(Alys Prov)
"Please remind me why I agreed to come with you," I said as I looked at Tofer walking back and forth to my shop and moving everything he saw. He's the most annoying person I have ever met! I don't know how I managed to make him my friend for four years! God, I must have been so desperate for a friend that I punished Tofer!
He opened the cupboard in the kitchen and moved the jars there. "Because you need someone to look after you?"
I rolled my eyes and took the jar from his hand. We just got back to the Philippines, I haven't even shown my family yet, eh. We were going straight to my shop. The reason why I came back? Simple. I don't want to go there anymore. I missed the Philippines. I missed the traffic, the pollution, the people. God, I missed everything!
"I don't need a babysitter, Tofer! I'm 22 and I lived alone for four years," I explained. He didn't seem like listening because he was just pacing back and forth the kitchen and the counter. I think he has ADHD. He's so hyper! I feel like he's my son that I need to watch over all the time.
He sat down on the stool. Finally, about time!
"But Tripp thinks differently. That's why he brought me here," he said then gave me a smug smile.
Oh, yes. Tripp Marco Palma, my beloved boyfriend.
I signalled a hand at Tofer that I will go out first. Being in a closed space with him is beyond suffocating.
("Missed me?")
"Yeah, I missed you. The moment I see you, I'm gonna strangle you to death," I said through seethed teeth.
I heard him laugh. God, I missed Tripp! It's been like a month since I last saw him. After NYU, I went to Paris and I've been staying there for quite some time. The time zone was different from New York but we managed. It's okay with me since I'm so busy in Paris, I barely have time to sleep but Tripp, even that I can't take care of him so much whenever he's in town, he still goes there once a month. He's really sweet.
("Well, sorry, Zyril. Leave me here alone, suffer with Tofer.")
"Thanks so much, Tripp. You're the best boyfriend ever." I said, he should note the overflowing sarcasm.
("Boyfriend. It's still nice to hear,") he said dreamily.
I kept the giggle from being voiced out. "Shut up, Marco. We've been together for two years. Until now, are you still in love with me?"
Truth be told, I feel the same. At first,I hesitated to give us a chance Tripp. I have many reasons. One, he's my ex's cousin.
Two, I believed he's be my rebound guy. And three, I don't deserve him! He's practically perfect! He's kind and nice and sweet and caring. He's every woman's dream. And I managed to snag him!
Since I was so hesitant, I asked my best friend, Aya. She said it was okay since Drake and I had been apart for so long.
Now, we've been over for four years. Wow. It really has been a long time.
So there, after thinking about it, I gave us a chance. Actually, Tofer really pushed us. We didn't want to be the same as Tripp. We knew it's gonna be awkward. Me, he's my best friend. He, I was the one who got away. But Tofer's really persistent. He pushed us so hard until we agreed. And the rest was history.
("My girlfriend is so pretty, huh.")
"That's why you should go home. Please, please?"
There were times when I wondered if I really loved Drake or was I just in love with the idea of being in love? I mean, yes, I was happy when I was with him but this time, it's different. Maybe because I was still immature when Drake and I were together. It's all about excitement, that kind of thing. But with Tripp? It's love on a whole new level. It feels nice.
("After a week. I told you we'd be together, okay?")
The reason he stayed in New York was because he had a business deal to close. That's great, isn't it? Time flies. It seems like just yesterday, I was still struggling to finish.of college but now, I'm so done with school! I will admit, my college years were hell. After breaking up with Drake, I tried so hard to study. I did well, but I wasn't happy. I still think breaking up with me to make me study hard is the lamest reason ever.
"Fine. Just get over it. Love you."
"Love you more. Go ahead, your boyfriend will work more."
"Crazy."
Then I hanged up. Oh, this is the life that I want.
"Mommy!"
I ran towards them like a mad woman. Mommy looked surprised. Daddy, on the other hand, just smiled at me and Dane, there he was, reading an encyclopedia. I neevr thought my brother was a nerd.
Mom stood up and hugged me . "Alys, why are you here? I mean, I'm happy that you're here but why are you here?" she asked while hugging me.
I was busy giving her a hug worth four years. I didn't go home to the Philippines for four years. During the first two years, because I didn't want to see Drake (which was totally true at that time. I hated him). And for the next two years, because I was so busy. Swear. Life in a foreign country is so fast-paced. Getting eight hours of sleep? Dream come true.
I sat on the sofa. Our house has also changed, a. Maybe Mommy has thought about buying some stuff again. It's like her stress reliever. I heard that Daddy has a new secretary, and Dane said she's hot.
"I'm staying here for good."
Dane smirked. Oh, such a cutie! "Nice accent, Alys. Keep talking."
I rolled my eyes. Sorry. I stayed in Paris for too long and I've adapted to their accent. I find it really sexy. I only have an accent when speaking English, but when speaking Tagalog, it's normal.
"Here's for Mom, and for you, Dad. And of course for my baby boy," I said as I handed them my pasalubong.
Of course, I used Daddy's money to buy it, but hey, it's the thought that counts,
right?
We had lunch after that and I took a nap. Another reason why I came home is because I have my first project in the Philippines.
I borrowed Dane's convertible. I learned how to drive, I taught Ate Karen, she said she'll visit me soon. I kinda miss her too, eh. I learned when I was in Paris, in NY, it's useless to have a car. People there like to walk. And seriously, where do you park there?
I went to a restaurant in a hotel. The client was eating there. Heard that it's a wedding and I'll be doing the cake! Seven layered cake for strawberry's sake!
I ordered champagne while waiting. One thing that I learned, I learned to drink and to gamble a bit. College life.
My attention was diverted when I heard the bells chime. I turned around and then I saw a pretty lady. Maybe she was the bride.
I stood up and approached her. "Hi, are you Miss Stinson?"
She smiled. She reminds me of someone. Aunt Katrina, she's like an angel too. Oh,
goodness. Ethos! I'm actually Ethos's child, Uncle Steve's, eh. He said even though Drake and I broke up, he still wanted me to be Ethos' godmother. Even though I couldn't attend the baptism, I only had Aya attend. Maybe I'll pass by them one of these days. But I hope Drake isn't there, I'm not yet ready to face him. What should my reaction be?
She gave me a smile. "Yes, I am. You? You're Miss Perez?"
We exchanged pleasatries for a while. My head still hurt a little from jetlag but I didn't show it. This is my first project, I'm not going to damage this just because of a simple headache, no.
"So, where's the groom?"
She gave me a smile and then showed me her phone. "He's on his way. Sorry, he's really busy."
"It's fine. I'll show you the list of cake designs first, okay?"
I stood up to get the book from the back of the shop. I'm going to drink some coffee because it's only a little while, my eyes are going to close again from being so sleepy. I also texted Aya. I want to see her! I have so many questions, eh. Kent and Aya broke up months ago, and guess what? Because of Sheen! That bastard. Aya is the girl he always describes when we talk!
Tripp Palma
calling...
"What? Missed me right away? Go to sleep!" I checked my watch, oh yes! I can read now. Tripp beat me up a few times just to learn but I can now. Hahaha!
He yawned. ("Maya. What are you doing there?")
I glanced at Miss Stinson, she still looked busy texting so I spoke to Tripp first.
"Meeting with my client. Is it you? Tripp, it's 11 o'clock. Go to sleep."
("I'm going to eat first. Are you busy?")
I wanted to say yes, but I wanted to talk to Tripp, so I lied. Maybe Miss Stinson could wait.
We talked and here it goes.
Me: No. We were just meeting. Are you? Are you finishing your project there?
Tripp: Yes. Tofer is gone, you know that's all he's doing in my life.
Me: Ssh. Tofer will hear you, he'll be emoteing again. Hahaha!
Tripp: Yes, yes. He emailed me yesterday. Maybe I miss him. Do you think he has a crush on me?
Me: So, he's going to fight me for a boyfriend??
Tripp: You don't know. I think he's already dead to me.
Me: So, are you going to leave me?
Tripp: Maybe. You don't love me anymore, huh.
Me: What if I'm choking you?
Tripp: Just kidding. You're really cool to talk to, 1 year old. Too brutal.
Me: Go home, because you're here.
Tripp: I really want to. But I'm still working on something here.
Me: Go ahead, I'll just date Tofer.
Tripp: Hahaha! Go ahead, Alys. If you make Tofer a man, I'll marry you.
Me: You said it, ha! Go ahead, bye. I'll start planning my date with your cousin.
* silence*
Me: I mean, Tofer. Tsk. You have so many cousins, eh. Okay, bye. Love you, Tripp.
Woo! That's awkward! I forgot that Tripp is insecure about Drake. That's why I avoid Drake as much as possible. I don't want my boyfriend to be insecure about my ex. That's the wrong feeling.
I took the book from the kitchen counter and fixed my hair. My hair used to be long, black, and had bangs, but now it's long, wavy, and brunette. It suits me, eh. Mommy said I'm pretty.
"Here's the---"
Oh. No.
"Miss Perez, the groom, Drake. Babe, Miss Perez, the one making the wedding cake."
* awkward silence
Fudge! I've only been gone for four years, when I come back, he's getting married?!
I looked at Miss Stinson, or should I call her Mrs. Palma who was holding onto Drake's arm. Shaira is gone, this is the one to take her place!
"H-Hi, Drake."
He just looked at me. Oh my God, Drake! Are we going to stare here?! Here in front of your "fiance"?!
I offered my hand and widened my eyes to signal him to accept my hand. After a few seconds, he accepted it. Shems. His hand was cold.
"Hi."
Okay. How to face your ex without looking awkward? You should write a book like that, eh! It's not that I still have feelings for Drake but I really don't want to see him. You know that, the last time I saw him, he made me cry in the middle of New York. Maybe I have a reason to be angry, right??
"Mom's calling. I'm going out, Drake. Behave."
Her fiancé came out. Okay. Okay. Don't panic, Alys! You've been practicing this for a long time, haven't you? And besides, you promised Tripp that when you saw Drake, there would be no excitement and stuff. We're just pure friends.
I sat down awkwardly on the chair there. "So, long time no see, huh?"
"You look different."
I wondered what I was wearing today. I was wearing ankle jeans, black pumps, and a white sheer blouse. I look normal, a. I'm not wearing makeup today, e. I'm just wearing red lipstick. What's different about that? Maybe when he sees me partying, he'll think I'm a different person.
I gave him an awkward smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Sheez, where's his fiancé?!
"I have a question," he said. I reached for the coffee in front of me while my hand was still shaking a little. Geez, Alys! "Is it really true that you're dating my cousin?"
I suddenly choked on his question. What the?!
He handed me some water.
"Alys, are you dating my cousin?"
I took a tissue from my purse and wiped my mouth. "Yes. What about you?"
He shrugged. "Nothing. I'm just checking the competition."
"WHAT?!"
He gave me a smile. Dude, it looks like danger's approaching. I've been gone for four years, when I came back, it was like I was in an alternate universe! I didn't recognize the Drake in front of me!
"Someone told me that since I let you go, I should be the one taking you back."
I swear my jaw just fell! What's going on?!
"Drake, Tripp is my boyfriend. What's your problem?"
He grabbed my hand that was on the table but I tried to take it. "But where is he? He's in New York, I'm here."
"AND YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET MARRIED!"
God! I'm going to lose my temper here!
"The marriage isn't until next, next month."
"AND SO? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO Say?"
He stood up and kissed me. FUDGE!
"I'm returning the favor, Alys. Tripp betrayed me, I'm just doing the same. See you around."