JaeVon FanFic Chapters 23 thru 25 + 26 Teaser

Chapter 23

“Hey Devon!” Quen greeted with a wave. “Fritz.”
The girls responded with a lively 'Hi!' as Ann eagerly sat by them.
“Hey ladies.” she said with a giggle as she picked some hor d'oeuvres from a passing server. “Devon,” she began before popping the appetizer in her mouth. She chewed and swallowed before continuing. “May I have a moment? May sasabihin lang akong importante.”
“Ha? Okay.” sagot naman ng walang kamuwang-muwang na Devon. Ann threw a meaningful glance towards James, just as the last catering table went between them. He was rushing towards them as inconspicuously as possible only to get conveniently cut off. A sly one, that Ann.

Intentionally staring James down as she coerced Devon away, Ann gave a mischievous smile towards James before she quickly ushered Devon out of sight.

***

Shit! What the hell is wrong with you, Ann? James swore vehemently under his breath, as he waited in ambush by the ladies room. He paced impatiently, with each moment that passed, his eagerness to enter the ladies room grew more and more. Manhood be damned.

***

“Akala ko ba may sasabihin ka sa akin?” maang na tanong ni Devon sa kaibigan.
“Shempre, I just wanted to tell you how super nice you look!” Ann said cooly with kikay hand gestures galore. “James did a super awesome job, diba?”
Devon smiled demurely as she blushed. Ann pretended not to notice. “Bakit hindi niyo agad sinabi na galing 'to kay James?" Devon spoke as she gingerly traced her palms across the fabric of her dress. "At isa din yun. May pa 'That's sweet of them.' pa siyang nalalaman. Eh sa kanya naman pala galing all along.”
“Would you have come kung alam mo na si James ang may plano ng lahat ng 'to?” Ann asked. “Hindi, 'di ba? I'm sure, hindi mo tatangapin the dress at all. And shempre I wanted to share the ball with you. Sad naman kung hindi tayo complete this time. 'Di ba Fritz might move na to Canada next year? Baka this is our last chance. Sad, 'di ba?” Ann spoke fidgeting with her mascara as she faced the mirror. "We have to seize the day." Mahinang bigkas ng dalaga bago tuluyang ginamit ang mascara sa kamay niya,
“You whisked me away para lang mag emote-emote ka?” natatawang tanong ni Devon sa kaibigan habang nireretouch nito ang make-up niya. “Masyado naman yatang over the top ang drama mo, Ann.” she teased her friend as she gave her a gentle shoulder rub, followed by a hug.
“Ok. Ang tunay na scoop. Aamin na ako.” Ann flatly lied. “We're planning an after party. Sa Manila Penn. Sama ka, ha? I asked na Tita Lynn. We're all still off naman tomorrow, eh.”
“I didn't pack my things. Susunod nalang ako.” tugon ni Devon.
“It's all taken care of, um-oo ka na lang.” In all fairness to Ann, totoo nga naman na naipagpaalam na niya si Devon sa parents nito.
“Eh, wala rin naman pala akong choice. Tinanong mo pa ako kunwari.” bungisngis ni Devon sa kaibigan. Sanay na ito sa ganitong klaseng lambingan. “Kasama din ba ang buong grupo?”
“Siguro.” mabilis na sagot ni Ann, sabay ayang lumabas na ng banyo para maiwasang magsinungaling pa. Ayaw din naman niyang magsinungaling ng diretsahan. Little white lies to get to her goals, she can manage. Para rin naman sa mga kaibigan niya ang ginagawa niya. Pero to lie so blatantly, hindi kaya ng conscience niya.
“You go ahead. Naji-jingle ako eh.” simpleng sagot ni Devon sabay pasok sa stall.

Ann wore a triumphant grin before stepping out. Step 1 of Operation 'get James to do the right thing' is well under way. She knew James expected her to spill the beans, and counted on that fact to get the ball rolling. Knowing James, every possible worst case scenario has already played out in his mind some several hundred times, riling himself up more with each replay. Ang susunod na hakbang now is to get them to have that magical moment. Pero, paano nga ba? Masyadong mapusok ang isang Jaime. Pwedeng-pwedeng madiskaril nalang ng basta-basta ang mga plano niya lalo pa't pihadong kumukulo na ang dugo ni James at this point. The thing is though, everything's done on the fly so kung ano man ang na-set ay madali lang ring ma-erase. So, paano nga ba? The pieces were already long in play, pero wala paring plano. 
Bahala na si Batman.

Ann stepped out with steeled resolve. Play it by ear and keep cool ang drama niya. Ok na sana, kaso pag-labas niya ng restroom, tumambad sa harapan niya ang isang Jaime. Kulang nalang ay umusok ang ilong nito sa galit. Pilit na kinontrol ni Ann ang kanyang expression para hindi siya matawa sa harap ni James. Oh, James. Kung alam mo lang ang nagaganap, baka maiyak ka sa tuwa. Baka ipagawa mo pa ko ng rebulto na ipapalagay mo sa Luneta. National Hero ng mga pinaka-best na katropa ever? Keri! Napangisi si Ann sa tinatakbo ng isip niya, na siyang lalong ikinainis ni James.

“Where's Devon?” singhal ni James. Infairness sa kanya, he's 'only' quietly fuming. Nakakahiya nga naman kasi kung mageskandalo siya sa Ball. Pero nanlilisik ang mga mata niya, fists shaking in an attempt to control his unreasonable rage. Hindi maikakaila na kumukulo ang dugo nito sa inis kahit na wala namang kasiguradohan ang mga speculations niya.
“Where do you think? Outside?” pilosopong sagot ni Ann sabay gesture towards the door behind her. “Hello?” dagdag pa niya. “Or, maybe you're thinkin' she snuck off. We are on the first floor after all. Baka you were being a lousy date, and she had to get away...” Ann trailed on with an absent minded air. She relished watching James' nostrils flare in angst. In her defence, life is too short, and he's just spending the lot of it dilly-dallying. Sa totoo lang, he deserved the torment she was dishing out, with perhaps a second helping of it, even. Kailangan nang matauhan ni James.


Aminado naman si Ann na nag-eenjoy siya sa mga nagaganap, pero kahit na nag-eenjoy siya, she's well aware na anything can happen at maraming nakadepende kina James at Devon mismo. Paano na kung sumabog ang Jaime? Baka sa kaka push ni Ann, James' temper would get the better of him. Hindi nga naman sanay si James to handle ang mga complications na dulot ng pagmamahal. So, as a courtesy to James, she decided to lay it all out for him and get out of the way before things got bad.

“It was a simple question, Ann.” James seethed with every word.
“Alam mo, masyado kang tensyonado. Relax a little.” she coaxed with a kind smile. “She's inside.” Ann answered as she watched James' clenched fists press firmly at his sides.
James took a deep breath before speaking. “After everything I trusted you with – why are you doing this?”
“James, you have your games and I have my reasons.” Ann reasoned out. “Just trust me. Hindi lahat ng bagay nadadaan sa arte.” Ann said simply before trying to make an exit, but James grabbed her by the arm.

"Oh yeah?" James all but snarled. "You are ALL arte, diba?" 

Tagos sa puso ni Ann ang mga salitang alam niya, lumalabas lamang sa mga bibig ng kaibigan dala ng kalituhan. She held a stoic expression. “May mga taong hindi nabubulag ng simpleng lambing at magagandang regalo, James.” she pulled her arm away before she spelled things out for him, dahil may pagka-dense pala ang Jaime, kailangan niya ng ibang strategy. “Ano ba sa palagay mo si Devon? Parang Shan Cai lang? At ikaw? Ikaw naman si Dao Ming Si? Ano to, parang pang soap opera lang? Prime-time teleserye, ganon?”
James scoffed dismissively.
“Aba! Don't you scoff at me, Mister.” ani Ann, suplada mode at the ready. “Actually, I should have known. Tama naman pala ang analogy ko e. Akmang akma kasi ang personality mo kay Dao Ming Si. Kaso siya, may soft side. Ikaw, brutish and crass no matter what.” With a hand firmly rested on her hip, she railed on James like a school marm at a class full of hooligans. “James, this is real life. Masyadong maraming bagay ang pwedeng mangyari na hindi natin inaasahan!" she said purposefully, airing out her personal worries for the evening in an effort to get James to make his own move. "The world does not revolve around you. Quit acting like it does, because nothing will wait for you so you could make up your mind. No one would wait forever, James.” Ann tried her best to make him understand what her angle was, pero it seems it just sailed past James and his raging temper.
“Ann, I thought we're all friends. Why are you doing this to us? What are you trying to get from this?” James pressed. “Why are you being such a bitch?” He said the last word with so much venom.
“At talaga namang hindi mo pinalampas ang gabing 'to na walang gabing nasisira." Ann rolled her eyes. "You know, I am doing my best to make a case for you, and this is what I get. Alam mo, it probably is for the best na Devon's inside right now. Kasi kawawa ka pag nagkataon. I mean, gugustuhin ba naman ng isang matinong babae like her na yung date niya nagkakalat at this magical night? My poor friend. Thanks a lot, you big jerk!” Alam ni Ann na below the belt na ang mga tira niya. Hindi naman kailangan pang i-imply niya na nawawalan ng interes si Devon. Pero she needs James to seize the moment para matapos na ang dramahan. Marami nang nasasaktan dahil sa sobrang labo ng sitwasyon. Si Ivan, si James himself, at siyempre, si Devon. Natatakot si Ann na lalo pang gumulo ang mga bagay.

Devon chose that time to step out. Just in time to hear Ann call James a jerk.

“What's going on here?” Devon asked, a confused expression painted across her face. “Nag-aaway ba kayo?” nagtatakang tanong ng dalaga, lalo pa't alam niyang close ang dalawa at they super get along.

Ann's face lit up as the anger on James' face melted and was quickly replaced by expressions of panic, then resolve, then determination. “Devon, he has something to tell you.” Ann quickly offered. Wagi ang on the fly strategy niyang gamitin ang temper ni James to spur him on.
“James?” Devon asked encouragingly. Kasi nga naman kailangan ni Jaime ng lahat ng tulong sa mundo. Homaygulay. Kung kinakailangan, bawat galaw ay de-pindot.
“Devon, I--” James began, only to be cut off.

***

Oh shemay! Ba't ka ba ganyan makatingin? Naguguluhan si Devon, nahuhumaling sa titig ni Jaime. Naka diretso ang tingin nito sa kanyang mga mata, at nakatutunaw.
“Devon, I--” James began.
“Okay, I need to borrow her for a sec.” Sam interrupted and grabbed Devon's arm.
“Sam?” Devon asked in surprise. Parang kabuteng biglang sumulpot si Sam. “Wait lang Sam, may sasabihin si--”
“Si James? Not if I can help it.” sagot ni Sam habang sinusubukang lumakad ng mabilis palayo, pero maraming ibang tao sa paligid. Lalo na ang mga taong gustong gumamit ng banyo pero tumambay na lang para mang usyoso sa mga nagaganap. Parang shooting lang.
“Sam?” Ann asked as she trained her eyes on him, not at all letting on that she was irritated that her plan fell through due to an unaccounted for variable.
“Sam?” James asked at the same time, too. But the expression on his face was not irritation, he was confused. Sam was an unexpected interruption. 'Konti na lang! I was so close! No!' he thought to himself, as realization dawned on him. Sam was a potential curve ball, and a reasonably disruptive one at that.

Dahil si Sam, achiever. A commendable trait of his is the fact na kinakarir niya lahat ng gusto niyang makamtan. Apparently, it so happened na puso pala ni Devon ang isa sa mga bagay na 'yon. Malas lang ni James.

For so long he failed to realize that Devon was not for his eyes only. And he should have known that this would happen. Too bad, masyado siyang naging kampante. Tuloy, his chances are quickly slipping away.

Chapter 24

"Sam?" usisa ni Devon. Quietly trailing behind Sam with her wrist securely held in his hand. "Sa'n ba tayo pupunta?"

Sam looked about as if he was searching for someone in the sea of people. "Hm?" he absently answered. He was doing a quick survey of the area. Kaso, walang clean get-away. Hindi naman kasi sanay si Sam na impromptu ang mga kilos niya. He's the methodical type. Kailangan, lahat ng anggulo eh sigurado. Something so biglaan leaves him out of his element.

***

James took one look at Ann and everything clicked. Ann's motivation dawned on him and hit him like a sack of bricks. With his eyes he conveyed his gratitude, friendship, and also a quick apology before he went after Sam and Devon. He wanted to hug Ann – for the effort she put on him and Devon, despite his miserable temper and idiocy. But there was no time. He needed some major intervention dahil isang Sam Concepcion na ang ume-eksena kay Devon. 

***

James sailed across the hall and caught sight of his targets. He saw them making their way towards the lobby, and with his new sense of awareness, noticed that the people Sam casually greeted with Devon in tow have been left suspecting that something was up with the two, or at least attesting that they looked good together... James' heart just about broke. 

Sam's little maneuver had been an exceptionally clever one. Dahil sa delaying tactics ni James kaya nagkaroon ng gantong kalaking window of opportunity si Sam. Alam ng lahat na sa showbiz politics, appearances mattered a lot. In traipsing around as flagrantly as Sam had with Devon in tow, he practically tagged her as his. He knew that if James, or anyone else tried to be in the picture, Devon might be put in a bad spot and presumed as a two timing harlot, effectively keeping everyone who really cared about her at bay and barring any potentially interested folks away. Sneaky. What a clever, but sneaky move. It did not matter if the speculations were based on a grain of truth or not, because what mattered was the seed of doubt that had already been planted is a mighty powerful one. Sa mundo ng chismis at intriga, kahit hindi totoo, meron at meron paring kakagat.

Damn.

James still had a chance to rectify matters if he was able to catch up to Sam and Devon quickly enough. Two could play at this whole showbiz game. James was clever too. 

James got closer and just about caught up to them when they pushed the doors open and stepped out. Two seconds later, James stepped through the doors and was accosted by the press at the red carpet as Sam continued on, cleverly smiling as he paused occasionally and kept moving at a steady pace as if to grant other press folk a chance to snap some shots and ask a question or two. Naiinis man, James smiled to himself before beaming at the press people. Two can play at that game, my friend.

“I'm sorry, but I have to take my date home.” James explained to the press that swarmed him at his most charming, nginitian niya at bahagyang kinindatan pa ang ilan sa kanila. They were all compliant enough and cleared a path ahead of him - eager sa chikang ini-offer ng binata. James was able to cut across with the press eagerly trailing behind as he had intended, causing a commotion that would attract the attention of anyone around, including Sam himself. Just the right- kind- of buzz and... Bingo.

“What do you mean date?”
“You came alone. Who was your date?”
“Is there a secret romance going on here, James?”
“Tell us who your date is, James!” 

James responded with a coy smile at each question.“James, James, is it Ann? Did you and Ann get back together?” one reporter asked. To which James responded with a demure smile, and a severe head shake. “Who is it then? Is it someone we know?” And the questions continued, pero demure mode na ang Jaime. Matindi rin kung strumategy at shumowbiz.

James stopped to face everyone and gestured for all of them to quiet down. “Fine, I'll give you a hint." He shared. The press quieted down, and bristled with excitement and anticipation. James was the hottest showbiz commodity and breaking news like this was anyone's game. Nung una, ang akala ng lahat only the press folk that made it in to the ball itself would get any juicy news. Halos lahat ng mga dati'y 'talunan dahil naiwan sa labas' na press ay taimtim na nag-usal ng panalangin sa langit. Isang malaking biyaya ang bonggang-bonggang scoop na lumantad sa mismong harapan nila, at napaka-accommodating pa ng subject. 

James let them wait just a moment longer before he carried on. "My date was the one wearing a champagne coloured chiffon dress tonight, and looked really lovely.” he offered, purposefully being vague in a very deliberate way, piquing at their curiosity. James glanced up ahead and saw that Sam and Devon had indeed stopped long enough to catch his little display of well, pagkalalake. Devon clearly paying attention to him, and Sam but an arm's length away obviously wanting to leave but got caught in the commotion as planned. “Atleast, that's what the designer said.” he added with a boyish laugh after he locked eyes with Devon. James seized the opportunity and gave Devon a slight wave. A calculated gesture that both said 'I'll be there in a moment.' and 'Yes, that's her.' at the same time. Devon responded with an absent minded wave, an unwitting confirmation na talaga namang noted and filed ng lahat ng naka-abang. James watched as the expressions on each of the press members' faces transformed from awareness to sheer glee over a gesture. Something so small, over which the reporters had a field day. Speedlights went off from every direction, and practically nobody heard nor cared as James excused himself to walk towards Devon. They all but pushed him towards her, hoping for an opportune shot or five. He stood by her and whispered in her ear. “Devon, I love you.”

***

Devon froze. Narinig ko bang sinabihan niya ako ng I love you? Ako ba eh pinaglololoko ng mokong na ito? Nagtatakang napatanga si Devon, pero ngumiti na lamang ito na parang walang narinig para sa mga photographer as James lead her to his car, purposefully being slow para alalayan si Devon at para narin gawing concrete ang ebidensiya ng ugnayan niya sa dalaga kahit wala pa naman talaga. Pihadong ang bulong moment na naganap eh magiging sweet kiss on the cheek drama sa tabloids kinabukasan. 

James opened the door for her, before quickly bounding off to the other side with an accomplished expression. Before he got in, he gave Sam a small salute, to which Sam just responded with a head shake and a dismissive wave. His smile spelt comprehension, but did not convey acceptance of defeat. Pero James was satisfied with his moral victory.

***

Pinanood ni Devon ang mga kilos ni James. Mukha namang natural ang mga galaw nito. Nothing suspicious in particular. Pero, at the same time, halos lahat ng ikinikilos niya ay kakaiba. I love you daw, tapos ganun na lang 'yon? As in, tapos na?

“James, what's going on?” she asked. Ramdam naman niyang may nagaganap sa paligid niya, hindi nga lang siya sure kung ano. Para kasing hindi keri yung obvious na reasons. Parang nagbibiro ang tadhana, at pinagdidiskitahan si Devon. James glanced up at her before he handed her back her clutch, at nangingimi naman niya itong tinanggap. He wordlessly started the car, and began driving ng walang paliwanag o sagot sa mga tanong ni Devon.
“Alam mo, it's in your best interest to talk. I deserve to know what's happening." Anang dalaga. 

Walang sagot ang Jaime. Kunwari'y nagcoconcentrate sa pagmamaneho.

"James. What was that all about?” Naiinis na interrogation ni Devon sa mala piping Jaime.
Hindi parin ito sumagot.
"James."

...
"James."

...

"JAMES!"

...

"James, ano ba!" frustrated na ang dalaga. "Sa'n ba kasi tayo pupunta?"

...

... Tumahimik na din si Devon. Binuksan ang clutch at inilabas ang iPhone para makinig nalang ng tugtog, kesa naman nakikipagusap siya sa walang kwentang kausap. She fumed quietly, debating whether or not she should just jump out the window of the speeding car.

*** 

James drove aimlessly. Wala rin naman kasi siyang alam na pwedeng puntahan. Napaka tactless naman kung iuuwi niya si Devon sa pad niya, at lalong malabo rin ang ending kung ihahatid niya si Devon sa bahay nila. He pulled over at some random hotel parkade to gather his thoughts, habang si Devon naman ay hindi na rin umiimik at nakatingin sa malayo habang nakaheadphones. James turned to look at her and saw na matiim na nakatingin straight ahead ang dalaga. Her lips in a tight line. Senyales na nagtitimpi lang ng inis ang dalaga. Tila hindi nito namalayan na tumigil na sila. Malamang ay hindi rin naman naririnig ng dalaga kung ano man ang pinakikinggan niya.

***

“I'm sorry Devon.” James began, finally. "I--" he tried to continue, but it was too little too late, and it made Devon snap.
Sorry? Sorry lang ang ibibigay mo sa'kin? “Okay ka rin, 'no?” she sassed. “Hindi ko alam kung may mali ba sa akin, o sadyang ikaw lang ang may problema."
"Devon--"
"Halos isang taon mo kong kakaibiganin, tapos mahigit sa isang taon din tayong naging magkaibigan. Akala ko pa nga close tayo eh. And then, bigla mo na lang akong iisnabin for over a year! Tapos, bigla mo rin naman akong kakausapin ulit na parang walang nangyari.” she railed as she took her hair accessories out of her hair one by one. “Alam mo, I was sorely mistaken sa panandaliang moment na inisip kong magiging maganda ang gabing ito. Ilang taon na rin naman ang nagugol sa kadramahang 'to eh. Katangahan nga naman kasi yung umasa akong isang gabi lang ang katapat ng ilang taong pagkakakulta ng utak ko."

Hindi makasagot si James dahil alam niyang he deserved that. 

"Sabagay, dapat nga yata makuntento na rin ako. Infairness naman I got to ride on a limo, tapos I danced to a grand total of THREE SONGS with you, tapos remember iniwan mo ko for drinks pero hindi ka na bumalik?" dere-deretso ang ratsada ni Devon. 

James failed to pipe in kahit maka-ilang beses din naman niyang sinubukang sumingit. Lahat na lang yata ng choices niya ay puro kapalpakan ang naging resulta.

"Tapos I went to the bathroom and paglabas ko, nakikipagtalo ka kay Ann. Best night ever, diba? I mean, ni hindi na pala pwedeng magkasama-sama ang buong grupo peacefully. Lagi at lagi nalang talagang magkakaroon ng mishap. Kasi diba? Kailangan lahat ng bagay umaayon sa kung ano lang naman ang gusto mo. Pasensiya na ha, kamahalan. Kasi, mga mortal lang naman ang mga kahalubilo mo eh."

Naguilty si James. Sa perspective nga naman ni Devon, napaka-pangit ng image ng binata. Tila maka-ilang ulit nga naman kasing parang pinaglaruan lamang ng binata ang isip ng dalaga. It was like every single time Devon got close, the rug got pulled from right beneath her each time. Natakot si James. Eto na ang moment na mapapagod si Devon sa kakatiis sa kanya.

"Sabagay, kung tutuusin, mga umaatikabong 30 minutes din siguro ang inabot ng Ball activities ko for the year.” ala-machine gun ang ratsada ni Devon. “Sobrang worth it nga talaga kasi 'di ba? If you think about it, months and months of preparation, tapos all the effort of getting ready plus the one hour spent sa traffic papunta ng venue, tapos yung buong red carpet chorva ek ek... Over three hours din. One hour sa make-up and all, two hours sa traffic... Okay na, 'diba?” she said, sarcastically. “Pabayaan na natin yung fact na halos hindi ko rin nakasama yung mga friends ko... Wait, I promised nga pala. I promised Ivan one song, pero waley. You know? The guy na never humingi sa akin ng kahit ano through out this whole year kahit na daig pa niya ang driver-slash-secretary combo sa kakahatid-sundo sa akin? Sa kaka-rush niya sa botika para lang mabilhan ako ng gamot, or energy drink? Or bilhin yung gamot ng nanay ko kung wala akong chance na dumaan? Dance to one song lang ang hiningi niya, James. And ininjan ko pa? Wow 'diba?"

James stared at Devon as tears welled in her eyes. Guilting-guilty si Devon sa nasayang na pagkakataon para mapasalamatan si Ivan, na lalong ikinadurog ng puso ni Jaime. Kasalanan niya kung bakit masama ang loob ng dalaga sa mundo. Kasalanan niya kung bakit nagkandaleche-leche ang lahat. What are you gonna do now, Mr. James Reid? I really would rather if she smacked me across the face. I deserve it.

"Hindi din naman kasi mahalaga na aalis na sina Fritz next year, and this was probably the last ball we'd all be together. Kasi, alam mo, hindi naman importante yung mga ganung klaseng bagay. Hindi naman importante sa akin na makasama ko yung mga kaibigan ko na laging naka suporta sa akin, e.”
“The night is still young, Devon.” James said meekly, quietly. Uhg, James. You selfish, self-centered, self-serving asswipe! You dumb, arrogant jackass! "We can still try to get together with them..."
"At sino ba ang may ayaw ng nagmumukhang tanga?" anang dalaga na parang walang narinig. Malalim ang hinuhugutan ng mga salitang binibigkas na sadya namang taliwas sa tunay na nadarama. "Kasi alam mo, ako? That's my favorite feeling in the whole wide world, James. Lalong lalo na yung nakikipag-usap ako ng matino, tapos parang wala akong kausap - kahit na halos kinaladkad na ako kung saan, alam mo 'yon? Yon, yun ang the best." The last things were said as defiant tears streaked past Devon's cheeks.

"The night is still young, Devs." Shit! Can't you come up with something more meaningful? James tried to be consoling, kahit alam naman niyang huli na at hindi na basta-basta maaamo si Devon. 

***

How quickly things derailed. Hindi rin naman maayos ni Jaime ang sitwasyon dahil hindi rin naman siya sigurado kung anong gagawin niya. Ibabalik ba niya si Devon sa ball? Pero pagkatapos ng naging eksena sa red carpet, tapos ngayon ay nakalugay na ang buhok ni Devon, samu't saring intriga ang lalabas na hindi kaaya-aya.
“The night is young ka diyan.” Devon said, glaring as she unstrapped her shoes. With her hair all down, and her feet bare, she unlocked her door and stepped out of the car. 

Chapter 25“Devon, wait! Where are you going?” James asked, as he rushed to get out of the car himself.
“Bulag ka ba, o sadyang bobo ka lang?” Devon said without skipping a beat. She kept walking. Hindi alintana ang mga pebbles na bumubugbog sa mga paa niya.
“Devon...” he tried to neutralize the situation but failed. “Devon, wait. I'll take you where you want to go. Just, just get in the car.”
“Hindi ako sasakay sa bwiset na kotseng 'yan! Kasi yung may-ari niyan, ginagawa akong tanga. Kung saan-saan ako kinakaladkad! Sa ganda kong 'to? Gawin daw ba akong kaladkarin?” 
James was caught off guard. Kahit na galit na si Devon, nakukuha parin niyang pagaanin ang sitwasyon. “Hindi ka sasakay? You'd rather walk with bare feet? What if there's broken glass all over the ground? You could get tetanus!” James said, his voice full of worry. “If you want to be with Sam, I'll take you back.” he added with a defeated air. In fairness to him, that was a very noble gesture. He swallowed his pride out of concern for Devon. Too bad, he was completely off the mark dahil fixated siya sa idea na kumilos si Sam, and Devon doesn't really know where he's coming from.
Lightning fast, Devon's hand came flying at James with no warning. PAK!
“Ouch!” he said, as he cupped his arm.
“Ouch? Ouch!?” Devon asked as she went in for a second one. SMACK! “Anong want to be with Sam? Anong I love you-I love you, ha!?” PUNCH! “Ako, kanina pa ko nagtitimpi sa'yo. Kakabati lang natin, dinidiskaril mo na agad ang buhay ko! Hindi mo lang alam kung gaano ko kabadtrip sa'yo right now! Wala akong paki kung puro pasa ka sa shooting mo on Monday!” SMACK! SMACK SMACK SMACK! 
“DEVON!” reklamo ni James sa onslaught ng attacks ni Devon. “WHAT THE HELL! CALM DOWN!”
“Anong calm calm???” tuloy ang paninibugho ng Devon at pambubugbog kay James. At kahit payat si Devon, sa bilis ng mga tama niya kay James, ay nassaktan na rin talaga ito.
“Calm down or I'll carry you like a sako of rice!” James threatened habang sinusubukang sanggahin ang mga attack ni Devon.
“Sako of rice pala ha? Sa sexy kong to? SAKO ng bigas ang i-cocompare mo sa akin?” obvious parin ang impluwensiya nina Shey at Kyra kay Devon kahit naghuhuromentado na ito at tuloy ang pagsugod nito kay Jaime pero with matching kurot and kung makakahablot ng buhok, sabunot na. “Pinapainit mo ang ulo ko! Sayang lang ang kakastyle sa buhok ko! Sayang lang tong dress na 'to! Pero sabagay pera mo naman ang ginastos para dito.” Tuloy ang pag sundot at hampas ni Devon kay James habang naglalakad palayo. “Isa pa yan! May pa dress-dress ka pang nalalaman? Pinaglalaruan mo ako? Ginagawa mo akong tautauhan?? Plastik, ganon? BARBIE DOLL? Get ko na maganda ako 'no! Pero hindi ako manika na hanggang damit lang!” and the attack continued. Devon shrieked in anger and frustration. 
“Okay, THAT'S IT!” James finally had enough. So, he picked Devon up by the waist and flung her over his shoulder. “If you won't calm down and cooperate, I know this is embarrassing but you're so-- out of-- control.” putol putol na sambit ng binata habang hinahambalos ni Devon ng mga braso nito.
“JAMES! AAAAH! PUT ME DOWN YOU –YOU---” 
“Devon, calm down!”

Tuloy ang pagpupumiglas ng dalaga.
"Devon!"
"Anong Devon-Devon ka diyan?" iritadong singhal ng dalaga na walang tigil sa pag-struggle.

"I'll put you down, just please calm down." biglang pinagsisihan ni James ang sinabi dahil alam niyang Devon will hit the ground running straight for his face para lalo pang mabugbog.“Anong – calm – down?” Devon said with kicks and hits to his back with balled fists. 

James lost his balance at napatili si Devon nang matumba si James ng dahil sa kakapumiglas ng dalaga. Wala namang nasaktan, pero ang ending eh napa-patong tuloy si Devon sa binata. Natahimik ang dalaga. Awkward ang posisyon nila, at langhap ni Devon ang bango ng binata. Maka-ilang segundo din silang ganon, nagtatantiyahan, nagpapakiramdaman.
“I'm sorry I ruined your night.” James whispered to Devon, his hand gently resting on her back. “But please, just get back in the car?” he begged.

Nauubos na din ang energy ni Devon at naupo na lamang sa tabi ni James. Sa semento ng isang parkade na reserved for a function, magkatabi silang nanlulumo. Si James dahil sa mga nangyayari, at si Devon naman dahil sa frustration niya kay James. Ginugulo nito ang isip niya.
“I'm sorry I went crazy.” Devon finally said, quiet and resigned.
James looked at her, but said nothing. 
“But you did ruin my night.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Sorry doesn't cut it, James. May mga bagay na hindi maaayos ng sorry. You can't turn back time.”
“I can't, but I can take you back?” James tried.
“You know na hindi na pwede. After nung kaekekan sa red carpet? And look at me? My dress is dirty, my feet are dirty, my hair is a mess...”
James smiled.
“What?”
“Wala. You look beautiful.”
At maganda pala ako? Bagay nga naman siguro sa akin ang busabos look. “Kasi mukha akong busabos?” natatawang sambit ng dalaga, pero halatang hindi na mainit ang ulo nito.
“That's not even close to what I said.” James said with a tone of good natured frustration. He laughed a little.

***

Kyrarara: Girl, anong oras ba sa Manila Penn? Ba't 'di yata kita mahagilap?
Annnonymouse: Devon, did you forget the Manila Penn thing? Where'd you go? Is everything ok?
Fritchie: Devs, you going to Penn? Everyone's going daw, but Maybe later pa kami dadating. We're all still at the ball. Nawala ka? Are you ok? 

Ayven Dorchnrr: Bebe Devs, you left na pala and wala pa dance ko! May utang ka sa akin. :P

Devon put her phone to sleep with a sigh. 

“So where to, now?” James asked, glancing down at Devon's phone. “Anything wrong?”
“Wala. Sa Manila Penn daw.” 
“With everyone?”
Devon nodded.
“You wanna go?”
Devon nodded again. “Bawal po ang topakin.” she warned. "Hindi pa tayo tapos, pero pagod na ako. Saka baka hindi na 'to maulit kaya wag kang magulo. Saka gutom na ko."
“Bawal po ang manakit ng kapwa.” James said, mimicking Devon's intonation. "Ok, truce. Ililibre nalang kita. Pero sana wag mo na akong hinihit. Masakit."
“Aba, good luck nalang sa 'yo.” Devon said with a laugh as she buckled in. "Gusto ko ng soimai."
"At this time of night?" James asked while scratching his head. Gusto niyang maimpress ang dalaga sa kanya, pero ang lakas lang ng topak ni Devon at siomai pa talaga ang request.
"Oo. Dati meron kaming binilhan ni Ivan e. Kaso si Kyra ang may alam kung nasan yun. Alam mo ba yung place na yun?"
"Oo naman no. Who do you think I am?" tugon naman ng Jaime. Habang dali-daling tinext si Kyra at Ivan ng palihim. MEdyo effective naman ang white lie niya, dahil natuwa nga naman si Devon. Daig pa kasi nito ang babaeng naglilihi kung makahanap ng chibog.

Chapter 26 - Teaser

"Si Sam?" usisa ni Devon. Quietly trailing behind Ann with her wrist securely held in her hand. "Sa'n ba tayo pupunta?" Parang replay lang ang sitwasyon. Nangyari na 'to dati. Si Sam nga lang ang kasama niya that time. Ngayon naman, si Ann ang kasama niya, pero si Sam naman ang iniiwasan nila? Naguguluhan si Devon.

Ann looked about as if she was searching for someone in the sea of people. "Hm?" she absently answered. She was doing a quick survey of the area. Kaso, walang clean get-away. "Devs, may drama involving you and Sam."
"Ano nanamang drama 'yan? Kaloka ha." maang na sambit ni Devon.

"I don't know, but you have to get out of here. Ivan is waiting out back."
"Ann naman. Naloloka na ako ha. Ano ba kasing drama yan? Ano ba kasing nangyayari?"