JaeVon FanFic Chapters 1 thru 3

JaeVon FanFic Chapters 1-3


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?”