style.

One says this is like the big time series that hit our country some years back, I’d say, “good!” That only means those stories really exist!

I’ll be moving out soon, so I’ll just update the rest of the story as soon as I’m settled. Thanks a lot! Grace and Peace!

-Pie Marie Pollard-

Chapter 8 - On hypocrisy and humility.

“Hey you don’t look like in a good mood today.” Josh told Andie, as he saw her so quiet while on the truck.

Andie started weeping after Josh greeted her. She covers her face with her hands not letting him see her tears.

“What happened to you?” he asked while gently taking her hands away from her face. Josh took out his hanky and offered it to her. As he sees her sobbing heavily, he wrapped his arm around her and let her face rest on his chest. She’s still not talking.

“Hey, tell me, did I do something wrong again?” he asked in concern.

Andie straightened back and started talking but her words were garbled, so he let her rest on his chest again to pacify her.

Shen felt ready to talk.

“My friends accused me of leaving them in between. They’ve thrown harsh words on me again when I visited the clinic yesterday. I didn’t know what to say. They’re accusing me of something I didn’t purposely do.” She told Josh while still sobbing.

“Do you want me to hear the story?” he asked.

She didn’t reply. She just wipes her tears. A couple minutes of silence passed. Josh let her calm down for a moment.

“Remember my two friends I’ve told you before in the cafeteria?” she asked.

Josh wonders, as he’s not sure if he remembers their names and faces correctly.

“Okay?” he added.

“We’ve put up a rehab clinic before and of course the finances were from our own pockets. We’ve spent great amount of money but we didn’t get vast revenues to recover our capital from the time it started until this time. I’m taking the position as staff therapist that time but because of the need to earn more than what I’m receiving, I was forced to do the process of applying work abroad, until I found this employer from New Jersey. I’ve told them my plans just before the Americans interviewed me but they’re not happy with my decision, now they’re coming back at me. They’ve told unkind words to me but I didn’t retaliate. I just let them speak. I humbled down but they kept on blurting right to my face how disgraced they were. I know my faults also but I was left no choice. My family would die in hunger if I don’t work out. And this great opportunity comes only once so I can’t afford to miss it. Tell me if I’m really wrong, please tell me.” She said while still crying.

“I’m not really good at giving advices but I’ll try,” his first liner said.

“First off, you know this can be a biased opinion, but take this,” he added. “They have no right in speaking harsh words to you, they weren’t your boss and you weren’t their employee either. As far as I can tell, you can talk it out plainly, no shouting, no fowl or below-the-belt remarks, but I think they didn’t display professional attitudes here, more so you were their friend, but the root of all this is money, right?” he remarked.

“Yes,” they think it’s understatement whenever I tell them I have to find another job but then again I ended up applying abroad, which will take me a long process to walk. What I’m really worried about was their hatred, I know they won’t forgive me for this, but I will never ever sacrifice my family’s welfare for anything else.” She told him.

“Then you better tell them to stop bugging or you will break their neck,” he teasingly told her.

Andie laughs after hearing his statement.

“You really don’t get it, do you?” she asked.

“Of course I do, I just want you to loosen up.” He added.

“But really, it hurt so bad when they just told me I’m selfish, immature, obstinate, and inconsiderate.” Andie said while she continued to cry.

“They what?” That’s hitting below the belt Andie. Manny Pacquiao wouldn’t even let that happen, why did you tolerate that?” he asked seriously in spite of his funny remarks.

“They even told me why I had to always tell them how unfortunate our family had become whenever I only receive small amount of commission from the rehab, that I should pay for this and that, then argue about the money that I’m only getting,” she added.

“If they only knew,” Andie didn’t continue her words.

“I don’t really know how I can comfort you, but you can lean on my chest anytime you want to,” he told her while grinning.

Andie pokes him whenever he cracks jokes to her and she feels it really helped a lot, even if he didn’t say any words with substance. The fact that he listened, it became sensible.

“So when did they fire you?” he mockingly asked.

“Josh, it’s not helping.” She said.

“Ah-I mean, when did you leave your position?” he asked.

“Four months ago, a month after my interview with the Americans and the start of my review class.” She told him.

“So what happened to their clinic?” he added.

“I’m not quite sure, they won’t allow me to go there even if I still have stuffs left on my desk, plus they’re requiring me to pay for the “damages,” they said. I told them I couldn’t afford it, I’ve already squeezed all my savings for this process.” She told Josh.

“My goodness, they’re cruel!” “Which part of hell did you find those losers?” he asked in dismay.

“They’re my old friends but I don’t think we’ll ever grow old together now, I just screwed up, but I don’t feel sorry for it. I’m just worried I had to surrender our friendship. But people like them need to learn their lessons, bit by bit.” She remarked.

“Yes, bit by bit, fragment by fragment, they’ll feel the agony until their flesh were rotten, until they feel they needed to kneel down to you asking for your mercy, har har har.” Josh said and laughs at the same time.

“Stop cursing Josh, that scares the hell out of me.” She told him.

“Oooppppsss.” “Honestly, they don’t have to be as cruel as that. Yeah, we’re human capable of doing impolite things, but to hell with that, you can always talk with diplomacy. It’s not always the Big Guy up there would let them get away with it, they’ll surely be castigated in time, trust me with this one.” He told her.

Andie looks at him in astonishment. That’s one of the rare statements he would comment but surprisingly he did.

“And you, I think at some point, you made a mistake. If I’m in their shoes, I would also tell you how inconsiderate you are for leaving us, but I’m not, so I’m sure I can understand you.” He added.

“Sure you do coz you don’t have problems with finances, unlike us, problems with money adhered to our system.” Andie said.

“I disagree! I also had problems with money, FYI. I don’t always bring cash with me, so I need to use my cards, but some useless merchants that I frequent don’t usually accept cards so I need to withdraw cash first….arrgghhh…it’s annoying you know, and that’s always been my problem.” He sarcastically answered.

“Josh that’s too shallow.” She just frowned.

“But you know, this statement they say is true, I guess, “Don’t hook up with the ladies who are more complicated than you are; don’t go for girlfriends who have more problems than the guys know of. This means guys are better off of me, coz I’m intricate. I’ve always been a fan of problems so I never mind not having any boyfriend. I’m sure they won’t mind me either.” She said in conviction.

He just nods but is not considering the fact now that he’s in advantage of cheering her up.

“I just remembered how they look whenever they kneel passing Baclaran church’s aisle or raise their arms up praising our Creator. They used to do that because they declare they’re religious. I’d say, you need not brag about your Christianity and faith if you’re doing otherwise. Hypocrisy is the right term for that,” Andie told Josh.

“How does your friends look like again?” he asked her.

Andie described them and told him where they can be located. She didn’t realize that Josh is planning a payback plot.


**********

“You are Elizabeth and Diane, right?” Josh asked the two ladies who approached him when he entered the clinic.

“Yes, I’m Diane and this is Liz,” the other lady said.

“How do you like this place renovated?” Josh asked as he walks around the clinic checking the area.

“What do you mean?” Liz asked.

“I’m already considering to buy the right for this lot, but I’m reluctant to do so coz your clinic is still up here, so I just need to coordinate with the legal authorities about this property if I might want to abolish this room,” Josh told the ladies.

“Uhmm mister…..”

“Call me Mr. Singson,” he said.

“Oh yeah Mr. Singson, ah-I-I think you’d like to reconsider first that we’re still renting the place…..” she was cut.

“I can always do that but if I get impatient sometimes I tend to think impulsively. I may or may not let you stay at this place farther than you like through my discretion, but there’s always an option.” Josh told the ladies.

“What option?” they asked.

“You can convince my girlfriend not to take this room off our lot,” he told them.

“Okay please, when can we meet your girlfriend?” they asked him.

“I’ll get back to you later, go figure out how you can satisfy her so this clinic will not be closed.” He told them.

“Okay, thanks a lot!” they said.

The two got scared after learning that they’re finally put into that difficult situation.


**********

“Hello?” Andie’s mom said on the phone.

“Hello, mom, this is Josh. Is Andie there?” Josh said on the other line.

“Oh Josh, she just left,” said mom.

“Where did she go?”

“She went to her other friends to sell her stuffs like clothes, shoes, bags so she can have the money to pay for her friends’ demands,” mom said.

“She what?” Why did she have to do that?” he asked.

“She has no choice. Her friends from the clinic demanded her to pay for the “damages” they told her. They said there’s some guy who’s going to buy the clinic’s lot so they need to get the money so they can buy it before him.” She told him.

“So that’s what it’s all about? She has to sell her things for those people who demanded her to pay?” This is outrageous!” Josh remarked. “Okay mom, I’ll try to catch up with Andie, thanks for telling me, bye.” He told her.

He kept on texting and calling Andie, but she’s nowhere to be found. Josh returned home and asked Manang to help him investigate on the ladies at the clinic.

**********

Manang and the driver arrived at the clinic at 1 p.m. the following day. The lady about 5’6” tall, fair complexion with a shoulder length hair approached her.

“You are a new patient, right?” she asked the old lady.

“Obviously I am,” she scorned.

“Can you wait for a minute ma’am, I have to get your personal infos first,” she told Manang.

“Okay hurry up, I don’t want to stay long here, your place is so hot and ugly, it needs a makeover. Don’t you have any air-conditioned room here, coz I tend to hyperventilate if it’s really hot?” she scornfully told the lady who is obviously irritated. That’s her plot.

“Oh no ma’am, we cannot afford to install air-condition at the moment……” she was cut.

“I can’t believe you’re telling me that! You look like you’re earning a lot and why don’t you use your money to accessorize this clinic? Gosh, it was really irritating why my driver brought me here!” she mocked.

The lady left in disgust so she called the other to attend to her.

“Liz, can you please speak to that grumpy old lady out there, I almost lost my patience,” Diane told Liz.

“Relax, let me handle her,” Liz said.

When Diane went out to talk to Liz, Manang had the chance to investigate and she was able to ask the patients from the clinic.

“What can you say about those ladies who own this clinic?” Manang asked some of the patients who were sitting next to her.

“They’re not as good as the other PT who used to work in this clinic,” the other told her.

“They don’t really care about the patients here, they just cared about getting paid.” The other said.

“Who’s that other PT you said?” she asked the first one.

“Her name is Andie,” the daughter of the other patient answered.

“She used to be my mom’s PT. My mom’s condition became favorable when she’s treating her, but when Andie left, she regressed. Those ladies don’t know how to handle her. They don’t show care and concern to her but we can’t do something about it. This is the cheapest clinic we can get, plus this is where my mom’s insurance referred her to so they can pay for it coz we have no allotment for her treatment. But you know what? Andie came to me. When she was still treating my mom, she did the best she could to restore her and if we cannot afford to bring mom here in the clinic, she would visit us in our house so she can continue her treatment to my mom for free. She didn’t ask for anything in return. She just told me not to tell those ladies that she’s doing it coz if they find out, they’ll transfer my mom’s care to them. That continues everyday. That’s how good Andie is and how evil those ladies are,” the patient’s daughter told Manang.

Manang just nods.

What about you?” she asked the other.

“I heard that they’re into some anomaly that they ask for donations and solicitations from other institution. They would commercialize this clinic and hold “rehab mission” so they could acquire sponsorship. I heard Andie strongly disagrees on this but there’s nothing she can do, so what she did after the rehab mission was, she secretly packed the stuffs they got from the sponsor and distributed them to us. Good trick! We all get the pleasure of it.” The other patient told Manang while laughing.

A lot of things were revealed to Manang that afternoon and so she acted grumpily to the ladies even more.

Liz went out of the staff room after hearing Manang tapping the door through her cane.

“Are you going to treat me or what?” she angrily asked the lady who’s coming.

Liz sighed deeply. “Okay ma’am, let me get your informations,” she said.

“Don’t you really care about your patients?” You have the nerve to get your pen and paper for my informations when I’m already here whimpering in deep pain?” she said in a high tone.

“Okay ma’am, let’s go inside the treatment area,” Liz said while shaking in nervousness.

The other patients who just saw them laughed so hard.

Inside the treatment area, Manang was positioned on the plinth so she could be examined. She fakes every moan she makes. She shouted every time her knees were palpated. She just scared the lady so she ended up the treatment already. Manang chuckled after knowing that she already finished her duty that calls her for.


**********

“I really can’t believe you actually acted like that!” Josh told Manang.

“Ha ha, their tails didn’t wag,” she said.

Manang told Josh everything she learned about he clinic, the ladies and Andie. He was worried about her but he knows soon she’ll find out what he does for her.

A couple of days passed, Josh didn’t hear from Andie. She can’t be reached at home, by cellphone and by phone. Her mom told Josh that her friends still trouble her so she’s out to look for buyers of her stuff and she also goes to her sister’s shop for sideline after her review class. Her mom said that she already had a few but still not enough to pay for what those ladies are requiring her. This made Josh really enraged. He’s certain he needs to confront the ladies with Andie already.

After ringing two cycles, finally, Andie answered.

“What took you so long to answer?” he asked in a high tone.

“What made you so mad this time of the day?” she asked.

“Nothing, I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I guess,” he answered. “So, what’s all the missing-in-action thing is all about?” he added.

“You stole my line!” she diverted.

“It’s not funny Andie, answer me,” he said.

No sound from her. She’s thinking.

“Was it about your old friends again?” Mom told me you sell stuff to pool enough money to pay for them, is that right?” he asked.

“Yes, but let’s not talk about it, I just had some, but I think it’ll be fine,” she told him.

“If you only told me your plan, you wouldn’t be selling your soul for that,” he remarked.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Meet me at Coffee Plus around 1 p.m., okay.” He said.

When they arrived at the clinic, Josh waited until Andie entered the room.

“Well, well, are you going to pay for the “damages” now?” Diane asked Andie while approaching her.

“Uhmmm ah, see I only have……” just before she could finish her lines, Josh came in catching her.

“Actually, you’re the one who needs to pay my girlfriend for the damages,” Josh declared after hearing what Diane told Andie.

Liz came out of the staff room and was shocked to hear what the guy had said.

Andie became confused how they actually know each other. She just conspired on his scheme.

“You mean you’re the girlfriend that this guy is telling us?” Diane pointed to Andie.

She was left unspoken.

“Now, major harms you made to my girlfriend will not be left over and done. I told you before that if I get impatient I would not hesitate powdering these concretes down, but your option would be my girlfriend’s mercy, so start kneeling,” Josh commanded them.

“Wait, wait, no way will I ever do that! Do you have any proof that you already bought the rights?” Liz asked Josh.

“You’re really cunning, I like that,” he told her while handing Diane the document stating that Josh already has the rights of the lot.

“Now, what would you like me to do, get my men to shove you off or kneel you down in front of my girlfriend?” he seriously told the lady.

When they were left no choice, Diane started kneeling and asked for her forgiveness, Liz does the same, but Andie disallowed them. She pulled them up not to do it then started to speak.

“I remember you both kneel in Baclaran and I know whom you’re kneeling to, I’m not God, you are not to kneel to me. You asked for forgiveness and I forgive you. I hope you’ll both learn your lessons. The wheel rolls in favor of me this time, the same way it did to you before, but I hope soon you’ll realize that every people you encounter will leave marks into your life. They may hurt you or please you, the same way you did to me, but you have to learn to handle people like me because I know exactly how to handle people like you. One thing I’ve learned from you that I’m really thankful for, “humility doesn’t equate hypocrisy.” Goodbye to you and I hope you’ll take care of this clinic and the patients the way I did when I first establish it.” Andie told Diane and Liz then turned toward the exit.

“Josh, don’t abolish this place, this is for the patients,” she commanded him while moving out from the room.

He just nods then they turned to leave.

Diane and Liz kept quiet then entered the staff room to hide away from embarrassment that the patients witnessed during the confrontation.

“Wheew, I can’t believe I was able to confront them like that.” She told Josh while palpating her chest in nervousness.

“Yeah you did good really,” he answered.

“You did better,” she replied.

“By the way, how’re you able to get the rights of the lot, I know they aren’t for sale. And that girlfriend thing again?” she said while her one brow was raised.

“Ssshhh quiet, I only paid a small amount. I told the authority that I’ll be donating it to the patients soon if I already paid the whole amount so they agreed, but I won’t do that coz if I do, that only means Diane and Liz will be my tenants, I don’t like that. I don’t like to deal with them anymore,” he told her. And about the girlfriend thing…you know I can’t think of a better plan, but the good part is you rode on it,” he added while smiling at her.

“But what about the patients?” she asked.

‘That’s been taken care of. I told the authorities to keep an eye on the two. If they still keep the clinic in their advantage then I might have to tear it down or I’ll be passing it to other’s supervision, perhaps, you.” He told her.

She just smiled at him and pinched his cheeks telling him how he made things right yet a little complicated.

“We’ll just leave them the supervision of the clinic, so they’ll learn to deal with people of different sorts.” She added.

“Now everything is settled, are you ready for our Subic trip?” Josh asked her excitedly.
“Yes, yes!” she replied.

Chapter 7 - Andie and Mitch

“Bye Andie, see you tomorrow,” said the guy who just waved at Andie.

Josh saw the whole thing while he was standing outside his truck. Andie just acts simply as she crossed the street to meet Josh. Even if she’s sure that Josh has no intentions of taking the pair-up thing seriously, she’s still thinking about what Joy reported to her.

“Hi, Josh,” Andie greeted him enthusiastically giving Josh a serious look on his face.

“Hi Andie, what’s up?” he asked. “Did you miss me?” he added.

She just smiled and told him that she’s already hungry so they went to the cafeteria and checked the cooked food.

“How’s your trip, how’re your friends?” she asked sincerely.

“The trip is fine and my friends are all fine,” he continued. “I wanted to go home by myself already just to see you but I couldn’t leave them there,” he said while starting to laugh.

“I bet you don’t, and I think you were having fun there, and you forgot to go home already,” she added.

“Don’t be so ridiculous, you know it’s not true,” he said while arranging their seats.

He pulled the other seat near him so they could sit close to each other.

“I really miss this and I really missed you!” he couldn’t help but tell her.

Andie agreed that even if he won’t say it, it reflects more on his gesture how much he misses her.

They were talking about what Paul told her and what he commented after he talked to Andie. She felt worthy after hearing his good comments from him. Suddenly, Andie’s phone rang.

“Hello, yes, I’m coming with you, tomorrow it is!” At three?” All right then, ha ha, no, you’re bad. Don’t be like that to her! Only the two of us? I thought Trish is coming with us?”

Andie continued talking while Josh just stares at her blankly when he overhears the conversation Andie has on the phone. He extended his right arm behind her back and rested it on her chair while he lists back on his chair to eavesdrop on their conversation. Josh is in advantage of leaning her body on him while his arm is now on her shoulder.

“Okay, Carlo, let’s talk about this after class, see you also, bye bye!” then they hung up the phone.

Andie is shocked when she sees herself leaning on his chest and his other arm around her shoulder.

“Who’s Carlo?” he asked with a serious look on his face.

“Uhmm he’s in my review class,” she simply said.

“Then why did he call you?” he is furious.

“We’re going to have a group review tomorrow afternoon so you don’t have to come here to pick me up.

“What? No! We already have our schedule set, so there’s no changing it,” he firmly said.

“And who said I can’t change it?” she said in a rather furious tone.

“Are you the one who’s reviewing here?” she asked.

When he saw Andie is going to erupt into complete anger, he then wrapped his arm completely around her and cupped her chin to face him.

“Shhhhh, okay, if that’s what you want, no more argument, I won’t come tomorrow,” he said calmly. “But I don’t want you to go with that Carlo alone, understood?”

Andie softened immediately so she leaned herself fully on his outstretched arm while facing him. They continued eating.

“Don’t you have special class anymore?” he asked while they’re already in the truck.

“Yep, starting tomorrow, no more special class, so we conducted a group study,” she told him.

“So that means after that you’re free already?” he added.

“Sort of,” said she.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up after that then, or you want me to join your group study instead?” he asked seriously.

“What? Of course not!” she exclaimed. “There you go again, Josh,” she said.

“Okay, okay, I got you,” he said.

“Uhmm, my friends want to meet you, I’m asking if you could come with me?” he asked hesitantly.

“I’m not sure Josh, you know my schedule and you know what’s my best priority right now, right?” she clarified.

He just nods, he looked outside then he started the engine.

The following afternoon, Andie asked Josh to drive her on the other restaurant so they could eat lunch there. She said she’ll treat him after giving her all the stuff he bought from Baguio. Josh is excited that Andie asked to drive her for the first time. They then dined into that restaurant. Josh is surprised to see that Carlo is coming. Andie waved at Carlo when she sees him.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said.

She then introduced each other and they shook hands. Josh inspected Carlo well and he could agree that Carlo is a good-looking guy. He has a nice built and a nice stand plus he speaks well. Josh thinks that he has hots for Andie.

“Where’s Trish?” she asked.

“I told you she’s not coming, so I think it’s just the two of us,” he said. “I parked the car that side,” he added.

Josh was choked when he heard what he said.

“You wanna eat?” she offered. “No, no, I’m done,” he said. “I’ll just go outside to call Trish, okay?” he said.

“What?” she asked while she sees his face frowned.

“Are you going with him alone?” he asked straight. “Why not?” she said.

He just shook his head in dismay. “Who’s Trish, by the way, is she his girlfriend?” he continued.

“Ah no, they’re both my friends and they don’t have any relationship,” she said.

“Then why are you coming with him, it means he wants to be with you alone!” he exclaimed.

“Why are you thinking like that?” she asked. “And why are you acting so strange? What are we then? I don’t even know what we have right now,” she continued.

Josh just shut his mouth afraid that he might utter what he really feels for her, as he knows it’s not the right time yet.

“Okay, I’ll let you ride with Carlo so no more argument, but let me know if you get there safe alright?” he told her in concern.

“What do you mean safe? Carlo is not a dangerous guy for your information and who said I’m riding with him?” she added.

“What?” “You mean….you’re not going to ride on his……I really can’t read you sometimes!” he just smiled in wonder.

“Okay now, then finish your food, I don’t want you get hungry later. We’ll buy some foods so you can bring it to your review okay?” he said.

Andie just squeezed Josh’s hand.

“I thought you don’t like me to come with you that’s why I overreacted.”

She just nods. “I’m telling you now, you’ll just drop me at my classmate’s place okay, no more hanging out?”

Josh nods in agreement. “Can I pick you up later?” he asked. “No, just go home straight, I can manage to go home by myself,” she said. “But let me know if you want me to pick you up okay?” he added.

Carlo then returned and said that their other classmates have arrived in the parking lot so they’re ready to go. It seems like Carlo already knew that Josh is dropping Andie to the place.

“You can follow us, Josh,” Carlo said. He just nods.

They arrived at the place. Josh is talking to her like he’s instructing her not to go near with any of the guys, especially Carlo.

She’s confused why he’s so strict on her about her guy friends. During their group discussion, Andie received a text from Joy asking her if she’s coming on Friday with them as they’ll be having a night out with the same set of people. Joy insisted Andie to come because the lady who’s flirting with Josh is coming over too. She told Andie that she should not let Josh get away with it. Andie just said that she’ll think about it first as she’s so busy.

“Girl, by the time you will realize that, your boyfriend is already busy with another girl,” Joy told her.

She felt so troubled about the fact and it’s not impossible to happen.

“Okay, let me arrange my schedule Joy, I’ll see if I can go, okay?” she told her.

Andie suddenly felt that she should call Josh to pick her up so he won’t be able to think of going out with the lady that Joy is talking about.

“Uhmm hello Josh, where are you?” she said in a sweet tone. “Hi, Andie, put down the phone let me call you,” he said.

“No, no it won’t be long,” she said.

“Uhmm aren’t you busy?” she asked.

Josh starts to giggle when he hears her, he thinks she is asking him out.

“Oh no, not at all, why?” he asked.

“Uhmm, can you pick me up here, if it’s okay with you and you’re not busy, but if you’re busy it’s fine with me, you don’t have to say anything?” she said quickly while covering her face, ashamed that he might turn her request down. “Hey, hey, you still there?” Yes, I suppose you’re busy, I should not ask,” she added.

“Hello, hello, what did you say again?” Josh asked. “I didn’t hear you, I was checking the tires so I can pick you up now,” he said. “Oh nothing, I said I’ll be waiting for you, thanks Josh!” she said.

Then she felt relieved. She’s really sure that he can always be available for her.

“Andie, are you sure you don’t want to ride with me?” Carlo asked.

“It’s okay Carlo, Josh said he’ll pick me up, I’ll just wait for him, you can go now,” she said.

“No, I’ll wait with you till Josh arrives,” he said.

They were talking long and laughing when Josh arrived.

“Sorry, I’m late,” he said while brushing his fingers on his hair.

“I’m going now,” Carlo said. “Thanks for waiting with me,” Andie told him.

Andie displayed a big smile when she saw Josh then he held her hand and walked her toward the front seat.

“I knew I need to pick you up, it seems like I can feel it,” he said.

“Don’t overreact Mr. Singson,” she said while ginning.

“Uhmm one thing more, when’s your night out with your friends again?” she asked. “It’s on Friday night,” he said plainly. “Uhmm okay,” she replied. “How many of your friends are coming?” she added. “About the same set in Baguio,” he said with no clue on his voice. “Okay,” she just said.

“So, I’ll pick you up at 8 p.m. on Friday night?” he asked her straight. “Yes,” she plainly said. “Really! Yahoo!” Josh was so happy that she agrees to come and meet his friends.

**********

It’s already Friday night. Josh picked her up and went straight to some bar in Makati.

“Where’s Josh?” Mitch asked Paul. “He picks up his girlfriend,” Paul said. “Girlfriend?” Mitch exclaimed. “Yes, that’s what I’ve been telling you, Josh already has special someone so please behave yourself if you see him with his girlfriend okay?” Paul added.

Josh and Andie finally arrived Greenbelt where they were set to meet. They then looked for a fancy bar where they could spend the night.

“Andie, these are my friends,” as Josh introduced her to them.

Andie smiled at Joy and sat beside her the moment she saw her. They then started talking. Mitch came and Josh introduced Andie to her.

“Andie, this is Mitch. Mitch, this is Andie, my special friend,” he introduced.

“Mitch’s one brow raised after hearing what he said. She then ordered a couple glasses of Vodka for herself. Andie said that she doesn’t drink and Josh wouldn’t allow her to drink also.

Mitch could see the difference between his treatment to her and to Andie. She sees how sweet they are so it prompted her to drink some more Vodka. Paul then insisted to talk to Andie, as he’s fond of the conversation they had back then. He then started to ask questions to Andie, which made her enjoy the night with them. She then realized that they’re not as bad as she thinks at all. It seems like all the attention is turned to Andie that night and more likely the attention that she’s getting from Josh made Mitch so furious. Andie asked Joy if she could accompany her to the restroom, and she agreed. Josh is about to come with them when Andie said that they can manage.

Mitch then sat close to Josh and asked him if that’s the lady he chose over her.

“Mitch, I didn’t choose her over you, I’ve met her long before I met you,” he told her straight.

She then gave him a bad look on her face and after she’s settled, she went to the restroom without them noticing her. She went inside the restroom and saw Joy and Andie laughing. She honestly thought that they were laughing at her.

“What are you two laughing at?” she asked in a furious tone.

“Oh, hi Mitch,” Andie said in a calm voice while looking at her. She’s not talking. “Mitch, I heard so much about you, I heard them say you were nice and pretty, which I totally agree, but I didn’t realize that you get angry fast, that’s the opposite of what I’ve heard from them,” as she is reversing her mood.

“Really? Who told you that?” she asked. “All of them, even Joy told me so,” she said while elbowing Joy to back her up. “Yes, yes, I knew you were nice but we didn’t have much time to talk to each other in Baguio, but I really do think you’re fine,” she said.

“One thing I’m confused about, why do I feel like you’re mad at me?” Andie asked her.

“Uhmm I don’t know either, maybe it’s because of Josh,” she said.

“Josh, why?” Andie asked.

“Coz you know, I like him so much and I’m close to falling in love with him, but when I saw him calling someone on the phone, I knew there’s someone, I just knew it, more so when I kissed him on the lips,” she said while starting to cry.

“Kiss?!” they both exclaimed.

Andie then regained her composure and started asking her again.

“Do you think it’s me, and what about the kiss?” she asked.

“Yes I think you were the one he’s calling that night, I always see him look at his cellphone and call somebody and I think it’s a lady he’s calling.

About the kiss, it’s bad, he just shoved me away, he didn’t respond on my kiss and he turned to leave. After that incident he turned so cold on me, I knew it, I felt it and it hurt so bad.

“Are you mad at me because of what happened?” Andie asked.

“Actually no, I’m just jealous of you. I can see that you’re not as pretty as I thought you to be but still he chose you over me and that makes me real furious,” she said.

Andie just smiled.

Josh is worried what’s taking the ladies so long. When he stood up, he didn’t see Mitch around also. He’s afraid that Mitch would hurt Andie and he could regret that time if it’ll happen. He called Paul and asked him if Mitch is capable of doing such things. Paul said that Mitch might be as aggressive as he thought her to be but she’s harmless. She doesn’t know how to fight especially with girls. He describes her as a dumb blonde.

“You know what, I didn’t think you’re as pretty as I thought you to be, but I was wrong, I think you’re too beautiful to be like a princess and princess should be treated well, not like this one. I also think that you have a good heart that’s why you don’t really fight, am I right?” she asked.

While Josh is getting too worried, he then followed them at the restroom. He’s thinking what might be happening. He knocks on the door but the ladies who came in and out gave him a bad look so he just left embarrassed.

“Just relax, man, they’re both civilized people, I think,” Paul said while Benj is also worried because her girlfriend is there also.

“So you’re not really mad at me? I think you deserve someone better, I know you can find one. You’re too good to be Prince William’s girlfriend you know that?” Andie teased.

Mitch then smiled and felt relieved after their conversation. “Friends?” “Friends.” They both said. Mitch then kissed Andie and Joy on the cheeks. Joy is amazed by how Andie is too clever to reverse damsel in distress’ attitude.

All the guys are looking at their direction with their slacked jaw as they saw the three laughing and teasing each other. They’re not sure exactly what happened but Josh couldn’t help but approach them and asked what made everything turned into a joke.

“Relax, man, Mitch told Josh while laughing. Andie just winked at him. He’s amazed how Andie handled the situation with her. The night ended so right to all of them. They all had fun. Josh then said that he’ll be sending Andie home already.

“How're you able to talk to Mitch like that?” Josh asked.

“Talk to Mitch like what?” she asked him.

“Like nothing happened,” he added.

“I don’t know, I just think she’s nice and all. Why don’t you like her anyway? She seems so fine and pretty and sexy, but I just don’t get it?” she wondered.

“Girls like her should need someone of her attitude, she’s too clingy,” he said.

“And?” she continued.

“And nothing more!” he said.

It seems like Josh understands that there’s more he should tell Andie about.

“Okay, okay, you got me there, I suppose Mitch told you about it,” he told her.

“Nah, what about it?” she asked. When it seems like there’s no backing out anymore, Josh already told her.

“About the kiss, I just…I didn’t…” he said hesitantly while scratching his head.

“You didn’t kiss her back?” she continued. He just nods. They just looked at each other and a few minutes of silence passed.

“Let’s have coffee first,” he told her while parking the truck on the Coffee Beans and Tea Leaf parking lot.

Some men waved at Josh at the parking lot and he waved at them back. It seems like everywhere they go, Josh knew a lot of people. It just amazed Andie. Josh went straight to the counter and Andie took their seats on the corner by the window. Josh bought a hot beverage for her.

“My schedule to visit Subic is in two weeks, would you like to come with me?” he asked her while he’s moving to sit beside her.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yes, but I’m going there alone so I’m asking you if you want to come, this time the place is all finished and I want you to judge if I made an excellent job to the house,” he told her.

“Sure, sure!” she said enthusiastically.

After a few minutes, Andie asked again, “Is it really just the two of us?” she asked while displaying a cautious look on her face.

“Yes, don’t you want to?” he asked.

“No, it’s just that…” she was cut.

“You’re afraid to be alone with me?” he asked in a rather calm tone but wants to laugh heavily.

“Not really, but….” She just said while she’s caught up.

“I told you, I’m a good boy now and a charming man, you just have to trust me,” he told her. Andie is relieved but still guarded at the same time. It suddenly excites her when she realized that she’s finally going to spend a vacation with him in her favorite place, Subic.

Chapter 6 - The Pair-Up thing.

“Morning mom, dad!” Josh said while entering their house. They then greeted him back and offered him a coffee but he refused.

“What are you doing here early this morning?” she asked loudly then covered her mouth after realizing that she just blurted out.

“I’m here to pick you up so you better hurry, you don’t want to be late in your class today,” he said while one of his brows raised.

“And who gave you the authority of picking me up at home?” she said in a rather calm voice.

“My authority!” he said.

“After our first date, I know it’s now my responsibility of picking you up and dropping you home, I felt compelled of taking care of you now, any problem with that?” he said confidently.

“You’re really confident huh?” she told him.

“Yes I am, so you better move yourself already and I’m sure you don’t want your instructor to kick you out of the room if you came late,” he told her.

Andie is so irritated but she can’t get angry with him. He acts like a kid sometimes but he really made her day. She felt protected, cared for and loved. She knows she couldn’t ask for more but passing her stateboard is another thing.

“Bye mom, dad, you both take care, okay?” he told Andie’s parents while Andie just grinned.

“I really couldn’t believe you times 10!” she said.

“Okay, here’s our new schedule: every morning at 7 a.m., I’m picking you up at home, then I’ll go check my business after I dropped you at the center, then I’ll go back at 12 noon for lunch, then we’ll spend some time together between lunch time till 3 p.m. for your next class and then I’ll pick you up at 5 p.m., understood?” he said after he enumerated the schedule he made.

“What’s got into you?” she told him while shaking her head.

“You arranged my schedule without consulting me?” she asked.

“No, this is my schedule so no need to consult you,” he said.

She just nods, but she’s angry that it seems like he’s manipulating her.

“You can always say no, if you don’t like to,” he said.

“There you go again, you always say that but if I said no, you’re still coming after me,” she told him.

“Then who’s confident here, Ms. Dancel?” he teased. “I just want to be with you, is that hard to understand?” he said.

“And you make me so confused, why are you doing all of this to me, why do you want to take care of me, why do you want to be with?” she finally asked him.

When words are caught up on his mouth, he just shook his head.

“I don’t know, I’m also confused why I’m doing this, but I know I like what I’m doing and I like to be with you, I just don’t know, maybe it’s just as simple as that, we don’t need to look it up on the dictionary for its profound explanation. But Josh is faking it. It chokes deep into his throat the words he just revealed.

“Okay,” Andie just said with a feeling of disappointment, as she didn’t like the words she heard from him.

She finally realized that there is nothing more to think about. She’s now sure that he only wants a companion through her persona to reduce his anxiety of being alone, but she’s definite that SHE’S ALREADY FALLEN FOR HIM. She knows being unattached for almost 3 years already made her so vulnerable of falling in love easily to someone who frantically shows affection on her. That’s what she’s trying to contend with.

Josh lied once more. He lied about his true feelings for Andie. He doesn’t want to distort Andie’s motivation on her thing. He knows how much he loved her already but he told himself he’ll just love her clandestinely and would not reveal to her how he really feels until her exam is cleared up. The two are unaware of their real feelings but they know they want to continue seeing each other.

“So, I’ll see you at lunchtime,” he told her while squeezing her hand as she’s about to get off the truck.

It is now clear to Andie that she should not assume about Josh wanting a serious relationship with her as she already found out how he really feels about her. It is easier for her not to think of him anymore, so she can focus on her review. She thanked the Lord for giving her the answer to her prayer.

Josh already reserved a table for two in the nearby restaurant. He texted her where she could find him.

“This isn’t a lunch date, right?” “If it is, I won’t sit with you,” said Andie while expressing a wry smile. It’s easier for her to blurt out what she wants to say and be herself after their talk that day. She’d like to think that she’s just spending time with a close friend so there’s no need to panic or overreact.

He just shook his head.

“Where do you want to go after lunch?” he asked.

“I’m not going anywhere, I need to stay on the library till my next class, I’m already a couple of chapters behind so I need to catch up.

“Okay.”

“What about later after your class, you want to go to Bluewave or somewhere else?” he asked.

“Ah no, I need to go home early too, I need to teach my niece for her upcoming exams,” she told him also.

“Seems like you don’t have plans for the weekend, right?” he asked. She just nods.

“So, when’s our next date?” he asked straightforwardly.

Andie was choked after sipping on her iced tea, “Date?” Not too soon, Josh,” she told him while wiping her mouth with napkin.

Josh just shook his head and continued to eat. He thought that he’s starting to lose her. He knows after telling her things the other day it gave her a wrong notion that he doesn’t really care about her. He just wants to tell her how much he loved her but something is resisting him, he knows he couldn’t mess up with her review and stateboard. He doesn’t want to interfere on her future.

“I’ll just go back to check the business after our lunch then I’ll pick you up after your class, okay?” he said. “But please promise me that you’ll wait for me later, please?” he seriously expressed.

She just nods. It melts her heart whenever he displays his affection to her but she just doesn’t believe it now.

Josh already arrived while Andie is waiting for him at the nearby cafeteria. He got out of the car to look for her but when he didn’t find her he immediately called her phone.

“Hello, I’m here already, did you just leave?” he asked in a concerned tone.

“No, I’m here at the cafeteria reading, wait for me, I’ll meet you there, bye.”

Josh smiled when he saw her.

“I thought you left already,” he said in relief while opening the door for her.

He then drove going home.

“Why do you drive so slow?” she asked. “We don’t have plans for today so that means we won’t be spending much time together so bear with my driving……” he told her. She just grinned.

“By the way, my friend from the US has just arrived and we’re planning to go to Baguio on Friday afternoon until Sunday evening. They wanted to come up there earlier but I told them I can’t coz you still have classes and I know you will not skip class so I changed the schedule, so will you come with me?” he asked.

Andie thinks about it for a few minutes, “Uhmm, no, I think I couldn’t come, you can go back to your earlier schedule, I couldn’t come really,” she told him.

“And why not, I thought you like to come so I invited you,” he repeated.

“I’m not sure this time, I told you, I only have two months left and I couldn’t mess up,” she said. There goes her excuse again.

Josh didn’t argue anymore because that’s what he wants to give her, her privacy and her focus.

“Okay, but if you change your mind please tell me immediately,” he said. She just nods.

It became a daily routine for them, spending the day with each other, but the intensity of feelings became less for Andie. It didn’t do good on her. It didn’t draw her momentum back. This made her even worse. She’d have sleepless nights longing for his love but she believes it’s impossible to happen.

It’s already Friday morning when Josh came to pick her up from home.

“Ready?” he asked. She just nods.

“You’re not coming with me, right?” he asked. She just shook her head.

“Are you driving up tonight?” she asked. He nods.

Andie wants to ask details but she resisted her mouth from talking. She thinks it is possible that his friends might pair him up with some girl and that worries her.

“I-I’m sorry if I couldn’t pick you up later, we’ll head up at 4 p.m.,” he said.

“No, it’s okay, I told you,” she said in a calm tone.

“Bye for now Andie, I’ll see you when I get home,” he said. This time he didn’t say he’s going to miss her, nor hold her hand or kiss her.

“He turned so different this time,” she whispered.

She arrived home feeling so restless as she knew they’re already on their way to Baguio. She’s thinking how it feels to be with him on a long vacation, in his rest house, how he looks like while on his pajamas. She felt envious about his friends that they get to spend time with him in a cool breeze of Baguio.

Andie didn’t sleep yet. She’s waiting maybe Josh will call her. After a while her phone rang.

“Hello Andie,” a happy tone presented her.

“How’s your trip?” she asked in an excited tone.

“It’s good but tiring, we’ve just arrived,” he said.

“Did you drive?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Good thing he’s the driver so that means he couldn’t speak much with whomever he’s being paired to, but what if the girl is sitting in the front seat also?” she’s thinking.

She finally asked him.

“How many friends you brought up there?” she asked straightforwardly.

“We’re 8 in total, Joy and Benj are here, remember them?” he said.

“Oh yes, how’re they?” she asked.

“They’re fine. Joy asked me why you didn’t come, I told her you need to study,” he added.

“Oh okay, so how’s everybody there, are they treating you well?” she just laughs.

“Oh yeah,” he said.

“I can feel that you’re happy, good thing I didn’t come to screw you,” she said teasingly.

“Of course not, I’d be twice as happy if you came, now I felt I’m all alone, I need to make myself happy with them I guess,” he told her.

“Hey Andie, I’ll call you later okay, bye.” He hurriedly hung up the phone seems like he’s up to catch something.

“Why, what happened?” Josh came running toward the other room where a friend of theirs is staying.

“Mitch was frightened by the shadow of the curtains,” Nathan told Josh while grinning.

“I didn’t realize it was the shadow, it almost freaked me out,” she told them while still catching her breath.

“Almost?” You screamed like a whining cat stepped on its tail, Mitch, that freaked us out,” Nathan teasingly told her.

“Very funny!” she said.

While they are about to leave, still nodding their heads, Mitch secretly called Josh, “Can you accompany me tonight coz I’m so afraid, the people said that there are a lot of ghosts here in Baguio.”

Josh couldn’t resist her request even if he doesn’t like to. He doesn’t want to give his friends the impression that he’s flirting with Mitch even if she was flirting heavily with him since the time they’re introduced, but there’s no clue that Josh likes Mitch at all. He’s just concerned that his friend, Paul, brought the lady with them so he could pair her up with Josh.

“Let’s go down first, I think they’re drinking tonight,” he told her.

Mitch followed him while she scoops her elbow on him.

The whole group was gathered at the veranda of the house. Josh brought out bottles of beer and chips. They were talking about Josh and Paul’s experiences in the US. Mitch would butt-in in their conversation about their life in the US also as she had lived there for quite a while. Josh’s friends started teasing them but he didn’t give them any sign of conformity. He’s just gentleman enough not to make it obvious to them that he has no interest on that lady, but Mitch felt otherwise. She’s extremely flirting with him. She follows him wherever he goes. She’d ask him to accompany her wherever she wants to go. This made Josh all the more irritated. He doesn’t like a clingy lady, at least this time, especially if he’s not interested on her, but he can’t do anything. He doesn’t want to be rude.

It’s already 1 a.m. when they call it a night. They all scattered to their respective room. Mitch secretly asked Josh to stay the whole night with her. She even told him that he can sleep on her room, but he disagreed. This made Mitch feel more interested on him as he challenges her much. She said she won’t quit on Josh.

“I’ll just walk you off your room then I’ll stay at my room, okay?” he said. Mitch walked in disappointment.

Josh tried calling Andie so he can explain why he hung up the phone but she seems asleep already. After ringing two cycles, he then stopped, he just texted her,
“hi andie, i knw ur asleep alrdy,
i nid 2 attend 2 sum things
a wyl ago so i hung up
hpe u huv a gud nyt sleep
i wish u wer hir,
gud nyt my dear.”

Andie wasn’t able to catch up the phone but she read the text. She didn’t reply. “Good night Josh, I hope you won’t forget about me,” she just thought to herself.

“Who are you calling?” Mitch asked Josh in curiosity while she saw him flipped his phone.

“Uhmm, I’m calling my friend from Manila,” he said.

“I suppose you’re not calling a guy this time of day?” she asked.

He just shrugs his shoulders then he said good night to her.

“Good night Josh,” she told him when he passed by her.

As she’s sure he’s not going to respond, she quickly pulled his arm to turn to her and holds his face with her other hand then kissed his lips and hold it for a few seconds. As she twists her lips on his and working her tongue, Josh pushed her and immediately turned away wiping his mouth. He was so embarrassed by the lady’s act. He immediately ran toward his room, to his bathroom. He looked at the mirror, washed his face, pat it dry, then looked at the mirror, he brushed his teeth, and then looked at the mirror. He couldn’t believe himself he actually acted like a first-timer to the lady who’s giving into him. The only thing in his mind was kissing Andie, and no one else.

It was already 7 a.m. when Josh went down the kitchen to prepare for their breakfast. Joy is already awake with Benj. They helped him set the food on the table.

“Morning guys, morning Josh,” Mitch told them while smiling at Josh.

Joy and Benj are suspecting about Mitch’s behavior. They both know that Josh introduced Andie to them as his special friend, so the thing about Mitch would be a little odd if he attempts to flirt with her also.

After breakfast, they first went to the recreational area. Some would match in the squash game. Some stayed at the recreational room playing table soccer, billiards, card games and dart. Mitch asked Josh to teach her how to play squash but she couldn’t learn it, so they’re all making fun of her.

In the afternoon, they all decided to go out and tour around Baguio. They first went to SM to eat lunch then went to Mines View, Wright Park, Cathedral, John Hay and The Mansion. They went back to John Hay to have a dinner at Manor Hotel. As usual, Mitch is too clingy with Josh. He felt so irritated. After a while they went home so they could rest. They spend the night in the recreational area to drink again. The ladies and other friends are gathered in the karaoke room singing while Josh is talking to his friend, Paul.

“What do you think about Mitch?” he asked Josh.

“Uhmm I think she’s fine, but she’s too clingy,” he told Paul.

“I thought you like girls like that, that’s why I brought her here for you man, I know she can be right for you,” he said.

“I don’t know, I think I just lost interest in ladies who give me a hint immediately,” he told him.

“I bet you already found someone?” Paul asked him.

Josh just smiled after Andie’s face flashed into his mind.

“Yes man, I already found her, I know she’s the right one for me. I can be so myself whenever I’m with her, I get to straighten my life when I met her,” he added.

“You must love her already and I think she’s special,” he told Josh.

“Yes, she is, but….” he said.

“But what man? Aren’t you two together already?” he added.

“The thing is, she didn’t know yet….” he said while taking off his phone to call Andie.

“You what?” Paul exclaimed.

“Hello Andie, how are you, still toxic?” he asked her.

“Yes, Josh, I wish I could finish all these chapters today, I’m sooo tired!” she complained.

“Good thing I called so this is your break now,” he added.

“Yeah, I guess it is,” she said.

“So, how’re your friends over there, are you having fun?” she said.

“Yes, but it can be more fun if you’re around, you’re so stubborn you don’t wanna go so that’s the price you have to pay, you have to read all that books now, beh!” he said teasingly.

“You’re really such an annoying thing, I don’t know how your friends endure you and I don’t even know why I endured you,” she teased.

“It’s because I’m such a good guy and for you, I’m the charming man, ha ha,” he told her.

Paul is amazed by the way their conversation is going. He really thinks Josh is enjoying her company.

“Hey, my friend, Paul, is here he wants to talk to you,” he said while signaling Paul then handed him the phone.

“Hello, Andie, right?” Paul asked.

“Yes, Paul, this is Andie, how are you?” she asked.

“Did all of you get to rest well?” she added.

“Ah yes, yes, it’s nice to be here in Baguio again, same old stuffs,” Paul said.

“I heard that you’re reviewing for the stateboard so you weren’t able to come with us?” he asked.

“Uh yes, I need to focus on this thing, this is something serious, I still need to take the exam to be able to work in the US, unlike you guys,” she said.

“And is it good or what?” he asked.

“Definitely in between, it’s more of tensing me and my brain,” she said while releasing a short laugh.

“So, what do you think about Josh?” he diverted the topic.

“Oh, Josh, hmm…Josh….he has extreme personality. He can be so good while he can be so bad,” she said teasingly. “I’m just kidding. Josh, is such a fine man, I’m not sure if we’re thinking the same thing about him because you knew him more than I do, but that’s what I think of him honestly. I know he has sordid past but that I don’t mind at all because he’s living his new life at the moment. He’s sometimes lame, he’s sometimes funny, sometimes sweet and sometimes serious. I don’t know, he can be everything,” she said.

“Wow, I didn’t know, Josh has become like that,” he said jokingly. “And sordid past? You knew about it, I didn’t know that myself?” he asked her in curiosity.

“Shhhh, keep quiet,” she told him.

“I’m just kidding and yes, everything you said was true about him, so I hope you take care of our Josh,” he said seriously.

Andie is just dumbfounded after she heard what Paul says. It seems like he knows something about them.

“I wish you good luck and please when I get back next time, I hope I can see you both holding each other’s hands already okay?” he said teasingly.

Andie just laughs. Paul returned the phone to Josh while Josh looks in astonishment to Paul as he has never heard him speak like that about him even before.

“Hey what did you tell my friend, you’re selling me huh?” he asked.

“Ha ha, you can ask Paul about it, I’m not telling you,” she said.

“Okay, I’ll call you later, I don’t want to hold you for long, go back to your books and when I come back be sure that you’ll give me all your time,” he said teasingly.

Andie just shook her head in wonder. Then they hung up.

“Man, I didn’t know she’s a fine lady like that. How’re you able to meet her?” he asked.

“I told you so, so no more Mitch pair-up okay?” he told him.

“Our conversation is good and all and she’s really witty,” he added. About Mitch, okay, I think I should meddle between you two,” Paul added.

“Good, I don’t wanna be hurting another lady’s feeling anymore,” Josh said.

“What is keeping you so long to tell her how you feel man?” Paul asked.

“I’m not really sure, I just don’t want to confuse her. I want her to focus on her review and eventually pass her exam, then I guess that’s the time I’ll tell her everything.” Josh said.

“But you’re not confusing her. I think she knows how you feel already but she’s just guarded. I think she’s just waiting for you to tell her, so why don’t you go for it Josh?” he added.

“I’m just afraid…..”

“That she’ll turn you down?” Paul continued.

“Josh, guys like us don’t waste time waiting for the right timing, I bet you know that?” he challenged him.

He just looked straight at him.

“You can always find someone like her or maybe someone better if she dumped you.” Paul said.

“You don’t understand,” Josh said while starting to get upset.

“I’m just kidding man, loosen up!” Paul said while tapping Josh’s shoulder.

“I’m just challenging you and now I’m certain that you really love the lady. I haven’t seen you giving attention to other ladies like that before and man you really changed, and that’s a positive change I suppose, and I commend your good work.” Paul told him.

“About her exam, if you feel you can be an interference to it, I suggest you keep your mouth shut yet and wait until she passed her stateboard,” Paul added.

“But that’s really nice of you to consider that. No more sane man would ever do that in this generation,” Paul continued.

“Thanks man, now you understand.” Josh told him. “She doesn’t like any interference because I think she’s capable of getting wasted during a relationship, so she avoided having one, so that makes me cautious also.” Josh told him.

“Really?” Paul is curious.

“I think that’s her reason why she’s uptight,” Josh said.

“Well, it’s better to be cautious if you really want to end up with her,” said Paul.

“That’s very true, if only I can fast forward the time, I’ll do it so I can love her without restraint.” Josh said.

When Mitch saw Paul and Josh she then called the two to join them in karaoke.

“Are you calling your friend again?” Mitch asked in curiosity.

Josh just nods while Paul pulled her hand to sit beside him at the karaoke room. They then took turn to sing. When it’s Josh’s turn to sing, he picked up the song “Take This Love” by Sergio Mendes. Mitch felt that the song was for her but Paul thinks it’s his song for Andie. After he sings he texted Andie and told her what they’re doing, but he doesn’t know that Joy also texted Andie to let her know that Josh is being paired up with the other lady they just knew.

“Really, how does she look like?” Andie asked Joy on her text.

“She’s pretty, flawless and sexy,” she texted back.

“I just want to let you know coz I get so confused that you’re the special lady of Josh but he is being paired up with someone.

It also confused Andie why Paul is wishing them luck where in reality he’s the one who started the pairing up thing with Josh and that lady, but she doesn’t know how Josh really feels for Mitch.

“No, it’s okay, just let him do his thing, maybe he’s just being nice to the lady, thanks for your concern Joy,” she told her.

“Okay, I’ll let you know how the things are progressing here later,” she added.

Andie sighed deeply after their conversation. Her mind is occupied with a lot of things already. She doesn’t know who is telling the truth. She thinks his friend might just be covering him up and Joy would not make any stories, as they don’t really know each other well, maybe Joy is really reading what she sees. But she cannot disregard giving credit to Josh either as she thinks he is totally honest with her. She stopped thinking for a moment and brought her attention back to her review.