Chapter 1
Devon May Seron. Campus sweetheart. Malambing, bubbly, masayahin, one of the brightest students, at certified campus beauty sa school niya. Always with a bright smile sa kabila ng mga problems sa buhay, madali saying kaibiganin. Sino ba'ng nag akalang makakapasok siya sa PBB house? Sa totoo lang, nagkayayaan lang naman kung bakit siya napasama sa auditions. Conservative siya at medyo mahiyain, kaya inayawan niya ang mga udyok ng mga ate niya at kabarkada. Pero ang tao nga naman. Kapag ang isang idea ay naitanim na sa isip, mahirap na tong mabura. Kaya nung nagkaroon siya ng idea na matutulungan niya ang pamilya niya sa pamamagitan ng PBB, she went all out and did her best.
Para sa kanya, that's the ticket to her dreams. Para sa mga magulang niya. Para sa mga ate niya. Para sa future niya. She entered the house for all the practical reasons and the best intentions, and left with a little more than she bargained for. She carried with her from the house, life lessons. Aside from the prize money she received, she walked away with life long friends. Pero in the end, showbiz is showbiz.
From the start kung anu-ano nang insulto ang binato sa kanya. Nangyaring ipagkalat pa na sumalangit na ang kaluluwa niya. Nalait na mula kilikili, kulay ng balat, choice sa pananamit, at pananalita niya. Humantong pa nga sa puntong pati pamilya niya eh pinapatos narin. Pero, damn! Ang tapang niya. She persevered and pushed through. Walang epekto sa kanya ang kanegahan ng mga tao sa tabi-tabi. Kung meron man, ay hindi na niya ito iniinda. Iba na nga naman talaga ang may inspirasyon sa buhay.
***
Napangiti si Ivan habang inaalala ang mga huling araw nila sa PBB house. Sa mga flashbacks na naalala niya from their stay at the infamous house, napa-haplos sa brasong dati'y laging nahahampas ng dalagang ngayon ay matalik na niyang kaibigan. Napalingon siya sa kinauupuan ng dalaga sa tabi nina Ann at Fritz sa couch. Good idea talaga ang housemates get together na ito, naibulong niya sa sarili, bago siya muling bumaling sa sineng pinanonood nila.
Inception.
Parang Inception talaga si Devon. Maraming aspeto tungkol sa kanya ang hindi mo basta-basta nababasa sa kanyang mukha. Masayahin siya, pero minsan, kung kailan siya tumatawa, saka pala siya nasasaktan. In a way, priviledged si Ivan, dahil siya ang kuya figure para kay Devon. Isa siya sa mga nakaka-alam sa mga action, drama, romance... pati narin heartbreaks nito.
At may comedy siyempre. As if on cue, napatili si Devon ng isang nakakaaliw na “Oh my gosh!” ng dahil sa eksena sa sine.
Si Devon kasi, kahit nasaasktan na – I'm ok parin ang mantra.
Tahimik lang ang plans today. Nung mga nakaraang get togethers, the other girls chose what the plans were. Clubbing, Bora, Ice skating… Devon wouldn't want to go, not her scene daw. Pero konting lambing lang, napapapayag din naman siya. She's so giving to everyone kahit alam niyang hindi siya mag-eenjoy. So last week, nang malaman ng grupo na lahat sila ay may off dahil sa conflicting schedules ng kanikaniyang projects, Ivan specifically asked her what she wanted to do, and insisted on it with everyone else. Maraming umayaw sa slumber party sa Tagaytay, boring daw ang slumber party, pambata. At may ilan namang busy din sa kani-kanilang mga raket. Kaya ito ngayon. Movie weekend-slash-slumber party, pero dahil sila-sila lang naman, eh sa pad na lang ni Ivan nila ginanap. They can't really go too far anyway dahil everyone's tired from consecutive taping days. So sa bahay lang. In a couple of days, balik work nanaman sila eh, and who knows when they'll get time off like this? This group in one weekend?
Where are the boys? Jenny's not here yet? Tumayo si Ivan.
“Saan ka punta?” Fritz asked.
“I'll just check on the others. Wala pa sila?” sagot ni Ivan.
“Bun texted. Maya pa daw sila dadating. May delay daw sa VTR taping ni Jenny and Ryan.”
Devon paused the movie. “Wait nalang natin sila. Baka mag-finish na tong movie wala pa sila.” she said, and laughed.
“They'll get here when they get here, then we can start another movie, or we can play this again.” suggested Ann na tila nayayamot. “Besides we've all seen this movie last year, diba?”
“No I haven't,” sambit ni Devon. Mga salitang tila wala rin lang nakapansin nang tumunog ang buzzer. Napatingin si Ivan kay Devon bago ito tumayo para patuluyin ang mga bagong dating na bisita. Narinig niya. Naintindihan niya ang mga salitang hindi na binulalas ng dalaga. Malaman ang mga salitang binitawan nito, alam niya. Pero hindi nanaman nagkaroon ng pagkakataong mapag-usapan pa nila ito.
Dahil sa buzzer.
Dahil nag-ring ang phone ni Devon.
Dahil masakit harapin.
Dahil ayaw niyang makitang lalo lang nasasaktan si Devon.
Dahil... Dahil maraming dahilan.
Dahil naipit si Devon sa sitwasyon.
Dahil pinili niyang maging mabuting kapatid at anak sa kanyang pamilya.
Dahil masyadong maraming dahilan.
Ivan smiled as Devon checked the caller ID then answered with a laugh “Heller. Akala ko ba tatawag ka mga 6, eh 9 na kaya.”
Fritz asked. “Sino?”
Devon mouthed 'Si Kyra.' and excused herself with a gesture to head to the kitchen.
Ann shimmied a bit to face Frits and asked, “Sino daw?”
Sumagot si Frits sabay dampot ng popcorn, “Kyra.”
At nagsimula ang kulitan.
Ann: Ah. Devs ask her if she wants to come join us! Hi Kyra!
Nagbungisngisan ang dalawa sa sofa.
Fritz: Hi Kyra! I miss you!
Ann: Hi Kyra! I love you!
Fritz: Hi Kyra! What's your name?
Ann: Hi Kyra! Wanna date me?
Fritz: Hi Kyra! Hu u?
Ann: Hi Kyra! Come to Italy!
Fritz: Hi Kyra! Hu dis?
Ann: Hi Kyra! I love you!
Fritz: Hi Kyra! OMG! I love you!
At saka naghagalpakan sa tawa.
Napatawa si Devon sa inaasal ng mga kaibigan at dahil narin sa naalala niya ang kinwento ni Kyra sa kanila dati, tungkol sa failed texter-suitor ni Kyra na siya ngayong kinu-quote ng dalawang dalaga sa sala.
Tumatawa pa ito bago siya mawala sa field of vision ng mga dalaga sa sala. Tumatawa pa siya bago siya dumaan sa may pader papunta sa bedrooms. Tumatawa pa siya nang pahapyaw niyang hinaplos ang braso ni Ivan bilang pamamaalam na pupunta siya sa kwarto. Tumatawa siya. Infectious, kumikinang pa ang mga mata niya. Punong-puno ng mirth...
The boys walked in with Jenny in tow, si Devon nasa guest bedroom para makaiwas sa ingay at maka-focus sa sinasabi ni Kyra sa telepono. Bret and Ivan went to the kitchen, Jenny took Devon's spot on the couch, and James lounged on the recliner against the wall.
“Hey! It's okay to love me, and if you want to ask me to date, atleast don't call me Kyra! I am not Kyra, why are you calling me Kyra? I'm Jenny! Sira ka ba?” hirit ni Jenny, natatawang na-iinis kuno. Nagbungisngisan ang tatlo.
Fritz hugged Jenny. “Jenny! Hindi! Si Devon is on the phone with Kyra so I said hi. You know naman na love kita eh.” she explained, kunwari'y naapektuhan sa reprimand ni Jenny habang niyayakap nito si Ann.
Si Jenny, na halatang hyper-mode ay naki-join narin. “Oh! Hi din Kyra! Are you coming? Are you on your way? You better come or I hate you na! No, I take it back! I love you! Please teach me how to dance and introduce me to John Prats! Don't forget the part about John Prats! Devon tell her that! I haven't been to ABS in 5 days. I'm having John Prats withdrawal from being on site all the time.” Devon is heard laughing at Jenny through the open door of the room. Muling dumagdag si Jenny “Hoy wag kang tumawa I'm serious! You better tell her my message!”
At sumagot naman si Devon ng sarcastic na “Opo Ms. Minchin. Este Jenny pala.”
“Hey! Jenny! You can not work in ABS anymore. Mr. M and Charo Santos said you fired!” asar-talong singit ni Ryan. Selos diumano kay John Prats.
“You learn to dance muna before you complain about John Prats. Otherwise I can't take you seriously.” ang nanggagatong na sagot ni Jenny.
Ivan and Bret, who were in the kitchen to put the food the new comers brought in bowls just shook their heads. These sorts of things have become typical behaviour they have come to accept, and quite got used to. Nasanay na sila. Si James na pagod nanaman at wala masyadong imik, ang mga girls na aakalain mong mga tahimik at malambing ay maingay nanaman na naghaharutan. Ganun lang talaga.
Nagka-unspoken conversation si Ivan at Bret. Mainit ang ulo ng kaibigan nila, and they decidedly gave him some space. Bungisngisan ang mga girls sa couch at hindi rin ito pinansin dahil parang hindi na nagbago ang mood niya tuwing magkakasama sila. Sa kabila ng maasim na mood ni James, it was looking like it was gonna be such a nice night dahil ang James factor ay hindi na bago.
“Oi girls, Bawal ang hyper dito. Bun, Nikaon ba ka ug daghang sugar?” Biro ni Bret sa kasintahan.
“Wala ui. Popcorn only.” sagot ni Fritz.
“It's only Jenny who's hyper. Nikaon ng too much cake. Hahaha.” Sambit ni Ann. She grabbed the remote. “Devooooon! I-pplay ko na to. Hurry na!”
“Devon!” tawag ni Fritz.
Walang sagot.
“Bebe Devs!” tawag uli ni Jenny.
Devon called out “Sige, um. Just play it.”
Ann tentatively pressed the button. She was expecting Devon to scream, 'Nooo!' and come rushing back to join them. Yung typical Devon. Masayahin, makulit, simpleng pasaway. But the way Devon responded surprised her instead. Something was not right. She hit play as an act of defiance. Minsan lang ang mga gabing ganito. Pero parang biglang natapos na ang asaran at kulitan ng walang nakakapansin.
“You sure, bebe?” tawag ni Ivan from the kitchen.
“Yeah. Yeah. Ok lang. Sorry guys, wait lang I can't hear Kyra.” sagot ni Devon habang sinasara ang pinto. “I'll just borrow the DVD later?” pahabol at nagmamadaling dagdag niya sabay sara ng pintuan.
Nag-alala agad si Ivan at nilapag ang basahang ginagamit sa counter bago pumunta sa guestroom. Kinatok niya ang pinto at kinausap ang dalaga. “Devs, is everything alright?” tanong niya.
Naka-ramdam ng tension ang housemates at nanahimik silang lahat. The movie kept playing in the background, ignored, while on edge silang lahat. They waited for Ivan to come join them again, the sure sign that all is well – pero medyo natagalan ito. Hindi na kailangang sabihin pa. May problema nga, at alam na nilang lahat na hindi ito simpleng kadramahan. Si Devon pa? Si Devon na never nagpa importante, never nag inarte, at never nagdrama sa kanila? Minsan nga, buwan na ang nakakalipas bago pa may makarating sa kanilang problema ni Devon. Ayaw na ayaw ni Devon ang maging pabigat sa kahit kanino.
Lahat sila ay natigilan. Pero si James, parang wala lang sa sarili. Malayo ang tingin at parang hindi naiinda ang mga kasama.
“Guys, just lock-up when you leave.” sabi ng biglang sulpot na si Ivan. “You can give the key to the guard na lang.” dagdag nito habang binibigay kay Bret ang susi, at tumalikod na siya para isuot ang kanyang sapatos. “I'll just pick it up from the desk when I get back.”
“Wait, what happened?” nag-aalalang tanong ni Bret.
“It's Shey. She-” Ivan started,
“Kuya, let's go...” udyok ni Devon. Tahimik, parang nadudurog ang puso. Parang gusto nang umiyak pero nilalabanan lamang ang bugso ng damdamin.
James missed whatever was said but he heard it all. The difference in Devon's voice, the emotional torture that slight change entailed. Disregarding his initial plan to be decidedly aloof, he looked up only to see the leaving figures just past the closing door. And just like that, party's over. Another thing to keep them apart.
Chapter 2
Fritchie: Devs, what happened? Where are you? We'll follow.
Fritchie: Devs, please respond naman. Where are you? What happened ba? We'll follow.
VJBretchie: Hey, bakit dili ka mag reply? Saan na ka? Magsunod na kamo.
VJBretchie: Ivan, dude, what's going on?
Worried na din ang iba pang magkakaibigan. Mga isang oras din silang nag-antay ng reply.
Devon: it's Ivan. We're at St. Lukes. Shey was in a car accident. Still in the ER. Devon is with Kyra in the waiting room. April and Joe are on their way, the others don't know yet.
VJBretchie: Fritz and I will be there soon. Ryan and Jenny should be closer to you guys than we are, so they'll be there sooner. Go back inside, man. I'll text the rest.
Devon: Thanks. Devon is a wreck. She needs us.
***
As awesome as it must be for everyone to be friends with all of the housemates, that was not the case. There were cliques, and some got along better with others, and well, the Big8, the last 8 housemates in the house were admittedly closer to each other than the rest. But there was also something to be said about being a fellow housemate, close or not, there was still a bond there. Devon, though close to the Big8, shared a special friendship with Kyra and Shey. Which was the reason there was such a thing as the Big8 + 2... The Big8 + Shey and Kyra. And after the recent events, this was another needless heartache for Devon.
***
James' car was parked by the gate of the Seron household. If there was a name for somebody who was waiting patiently while being incredibly impatient – that name might be James Reid yet. When they left Ivan's pad, he drove home fuming, decided he didn't want to be there, then drove to Devon's house in a daze. Upon getting there, he wondered why was he there anyway? He really didn't know either. He grabbed his iPhone4 to text Devon.
***
“We have a gift for you guys...” she said at the Meet and Greet. And mere thanks felt so lack luster in comparison to their generosity.
***
“I still can't believe they actually got us iPhone 4s!” James excitedly said to Devon as he walked her and her mom to a cab. Her sisters and dad already caught a different cab. “Sorry I can't drive you. I gotta go shopping for tomorrow.”
“Huy. Okay lang no. We can take care of ourselves.” sagot ni Devon. She flashed a smile bago humirit ng “Sayang lang sa gas!” She laughed. “Sige.” She waved casually as the cab drove away.
***
“What do you mean you don't know how to use FaceTime?” muling kinulit ni James si Devon.
“I don't have wi-fi at home. FaceTime is pang wi-fi lang. Goodluck nalang sayo.” nang aasar na sagot ni Devon habang naglalakad papunta ng The Loop.
“Where are you going?” tanong ni James na humahabol.
“Edi kakain. I get hungry too, you know.” sarcastic na sagot ng dalaga. Tumatawa. Eyes sparkling. “Ikaw kasi, robot. Hindi nagugutom. So payatot.”
“Devon!” called one of the Gems at their usual table, at natigilan ang kakatawa ng dalaga.
“Ate D! How are you? -- Hello po. Kamusta po? -- Nice to meet you po... -- I'm fine naman po, kayo po?”
“Oh.” ang tanging nasabi ng binata sa joke ng dalaga, pero tuluyan na siyang di pinansin nito. Kinausap narin siya ng mga Gems, at naki-socialize narin siya, pero pabalik sa studio, nagdecide si James na hindi pa tapos ang usapan. Okay lang naman na nainterrupt ang usapan nila ng Gems. JaDe supporters. Nung una ay nakocornihan pa ang binata sa mga iba't ibang fandom. Pero nasanay narin siya. He grew to appreciate all the time and effort they put into showing their support and love.
***
James: We're not done yet. I wanna try out FaceTime.
Devon: Quit texting about that! All you say is FaceTime FaceTime FaceTime.
Devon: Pwede pa, FaceBuko. :D
James: Funny.
Devon: Thanks. I'm a regular comedian.
James: Well, I texted your sister.
Devon: Why??
James: I told her you're coming over tonight cause Lauren wants to see you.
Devon: Lauren wants to see me?
James: No, but she is in town, and your parents wont think I'm abducting you.
Devon: What the hell, you lied to my parents?
James: No, I lied to Dhemy.
Devon: That's the same thing! I can't believe you would do such a thing!
James: What's the big deal? It's already done.
James: Dhemy's not your parents.
Devon: I'm not going!
James: And tell them I cancelled, which I didn't.
James: So you'll lie to them?
James: I'm taking your lack of response as an affirmative on coming over after pack-up.
Devon: I hate you.
***
“Oh, hey Devon. What's up?” bati ng kapatid ni James na si Lauren habang hinuhubad ni Devon ang bag niya para ilapag sa mesa.
“Could be better, really. How are you? How long will you be around?” Devon said, specifically ignoring James, who asked her if she wanted anything to drink from the kitchen.
“Oh,” Lauren started, eyes darting between Devon and her brother. “well, I think just for a week actually.”
James asked Devon if she wanted some snacks, Devon ignored him and just smiled all the more intently at Lauren.
“I need to... start... my summer job... You know... Before school and all... Yeah” she finished awkwardly. Preoccupied sa obvious na isnabang nagaganap.
“You got a summer job? That's so cool!” sambit ni Devon. Genuine interest shone in her eyes. Napatingin si Lauren sa kapatid na lumapit na sa kanila at inabandona ang merienda.
“What the hell, Devon. You're still mad?” naiiritang tanong ni James from behind Devon. Kitang kita ni Lauren ang namumula sa inis na mukha ng kapatid.
Devon turned around to face him, at habang nasa likod ng bisitang dalaga, sinenyasan ni Lauren si James na huwag. Huwag nang gatungan kung anu pa man ang ikina-inis ng bisita nila.
Natigilan si James sa mukha ni Devon. In a split second, nagbago ang anyo ng mukha nito, from friendly interest, to complete animosity. “What do you think? Engot ka rin pala eh” came Devon's scathing words.
“What's the big deal? We're not gonna do anything wrong.” sagot ni James.
“You LIED.” sagot ni Devon. Nanlilisik ang mga mata. “You want to test FaceTime, fine.” she said, taking out her iPhone4 and placing it on the coffee table. “Here. Give it back when you're done.”
“What-- Wait-- What are you doing?” tanong ng binata habang muling sinusuot ng dalaga ang kanyang messenger bag.
“I,” sagot nito. “am LEAVING.” sabay ikot paalis. “Nakakainis ka. I thought you were smart. How wrong was I?”
“So wrong.” sambit ni Lauren, realizing her brother was in dire need of back-up. “James, give me your stupid phone.”
“What?” napatangang tanong ng binata.
“Give me your stupid phone!” utos ni Lauren, na sinunod na rin ni James half-heartedly. Lauren linked arms with Devon and led her to the patio. “Your not invited.” anito sa kapatid ng umakma itong sumunod.
“What the f---” naiinis na sabi ni James nang pinigilan siya ni Lauren.
“Shut your mouth and wait till I call you, you idiot.” she hissed at natigilan ang binata. Napilitan na lamang sumunod sa patakarang babae. Mas malala pa sa batas militar.
***
“Devon! Can I borrow your phone? Mine died.” James asked. “I gotta tell Bret we're already here.”
“So, go charge it.” she responded with a smirk. Namimilosopo.
“My charger is at the hotel room!” frustrated answer ng binata.
“Edi kunin mo. You're so lazy.” sagot ng dalaga.
“What the hell?” kunot noong sambit ng binata. “Fretz! Can I borrow your phone?” baling ng binata sa kaibigan.
“I'm sorry DD, I left mine in the hotel room.” sagot nito. Totoo namang iniwan na ng dalaga ang cell niya, pero naaliw din siyang panoorin kung paano inisin ni Devon ang binata.
James pulled his hair in frustration as Devon laughed to herself. Behind James, Ivan and Bret were walking towards their table. Devon signalled them to lag behind a bit, and they gladly obliged out of curiosity. James didn't notice because he was too busy griping.
“Here.” said Devon, as she handed him her phone. “Don't drop it.”
“I won't! Is that why you wouldn't lend it to me?” he asked, frustrated still as he looked for a familiar name in the messages folder.
Ayven Dorchnrr
Ya, we're on our way.
Fritchie
Where daw ang lunch plans?
Dhemyyyy
Remind Mama na inumin ang gamot niya.
SamC
Have fun din! See you Sunday sa ASAP.
Ms. Billet
I sent it in with Ivan na po.
Grr
Where are you guys? You're late.
“Grr?” he teased Devon. Devon blushed, but kept her cool.
“Hm?” pasimpleng tanong ng dalaga.
“Why is my ID on your phone Grr?” he asked, with a sly smile on his face that looked more like a confident smirk. “Grr? Really?”
“Wala, remember when we tested FaceTime? I changed it to Grr cause I was mad at you. You know, Grrrr!” anito, at umastang sasakalin ang binata.
“So why didn't you change it back?” usisa nito, tumatawa.
“Cause I didn't care to. I know who Grr was, and that was all that mattered really.” patay malisyang sagot ng dalaga.
“Oh really?” usisa ng lalaki. “Oh, really?”
Chapter 3
After that last memory, James remembered how he changed Devon's ID on his phone to Grrl that night, and that it had stayed like that since.
Grr: Are you home? I'm parked outside.
Grrl: Um, sorry, who is this?
Ouch. That was a stab at James' heart.
Grr: Is that really necessary?
Grrl: ? I just don't know who this is.
Grr: You have no idea how much that hurts.
Grrl: I'm just asking. This number is saved as Grr. Who is this? Do we know you?
We? There was another pang of pain for James.
Grr: How could you be so harsh?
Grrl: Look, please just let me know who this is.
Grr: This is Devon's number.
Grrl: It is! I just need to know who this is.
Grrl: Devon is notorious for creative contact names and I can't know what goes on in her mind at all ungodly times.
Grr: This is James.
Grr: Who is this?
Grrl: It's Ivan. Are you on your way?
Ouch. Ivan. Why does it always have to be you?
Grr: Devon is?
Grrl: We're at St. Lukes. The others are on their way. Didn't Bret text you?
Shit!
Grr: He's been calling, but I haven't been picking up. I'm on my way.
Grrl: Thanks a lot man. She needs us right now.
She needs us right now.
“She needs us right now...” bulong ni James sa sarili habang nagmamaneho. “She needs us right now...”
James sped away into the night. Full of panic and fear. Devon's face and her bright smile from that day when he first noticed her flashed in his mind. Devon, hold on. Wait for me. Wait for me, please.
***
“Hey. Any news yet?” asked Ivan as he handed Devon's cellphone to her when he got back. Devon looked up at Ivan as she took it. “You left it in the car, I already texted everyone cause cellphones aren't allowed in here.”
“Thanks.” Devon said meekly, automatically. Nasa ibang lugar na ang isipan niya, mabilis na nag iisip kung anong gagawin. Kung anong mga sasabihin.
“Parating na daw yung mommy ni Ate Shey.” Kyra offered, naluluha. Kakatapos lang din niya sa telepono. “Buti nalang pala hindi ako umuwi kina mama kanina, kung hindi wala siyang kasama ngayon.” she added referring to her friend, naiyak na ng tuluyan.
“Shhh. She'll be fine. Yun pa! E fighter yun. Don't worry. I-pray mo nalang yan.” Devon said quietly, purposefully. The pillar of strength. Hindi napigilan ni Ivan na maging proud sa kanya. Lalo lang itong humanga pa sa dalaga.
Minutes passed at dumating na din sina Ryan at Jenny. Ang usually loud pair ay unussually somber na naglakad patungo sa grupo. Ngumiti si Devon, at niyakap ni Ryan si Kyra.
“How is she?” Ryan asked. “She is ok, right?”
Bagama't hindi pa sigurado, tumango na lamang si Kyra, at tabi-tabi silang naupo sa may hallway papuntang ER.
***
Habang nagmamaneho si Bret ay paulit ulit na nagriring ang cellphone niya. Si Fretzie naman ay busy din sa kanyang sariling telepono na kinokontact ang mga iba pa nilang kaibigan. Nang matapos siya sa tawag ay sinagot niya ang cellphone ni Bret.
“Hello?”
Chapter 4
“Hello?” wika ni Fretzie habang hinahanap sa bag ang spare battery para sa kanyang pa-lowbatt na cellphone.
“What the hell happened? Why didn't anybody give me any details? Do you know which wing they're in?” pasigaw na salubong ng boses sa kabilang linya.
“Bun, si James.” Fretzie said, not bothering to respond to the irate James. Still wincing as she held the phone up for Bret, she started to skillfully change the battery on her phone with one hand step by step.
“Hey, Hey! Calm down! We're on our way too. I can't talk long cause I'm driving and--” at tuloy parin sa pagsigaw sa kabilang linya si James.
“James, -- what the hell buddy. -- Quit yelling at me! Yes, you're yelling. -- If you wanna be there, then be there. But don't be such a – No. Stop. Seriously. -- We don't need you to make things worse! Stop being such a downer! What the eff. -- Okay, whatever James. You are not making any sense. -- We're almost there! Ten minutes tops. -- You weren't picking up! -- Whatever, man. You are hysterical at best. Take a freakin' chill pill! -- I said quit yelling! -- Whatever. I'm hanging up.” at pinindot na ni Fretzie ang end button at sandaling nanahimik ang magkasintahan.
“I don't understand why he suddenly cares so much about Shey.” usal ni Bret.
“I think bun, he thinks it's not Shey.” ang empathic response ni Fretzie.
“What?” ang sagot ng equally emotionally dense na si Bret.
“Call it women's intuition na lang.” sagot ni Fretzie na tila inaabangan ang kada street light na madaanan nila. “I think he's under the impression na it's...”
“Devon...” usal ng binata. “But why?”
Mga ilang minuto ring walang kibo ang dalawa na parehong di na pinansin ang ring ng ring na cellphone. Di rin naman nila pwedeng basta nalang itong patayin dahil may mga ibang kaibigan ding sa kanila lang pwedeng makacontact. Maka ilang minuto pa ay tumila ang walang tigil na kakaring ng telepono. Pero tahimik parin ang dalawa hanggang makarating na sila sa ospital.
Sa parking lot, hindi agad bumaba ng sasakyan ang dalawa.
“I know that James is your bestfriend, Bun. He's my friend too. But he can't be like this. Specially around Devon. Not now.”
“I know.” sagot ng binata.
“Whatever got in his head? Did anybody tell him something happened to Devon?” nagtatakang tanong ni Fretzie.
“I don't know either. I doubt it.”
Hindi umimik ang dalaga. Nag-iisip.
“He was at Ivan's. He must've noticed Devon was there... he couldn't think it's Devon.”
Hindi parin umimik ang dilag.
“There's no reasonable grounds for him to think so.” konklusyon ni Bret.
“Do you really think that, Bun? Si James, he hasn't been logical around Devon.” ang malungkot na saad ni Fretzie. Kung tutuusin, marami ngang nangyari na hindi rin alam ni Bret. Si Devon kasi, kinarir na yata nito ang pagiging kimkim queen, at ang pagiging gold medalist at long time record holder ng tiis guild.
At may mga bagay-bagay talaga na sikretong pambabae. Hindi pwedeng ishare ke sa boyfriend o kung kanino man. Usapang magkaibigan lang.
Naisip ni Fretzie, minsan, si Devon, bigla nalang itong bubuhos. Parang dam na biglang nagrelease. One time last year, nakita niya si Devon na nakatayo lang sa veranda ng hotel room nila, buong akala nito ay tulog na ang lahat. Akala ni Fretzie ay nagpapahangin lamang ang kaibigan nang magdesisyon siyang samahan ito. Saka niya lang napansin na umiiyak na pala ang kaibigan at judging sa mugtong mga mata niya ay matagal-tagal narin siyang umiiyak. Nung tinanong ni Fretzie kung ok lang ba siya, parang napilitang magkwento si Devon sa kaibigan. Dala narin siguro ng bigat ng dinadala at pangangailangan ng release...
Pero ang kilos at boses niya, as casual as could possibly be parin... habang ang luha ay walang tigil sa pag-agos. Nung mga panahong natatakot siya kung makakaya pa ba niya. Nung mga panahong inaalala niya ang kalagayan ng kanyang ina. Nung mga panahong kinukulang ang kumpiyansa niya sa sarili dahil sa pambabatikos at mga nakakasakit na salitang ibinabato sa kanya.
“I gotta call him.” sagot ng binata na tila natauhan din mula sa sariling pagmumuni-muni, sabay dampot sa cellphone. “We gotta get going too. They're waiting for us.” Tumango ang dalaga at binuksan na lamang ang sariling pinto dahil ang kasintahan ay busy ding tinatawagan si James.
Deep in thought, punong-puno ng pag aalala ang isip ni Fretzie. Inaalala niya ang kaibigan. Kung sa bagay, mas maayos na siya ngayon. She has some money saved up para makapag-aral ang mga ate niya hanggang makatapos, may scholarship siya, at okay narin ang nanay niya. Pero ni minsan ay hindi naman nawala sa kanya ang pag-aalala. Alam naman niyang tumatanda na ang mga magulang niya at naiintindihan din niyang ang mahirap nilang pamumuhay noon has already aged them beyond their years. Dagdag pa ang problema with James sa mga pasanin ni Devon. Bagay na walang ibang nakakaalam kundi sila-sila lamang. Si Devon, si James, at sa pagkakaalam niya, si Ivan din bukod sa kanila ni Bret. Si Ivan, isa pang matinding sikretong hindi pa panahong lumabas, Ang hirap nga naman kasi sa taong mababait, kadalasan, sila ang nagdadala ng mga sikreto. Sa kanilang anim, si Ryan at James lang ang hindi niya kargo. Pero sa mga nangyayari, dahil bestfriend niya si Devon, bitbit narin si James kahit second degree lang. Ang mas mahirap pa ay kaibigan ni Fretzie silang lahat. Ivan likes Devon, potentially in a romantic sense, while James and Devon has always had a tumultuous something. Nameless, and perpetually undefined as of yet, but something.
“His phone is off.” frustrated na napasinghal si Bret habang nagpipindot sa phone.
“Keep trying! Hindi pwedeng umabot siya dito na ang mood niya eh ganun.” tarantang sambit ng dalaga. Bagay na madalang makita sa kanya. Ramdam ni Bret ang frenetic mood ng kasintahan. At dumial muli.
“You should try too.” udyok nito sa dalaga. “We can't go in yet cause phones aren't allowed inside.”
“James always makes things worse lately. What's up with him?” iritang sambit ng dalaga bago nag simulang dumial muli. Alam naman ni Bret na stressed lamang ang girlfriend niya kaya't mapakla ang mood nito. Naiintindihan naman niya, dahil pareho lang naman sila.
Si James ang sanggang dikit ni Bret. Kakampi sa mga kalokohan, moral support at collaborator sa mga projects and song writing na din. Bestfriend ni Fretzie si Devon, specially in the past two years when they were constantly shuttled from various locations, sila ang talagang naging close dahil narin lagi silang magkasama. Devon has also gotten closer to Bret dahil narin kay Fretzie. Malaki rin naman ang naitulong ng dalaga kay Bret nung nililigawan pa nito si Fretzie. Daingan ng problema, moral support, secret assistant at advice giver ang drama ni Devon for a year. Mangyaring naging taga-SoCo narin siya bilang kinailangan din niyang imbistigahan ang mga hilig ng kaibigan sa ngalan ng pag-ibig ng isa pang kaibigang si Bret.
For the past 6 months, ang tukso sa BretZie+Devon, sa kanilang tatlo ay non-love triangle - dahil lagi silang magkakasama. Aminado si Devon na siya ang third wheel. Hindi naman ininda ng dalawa ang presence ni Devon, pero si Devon na mismo ang lumalayo para magkaroon ng space ang mga kaibigan niya. Maliban nalang kung may trabaho, at napipilitan naring makisabay si Devon.
Alam ni Fretz na kailangan ni Devon ng kasama.
Kung hindi busy si Ivan, siya ang magiging kasakasama ni Devon, pero naging busy siya sa back-to-back projects, at ayaw din ni Fretzie na umasa pa ang binata sa wala, o di kaya ay mas lalong bumigat pa ang dinadala ng bessy niya. Maguiguilty lang si Devon sa unrequited feelings ni Ivan. At higit sa lahat, alam naman niyang James is more than a handful. Mahirap tantiyahin ang binata.
Si Devon lang ang somehow, nakakagamay sa kanya.
Chapter 5
“Shit!” sigaw ni James sabay bato sa backseat ng iPhone4 nito. Alam naman niyang sumasakit na ang ulo ng mga tao sa kanya. Planuhin man niyang umayos na, hindi matuloy-tuloy. Mahirap eh. There are too many people concerned. Too many people invested in this. He dug for his other phone, the seldom used BlackBerry, in the dash. Hindi niya ito makita and he swerved a bit into oncoming traffic. Several motorists honked their horns at him. “Shit!” muling singhal ng binata sabay hampas sa steering wheel ng kanyang sasakyan. “Shit, shit, shit!”
Humanap ng shoulder sa daan ang binata at pansamantalang pumarada muna para mahanap ang isa pa niyang phone. Nang mahanap na niya ang isa pang phone, lowbatt na rin ito. Meron lamang enough power para makita niyang meron siyang 66 message alerts, na naging 67 nang magvibrate ang telepono at namatay.
“Fuck!” sigaw ng binata sabay bato ng cellphone sa front passenger door. Panandaliang tila sinabunutan nito ang sarili para matauhan bago muling nagsimula para hanapin ang charger ng iphone. Nakita niyang nakakabit parin sa inverter ito bagaman nasa ilalim ng mga script at kung anu-ano pang papeles. Dali-dali niyang hinanap ang kanyang iPhone4 at sinaksak ito sa inverter para ma-charge.
Muli siyang nagdrive habang inaabangan ang muling pagkabuhay ng kanyang telepono. “Come on, come on, come on!” udyok nito, na para bagang makapapabilis sa pag charge ng telepono. Limang minuto pa bago ito muling aandar, alam niya, at sa tantiya niya, sa mga oras na yon ay nasa ospital na sina Bret. At pagkatapos ng pansamantalang pagka-preoccupied sa cellphone, ay muli niyang naalala. Devon's at the hospital.
With the pedal to the metal, nag decide na lang siyang pumunta na lang sa ospital and sped away into the night.
***
Joe hugged Devon as April comforted Kyra. Unfortunately, they were all there was. Everyone else was unreachable, or just plain unable to come. Ryan, Jenny, Bret, Fretzie, Kyra, Devon, Ivan, Joe and April sat lined up against the bleached white walls of the ER hallway. Devon already did a cafeteria run for water, and juice to keep her company hydrated and their sugar levels stable because nobody seemed to have the mind to nourish themselves. Devon felt better with something to do. She needed to keep moving. Sitting and waiting was eating up at her, and Hospitals made her anxious. It made her think of death, and loss, and abandonment. Thoughts that she does not want nor need at any occasion in particular, but thoughts that creep up on anyone regardless, and she was unfortunately not immune to it.
Getting antsier but already out of things to do, she told Ivan she was going out for air. Ivan offered to come with, but Devon declined with the notion she needed to be alone. Ivan obliged after giving Devon a comforting hug. He understood where she was coming from. She walked by Fretzie with a squeeze of the hand for mutual comfort. They both needed it and it had been quite a long night as it were.
Shey's mom was still a ways away, and nobody had her dad's contact info. As for the boyfriend, Shey could barely reach the guy, what more the mere friends of the girlfriend? They just made do with each other. Waiting together for news about their friend.
***
Devon sat at the chapel, on an empty pew. There were other people in there despite the late hour. Praying for their beloved to get well with the help of God. With the help of prayers. There really is no such thing as appropriate timing. Things have a tendency to happen on their own terms. Mangyayari ang dapat mangyari. Devon said a silent prayer for her friend. Wala narin naman siyang iba pang magagawa. Lahat ng pwede niyang gawin, nagawa na niya. Alam naman niyang hindi siya si Wonder Woman. At sa totoo lang, pati si Wonder Woman, napapagod din.
Life really is so intangible. Akala mo may bukas pa. Little do you know, baka wala na pala. So little is for us to decide... But as people, we seem to think otherwise and forget there is something out there much bigger than us. Much more profound. Things like Trust. Love. Faith...
Mag iisang oras din sigurong nagmuni-muni sa chapel si Devon bago siya nag decide na bumalik na, but the idea of putting on the strong demeanor for everyone seemed too hard. So instead, she walked aimlessly. Saan nga ba siya pwedeng pumunta? Hindi pa naman siya pwedeng umalis...
***
James did a sloppy parking job and bolted into the hospital halls with all abandon. He only slowed down when he spotted Ivan leaning against a pillar and then saw April and Joe talking. They had concerned expressions and there were several people sitting too. Bret got up, and James rushed towards them. Anxious, worried.
“Bret!” James called out, somehow, suddenly unable to make the last few steps. “Bret, what happened?”
“She's okay now.” Bret answered, “They're moving her over to the ICU for further observation for the next couple of hours.” he explained and watched James' expression somehow grow more anxious. “But later today she'll be moved to a regular room.” he added, realizing for the first time the actuality of what Fretzie told him by the expression on James' face.
“You made it. Thanks man.” Ivan offered, which was met by a seething glare. “Whoa.” Ivan backed off a step.
That was the last straw for James, it seemed. Because seeing Ivan made him remember Devon. Everything he used to get to do with her when no one was watching. Happily dancing around as they tried stepping on each other's feet, staring contests, pointless chess games, movies with friends. He used to buy her icecream when the group went to the mall. Apparently, his place has been usurped by Ivan. And all he could think of was Devon with him.
How they looked as they walked away for FroYo at the mall.
Arms linked, laughing over some in-joke nobody else knows of.
How Devon messes up Ivan's hair in revenger over something insignificant.
And he chases her across the foodcourt with feigned anger.
How Devon always calls him when they're having boy's night,
And Ivan acts annoyed that she called an hour late. Again.
James collapsed, said nothing further then cried quietly. The tension in his shoulders significantly eased by relief. She's fine. Still in a stupid hospital, but fine. He cried in his quiet misery and joy and relief.
Fretzie, her suspicions confirmed, walked up to James and kneeled beside him. “DD, I know what you think, and you're wrong. Devon is fine.”
“What?” James and Ivan asked. James in shock, and Ivan in confusion.
“Devon is fine. Bret just said--” James retorted.
“You thought Devon was confined here, right?” Fretzie asked, as everyone stared at James. Their puzzled expressions growing ever more pronounced. James said nothing so Fretzie continued rather penetratingly, “You can't blame any of us – you never asked. Shey had an accident and she's fine now. Devon came cause, well you know how she is with Shey.”
“Devon is fine?” James asked absently, eyes slightly glazed over.
“Devon is fine. You've been so self absorbed that if a meteor were to land at your feet, you would fail to notice! And really, you're such a pain a lot of the time, that I wonder why I bother with you. Really James, would it kill you to try a little? I mean you are such a downer! But then I remember were friends, and--” naudlot ang spiel ng dalaga ng bigla siyang yakapin ng mahigpit ni James. Umiiyak parin ito, humihikbi.
“Oh my God, Fritz. Thanks so much. Thanks so much. Oh thank God.” bulalas nito ng paulit-ulit, while clinging to Fretzie as if for dear life. Bret just shrugged. Bagaman may ideya siya kung anong nangyari, mahirap parin sa kanyang sundan ang turn by turn ng events.
“Women.” bulong na lamang nito sa sarili as he rolled his eyes.
Chapter 6
Mga ilang minuto din bago gumalaw mula sa sahig si James. Nakasalampak siya at nakapikit lamang ang mata na walang malay sa paglipas ng oras. Nang idinaan na si Shey, mukhang okay naman siya. Gising ito pero mukhang kaunti na lang ay makakatulog na, at isa-isa niyang piniga ng bahagya ang mga kamay ng kanyang mga kaibigan na lumapit sa stretcher na lulan siya. Mahina, pagod, pero may fight parin ang kapit. Dahil narin sa mga gamot na nakaturok sa kanya, hindi na niya naisip na magtanong, o hanapin pa si Devon. Gratitude at panibagong pagpapahalaga ang laman ng puso niya. Si James, na natuwa sa pagiging maayos ng kalagayan ni Shey, ay tumingin at napangiti na lamang, pero hindi parin tumayo sa kinalalagyan. Masama mang isipin, mas nasayahan siyang malaman na ayos lang si Devon, kahit na masaya rin siyang mabuti ang kalagayan ni Shey. Iba lang talaga yung klase ng appreciation niya nang malamang okay lang si Devon.
***
Isa-isa nang nagpaalam ang mga pagod din at ngarag na housemates ay hindi parin gumagalaw si James. Tila inabutan na siya ng fatigue pagkatapos ng mala-rollercoaster niyang emotions, at doon na niya kinailangang mamahinga. Si Ivan ang naunang magpaalam at umalis sa lahat. Para hanapin si Devon na mag dadalawang oras naring hindi bumabalik, nag-aalala.
Ayven Dorchnrr: Devs, she's fine. Drugged up to the gills, but she's fine. Sleeping now. Where are you? You need to rest too. You were on call since 5 yesterday pa, it's almost 4 now.
Bebe Devon: Thank God. Thank goodness talaga.
Bebe Devon: I was at the chapel then I kinda wandered around a bit. Don't worry, I'll catch a cab. You go ahead.
Ayven Dorchnrr: You sure? I can wait. It's no trouble, really.
Bebe Devon: No, really. Go ahead. I'll be fine. I just need a breather.
Ayven Dorchnrr: But Devs, you must be exhausted after all that.
Bebe Devon: Yeah, pero ikaw din. Rest ka na din.
Bebe Devon: Trust me. I'll be fine. I'll text when I get home, and if I can't get a ride, you know I'll call you. Don't worry.
Ayven Dorchnrr: Devs, I'll take you home. You're probably delirious lang from fatigue.
Bebe Devon: Kaya ko na. Thanks for everything though.
Ayven Dorchnrr: Devs naman. You sure you're fine?
Bebe Devon: Promise. Umuwi ka na. I'll head back there. Diba I'm gonna sleep over with the guys dapat? My things are still at your place. Go na. I'll be fine.
Bebe Devon: Kapag di ka umuwi, you won't be able to reach me at all.
Bebe Devon: My phone will be off.
Ayven Dorchnrr: Ok I'm going. Don't forget to call, ok? No matter what time.
Bebe Devon: Opo.
Ayven Dorchnrr: Don't turn your phone off either.
Bebe Devon: Promise.
***
Parang naglalakad sa buwan na lumakad si Devon papunta sa information desk, then papunta sa bagong room ni Shey para sumilip sa natutulog na kaibigan. Ng makita niyang payapang nakahimding ang kaibigan, ay napabuntong hininga ito. Tila nabunutan ng isang malaking tinik sa dibdib. There, she rested her forehead on the door and said a silent thanks in her thoughts. She watched her friend rest.
Habang tinitingnan ni Devon si Shey na natutulog, para lang siyang nakamasid sa isang batang nahihimbing. Sa mukha ni Shey, walang traces ng problema, walang alalahanin. Walang stress, walang pag-aalangan. Napaluha si Devon sa tuwa. Muling bumulong ng isang pasasalamat sa Diyos. Kahit na puno na ang salok at aminado ang dalaga na matagal-tagal narin niyang kinakailangan talaga ng release, at tila lahat ng braces na prinepare niya para maka survive sa gabing iyon ay nag-expire na, kahit na hindi tumigil ang mundo para makahabol siya sa tambak ng recoveryng kailangan niya, di parin maubos ang pasasalamat niya. Oo, matagal-tagal naring kinailangan ni Devon ng 'me time' sa dalawang taon na nakalipas. Pero paano? Kanino? Kailan? Wala namang panahon, walang pagkakataon. Busy sa commitments, at ayaw ding maging pabigat ni Devon sa mga kaibigan at pamilya niya. Habang nakatuon ang tingin ni Devon sa kaibigan, hindi niya maiwasang maramdaman ang bigat ng puso niya. Buti pa si Shey, na para kay Devon, ay isa sa mga ate niya, nakakapag pahinga na, yun nga lang kinailangan pang maaksidente ito at maospital bago makapag break.
Bagaman hindi sila magkadugo, ni minsan ay hindi pinagdamutan ni Shey si Devon. Sinuportahan siya nito at inalalayan. Kahit na dalawang taon lang ang tanda nito sa kanya, parang gamundong kaalaman ang naiishare niya. Kaya't habang minamasdan ni Devon si Shey, tuluyan na lang na naiyak lamang ito. Tila nagsusumbong sa ateng impartial sa problemang pampamilya, at objective sa mga happenings sa buhay niya. Isa-isang bumagsak ang mga luha at naglabasan sa malalaking mga patak. Napaka-laki ng pagkakaiba ng Devon na nangungusap sa ateng kaibigan sa Devon na pangaraw-araw.
“Te, kaya natin to. Iiyak lang ako tonight, tapos bukas ok na. Promise.” bulong nito sa pinto. “Ikaw, te Shey, hindi ka dumaan sa butas ng karayom para lang mauwi sa ganito.” bulong niya. Alam niyang walang nakakarinig, hindi naman makakasagot ang pinto, at hindi naman mamumroblema si Shey sa mga sinasabi niya. Kampante siyang mag-emote dahil alam niyang siya lang ang makakarinig, at pag natapos na siya, move on na. “Sa uulitin, don't scare me like that! Papatayin mo ba ako?” she joked. Tumatawa habang umiiyak. “Baliw na yata ako... Umiiyak, tapos tatawa.”
“Ang matapang at palaban na Shey, nag mukhang weak and vulnerable.
Ang bubbly at masayahing si Devon, nakakailang beses nang napaiyak sa isang gabi.” biro pa nito. “Is hell gonna freeze over? Ibang-iba tayo 'te! Versatile!”
Matagal-tagal din ang naging one-sided usapang Ate ni Devon at Shey. Nang mapagod na si Devon ay nag-intay na lamang ito. Ayaw niyang maiwang mag-isa ang ate shey niya. Nang dumating ang mama ni Shey, saka lang nakaya ni Devon ang lumabas na ng ospital para umuwi. Pagdaan ni Devon sa may malaking bintana ng ospital ay nakita niya ang pasikat na ang araw. Tumitig si Devon sa sky, bago pinanindigan ang pangako. Today is a new day. Expired na ang emote pass niya.
Chapter 7
Nakatungong kinaladkad ni Devon ang mga paa para lumakad palabas ng ospital. Step after step, it felt as though her feet got heavier and heavier. Hindi naman talaga si Devon ang tipong nag seself pity. Pero umaabot din siguro sa puntong napupuno ang lahat ng tao. In the past two weeks, nagpatungpatong na ang mga problema niya. She knew this was inevitable. She knew she needed a good cry. Nagkasabay sabay nga lang, and dahil hectic din ang schedule niya, mahirap nang humanap ng time. Siyempre, kung nagkakaroon man siya ng time, kailangan din niyang ipahinga ang katawan niya, and a good cry could be physically as well as emotionally taxing... Kaya ang ending, saka na. Saka na, saka na, next time na lang. Pero napagod na si Wonder Woman. Her mind was haywire, at ang mga bagay na pilit niyang ibinabaon ay pilit nagsisilutang sa kanyang gunita.
***
“Anak, gustong ring mag abroad ni Dimple.” panimula ng ina.
“What?” usal ng dalaga. “Hindi pwede!”
“Eh, alam mo naman yun. Marami ring plano sa buhay.” akmang paliwanag ng ama kay Devon. Nobody wanted to do this. Mahal na mahal nila si Devon at masasaktan ito kapag nalaman niya. Pero kailangan na niyang malaman. Aalis na ang ate niya in 2 months! Kaya kahit na kakaalis lang ni Darling two weeks ago papuntang Amerika, kailangan na ring malaman ni Devon,
“Wag niyo siyang payagan!” Protesta ng bunsong anak ng mga Seron. “Ma naman. Ayokong magkahiwahiwalay ang pamilya natin. Wag niyo siyang payagan! Umalis na nga si ate Darl!” baling nito sa ina.
“Anak, di basta-basta papapigil yun. Kilala mo naman yun eh. Parehong pareho kayo.” sagot ng ina. “Nag aalala lang naman ang ate mo na ikaw na ang kumakargo sa pamilya nitong nakaraang dalawang taon.”
“Ma, okay lang sakin! Hindi naman ako nagrereklamo, diba? Kaya ko naman eh.” nangingiyak na sambit ng dalaga. Mapapait na luha ang hindi na napigilan pang pumatak mula sa kanyang mga mata. “We can do anything! Diba? As long as were together, kaya natin?” Nagmamakaawa si Devon, pinipilit niya. Pero tama ang ina nito. Alam na alam niya kung paano ang ate niya. Minsan lang siya lumiko, pero pag lumiko na, hindi basta-basta mapapalitan ang direksiyon nito. Desidido na.
Tahimik na umiiyak si Devon nang dumating si Dhemy kasama si Dimple. Isang tingin palang sa slumped form ng kapatid sa may lamesa ay alam na niya. Ibinaling nito ang mga mata sa mga magulang, at malungkot na napatango na lamang ang kanilang ama. Alam naman niyang sooner or later ay hahantung din sa ganito. Malalaman at malalaman din ni Devon na pagkatapos ng graduation ay aalis na si Dimple papuntang London.
“Devon,” Dimple started. She wanted to explain. But it's too late. Devon turned to look at her, the pain she felt mirrored in her usually happy eyes as if to ask Dimple, 'How could you do this to me? To us?' and she really didn't know what to say. Devon wanted to glare, to scream and yell at her sister. But she couldn't. She loved her too much, and understood too much. She knew that sometimes, people like them had no choice, and at this point all she could do was cry. What else was there for her to do? She was too smart to fight it. It was just going to lead to bad blood between her and her sister, and she knew better. She understood too much.
Still, she couldn't help but feel hurt and abandoned. She felt like she failed to keep her family together, and that was what hurt the most. If the look of defeat in Devon's eyes could kill, Dimple's heart would have burst into a million pieces and died. Devon was still the baby, and she was still the big sister but Devon seemed to carry the burden of their family's troubles all in her young heart. She should be the who gets taken care of by the family not the other way around.
***
“This letter was in my cubby for you, Bebe.” Ivan said habang bahagyang winawagayway ang sobre sa kanyang kanang kamay. “Did you expect it ba?”
“Huh? No.” saad ng dalaga bago inabot ang sobreng naglalaman ng sulat.
Dear Ms. Devon Seron,
Regarding the upcoming event, all the in-house designers have already been taken and many of the talents even chose to finance their own clothing or find their own sponsors. We apologize for this news. We understand that this may be short notice, seeing as there are only 3 weeks left to find a suitable attire for the event, but you are now required to provide your own gown that matches the motif you were memoed about previously.
We apologize again.
Feel free to contact HR for more info, they will direct you accordingly.
Office of the Management,
Senior Secretary
“So, what is it?” Ivan asked.
“Ha? Wala, tungkol lang sa ball, some details about the gown.” pagtatakip ng dalaga. Pero sa totoo lang, walang pang rent, much less pambili ng gown si Devon. Yung naipon niya from the previous months ay nagamit na sa extra check-ups ng mama nito dahil nais ni Devon na mamonitor ng maigi ang kalusugan ng ina. Kahit na malungkot siya dahil sa pag-alis ng panganay niyang ate, at ang paparating na ring pag-alis ng isa pa niyang ate, pinasasaya na lamang niya ang sarili para hindi mag-alala ang ina. Nag desisyon ang dalagang hindi na lamang siya pupunta. Magpapanggap na may sakit, o kung ano pa mang dahilan ang uubra.
“Oh! Oh, man! That would be a fun night. What will your dress look like?” Ivan asked.
“Huh? Uh, I don't know yet.” pasimpleng sagot ng dalaga with a small smile.
***
Bad vibes, more bad vibes, insults, put downs, out and out harassment. Naglipana ang mga anti-Devon. Lahat na nilait sa kanya. Pati pagkatao niya, niyuyurakan ng mga taong ni hindi naman siya kilala. Pati pamilya niya. Smile and bear it na nga lang sana. Kaso may limitasyon ang lahat ng tao. Napapagod. At gustuhin man niyang hindi na maidamay pa ang pamilya niya, meron at meron paring nakakarating, at nakaka high blood parin. At worse, kasabay nitong maapektuhan ang iniingatang kalusugan ng ina. It's a double whammy that hurt much worse than what it was ultimately worth.
Devon was tired. Emotionally and physically. Hindi nga lang niya napansin dahil preoccupied siya sa trabaho, sa pamilya, sa mga kaibigan, sa obligasyon. Ngayon, sapilitan at sabay-sabay nang nakahabol sa kanya bawat isa sa mga iniiwasan niya.
***
James left his jacket on the floor of the ER hall and had to go back to get it. There was more than one main exit that lead to the parkade, and he could have used a number of them with equal convenience, but he parked by the hospital-designated cab parking kaya ang particular na exit yon ang hinahanap niya.
James and Devon met there, that cliched point where two hallways turned off and met at a shared exit. It was unplanned, and neither really expected it. They were both glad and heavy hearted over circumstances of their own, and exhausted by their most recent ordeal. Alone time did not help them feel much rested, their thoughts ran rampant anyway, kaya wala ring ikinabuti ang kani-kanilang mag-isang pagmumuni-muni. That slim chance of them deciding the use the same exit at the exact same time must have been the first sign. The fact that they could have just as easily missed each other in their intently-looking-at-the-ground manner of walking – Devon just plain out of it, James too preoccupied and too tired, they were both looking down for most of the way... In reality neither needed to look up at all. But James did; and this might have been the second sign. He just looked up once. To check for some insignificant signage, more out of habit than of need, and he spied Devon's bedraggled figure walking towards him. She was but a few steps away, and had he looked up a second too late he may not have even seen her at all. But it was as if the world slowed down for them.
Something that must have been instantaneous, it was an event of mere micro-seconds, but it was as if each step Devon made took forever as he slowly turned, and saw her. Saw her soul. Her heart. Her face. Her face that looked beautiful still as she passed. Despite the haunting emptiness he saw in her eyes, the eyes that looked so foreign as they otherwise were always shining with mirth and laughter, He saw her. He saw her and wanted nothing more than to stare at those eyes that said a thousand words when her lips could not. He read years in those moments, breathed a lifetime and a half as he watched her walk past. This girl who could turn his world upside down with mere words, walking absently, in one of those rare occasions when she at all appeared vulnerable.
“Devon...” he mumbled in a voice so low it was barely audible, drowned by the busy hoolabaloo of the hospital and the rapid humdrum of his heart.
A quiet calling that could span centuries if need be.
She didn't hear it, but he did, and he needed to hear it. He needed that sensory affirmation that she was there, before him, real. Not just a visual failure to differ reality from fatigue induced hallucinations.
Abandoning all hesitations, forgetting all the restrictions he knew existed for a reason, he took one step backwards towards her, and embraced her. Suddenly, those moments that seemed to last forever ended and came crashing back into him in hyper speed and then slowed right back down. As he clutched her tightly to himself, he breathed her in. He buried his face in, and remembered the scent of her hair, and how it felt like to have it brush against his skin. He clung to her. Unafraid for once. Free and pared down to the barest of the bare James. The James that only one person knew. The James that not even his father knew. This was Devon's James, and this person was hers and hers alone. Her appeal and drawback alike, seem to be the same thing: the fact that she doesn't realize how much power she held over him. And in reality it was vice versa. Devon just had a perpetually happy demeanor that could fool the most extensive searches of who and what Devon really held in, and as for James, it was easier to hide behind a dark mood.
Devon, fatigued and over stressed herself; just let James do what he wanted, and absently let him hold her for however long it had been. She was too tired to resist. Too tired to be happy Devon just yet. Just this once, she was going to forget everything existed if only for her sanity. She was achy and lonely and angry and upset in various degrees, and her head was spinning in all the thoughts that swam around in her head like little thought tadpoles.
She wallowed in all her frustrations, deciding to let herself set her emotional turmoils loose for one more day and be back to normal tomorrow, instead. She was too preoccupied with unsuccessfully planning and re-planning various things for the near and far future, busy in her own head, she was also heavily considering all the harsh things she's ever had pegged at her and building defences against them over the scars they left in their wake.
Caught in this painful but necessary process rebuilding from the ground up, she seemed oblivious to the sudden change in James' expression. The panicked frustration and concern that swept his eyes as he gently caressed her cheek just went over her head. She did not know what he was doing, or where he was taking her, nor did she care much. Not that she was aware, she just followed listlessly, a mere couple of steps away from the exit, as he slowly lead her back towards the hospital.
Slowly.
Slow...ly.
Slo...w...ly...
Devon blinked, and it seemed to take forever.
Her breathing felt loud to her ears as she opened her eyes, and above her, the unforgiving glare from white rectangles at regular intervals accosted her.
She was moving down a hall, somewhere? Her one arm resting against something, and the other draped across something. Devon blinked again, and it felt much faster this time though she now identified her current feeling as dizziness. She glanced up and saw the clenched jaw of someone familiar.
“...James?” she tried to say, but clumsily came out as Jaaaaah, before she fainted again.
“Come on Devon!” James admonished through clenched teeth. “I could shake you right now!” he all but yelled. “Nurse! Nurse!” he called to a nurse that passed by. “She fainted! Help us, please. Please! She's running a fever.” The nurse walked them over to the nurse' station and paged an orderly to bring a stretcher before she checked for an available room. James waited by the station as he carried Devon in his arms. “Come on Devon!” he said, frustrated. This was not the kind of moment he envisioned to have with her. Not like this at all.
Chapter 8
It took about an hour for James to have all the paper work and other necessary bureaucratic steps settled. Sitting on the lone chair in Devon's room, he filled in the blanks on various forms for her as she slept hooked up to an IV drip. It was then that he realized there was a severe lack of pertinent information shared between them. They lived in the same house for practically two months and got to know each other there, they worked together and hung out on a regular basis for almost a year, and yet, he doesn't really know her very well. Maybe it was because he wasn't willing to waste time on semantics. They were friends after all.
But now he's required to answer certain questions for her.
What is her blood type?
Any allergies? Ie; pollen, bee stings, penicillin?
In-case of Emergency contacts?
Is she taking any and/or under any medication?
He knows she has three sisters, he knows their nicknames, but not their legal names. He knows her parents, but is Lyn and Sonny their legal names? He knows where she works, who she hangs out with, but he doesn't know if she's eating well. With his train of thought overwhelmed by this Devon Seron impromptu pop quiz, he realized that the things he knew of Devon suddenly seemed so insignificant, and he couldn't help but be frustrated. He couldn't think straight. After all, he was tired too. Luckily, he and Devon were both of legal age so it was a bit easier to secure a room for her with the help of one Gem of a nurse, who allowed him to fill up the form in the room.
***
“Uh sir, what is your relationship with the patient?” the nurse asked, maintaining a professional air despite having recognized James as the in-demand celebrity that he was. She turned suspiciously around her, checking as most of the staff ignored him, busy with their work. Everyone else was preoccupied with their own confined loved ones to fawn over him. They had bigger things on their minds. She had him all to herself, and felt giddy about it. Sino ba naman ang hindi kikiligin? Ang pupungay ng mga pilik-mata ng binata, at hindi naman masakit sa mata ang hitsura nito.
“We're friends.” he answered.
“Uh, sir, I'm so sorry but it's hospital protocol.” she started nercously. Mauudlot pa yata ang one on one niya with the one and only Jamrs Reid. “We can only let close relations to commit patients into our ward. Sa Emergency po, pwede until ma-reach ang family. But since her case isn't really urgent, we can't move her to the ER, and she already is in a room. I'm gonna have to shuttle her out with-in the next hour.” paliwanag ng nurse.
“But the doctor said she needs rest, and she's resting!”
“Sir, sorry po talaga. Pero policy po eh.”
“Shit.” naibulong ni James, pacing a few steps.
Thinking on his toes, he quickly came up with an alternate plan.”I'm sorry, but can I talk to you in private?” he said to the nurse. Batting his lashes a little, pouting just a little, leaning ever so slowly as if to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. The nurse all but melted. She followed with a silly grin on her face as James led her to the side. But kudos to her, she maintained some composure and did not jump him on the spot. She was a nurse. Prim. Proper. Professional. Though Lord knows she so wanted to.
“Ye-yes, sir?” she breathed.
“What I'm about to tell you is a secret. It can't leak out.” James admonished kindly. Gently touching the nurse' cheek. He was flirting, and shamelessly so. The sad part of it was that it was working. She nodded vigorously at him, and he smiled.
“Ano po yun, sir?” eager na tanong ng nurse. In her mind, pinapangarap niya, na if James asked her to quit her dream job and elope into the sunset – er, sunrise na pala, she would willingly do so with all abandon.
“She and I have been engaged for the past year.” he said, with the sweetest smile he could muster. The nurse nearly shrieked with delight, but she caught herself and covered her mouth. Though well aware of reality, she was genuinely happy for her James and her baby Devon, still, there was a tinge of disappointment there. Paano na ang tanan away into the the sunrise? Goodbye na lang.
“Oh my God!” she said, errant currents running up her spine to the tips of her fingers. The things she could tell her friends. The juicy pasalubong will surely generate threads upon threads of discussion. How happy all the JaeVon shippers will be! But alas, she loves James too much to leak it out. And the truth will come out eventually no matter what. She smiled smugly to herself.
“Shh, it's supposed to be a secret!” pabulong na bumulalas si James. “I'm just telling you so you could push through with the forms and all without getting in trouble. Pero walang dapat makaalam.”
“Okay. Sorry.” she said, collecting her nearly shattered composure.
“Secret.”
“Okay.”
“Okay. Secret.” he repeated.
“I can start it for you, but you still need to fill in forms.” she said shyly, giddy with a new kind of joy and wonder.
“Okay. Thanks so much!” he said, and hugged her. She piratically had a seizure in delight. And found resolve she never knew she had.
“Just follow my lead, don't look at anybody. Stare at the patterns on the counter and look sad. Whatever questions I ask, just nod, or mumble something, shake your head, whatever. If you don't know, act confused. Did you get that?” she asked, suddenly all business. She was gonna do whatever it took to help them, no matter what. If it meant cheating the system, so be it.
James nodded, his heart swelled at his impromptu workshop for an upcoming character. The belligerent fiancee of a sick love-lady.
“I'll take care of things.” she promised.
James smiled so brightly at her, she nearly went blind. He hugged her again, and this time, she hugged him right back. Complete with resting her head on his shoulder and slight back groping, before she berated him for smiling and reminded him that he was the worried lover.
***
“Ann, I need your help.” James said on the phone foregoing all pleasantries.
Minsan lang dumating ang ganitong pagkakataon at once and for all, gusto na sana niyang bigyan ng pangalan kung ano man si Devon sa kanya. Pero tadhana nga naman. Kung hindi pwede, gagawa at gagawa ito ng paraan para wag matuloy. Fate is fickle and moody, and James somehow must have irked her at some point. Pinaparusahan siya nito. And James has no choice but to bide his time and do what he had to.
“Geez, James. Did you sleep at all? It's 6AM!” she groaned. “What are you doing calling me at this ungodly hour?” she all but growled. “Don't you know me at all?”
No answer.
“Alright. I'm up. What do you want?” she said, sitting up. She needed to be up early anyway for an on location photoshoot and they had to leave early.
“I need Fretzie's home number.”
“Okay.” sagot ng dalaga at nangangapang hinanap ang isa pa niyang cellphone sa bedside table nito. “Um, I just got a new phone the other day, and all my contacts are in another phone at my mom's. Sorry James.” aniya ng hindi niya ito nakita.
“So you don't have her number?”
“No.”
“Shit!”
“Sorry dude. What's the matter anyway?” tanong ng dalaga.
“I'm at the hospital with Devon.” he said, quietly after a pause.
“WHAT?” biglang nabuhayan ng dugo si Ann. “Is she ok? Oh my gosh. What happened?” she was panicked. Quickly dressing herself as if to rush to the hospital.
“She's fine! She's fine.” he quickly corrected, which was met by a sigh of relief. “Fatigue. And she was dehydrated, too.”
“Oh, okay. Thank God it's nothing major.” she was quiet for a few moments.
“Yeah...”
“Why'd you have to scare me like that? YOU JERK!” she yelled after she recovered.
“I'm sorry!” he said with a laugh. “It's just...”
“What.” she demanded. Not a question, but more a matter of expectation. Ann held her breath as she braced herself.
“Well, I kinda had to lie to get her a room.” he said casually.
“Oh. My. God.” her mouth gaped as it dawned on her. “Sinabi mo sa kanila na girlfriend mo si Devon!?”
No answer.
“Sinabi mo 'no?”
“I had no choice!”
“James, patay ka if that leaks out! Oh my God, you're gonna be so screwed!” she shut her eyes tight. “You are gonna be so royally screwed, my friend.”
James was aware of this. He was ready for anything that may happen to him. Everything he earned has been intelligently invested, and he has enough income from his various business ventures to sustain him and then some. “I don't care.” he finally said. And why should he? He's set for life.
“James,” she added, in a more somber, quieter tone. “James, you do realize that Devon... Damay si Devon dito. You realize that, right? Pano si Devon?”
Shoot. He hadn't considered that angle. “Whatever. I'll handle it.” he scoffed.
“She better not get hurt over this. Hindi uubra ang pagka-arrogant mo.”
“Hey! I said I need your help, and instead you turn this into a passive-aggressive attack on me. Thanks Ann.”
“Whatever James. You have no idea how much she's been going through this past month. If you add more to her troubles, I'll come after you James. I swear.” banta ni Ann.
“Why? What's she going through?” he asked, genuinely interested. Or is it concern? Devon is well loved by the gang and a lot of other people. For every person who bashes on her, it seems her lovies just sends her more love.
“I don't really know everything. She's not exactly the sharing type when it comes to those kinds of things... You know what she's like.” she began.
Troubled was not exactly the first word that came to mind if he thought of Devon. She was always so happy. Always laughing and joking aroound. “So what is it, nga?” he pushed.
“Darling left about a month ago.”
“I heard of that...” he said defensively. He did know of it. He heard Bret and Fretzie talking about it. He didn't really care too much because his family flew in and out of the country, and didn't really get what it meant.
“Dimple is leaving, I think less than 2 months from now.”
“Okay.”
“After her grad, she's leaving. Don't you get it?”
“Yeah, she's leaving. So?”
“Devon is heartbroken over it, you idiot!”
“Oh,”
“James, I'm sure that's not the end of her probably long list of things, but those are the two things I know of.” she said, as she glanced at a group photo she stuck on her vanity mirror a year ago. One of Fretzie, her, Devon and Jenny, all wearing Harry Potter attire for a halloween party, and making faces at the camera. Beneath that were more photos. Fretzie and Devon, her and Jenny, her and Devon. “And this is Devon were talking about. She's all about hardcore family bonds, and sacrifice for the family, those kinds of things. Can you imagine how much she misses Darl? Tapos now, Dimple is leaving?”
James was speechless. Everything he's been stressing over seems so simple all of a sudden. Why has it been so messed up for over a year? Now, all he could think of was being with Devon.
“Anyways, try calling Bret. I gotta get ready to leave.” she said, ending the conversation.
“I will. And thanks, Ann.” he said. “Wait!”
“Yeah?”
“Shey's here too. She had an accident last night. Don't worry, she's okay now, but you might want to drop by later.”
“Oh no! Well, what happened?”
“I'm not sure either, but she was in the ER for a while last night. I think she had a bit of whip lash, and something about her lungs. The doctors said she's stable, and should only be in here for a week, maybe less depending on how fast she recovers.”
“K.” she sighed with relief. “I'm glad she's alright. I'll drop by later.”
That conversation took an unexpected turn that left James wondering. James didn't think of Devon in that way once in the entire time they've known each other. She has always been a kind of comic, always laughing, smiling. Her personality just made whoever was around her feel better. Happier. He realized there was so much more to Devon than he knew, and in a bewildering way, mas lalo pa yatang lumakas ang feelings niya para dito. Ano nga ba ang feelings niya para sa dalaga? Mahirap intindihin para sa kanya, because after all, it was he who decided to avoid Devon outside of work 13 months ago. They were getting closer and closer and he could not deny his happiness, but she suddenly stopped texting back, stopped calling back, and stopped joining the gang whenever they had trips and get togethers planned. And he got tired of waiting on her, waiting for her.
Chapter 9
“Wooooooooo!” Devon yelled at the horizon.
“What the hell are you doing?” James asked, with an amused glint in his eye.
“Wala. Having fun.” she answered as she tilted her head back to enjoy the orange glow of the setting sun. “How do you like it here?”
“It's alright.” he shrugged. He's used to beaches.
“Alright?” she asked, rather disappointed.
“What's another coast? It's all the same ocean.” he said, as he took a sip of Coke. “they all go to the same place.”
“Hmm.” came her non reply. It was dismissive and trite. “Ako... I love it here.” she whispered to the breeze. James watched her profile, sitting from opposite corners of their blanket, all he could really see of her was her profile. Her watched the slack way her shoulders rose and fell with every deep breath she took.
“You're acting like you've never been to a beach before.” he joked, moving towards her so they sat parallel to each other. Side by side. He wasn't sure, but he thought he saw something in her eyes that went away as quickly as it came when he turned to look at her. It was gone so quickly that he wondered if he he had seen it at all. She had a serious expression, as if in deep concentration. It made James feel guilt somehow. “It really is beautiful here, though.” he said in reparation.
“It's wonderful, it's gorgeous.” she sighed contently. “I have really good friends with me, the air is fresh, the water is perfect.” she breathed. “If this was my last vacation, I'd be happy for the rest of my life.”
“Haha. You plan on never goin' on any vacations in the future?” he joked again.
Devon looked at him then, the smile on her lips was not reflected in her eyes, and James was caught of guard. “Maybe.” Devon said with a shrug.
And again, James felt inexplicable guilt. As though all his jokes were miserably falling through and he shouldn't try to be funny anymore. He looked away from Devon. Something about the way she was behaving sent invisible needles through his heart. Why was his heart aching so much for her? “Hey, is something wrong?” he asked.
“Ha? Wala no.” She laughed. Her solemn demeanour, gone without a trace. Like the sand castles children built on the shore, all of them washed into the ocean without a trace.
He really would rather believe she was all right than hurting, and so he swept his worries under the rug, and took Devon for her word. She was alright.
***
Ann, Jenny and Fretzie were having too much fun jumping at the waves that came lapping at the beach. Ivan, Bret, and Eslove were lighting a bonfire, some of the other former housemates were busily chatting and picking at the food laid out on a massive table beneath a nipa shed, some went hiking up to the rocks. Everyone laughing happily, teasing each other. James, not exactly the perky sociable type most of the time, sat nearby, watching everybody. Devon was nowhere to be found. She didn't go up to the rocks with Joe, Patrick, Jack and the rest. Everybody else assumed that whoever was missing was with another group. Only James realized she wasn't with the rest.
“Bret!” he yelled, cupping a hand around his mouth. “BRET!”
Bret turned towards him. “What?”
“I'm gonna go for a walk.” James answered, “I'll be back in 15.”
“Okay.” Bret answered, already busily piling logs over some twigs.
James heard Ivan ask Bret what he said, then ask if anyone's seen Devon. James continued walking away and staring straight ahead.
Over the distance, he saw somebody sprawled on a beach towel. Alone, in a relatively dark area – yards away from any artificial light. He was worried for a moment. He wondered if someone was hurt, and he walked a bit faster. After walking several meters more, he noticed that the person was a woman. A woman reaching for the stars. Smiling. She wasn't in hiding, but she was secluded. Bathing in the moonlight. James smiled to himself. Amused at the simple joys of some people.
James kept walking, slightly changing his course to give her some space. It was obvious she wanted it, otherwise why would she be alone? He paused, and turned back to the lights where his friends were. He saw the fire already burning brightly, silhouettes of people dancing around it. He could still hear the faint sounds of laughter, and playful yelling from them. He decided to turn back and join them. Having new found appreciation for his joyful company from the contrast of the girl quietly having fun alone. But then he heard her humming. “Devon?”
He walked up to her, slowly, tentatively. He didn't want to disturb her peace. When he was a few steps away from her, he stood quietly and watched as she toyed with the sea breeze, stirring the stars, singing softly to herself. In her own little world, unaware of her audience.
“Hey.” he said softly.
She turned towards him and smiled. “Hey.”
He walked the remaining steps as she sat up, and he sat by her. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I was waiting for everyone to come out, but I guess, I spaced out. Nawala nanaman sa sarili. Nabuang na.” she said jokingly. “Ikaw? What are you doing here? Hinanap mo 'ko 'no?”
James scoffed a bit. “Nah, I just went for a walk. They were starting the fire, and I kinda got overwhelmed by everyone. You know how they get.”
“Ah.” she nodded. “Well, it looks like the fire's ready. Wanna head back?” she offered after glancing towards the direction he motioned at.
“Nah.” he said, twiddling with a twig an drawing spirals on the sand. “Let's stay here a bit.” Devon took a deep breath. “What was that song you were singing?”
“What?”
“That song you were humming earlier.”
“You heard that?” she said, shocked, embarassed. “Oh my God. You heard that? Oh nooo.”
“Yeah?” he said, amused at her reaction. “So, what song was it.” he was prodding her with his eyes.
“Ano ba! Wala yun.” she was smiling her embarassed smile. The kind of smile she had on when she was caught being silly, or guilty of something. She was a terrible liar. “Ano. Um, wala. Wala lang yun.”
“Seriously. What was it?” he pushed.
“Wala nga!”
“Don't say wala. You're over acting too much for it to be wala.”
“Wala, promise.” she swore, suddenly serious. Suddenly severe. Too severe. And James laughed.
“You're lying! Just tell me what it was!” James pressed.
Devon hugged her legs and pressed her face to her knees. Laughing nervously. Saying Aw over and over, like she was being forced to confess to something she didn't do. That way Devon does. In James' mind, there was a whole plethora of things that were strictly Devon. Trademarks if you will. Trademark slap, laugh, shocked gasp... So many little things.
“Come on, what is it? I just wanna know what song it was.”
“Wala.”
“Really?”
“Wala!”
“Really. Come on.”
“Wala nga eh!”
“I heard it! Don't say wala.”
“You imagined it lang.”
“No I didn't. Just tell me what it was.”
“Um, it was ano. Hangin! It was the wind.” she offered, a flimsy lie that did not work.
“Come on. Devon.” he prodded, literally poking her shin with the twig he was drawing in the sand with. “Devon. Seriously.” he gave her the stern eyes that he knew she could not resist.
“I made it up.”
He raised a brow, visible in the silver blue glow of the moonlight against the white sands of Bora.
“When we were at the house.” she finally said, referring to the PBB house.
“You wrote it?” James asked, surprised.
“I only know it in my head, so no.” she shyly admitted.
“But the point is it's your song!” he announced. “Sing it.”
“What?”
“Sing it for me.”
“What? No. Why?”
“Why not? Sing it for me.” he said, staring her down.
“Ayoko.”
“I don't care. Ayaw mo all you like. Sing it.”
But Devon stood up, picked up the towel and started walking towards their friends. James shook his head, he knew he failed round one. But it's not over yet. He smiled to himself, in good spirits despite his defeat against the feminine wiles of one named Devon.
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