"Don't bother taking me home, Ga. I can manage on my own, and I'm already used to commuting. You'll just get tired since you have to drive back, and you don't have to pick me up tomorrow either, okay?" I tried to convince him while packing a few clothes since I was going to visit Ainee's place. She had gone home earlier to help prepare for her sibling's birthday tomorrow.
"Ga, I feel more at ease if I'm the one taking you there and picking you up. I'm used to long drives. Just let me do it, please?"
"You're so stubborn! You really won't back down, huh?" I said, pinching his nose. He just laughed while sitting on my bed, watching me pack my things.
"Come on, isn't this better? At least you don't have to struggle commuting anymore."
"Sean Phillip! Stop sweet-talking me! You think I don't notice what you're doing?"
"What? Sweet-talking? No way! Why would I do that? I genuinely love you!" he teased, flashing a proud smile like he had just won the presidential election.
"Oh, keep flattering me then!" I said, playfully smacking his arm.
"Ouch, Ga! You're so mean! Do you even love me?" he dramatically whined.
"You know, you should audition for TV. You'd be famous in no time as an actor." I teased him.
"Whatever!" he huffed, clearly annoyed. He gets easily irritated, but he's also good at getting under my skin when he wants to.
"Oh, I know this trick, Sean! You just want some extra attention! But I'm not falling for it. I won't give in!" I said, teasing him more because I knew he couldn't resist. He could never stay mad at me for long.
"Oh yeah? You won't give in? Well then, let me show you the power of my affection!" he yelled before chasing after me, hugging me tightly, kissing my cheek, and tickling me relentlessly.
"Stop! Please stop! I can't breathe! Okay, okay, you win!" I begged. He never let up unless I admitted defeat. It was a good thing none of our neighbors complained about the noise. We were like two kids playing around. That's why I missed him whenever he didn't visit—I couldn't stand how quiet my place felt without him. He kept pestering me to buy a TV for entertainment, but I always told him I wasn't really into watching TV. My CD player was enough for me.
Since he won our little game, he ended up driving me home. Thankfully, traffic wasn't too bad, so the sun was just beginning to set when we arrived at Ainee's place. But I was already worried about his drive back—by then, traffic would be heavy, and I knew he'd have a hard time getting back to the city.
Ainee and Aunt Azon insisted that he eat dinner before heading home, which only delayed him further.
"Drive safely, okay?" I told him as I walked him to his car outside the gate.
"Yes, ma'am!" he replied with a salute.
"Stop joking around! Sean, I'm serious! Drive at a safe speed! You'll be in big trouble if I find out otherwise!" I warned.
"I won't! I promise!" he said, raising his hand like he was making an oath.
One time, he insisted on picking me up even though I had already told him not to because I was about to leave anyway. The truth was, I hadn't even taken a shower yet—I just said that so he wouldn't bother driving. But to my surprise, his car suddenly pulled up in front of Ainee's house just as I was about to leave.
That's when I remembered our conversation before, I took a shower. After getting dressed, I didn't rush out immediately. Instead, I sat with Aunt Azon and Ainee's siblings, who were all home since it was a Sunday afternoon. We chatted while the kids watched TV.
When I calculated the time between our call and his arrival, I panicked, realizing how fast he must have been driving just to catch me before I left. I was furious. I scolded him the entire ride back, my voice shaking, and my eyes welling up in frustration. What if something had happened to him because of how recklessly he drove? How would I explain that to his family?
He kept apologizing over and over for the rest of the night, but I ignored him so he'd learnt his lesson.
"Didn't I already promise to behave when driving, Ga? I'll keep that promise because I don't want you to get mad at me again," he said, trying to sound cute like a little kid.
"You better! I'm only thinking about your safety. There are too many reckless drivers out there, you know that. And don't blast your music too loud—just keep it at the level I set, okay?" I lectured him.
"Yes, ma'am!" he saluted again.
"Alright, you'll be driving late. Call me when you get to your condo, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Sean Phillip! I'm serious!"
"I know, Ga. I get it."
"Good," I said as I opened his car door so he could get in and finally leave—otherwise, he'd just keep teasing me and we'd never say goodbye.
"Take care too, Ga. Text me when you're leaving on Monday."
"I will."
"Okay. See you on Monday," I said, closing his car door. He motioned for me to come closer, so I leaned in through the window. A quick peck on the lips, then a kiss on the forehead.
Back then, I used to tease him about kissing my forehead, saying only grandparents did that. But he told me it meant he had deep respect for me. That really touched me. Since then, I got used to it, and it became something he did regularly—even in front of our officemates during our group dinners or casual drinks on Saturday nights.
Once he left, I helped Ainee with the preparations. She said they weren't expecting too many guests—just family, a few relatives, and some of her sister Nenette's friends for her birthday.
The next day, we were all busy from early morning since the guests were arriving by lunchtime. I gave my gift to Nenette early to make sure I wouldn't forget.
The gathering was lively. I got to chat with Ainee's cousins and relatives, most of whom had known me for a long time. Some of Nenette's friends and cousins were having karaokr inside while we sat on the terrace, chit chatting with Ainee's aunts and cousins who were around our age. Ainee opened a bottle of red wine, which we enjoyed among ourselves. The older relatives had their own drinks.
People started noticing that I looked different. They said that before, even when I smiled, they could still see sadness in my eyes. But now, I seemed genuinely happy. Our conversation was full of laughter, and the jokes made everything even more fun.
That afternoon, Ainee's phone rang. She had left it on her bed, so she went inside to answer it. She was gone for a while, so I assumed it was her boyfriend calling. He had mentioned he'd come later since he had something to take care of at home.
But then, her younger sibling suddenly came out and told me that Ainee wanted to see me in the room.
"Ain's, I'm coming in, okay?" I said after knocking three times.
"Come in!"
"What's up? You said you needed to tell me something?" I asked as I stepped inside.
"Lui, this is important."
"What is it? Is it about the call you just got?"
"Lui, it was Georje. He called."
"Oh?"
"He's here in Cebu. He arrived this morning but only just found a payphone to call me. He didn't want me to tell you because he wanted to surprise you. He thought that if you knew he was here, you wouldn't talk to him. But I felt like I had to tell you—I didn't want any trouble, and I didn't want you to blame me later," she explained.
"Huh? What does he want?"
"That's exactly what I asked him. You two broke up a long time ago. But he said… he wants to get back together with you. So, what will you do? Will you talk to him? What about Sean?"
"There's no question about Sean. I know exactly how I feel about him, and I'm certain about our relationship. As for Georje—he wasted every chance I ever gave him. There's nothing left for him to come back to," I said firmly.
"I understand. But don't you think it might be better to talk to him in person, to get proper closure? It's different from just talking over the phone. But of course, it's entirely up to you whether you face him or not. That's just my opinion."
"Alright, I'll think about it."
"Lui, I need to go pick him up now since he has nowhere else to stay. He asked for help, and I'd feel guilty if I didn't. Don't worry—I won't tell him where you live, and I won't bring him there. But I need to ask, are you okay with facing him a few hours from now?"
"Ain's, I guess I don't have much of a choice, then. Fine, for you and your family, I'll meet him to avoid any trouble. And to finally end things once and for all."
"What about Sean? Are you going to tell him that Georje is here?"
"That's what I'm thinking about now. Anyway, you should get going, right? What about Glen if he arrives?" Glen was Ainee's boyfriend.
"No worries, I'll call him before I leave. I just need to change clothes and say goodbye to Mom."
When Ainee left to pick up Georje, I lost all interest in mingling with her family. Instead, I locked myself in the room to think about what I would say to Georje.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I should call Sean. I didn't want him to think I was hiding something from him. I respected him too much for that. I didn't want him to feel like I was disregarding everything we had, and I had no valid reason to keep Georje's arrival from him.
So, I called him right away.
Me: Hello, Ga?
Sean: Yes, my love? What can I do for you?
Who wouldn't feel giddy with the way he talks to me? But of course, I didn't let it show because we wouldn't be able to have a proper conversation—he would just keep teasing me over and over for getting flustered by what he said.
Me: Are you busy?
Sean: I'm almost done with a client's request. Just putting on the finishing touches. Why, Ga?
Me: Sorry for disturbing you.
Sean: No, no, you're definitely not disturbing me. Why? What happened? Is the party over?
Me: Not yet. They're still outside chatting—Auntie and her siblings and nephews. Nenette and her friends and cousins are in the living room, singing. It's actually pretty loud. Can you hear it?
Sean: Yeah, but why do you sound… off? Where's Ainee? Are you calling because you want me to pick you up? Did you change your mind?
Me: No, Ga. I'm okay. I called because I have something important to tell you.
Sean: Oh, this must be serious. You wouldn't call me just for nothing—I know you, you're always careful about making calls.
Me: Sean, please, just listen to me first.
Sean: Alright, I'm all ears, Ga. Always. I'm all ears for you.
Me: Ainee left because someone unexpectedly arrived, and she had to pick him up. She got a call earlier.
Sean: Oh? Then? Him?
Me: Yeah, I called you because I want you to know that it was Georje who arrived. He wants to talk to me. I don't want you to think badly of me or misunderstand anything, so I'm telling you now. I had no idea he was coming; Ga. Ainee and I were both caught off guard. Luckily, she told me right away, even though Georje asked her not to say anything because he knew I wouldn't talk to him if I found out.
Silence. All I heard from the other line was a deep sigh. That made me even more nervous.
Me: Ga? Are you mad?
Sean: Uh, no. I just don't know what to say. What do you want me to do?
Me: I don't know. I just knew I had to tell you because I didn't want you to get angry or feel hurt and betrayed. I didn't want you to think I kept this from you.
Sean: Please don't say that, Ga. I'm not like that. If there's something I don't understand, I ask—I don't just jump to conclusions. And I'm grateful you told me. Do you want me there just in case?
Me: I don't want to admit it because I know you're already tired and still working. Not to mention, it'll cost you more gas. But… I need you here, Ga. But if you really can't make it, I understand—I don't want you to feel uncomfortable either.
Sean: Ga, I asked because I'm willing to be there for you. Don't overthink, okay? I don't mind driving all the way there. I never get tired when it comes to you and for you. Gas? That's nothing if it means being there when you need me.
You see, he's not just sweet—he's incredibly understanding too.
Me: Okay. But please, don't drive too fast. Be careful. Thank you for understanding.
Sean: Ga, I'm not used to hearing you like this. Now I'm even more worried about you.
Me: I'm sorry. I was just scared of how you'd react when you found out. That's all. I'm sorry you have to come all the way here because of this…
Sean: I'm fine, Ga. Didn't I tell you? Just say the word, and I'll do whatever I can. Don't worry, okay? I'm really grateful that you told me right away—that means a lot to me.
Me: Alright, I'll hang up now. Drive safely, okay? I'll be waiting for you.
Sean: Yeah, thanks! I'll see you then.
I felt an immense relief after talking to Sean. I changed my clothes and packed up my things one by one, neatly arranging them in my bag since I was leaving right after my talk with Georje. My decision had been made a long time ago, actually. As far as I was concerned, this chapter had been closed for a while now. I didn't understand why he was even here. And didn't he say he had no money? Yet, somehow, he managed to come all the way here?
But I didn't care anymore about where he got the money for his trip. I refused to be fooled by him again. I don't think he has anything left to hold against me—I had already done everything for him. He used to be the center of my life, even when it made me look stupid in front of him and so many others. I defended him against my family and friends, even after he repeatedly disrespected me and humiliated me in public.
At some point, I must have dozed off while thinking. I only woke up when Ainee arrived and shook me awake. She told me that she and Sean had arrived almost at the same time—she had gotten there just a little earlier. Knowing that, I didn't waste any time. I quickly stepped out of my room and went to find Sean, who was waiting for me inside his car.
Luckily, most of Ainee's siblings and cousins had already left, leaving only a few of Nenette's friends who were still having karaoke happily in the living room. I didn't even look around to see if Georje was there—I kept my eyes straight ahead and walked straight outside.
Sean's car was parked by the roadside near Ainee's gate. I approached it and got into the passenger seat so we could talk properly.
"Hi! Have you been waiting long?"
He simply shook his head and gave me a small smile before pulling me into a tight hug. I hugged him back just as tightly. It felt warm, safe—secure. When he pulled away, he took my hand in his and clasped it tightly.
"How are you?" he asked softly, studying my face as if he were trying to read my thoughts.
"I'm okay now that you're here. Sorry it took me a while to come out—I fell asleep and didn't realize you had arrived."
"I just got here. Ainee and I arrived almost at the same time. I even saw her walking through the gate. Good thing she spotted me right away, so she said she'd go call you."
"How was the drive? You must be tired—I know you were working earlier. Have you eaten yet?" I asked, worried about him. He still held my hand, and I could feel that he didn't want to let go.
"The drive was fine. I wasn't speeding, ma'am, don't worry. You can even do the math if you want," he joked, pinching my cheek with his free hand.
"Ugh! You really love pinching my cheeks, don't you? I'm not even old yet, but they're probably sagging from all your pinching!" I complained.
"Oh, come on! You're exaggerating. I don't even pinch that hard! It doesn't hurt, right?" He grinned at me before leaning in to kiss my forehead.
"You still haven't answered my question—have you eaten?"
"I'm good, no worries. My sister even said I've gained weight. I told her it's your fault because I've been eating too much thanks to your cooking." He spoke like a child, playfully shifting the blame.
"What?! My fault? Why don't you just admit that you love eating? And now you're blaming me? That's it—I'm not cooking for you anymore!" I teased.
"If you starve me, my sister will scold you," he pouted.
"Ugh, fine! I can never win against your sister. And honestly, who am I kidding? Like I could ever resist cooking for you," I teased, pretending to give in. He chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling as he smiled.
"Seriously though, there's still food inside. Come eat with me," I invited.
"No, Ga, maybe later. I'm not that hungry yet."
"Yeah, right. You know, your favorite dish is inside. I cooked it."
"Huh?"
"Huh?" I mimicked him.
"Come on, I know you'll eat if you find out what it is."
"Fine, you win."
"See? Acting all hard to get."
"Hey! That's not true! You're just too persistent!" We both laughed. Then, he reached into the back seat for something. Before we got out of the car, he leaned in and kissed me.
***
When we stepped inside, I called out, "Nette! Come here!"
"Ate?" she responded.
"Sean has something for you. Go meet him and let him in—I'll get some food ready for him."
"Really, Ate?!" Nenette exclaimed excitedly before rushing out to meet Sean on the terrace, where he was still talking to their mom after greeting her. I found Ainee in the kitchen, tidying up the dishes.
"Oh, you're eating now? We just finished."
"Yeah, that's why I came here."
"He's in the back. He was about to come in, but he saw Sean and hesitated. He asked about him, so I told him the truth. We had a proper conversation on the way here. Maybe he had time to think things through—that's why." She whispered.
"That's fine. I'll still talk to him, but we'll eat first so we don't get home too late. There's no problem with Sean—we already talked earlier."
"That's good. I knew he'd be okay with it. He's mature and very understanding. Alright, I'll head out now. Enjoy your meal."
"By the way, I'm sorry I won't be able to go with you tomorrow. I need to go with Sean."
"Oh, come on! Don't worry about it, it's totally fine!"