janicetimbol

[janicetimbol]

Stay (one shot)

  ‘Moe!’ Julie shouted at him across the street. He was walking with his circle of friends and were on their way to his house that is just a few blocks away from hers. They were on their playing uniforms with bottles of water on their hands and beads of sweat were also noticeable, that means they’ve just finished playing their sport. 

  They all looked at where the voice was coming from, and all of them greeted Julie the moment they saw her on the other street. Well, except for the guy whom she specifically called. Elmo just looked at Julie for a brief moment then looked away irritably and continued to walk his way home. 

  She was completely surprised when he ignored her. Elmo Magalona never ignored her.

  'Anong problema nun?’

  —–

  Him avoiding her was the last thing Julie had ever imagined. They’ve been friends for three years now, and she can’t accept the idea of Elmo totally avoiding her.

  'Baka naman di ka lang napapansin, Juls.’ Anna, her friend argued. 

  'Hindi e. Pag tinatawag ko siya, titingnan niya lang ako sandali tapos ayun! Aalis na ang mokong.’ Julie blurted with some annoyance. 

  'Hmm. Baka naman may ginawa kang mali?' 

  'As far as I remember, siya pa nga tong may kasalanan sakin e. Bigla niya na lang kaya kami iniwan ni Carlo nung isang araw..’

  Anna looked at her confused. 'Wait.. Si Carlo? Yung may gusto sayo?’ she asked.

  Julie put her left arm in the cafeteria’s table and made her chin rest on her palm. 'Kami nga kasi ni Moe magkasama nun, e nakita kami ni Carlo. Kaya ayun, lumapit siya. Nagusap lang naman kami saglit tas pag lingon ko wala na si Elmo.’ malungkot sa sabi nito.

  'Baka naman naisip ni Elmo na iwan na lang kayo. Kasi diba sabi mo samin, you like Carlo? Siguro Elmo felt awkward kaya umalis na lang siya.’ Hindi na sumagot pa si Julie at malungkot na napa-buntong hininga.

  'Juls, si Elmo oh.’ Anna said pointing her lips towards him. Agad namang nag-angat ng tingin si Julie para makita ang binata.

  'Moe!’ Anna waved at him to get his attention. Kaagad namang ngumiti si Elmo kay Anna at kumaway pabalik. But when he caught sight of Julie, who was also looking at him with a sad smile, he quickly looked away.

  Julie felt hurt. She turned away from him and stared at her plate when she felt her eyes began to water. Anna quickly held her free hand to make her feel better. She looked back at her friend, just in time for a teardrop to escape from her eyes. 

  ——-

  Elmo kept distant from Julie for a long time now. He always makes sure that their paths wouldn’t cross. Ayaw na niyan makita ang dalaga. Dahil sa tuwing nakikita niya ito, nasasaktan siya. He’d constantly see her sad, and in deep thoughts. He never liked seeing her sad, that’s why he was hurting as well. And that feeling doubles whenever he see Julie and Carlo together.

  Julie and Elmo became partners in a presentation at a particular subject. Julie hoped for this chance to talk and be with him for a while kaya agad siyang tumayo at naglakad papunta kay Elmo.

  'Moe..’ she in an almost whisper tone.

  'Yes?’ he responded without looking at her.

  'Uhm.. Y-yung presentation, kelan natin sisimulan?' 

  Hindi naman agad nagsalita si Elmo at may kung anong isinulat sa isang papel. Tumayo siya agad at ibinagay iyon kay Julie.

  'Sinulat ko na jan yung topic na gagawin mo. Let’s just work individually, ibigay mo na lang sakin pag tapos mo na, ako na mag-cocompile.’ he said plainly, and walked out.

  Julie closed her eyes after he walked away. Nararamdaman nanaman niya ang mga luha sa mata kaya kinagat niya ang labi para pigilan ito. She gripped the paper he handed at her hard and threw it at the floor.

———–

  It was already 10 in the evening, and Elmo was still awake. He was lying on his couch and has been staring at the ceiling for quite a while now. He was thinking about a lot of things. Things like how he missed Julie so much, how he feels jealous with the other guy, how he wanted to talk to her so bad. And how his feelings for her kept on growing deeper everyday. His thoughts were broken off when he heard a knock on his door. He quickly stood up to get the door, confused at his visitor at this hour. 

  There, standing infront of him, was the girl he was thinking about just a while ago. He wanted to say a lot of things that very moment. He wanted to talk to her as well, because he missed her a lot. He also wanted to turn his back at her, to ignore her, because he was afraid. Afraid for his heart to be broken and to be torn apart. But he did neither of those things. He just stood their, waiting for her.

    He was caught off guard when he saw her face with tears. Gusto na niyang umalis, gusto na niyang talikuran si Julie dahil hindi niya kayang nakikitang umiiyak ito. Especially if it’s because of him. 

  But Elmo became more astounded when Julie dragged herself to him, making him lose his balance for a while. She hugged him tightly, so tight that he couldn’t prevent himself from hugging her back. He heard how Julie cried even more when he wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face at his chest, and cried her heart out. His shirt now wet with tears. 

  'Moe.. I’m sorry.’ she said between cries. 'Sorry na, Moe.’ *sobs 'Bati na tayo, please.' 

  He felt it again. That pain in his heart, like someone was stabbing it. He pulled her more closer to him, burying his face at her hair. 

'Shhh… Tama na, Juls. Please stop crying.’ he whispered in her hair.

  Julie created a space between them, enough for her to see his face. 'Mahal kita, Elmo.’ she sobbed. 'Moe, mahal kita dati pa. Kaya please, wag mo kong iwanan. Moe, hindi ko kaya.’ tuloy-tuloy nanamang bumagsak ang mga luha sa mata ng dalaga. Hindi na nito kaya pang tumayo ng maayos kaya napaupo siya sa sahig at dun umiyak ng umiyak. Agad din namang lumuhod s Elmo sa harap ni Julie at niyakap ito ng mahigpit.

'Juls, akala ko.. Si Carlo?’

  Sunod-sunod na iling ang ginawa ni Julie habang nakasandal sa dibdib ni Elmo. 'I lied. Di ko siya gusto. Sinabi ko lang yun kasi natakot ako, Moe. Na baka layuan mo ko pag nalaman mo yun. Moe wag mo ko iwanan. Hindi ko kaya, hindi ko kaya, Elmo. Promise me, please. Elmo, i-promise mo sakin na hindi mo ko iiwan.’ she said then bursted into tears again. Her sobs filling the silence in the room.

  Hindi na nagsalita pa si Elmo at hinigpitan na lamang ang pagyakap niya kay Julie. Hinayaan niya na lang itong umiyak ng umiyak. Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman niya ang pagbigat ng katawan ng dalaga at alam niyang nakatulog na ito dahil sa pagiyak. Kaagad niya itong binuhat at dinala sa kwarto niya at dahan-dahan niya itong binaba sa kama. 

    He sat beside her and watched her sleep. He saw how red her nose and cheeks were from crying, but still managed to look beautiful. He also cursed himself for hurting and making the girl he loves cry. Elmo reached for her face to touch her cheeks. He gently stroked his thumb on her soft skin.

    'I’m sorry for hurting you, Julie. I’m sorry for being a coward.’ he whispered. 'Mahal din kita. Mahal na mahal. And I promise. I promise hindi na kita ulit iiwan.’ he reached for her face and gently pressed his lips on her forehead.

    'I will stay by your side forever, Julie. I promise I’ll stay.’

[janicetimbol]

JuliElmo fan fictions ♥

Julielmoes yata ang pinaka magagaling sa #KKTP

at lalo pang naging malikhain ang ating mga isipan dahil sa mga Fan Fictions, check out the latest that we have on the roster –

we are so proud to have Fan Fic writters like them  FOREVERMORE 3 –> http://julielmolovin.tumblr.com/ BACKSTAGE One shots –> http://rchlcrz.tumblr.com/ Wanted Mommy (WM) –> http://juliemags.tumblr.com Things Left Unsaid (TLU) –> http://juliemags.tumblr.com Brighter Than Sunshine –> http://sookieinthezone.tumblr.com/BTS Begin Again –> http://sookieinthezone.tumblr.com/BeginAgain Collection of ONE SHOTS –> http://sookieinthezone.tumblr.com/ Kash’s FF Collection –> http://orangeandblue.tumblr.com/ TRB Collections –> http://thisrecycledbeginner.tumblr.com/

[janicetimbol]

Lover’s Quarrel (one shot)

‘God, Julie! Your the most difficult woman I’ve ever met!’ Elmo shouted after  shutting the door at her unit. 'Napaka-unreasonable mo and your so insensitive!’

  Julie stopped at her tracks and turned to face him. 'And your an asshole! Napaka-oa mo! He was just being nice then you suddenly flew around kicking his face feeling like your some kind of a superhero or something trying to save my life!’

  'Are you mad at me for breaking that dickhead’s face?! He has his hands all over your body and you expect me to not care?! Fuck!’ he gathered all his strength then punched the wall beside him. His fist now covered in blood.

  Shock was evident on her face. She wanted to run into him and treat his wound and kiss the tears away from his face. But pride took over.

'I said he just want to be friends! What the fuck is wrong with that?!!’

  'Because were in a club! And when someone wants to be your friend in a club, that means they want to have sex with you! I agreed for you to come there because It’s Rocco’s birthday and I will be there to protect you! It’s your first goddamn time in a club kaya wala kang alam!’

  Julie stayed silent for a moment feeling guilty, knowing her man just wanted to protect her. Her anger now being replaced by regrets and shyness.

'Fine! Edi sorry!’ pairap na sigaw ni Julie.

  Elmo smiled inside when she apologized because she only says sorry when she knows that it really is her fault. But he still didn’t removed his angry face.

'May nagsosorry bang galit?!’

  'Nag-sosorry na nga ang arte mo pa! Sorry na nga!’

  'Ba’t ka muna nagsosorry?’

  'Tanga ka ba? Malamang nagsosorry ako sa nagawa kong mali! Shunga.’

  'Your being insensitive again.’

  'Oo na! Insensitive na ko! Ano, happy?’

  'Do you still think that I’m an asshole and a superhero wannabe?’

  'No! But I hate you!’

  Dito na ngumiti si Elmo. Unti-unti siyang lumalapit kay Julie na naka-cross arms at galit na nakatingin sa kanya.

  'You hate me? Really?’

  'Oo! At napaka sama ng ugali mo! Ang pangit mo pa!’

  Elmo laughed at this and he was now infront of Julie. 'Masama ugali ko? E bakit lagi mong sinasabi na your the luckiest girl for having the sweetest boyfriend? Why do you always stare at me, and describe me as pogi?' 

  'Syempre boyfriend kita. Kaylangan kitang puriin!' 

  Elmo wrapped his hands on her waist and pulled her closer to him. 'And why is it that I’m your boyfriend?’ he asked smiling widely.

  Julie rested her hand on his shoulders, but her facial expression still not changing. 'Ano pa ba?! Syempre mahal kita! Tanga.' 

  He laughed for a moment then leaned closer and kissed her lips. A few minutes of aggressive kissing were now turned into a sweet, soft and passionate ones. His irritation, her frustrated face when she realized she was the one wrong, his wounded fist, and their anger, all other feelings were gone like the wind. But one stayed, their love.

  Julie broke their kissing and were both breathless. They stood there, staring at each other and hands wrapped at each other also. He was grinning and she was now smiling.

    'Kiss lang pala katapat mo e. You should have said so, nasugatan pa tuloy ako.’ he said after recovering his breathes.  

    'Oo nga pala! Patingin nga!’ she grabbed his left hand and looked at it. 'Pasuntok suntok pa kasi, feeling superman talaga.’

    'Aawayin mo nanaman ba ko?’ kunot nuong tanong ni Elmo. Dahan dahang nagangat ng tingin si Julie pagkatapos ay binigyan siya ng matamis na ngiti.

    'Joke lang, baby. I love you.’ she said very sweetly.

    'Haha. I love you too, baby.’ he replied, his smile now turning to a big goofy grin. 'Kahit na mas moody ka pa kay Spongebob.’ he teased then kissed her forehead, laughing as he felt her fingers on his side pinching him.

    'Si Squidward yung moody. Tanga talaga.’

[janicetimbol]

30 things I wish I knew before I started cutting:

1. Razors are a pain in the ass to get out. 2. Don’t ever let something get to the point where you can’t control it. 3. Shaving will never be the same. 3. Cuts hurt way longer than just when you’re in the shower. 4. Sleeves move around, and they won’t always be covered. 5. The fabric from your jeans will make your skin feel like it’s burning alive. 6. One cut will never be enough. 7. Every line, mark, scrape you see turns into a trigger. 8. Blood smells really, really gross. 9. The scars will constantly remind you, even on the good days. 10. You’re not sure why it feels good, it just does. 11. ^^ Sometimes it doesn’t feel good at all and it will make you cry. 12. You’ll start to see yourself as disgusting. 13. Sometimes the blood won’t stop and you swear it’s your last time, but it never will be. 14. Bandaids, Neosporin, and razors cost a lot of money. 15. Sex becomes very awkward with the lights on. 16. Cuts itch. 17. Then people ask why you’re itching. 18. You’re too hot to wear that hoodie? Too bad. 19. You’ll throw away your razors and the next day feel like a psycho when you’re digging through the trash. 20. No matter how many excuses you make up for doing it that day, none of them will be valid. Ever. 21. People will think you do it for attention, so you’ll start to believe them. 22. You’ll want to stop, you just won’t know how. 23. It will tear your heart out when your best friend does it once. 24. Some places feel better to cut than others. 25. Skin doesn’t always grow back the way you want. 26. You’ll feel like a charity case. 27. Some people will treat you like you are one, too. 28. You’ll start to think more about your back up plan for if you start to bleed out rather than college. 29. You’ll get angry if you forgot your razors. 30. Your mom’s going to cry really hard when she finally sees them.

[janicetimbol]

First of the Endless

It’s exactly four weeks ago since you’ve been gone forever and not a day have passed that I’ve thought of you and didn’t miss you so much.

This day is even a lot worse though because it’s the first Father’s Day in the twenty years of my life that we would celebrate it without you.

I wish you were still here because there’s just so much more that I wanted to experience with you. There are still a lot of things I wanted to do for you. And I still have a lot of things to say to you.

I miss everything about you.

I miss all the food that you always cooked for us. I miss hearing the sound effects of Zuma playing in the next room or your laughter when we watch Eat Bulaga or Celebrity Bluff. I even miss your random farting whenever I sat next to you on the sofa and the way I’d snuggle up to you when we bond over the TV. I miss how you wouldn’t stop asking me until I finally added the latest songs to your car playlist. I also miss all those nights where I was able to sleep beside you when it was just the two of us at home. I miss our roadtrips. I miss being the thirdwheel to you and Mom. I miss watching the two of you together; adoring the way you treated each other. I miss our inside jokes that Mom couldn’t relate to. I miss your sense of humor; the way you threw the corniest jokes and the worst punchlines ever. I miss sharing you the things I couldn’t tell to anyone even though I knew you’d spill them to Mom afterwards. I miss hearing the funny stories you tell me about your childhood and college days or how you recall yours and Mom’s love story even though I know you twisted it in your favor. I miss your silly ways of texting me good mornings and good nights and I miss the way you say you love me through jumbled words or letters.

Above all, I just really really miss you so much.

It hurts to know that you will never see me graduate or that you’ll never be able to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day ten years from now. I will never see the proud smile on your face when you’d finally see me come up on stage to receive my college diploma or the sad tears in your eyes when the day comes that you’d finally have to let me go to be someone’s wife.

It made me sad when I realized that today is just the first of the endless Father’s Days that will come every year and you will never be here again to celebrate them with us.

But I can’t do anything about it because it’s God’s will to take you from us too early. We know that and we accept that but it doesn’t mean it is any easier for me to let you go.

We only had twenty years together and I’m grateful for all those years because I do realize that there are unfortunate kids in this world who didn’t even have a dad in their lives since they were born while you never missed an important event in my life. You had always been there for me when I needed you and I wish you were not taken from me too soon because I still need you in my life, Daddy.

I will always need you and Mom in my life.

But you had been the best father I could ever ask for. You were so great at being a Dad to us that even when you’re not here anymore, every little moment I got to spend with you, every bit of stories you have shared to me, all the memories I created with you and all the lessons you taught me are going to stay with me until the day I die.

I love you forever, Daddy. I will always be your little girl and you will always be the greatest love of my life.

I was only given twenty years with you and I’m thankful for them.. but I just really wish I was given more.

Anyway, happy father’s day up there, Daddy. I hope you’re having a blast with Him. ❤

[janicetimbol]

Housemate (31)

I stirred on my sleep, hearing some noises inside the house. After waiting for it to go away, I lazily dragged myself up annoyed by the sounds coming from somewhere. I glanced at the bedside clock and realized I slept throughout the day after getting back from the main island earlier. 

 ‘Sino ba yung maingaaay?’ I whined, opening the bedroom door, surprised to see Elmo whose about to knock. He smiled at me and placed his hand down.

 ‘Good. You’re awake.’ 

 ‘Bat andito ka pa?’ I curiously asked while he curiously looked at me. 

 ‘What?’ 

 ‘Diba aalis ka ngayong gabi?’ 

 ‘Again, what?’ He asked back, and I noticed how his brows furrowed even more.

 ‘Diba sabi mo sakin kanina you have plans tonight? Why are you still here?’ I said, noticing his confusion fade a little.

 ‘You thought I was going out? Alone?’ 

 ‘Well, yeah… Hi-hindi ba?’ 

 He shook his head, amused. ‘You seriously think I will leave you here alone?’ he smiled. ‘Wait. Is that why you were upset earlier?’ 

 ‘Uhh.. Well.. I just thought na.. Na iiwan mo ko..’ I admitted. God Julie nakakahiya ka talagaa. 

 ‘Well I won’t.’ He laughed, handing me a big box. ‘Wear this and go down after. Sa may beach. I’ll wait for you.’ And with that he left, me standing there completely dumbfounded with a big box on my hand.

 —- 

 I stared at my reflection one last time before going out of my room. I wore the beautiful blue summer dress that is inside the box Elmo gave me. I ran my hand over the fabric again to straighten the non visible folds and sighed. 

  Please, Moe. Don’t make this harder for me. Glancing at my reflection briefly before going out. 

 I heard Elmo at the kitchen talking, probably on his phone, so I went there to check up on him. Stopping in an instant when I heard something.

 ‘Yes, Andi. Were good here. Yeah, I’ll call you back. Sure, ofcourse. Okay. Bye, Ands.’ He said before cutting the call. Way to go Elmo, thank you for ruining my day. 

 I waited for a short moment before revealing my presence at the kitchen where he was, rummaging the refrigerator for something. When he got what he needed, he carelessly shut the fridge with his right foot, looking up at me with wide eyes.

 ‘Julie! Ginulat mo naman ako.’ He said letting out a sigh but quickly forming a smile on his face. ‘You look great.’ 

 ‘Uhh, thanks.’ I blushed, the only thing I am best at whenever Elmo is around. ‘We’re drinking?’ I asked, eyeing the bottle of wine on his hand. 

 ‘Yepp.’ He smiled. The gorgeous sincere smile that makes my heart go thump. Why? Why do you do this?? Get a grip, Julie. This is a fake marriage!

 ‘Ahh. Ano ba occasion?’ I laughed nervously. ‘Bakit parang ang special naman ng dinner na to?’ 

 Elmo walked closer to where I was standing, the smile still not leaving his face. ‘Because my wife.’ He paused, holding up a bouquet of flowers I did not notice earlier, and giving it to me. ‘We are going on our first date.’ 

[janicetimbol]

Prompt

“So, aalis ka na naman?” malungkot na tanong ni Elmo sa nobya. Kasalukuyang nakahiga sila sa sofa ngayon at nagpapalipas oras.

“Yes, sorry bubbs, 1 week lang naman akong mawawala eh.Baka sumakto uwi ko sa 1st game niyo this UAAP season” Lalong hinigpitan ni Elmo ang yakap sa bewang ni Julie habang nagsasalita ang dalaga.

“Hindi ka sure kung makakapunta ka no?” tanong ni Elmo. Julie tilted her head to see Elmo’s face at tuluyan na ding yumakap dito para lambingin.

“Ganon na nga… eh si Dad kasi diba? He wants to show me the ropes of our business..” buntong-hininga lang ang sagot ni Elmo. Julie stiffened since she knows that medyo off na ang mood ni Elmo. Alam niya naman kung gaano kahalaga ang laro nito para dito at higit sa lahat yung supportang nanggagaling sa kanya. For 2 years, siya ang naging “lucky charm” ng team ni Elmo. Dahil kapag nandyan siya, ibang sigla ang meron si Elmo sa paglalaro.

Tumayo si Julie sa pagkakahiga sa dibdib ni Elmo at umayos ng upo sa couch. Ganon na din ang ginawa ni Elmo. Umupo sa lap ni Elmo si Julie at yumakap sa leeg nito.

‘Last na ‘to, Moses" She felt Elmo’s hands caressing her back… as she buried  her face to the crook of his neck.

“Hmmm okay basta uwi ka kaagad” bulong ni Elmo kay Julie. Hindi sumagot si Julie but she kissed Elmo’s neck instead.  They stayed like that for awhile. Kuntento na sa ganon…kuntento na kasi magkasama sila ngayon.

Natigilan lang sila nang may sunod-sunod na pumasok sa condo.

“Magalona, nandito na kami!” pasigaw na sabi ni Alvin. Teammate ni Elmo at best friend. Naka-ngisi ito kala Elmo at Julie na dalidaling umayos ng upo. 

“What the — bakit di man lang kayo kumatok?!” He’s now annoyed…habang tumatawa lang si Julie sa tabi nito. 

“Hi, Ja! Looking good ah!” bati ni Alvin sa kanya at nagbeso dito.

“Thanks!” sabi naman ni Julie. Masama lang ang tingin ni Elmo sa kanila… 

“Hahaha last time I check, dito din ako nakatira” pang-aasar ni Alvin.

“Ewan ko sa inyo… lika na nga bubbs” sabi ni Elmo sabay tayo at hinila si Julie papunta sa kwarto niya.

“Don’t do what I wouldn’t do” sigaw ni Alvin sa dalawa.

“SHUT UP, ALVIN!” Sabay na sigaw pabalik ni Julie at Elmo habang tumatawa naman ang iba pang nasa condo na iyon sa dalawa.

-

AN: One shot talaga 'to dapat that I was supposed to post before kaso hindi ko na maalala yung plot. Pinost ko lang kasi naglilinis ako ng drafts since I’m planning to use this account again. :-)

[janicetimbol]

#TSIB Social Media edits by @omgJENA

[janicetimbol]

PLL FIGURED OUT A 3rd TIME

Okay so i blogged this twice before but im doing a new one based on season 6 1) http://ishouldreallydosomethingabout-a.tumblr.com/post/103665815424/pll-figured-out

2) http://ishouldreallydosomethingabout-a.tumblr.com/post/110105945034/pll-figured-out-again

—————————————————————————————————-

Okay so, it has been confirmed that there are a set of twins in PLL, I think these twins are Mrs Dilaurentis and Mrs Cavanaugh…look how similar they look!

   In the story Ali tells on Halloween about the two little girls, she is telling the story of her mum and Marion Cavanaugh.

Obviously Marion Cavanaugh survived but I think that’s why she drinks and acts so depressed when she is older because she is really damaged by her psyco sister, Mrs Dilaurentis.

Remember how creepy Mrs D was in that episode where she snuck into Spencers room! She’s crazy and should be locked in Radley, but instead her sister got put in because Mrs D convinced everyone Marion was the crazy one (like how Alison and Courtney get mixed up in the books)

That’s why Mrs D was on the board at Radley, so she could keep an eye on her sister.

Next, onto Bethany Young who I think is Mrs Cavanaughs daughter, that’s why Mrs D wanted Bethany to call her Auntie Jessie! because she literally is her aunt! It would also explain the two yellow dresses Ali found as a kid

Mrs D brought one for her niece as well as her daughter, but i’m betting she never told her husband about her crazy family so she hid them

Can i just say i love how they wrapped the baby in a yellow blanket, but anyway, firstly i think its possible this baby is Bethany- yellow is her favourite colour, the filmer could be Marion? and i think the boys are Jason and Charles. Mrs D only tells one of them to kiss their sister which makes me think only one of them is her brother, we all know Jason is 7 years older than Ali and in this picture the boys cant be more than 4/5 which makes it impossible

I think the reasons she is called Bethany YOUNG are:

Because, like in the books, everyone in Rosewood is conscious of their image and Mrs D didn’t want anyone finding out Bethany was mentally ill (mental illness can run in families, she probably didn’t want anyone getting suspicious)

Maybe her dad’s last name was young? Maybe miss Cavanaugh was married before and was previously Mrs Young

As Mrs D was on the board of Radley she admitted Bethany under a fake name so she could keep an eye on her too, also maybe family members couldn’t both be together if they shared the same illness.

As Bethany is the daughter of Marion she would also be the step sister of Jenna, this amaing pick up by http://plliarsanonymous.tumblr.com/ shows that when Jenna is moving in with Toby the box on the top left says ‘Jenna and Bethanys room’!!!!!!!!

Then on the dental patient records we see C. Cavanaugh, and on the visitors list to the blind school to see Jenna

Maybe Charles thought Jenna knew something about Bethany so went to find out, Jenna woulnd’t have known it was Charles because she was blind

This would also make her Toby’s sister/ half sister, we all know Bethany drew creepy pictures of demons, well according to prettylittlesecretsinthewoods, in season 1 episode 5, Toby is also drawing pictures of demons…Toby can’t be the boy in the video because he is suppose to be about the same age as Bethany, and if she is a baby it would mean Toby was too

In addition Marlene posted a picture of a boy and captioned it “brother?” on instagram 

I know Toby isn’t black but he’s the only character who really wears those checked shirts and I they cant make it too obvious, also he could be bloack to show they arent immediately related, and the doll behind looks like a boy but if they were both boys then wouldn’t Marlene have written Brothers? Also the general idea is that Bethany has some sort of deformity and the blonde doll is missing a finger! Then in the season 5 finale we find out the white doll is infact a girl 

this picture was in Arias fake room

This is from -A’s lair/vault, theyre the same dolls!!!! We know everything in -A’s vault has personal value so this has to be important (also the dolls look about the same age which would make sense as Toby and Bethany are suppose to be the same age)

Once Marion was put in Radley again, Mrs D stopped her from being able to see her son, Toby, maybe because she thought she was an unfit mother, or maybe because as the twin story goes they resented each-other so Jessica Dilaurentis wanted to punish her sister. In S04E04, Toby talks to Marion’s old doctor. He said “She hated being away from you, but there were forces that were just too much for her” the forces being Mrs D

In the first picture Bethany draws a demon stealing a boy, I think Bethany drew this as a depiction of Mrs D (the demon) keeping Toby (the boy) from Marion Cavanaugh (the woman in the dress running after them).

The second is Mrs Cavanaugh falling from the roof at Radley, you can see the woman is wearing the same dress as in the first picture, Mrs D and Marion had a fight, probably about Mrs D not letting Marion see Toby, and Mrs D, being crazy, pushed Marion out of the window, she claimed it was suicide but Bethany saw it, which is why she hated her and drew this…it would make sense as Jessica D lied about the suicide…

Mrs D tried to apologise to Bethany by being kind to her and buying her a pony but Bethany wanted to hurt Mrs D like Mrs D hurt her.

I think Bethany found her brother Charles and told him what Mrs D did and together they became the first -A (they dont actually use the -A thing yet) and begin to send Ali creepy dolls/ messages like “its my turn to torture you”,

We all used to think that it was someone that Ali used to be mean to but I think its like Bethany and Charles saying, your mum tortured my family so now i’m going to torture you. From Bethanys picture of Mrs D watering the roses

it shows Bethany knew what the Dilaurentis house looked like, (look at the porch area! its exactly the same!) I think Bethany drew herself as the monster because she is going to become Mrs D’s demon.

She knew because she had been spying on them (Mrs D definitely wouldn’t risk taking Bethany to Rosewood, she knew how dangerous that could be) then on Halloween, Bethany escapes with the help of Charles to torture Ali some more…

We see a Radley car outside the old house where Ali leads the girls to ‘test’ them. I think Bethany stole the car in order to escape Radley because she knew what was going to happen that night so she hid in the house to wait for Ali. I think she dressed as that creepy doll, you can see the person is wearing gloves, Bethany could have dressed as a caretaker or janitor to get out of Radley un-suspected because you can see that they just have a black top on and not the matching costume. Charles could have been working there under another name and given these clothes to Bethany and the keys to the car. Then she scares Ali in the Halloween costume shop, after sending her the “im watching you” message to let Ali know things are getting serious. Then later, she attacks Ali in the house when Ali thinks its Noel, and sends her the last message of that night, “dying to know who I am? You’ll find out soon” and starts the whole -A thing, to show she is dangerous.

Which brings us to the night Ali went missing, according to Ali we see Mrs D on the phone she is looking out the window really worried and she says “how could this happen” “I don’t understand”

I think that she’s on the phone with Radley, they are calling her to tell her that Bethany has escaped, that’s why she tells Ali “I do not want you going out tonight” she’s scared that something will happen to her. The phone rings for a second time and she asks if there is any news and says she is worried at tells them to send someone, like send a search party.

Ali gets really scared about -A after she gets the message saying that she is going to die on that night,

Most likely Charles was sending most of the messages as Bethany wouldnt have been allowed a phone in radley

Although Alison didn’t remember I think somehow Bethany knew about the two yellow dresses, Charles was older maybe he remembered and told her? its clear from the lipstick on the mirror that Bethany or Charles was in Alis room so why couldn’t they have planted the top there too?

Bethany or Charles forged a letter from Alis mum to make sure Ali wore the yellow top. In this recent episode in the recording of Bethany Young she says “She’s not the only one who can make plans” I don’t think this evil bitch Bethany keeps referring to is Alison, I think its Mrs D, after all Mrs D did murder her mum, Bethany then made her own plans to make Mrs D suffer.

Then, as she told the girls she went round trying to figure out who it was before it was too late. However, she changed the ending, we all know ali bases her lies on the truth, so here is what really happened, credit to SpencersBarn.Tumblr for the upcoming images…

After Ali and Spencer have the argument Spencer goes home, leaving the shovel in-between the Dilaurentis and Hastings houses

We all know Cece was dressed the same as ali that night, as jason saw her, I think Cece is a double agent, she is pretending to be friends with Alison but is actually working with Bethany, keep your friends close but your enemies closer right! Also, after all the people who have told the girls how much Cece hated them and Alison and blamed them for her getting kicked out of UPEN why would she be BFF’s with Ali? Also we all know Cece went to Radley dressed as Alison, my bet is Bethany mistook Cece for Alison and when crazy on her, Cece explained she wasn’t Ali but hated her too and Viola! An alliance is formed.

Cece dressed the same to confuse Ali and distract her

Ali is looking at cece confused then…

Bethany thought she killed Alison and left her body there to be found by Mrs D

But, Melissa finds Ali and after seeing Spencer go after her with a shovel buries her to protect Spencer.

Using her powers Mrs Grunwald knew something was wrong,

Alison leaves the car because she was scared she would be vulnerable in hospital

This is where Ali lied about Mona finding her, you can see that she isn’t walking down a random road its her own drive.

Mrs D is happy because she has found Bethany

Furious, Alison lifts the shovel

and hit Bethany in the head

Ali is still standing after the shot of a blonde (Bethany) falling to the ground…

Mrs D is shocked that her daughter was capable of that

once ali falls, mrs d becomes distraught

Then trying to protect her daughter

Mrs D then burries bethany while asking ali, “what did you do” and helps ali run away. I think it was then that Mrs D told Alison about the whole Bethany thing, that’s why when Alison was telling the girls her version of the nights events she said “A made it clear if she wanted to kill me she could”, so Alison knew Bethany was the first -A but thought she was dead which is why she never knew who the -A after Mona was. Who else would Mrs D be protecting than her own daughter. Also in the episode -A is for answers the girls tell Ali they think her mum stole the game from Mona, and Ali comment on how she isn’t surprised, Ali may have thought her mum stole the game in order to protect her.

Realising what Alison had done to his sister Charles got mad so he took Sarah Harvey who was suppose to be there that night as bait to protect Bethany from dying, Charles blamed Sarah for his sisters death aswell so he took sarah and kept her in the dolls house since 

That’s why when Holbrook came to Mrs D telling her “Mrs Dilaurentis “were not certain your daughters in that grave” she acts so shady, because she knows its not! Normally if a mother who has lost a child finds out that there is a chance that they are alive they would be so happy but Mrs D just says “well I am” Also, we all know Mrs D never did a proper identification of the body she said the yellow top was enough, it’s because she felt so guilty for murdering someone.

However, Mrs D saw Spencer go after Ali with a shovel, and realised that she could protect herself and Ali by going to Mr Hastings. Mr Hastings didn’t want Jessica going to the police and ruining his daughters life (he had some dirt on Jessica so blackmailed her into silence…maybe he knew about Marion?) which, unbeknown to Peter Hastings, worked on Jessicas behalf too. That’s why Peter says to Mrs D “the police are still asking pointed questions about Spencer, do we still have an understanding?”

But then Melissa tells her dad she was the one who actually killed Bethany Young (or so she thought, she actually only buried Ali who survived), so Peter tells her to run away, hence Melissa going to London.

When Alison returned Charles, not realising Alison already knew about Bethany had to kill Mrs D to stop her spilling about her. Maybe Mrs D had worked out that Charles was carrying on for Bethany, that’s what the email was about.

After a year Maya moves into the Dilaurentis house and finds Ali’s diaries while clearing out, then Alison goes back looking for her diaries, she cant have them falling into the wrong hands (Spencer sees Ali from her window the Pilot) But Maya sees Ali, she finds out so much that she has to run away “MAYA KNEW” Alison was alive. Maya then worked for Alison. analyzinga realised that the bag Ali took with her when she ran away was at the Khans cabin around the time Maya was there I think she met Alison.

This would also make Charles the nephew of Mrs Dilaurentis so the cousin of Alison and Jason and the second cousin of Spencer and Melissa, this would explain why Spencer said when she saw Charles she go the feeling like when you meet a family member you haven’t seen in a long time because they’re related, maybe they even played together when they were younger’

[janicetimbol]

LOVETEAM: Chapter 8 - Not a bad thing

Ang daming tao.

Hindi ko alam kung introvert ako o ano pero ayoko ng mga lugar na siksikan.

Parang sinasakal ako.

Hindi ako makahinga.

Kung hindi niya lang birthday ngayon hindi talaga ako sasama sa lugar na tulad nito.

Ang daming usok.

Ang lalakas ng tugtog.

Napatingin ako kay Elmo nang humigpit ang kapit niya sa bewang ko. Napansin ko na lately ang sweet niya na sakin. Palaging ganito, nakadikit lang tapos most of the time ang kulit-kulit.

Inalalayan niya ako papunta dun sa vacant couch sa left part malapit sa entrance. Umupo kami dun at nagrelax. Kung ako ang tatanungin mukhang si Elmo lang naman talaga ang nag-eenjoy at nakakapagrelax sa mga ganitong lugar, ako kasi parang unease sa kinauupuan ko naco-conscious ksi ako sa tingin nung tatlong babae malapit sa bar counter. Okay lang sana kung tingin ng paghanga ang binibigay nila sakin pero hindi, parang tingin iyon ng aso na naghahanda na akong kagatin anytime soon.

Tinitingnan nila ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Kung naranasan mo na to, alam kong gets moa ng nararamdaman ko ngayon. Typical party outfit lang naman ang suot ko, fitted maroon skirt and black shiny loose tank top na nakatuck in sa loob ng skirt, beach wave ang buhok, naka-red valentino shoe at hindi heavy ang make up. That’s it, kaya naman hindi ko talaga maintindihan kung bakit ganoon nalang sila kung makatingin sakin. I must have done something wrong.

“Elmo-” Sigaw ko para marinig niya ang pagtawag ko sa kanya.

“What?” Inilapit niya ang tenga niya sakin para siguro mas marinig niya ako.

“Uwi na tayo.” Alok ko. Hindi ko na kasi ata kaya dito.

“Pero kakaupo palang natin.” Sinenyasan niya yung waiter para lumapit samin. In one quick swift nasa harap na namin siya. “Two orange juice please.”

“Sir?” Nagtatakang tanong nung waiter, hindi ata sanay sa inorder ni Elmo.

“I said two orange juice.”

“Anything else sir?”

“Yun lang.”

Orange juice lang inorder niya? Tingnan mo to, dinala pa ako dito, sana pala pumunta nalang kami ng 7-Eleven at bumili ng Tropicana parang ganun din naman. Medyo tahimik lang dun kesa dito.

“Gusto ko ng tequila.” Sabi ko sa kanya, gusto ko yun itry masarap daw sabi ni Janna.

“Hindi pwede.” Pagbabawal niya sakin with matching kunot sa noo pa.

“Bakit pa tayo nandito?” Tanong ko sa kanya.

“I just want to show you my world.”

“Pero orange juice lang din inorder mo.” Ayan na naman yung tawa niya, bakit ba lagi niya nalang akong pinagtatawanan?

“Ano naman kung orange juice ang inorder ko?”

“Ito lang ba talaga ang ginagawa mo dito? Umiinom ka lang ng orange juice? Akala ko ba gusto mo ipakita sakin yung world mo?”

“Just the place Julie, not the thing that we’re doing here. And besides, I made a promise with your parents-” Tiningnan niya ako sa mga mata ko. “kailangan kitang iuwi ng normal.” Ayan na naman yung kabog ng puso ko at yung kilig from within. Yung kilig na parang nagtataasan lahat ng balahibong meron ako sa katawan. Nakakabaliw!

Ilang beses kong sinabihan ang sarili ko na kontrolin ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya pero taliwas sa mga plano ko ang mga nangyayari. Hindi ko naman talaga ginustong maramdaman to, nangyari nalang.

“And?”

“I can’t drink alcohol too, baka hindi kita maiuwi sa inyo.” Okay. Naiintindihan ko na, titiisin ko nalang to tutal naman birthday niya.

After five minutes dumating na yung orange juice dala nung bubbly na waiter. Nauna na akong uminom kasi ang totoo nyan uhaw na uhaw na talaga ako. Hindi ko na nga nalasahan kung ano ba yung lasa nung orange juice na iniinom ko – pero syempre orange ang lasa nun. DUH!

Ubos na yung orange juice ko pero yung mga titig sakin ni Elmo parang di maubos ubos. As a point of escape sa mga titig niya sakin pati yung orange juice niya ininom ko narin. Itong lalaki kasi na to kung makapangbugbog ng titig akala mo hindi na kami magkikita bukas.

“ELMO!” May lumapit saming mga lalaki. Ang ga-gwapo ha infairness, kaso yung mga tyan halatang every night nagpaparty. “SINO YANG CHIC NA KASAMA MO PARE?” Tanong nung isa. Nakatingin lang ako sa kanila habang nagbo-bro hug sila. Medyo nakaka-OP na.

“BY THE WAY, THIS IS JULIE – MY LOVETEAM PARTNER.” Tumingin na siya sakin saglit bago siya tumingin ulit sa mga kaibigan niya.

“LOVETEAM LANG BA TALAGA?!” Biro naman sa kanya nung isang medyo blonde yung hair. Nagkunwari nalang ako na hindi ko narinig, hinantay ko yung isasagot niya pero ngumiti lang siya sa mga kaibigan niyang yun bilang sagot sa mga pangkakantsaw ng mga ito.

“BRING YOUR CHIC WITH YOU PARE! TARA LET’S PARTY!” Sabi naman nung isang medyo chubby, ang cute niya sarap kurutin ng cheeks.

“HINDI NA, NEXT TIME NALANG.” Sagot niya sa kanila.

“YOU DON’T SOUND LIKE ELMO MAGALONA. C’MON PARE PARA NAMANG BAGO SAYO ANG MAGDALA NG CHIC SA DANCE FLOOR.” Sabi nung chubby na guy. Tiningnan siya ni Elmo ng tingin na hindi ko maexplain, katakot. “SABI KO NGA, WE’LL GO AHEAD.” Inakbayan niya yung dalawang lalaki pa na kasama niya sabay ngiti sakin. “BYE JULIE, NICE TO MEET YOU.” 

“LIKEWISE.” Nakangiting sagot ko sa kanilang tatlo kahit si chubby guy lang ang nag-goodbye sakin. Mukhang yung dalawa dismayado sa naging desisyon ni Elmo.

“May gusto ka bang kainin? Mojos?” Alok niya ng makaupo ulit kami, wala na akong nagawa ng dumikit siya sakin at akbayan ako. Ramdam kong tinitingnan niya ako kaya nag-focus ako sa mga taong dumaraan sa harap namin.

“Let’s dance with your friends.” Naglakas loob na ako na tingnan siya, naiilang narin kasi ako. At tulad ng inaasahan ko, nakatingin parin siya sakin. “Mukhang masaya naman silang kasama.” Palusot ko lang yun, pero ang totoo gusto ko lang talaga na maging normal siya sa harap ko. Hindi niya kailangang protektahan ako, kaya ko naman ang sarili ko.

“Wag na maraming lalaki dun.”

“Pero-”

“Julie.” He warned me. “I said no.”

Eh ano ngang gagawin namin dito magdamag?

Magtititigan lang?

Ganon?

Gusto ko pa tuloy ng orange juice. Teka speaking of, ano bang orange juice yun? Parang feeling ko nasusuka ako na ewan.

Tapos…

“Nahihilo ako.” There I said it. Seryoso nahihilo talaga ako, parang umiikot yung lugar kung nasaan kami ngayon.

“Ha?” Pinagmasdan niya ako. “Orange juice lang naman ininom mo.” Pagtataka niyang sabi sakin. “Nahihilo ka talaga?”

Tumango ako. “Nasusuka rin.”

Tinikman yung kaunting orange juice na tira sa baso niya na ininom ko kanina. Nag-iba yung expression ng mukha niya ng tikman niya iyon. Yung calm face niya kanina biglang nainis.

“Shit!” Tatayo na sana siya pero pinigilan ko siya.

“Samahan mo nalang ako sa comfort room. Nahihilo na talaga ako.”

Yung galit na mukha niya biglang naging soft ulit. Lumapit agad siya sakin at inalalayan akong tumayo. Buti nalang mahigpit ang kapit niya sakin sobrang hilong-hilo na talaga ako at parang ang init-init ng pakiramdam ko.

Ano ba yung nainom ko?

“Samahan na kita sa loob.” Parang alok na may halong command na sabi niya sakin.

“Wag na kaya ko pa naman.” Itinulak ko yung pinto ng comfort room pero hindi ko iyon nagawang buksan dahil dumulas ang kamay ko dahil sa hilo.

“You’re lying.” Binuksan niya yung pinto ng ladies’ comfort room. May mga babaeng naroroon, hindi naman sila umangal nang pumasok si Elmo sa loob at dalahin ako sa lababo. “Watch me.” Pinilit kong panoorin ang ginagawa niya kahit hilong-hilo na ako. Mabuti nalang mahigpit parin ang kapit niya sa bewang ko habang nagde-demo siya sa harapan ko, kung hindi siguro kanina pa ako napaupo sa sahig.

“Julie. Focus.” Narinig kong muli ang boses niya kaya nakuha niya ulit ang atensyon ko. Pinasok niya yung pointer finger niya sa loob ng bibig niya. “Touch the thing you feel at the middle.”  Hindi clear yung pagkakasabi niya pero naintidihan ko. “until you-“

YUCK! SUMUKA SIYA SA HARAP KO!

Nagmumog lang siya saglit ng tubig at pinunasan yung bibig niya tapos tumingin ulit sakin. “Your turn.”

“Kadiri.” Sabi nung isang babae five sinks away from us.

“Ang sweet nga eh.” Comment naman nung kasama niya.

Hindi ko na sila pinakinggan, desperada na ako. Mukhang ito ang magpapatanggal ng hilo ko. Ginaya ko yung ginawa niya, after a minute sumuka na ako.

Nakakadiri.

Nung tumingin ako sa salamin bago magmumog, nakita kong nakatingin siya sakin.

Bakit tinitingnan parin niya ako?

Ano ba naman to. Ito ang pinaka-ayokong mangyari – yung magkaroon ng nakakahiyang moment sa harap ng taong gusto ko.

Wala na akong magagawa pa. Nangyari na ang nangyari. Napanood niya na ako kung pano sumuka. Mukhang expired na yung orange juice na sinerve samin ah. Buti nalang magaling na nurse si Elmo, medyo umayos yung pakiramdam ko, medyo hilo parin ako pero manageable na.

Naglakad na kami palabas ng comfort room nang malinis ko na ang sarili ko. Bumalik na ulit kami sa pwesto namin, inalalayan niya ako hanggang sa makaupo. Pagkatapos nun pumunta siya sa barcounter para kumuha ng gatas, siya na mismo yung kumuha tapos inabot niya iyon sakin.

“Drink that. I’ll be back.”

“Teka san ka pupunta?” Nakaupo lang ako, tinitingnan siya.

“I’m going to teach that bastard a lesson.” Alam kong yung waiter na nagbigay samin ng orange juice ang target niya.

“No Elmo okay lang.”

“Hindi yun okay.” Inis na sabi niya sakin.

“Elmo kung iniisip mo na sinadya niya yun-” Hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko, iniwan na niya ako.

***

“Hey!” Sinapak ko agad yung waiter na nagbigay kay Julie ng drink na may alcohol content.

Bakit kasi hindi nalasahan ng babaeng yun na may alcohol yung iniinom niya? Pano pala kung lason yun edi patay na siya ngayon?

Tiningnan kong bumangon yung waiter. Hindi siya gumanti sakin buti naman, may balak pa sana akong bigyan siya ng isa pa pero may ilang tao ng nakatingin samin. Ayokong gumawa ng eksena.

“Bakit may alcohol yung orange juice? Nananadya ka ba?”

“Sir hindi-” Nagpapanic na sabi niya. “May nagbayad na po kasi nun ang sabi niya nagchange kayo ng order kaya po pinalitan ko.”

“Sino?” Galit kong tanong sa kanya.

“Yung babaeng kasama niyo lagi dito dati Sir.”

“Marami akong babaeng laging kasama dito.” Lumapit ako sa kanya para kwelyuhan siya. “Kaya sino.”

“Yun sir oh-” May itinuro siya sa likod ko lumingon naman ako. “Yung kausap po ng magandang babaeng kasama niyo.”

“Shit!” Binitawan ko kaagad yung waiter nay un at nagmadali akong tumakbo papalapit kay Julie. Wala akong pake kung may mga nababangga ako basta makarating lang ako agad sa kanya.  “Let’s go Julie.” Hinawakan ko na yung kamay niya, alam kong nagtataka siya sa mga nangyayari, kung bakit ako ganito kumilos ngayon pero mabuti na to kesa mapahamak siya. I know her, she likes to insult people when she has the opportunity to do so. I don’t know why am I doing this, but it felt like I have to protect her in any way that I can.

“Come on Elmo, let her go. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama.” Tiningnan niya si Julie sa likod ko. “Right girl?”

“Maggie stop.”

“What?” Tiningnan niya ulit si Julie. “I’m just asking her why she’s with you tonight.”

“Maggie, just stop this drama okay?”

“Ang swerte naman niya-” Tiningnan niya ako, mukhang galit siya. “buti pa siya pinili mo.”

“Lasing ka na, you should go home.”

“Sana naging loveteam partner mo nalang ako para pipiliin mo rin ako when you’re up there.”

“Look-”

“Kung nagkapalit ba kami ng sitwasyon.. kung ako ba ang loveteam partner mo-“ Lumapit siya sakin at tiningnan niya ako ng seryoso. “pipiliin mo rin ba ako?” Kilala ko si Maggie kapag shaky na ang boses niya, ilang segundo nalang iiyak na siya.

“Look Maggie, I chose my career over you. She’s out of this.”

***

Ako?

Anong ako?

Sino ba yung babaeng nasa harap ni Elmo?

Siya ba yung girlfriend?

I mean, ex?

Maganda naman siya.

Mukhang mabait.

SPLASH!

Nagulat ako ng sabuyan niya ng cocktail si Elmo.

White pa naman na longsleeves suot niya.

“Asshole!”  Inis na sabi nung Maggie sabay alis.

Napaupo siya sa couch nung makaalis na yung babae, nakatago ang mukha niya sa dalawang palad niya. Hindi ko sila masyadong maintindihan kaya tumahimik nalang ako sa tabi niya. He needs time to think.

After, maybe, getting himself together, tumingin na siya sakin.

“I’m taking you home.” Hinawakan niya ulit yung kamay ko at lumabas na ng bar.

Paglabas namin ang daming camera. Pano nila nalamang nandito kami?

“Julie! Elmo!” Tawag samin nung isang showbiz reporter. “Nagdate ba kayo?”

“Yeah.” Tugon ni Elmo habang naglalakad kami papunta sa sasakyan niya.

Pinasakay niya muna ako tapos kinausap niya yung reporter parang pinapakiusapan niya na itigil na ang pagkuha ng mga litrato naming. Pagkatapos ng pakikipag-usap na iyon sumakay narin siya at umalis na kami sa lugar na iyon.

***

“Thanks.”

“For what?” Tumingin siya sakin. Umiwas naman ako ng tingin.

“Sa pagpayag na samahan kita dito.” Five blocks ang layo namin mula sa bahay. Nakaupo kami sa hood ng sasakyan niya at nainom ng root beer na binili namin sa convenient store malapit sa village namin.

“Nahihilo ka pa ba?”

Umiling ako. “Masakit pa ba?”

“Hindi niya naman ako sinampal.” Natatawang sabi niya pero alam kong deep down nasasaktan siya.

“Bakit ganun yung mga tao no? Nasasaktan na nga nagagawa paring magjoke.” Tumingin ako sa langit. Wala masyadong stars, hindi tuloy ako makapag-connect the dots.

“Pinili ko to kaya paninindigan ko.”

Tiningnan ko siya ulit pagkatapos kong uminom ng root beer. Nakatingin siya sa langit, mukhang nag-iisip. “Hindi mo naman kasi kailangang gawin yun, pwede namang nasa relationship ka parin habang magkaloveteam tayo.”

“Hindi healthy yun para sating lahat. Hindi tayo magiging kapani-paniwala sa mata ng mga tao kung may girlfriend ako.” Tumingin siya sakin. “I’m just making things stress-free for all of us.” Naglabas siya ng lighter at sigarilyo kaagad ko namang kinuha yun sa kanya bago pa niya masindihan. “Hey!” Sabi niya.

“Anong hey? Bawal, susunugin lang nito ang baga mo.” Tinapon ko iyon ng walang pag-aalinlangan. “Wag mong hahabulin.” Banta ko sa kanya, wala na siyang nagawa.

Natahimik lang siya, baka naiinis sa ginawa ko.

Wala namang masama dun, concerned lang naman ako sa kanya.

“Naranasan mo na bang mapaniwala sa mga bagay na ikaw mismo ang nagawa?”

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng hindi siya nagalit sa ginawa ko.

“Ha?”

Ipinatong niya ang likod niya sa harap ng kanyang sasakyan sabay tingin muli sa langit. “Yung tulad nito, yung mga press release natin, yung nagpapanggap tayo na tayo pero hindi tayo.”

Pano ba sagutin yung tanong niya? Naniniwala sa mga ginagawa namin? May dapat bang paniwalaan kung una palang alam kong trabaho lang ang lahat ng to?

“Nadadala, oo. Pero napapaniwala?” I paused. “Siguro hindi.” Ginaya ko ang posisyon niya. “We’re scripted, ang hirap namang bigyan ng laman nun.”

“Hindi ka ba kinikilig?”

Nanahimik ako saglit. “Kinikilig din.” Pag-amin ko.

Tiningnan niya ako, yung tingin na may halong pag-asa. “So you understand what I’m trying to say?”

“Elmo-” He cut me off.

“Sa tingin mo ba magagalit siya sayo ng walang dahilan?”

Napakunot ako ng noo. “Ano bang gusto mong sabihin?”

“Ang slow mo talaga.” Pinisil niya ang ilong ko sabay tayo. “Halika na nga ihahatid na kita sa bahay niyo.”

“Teka.” Pinigilan ko siya, napatayo tuloy ako sa pagkakaupo ko sa hood ng sasakyan niya. Kainis komportable na ako sa posisyon na yun eh. “Hindi nga kasi kita ma-”

Naputol na naman yung sasabihin ko hindi dahil sumagot siya ng mabilis pero dahil…

Dahil hinalikan niya ako.

Parang tumigil yung tibok ng puso ko, yung katawan ko parang biglang naparalyze, gustuhin ko man siyang sampalin alam kong hindi ko iyon magagawa kasi pakiramdam ko wala akong tuhod, wala akong kamay, wala akong katawan. Ang labi ko lang ang pakiramdam kong meron ako. Parang nawala yung katawan ko at yung kaluluwa ko lang yung natira, dinaig pa nito yung feeling kapag nakasakay sa extreme rides. At least dun kaluluwa lang ang naiwan may katawan parin ako. Pero ito malala, kasi yung kaluluwa ko walang lakas para lumaban. Tanggap lang siya ng tanggap.

Pero Julie gising! Hindi ito shooting!

Iba ang totoong buhay!

Sa totoong buhay virgin pa ang labi mo.

Kaya gumawa ka naman ng paraan!

Nang magising na ako sa katotohanan at ng makakuha na ng lakas para gumalaw, bigla ko siyang naitulak papalayo sakin, sa lakas ng tulak ko napaupo siya sa sidewalk.

“I’m sorry.” Hinawakan ko yung kamay niya para tulungan siyang makatayo. “Ikaw kasi, bakit mo ba ginawa yun?”

“Hindi mo parin ba gets?” Sabi niya habang nagpapagpag. “I like you Julie.”

Tumawa nalang ako, baka kasi nagjo-joke siya.

BENTA HA.

“Anong I like you ka dyan? Joke time ka.”

“I’m not joking-” Tinitigan niya ako ng makalapit siya sakin, natigil ang pagtawa ko. Seryoso ba talaga siya? “Gusto mo bang halikan kita ulit para magets mo?”

TEKA!

TIMEOUT!

TAMA BA ANG DINIG KO?

WEH?

GUSTO NIYA AKO?

KAILAN NAMAN AT PANO?

NANANAGINIP NA NAMAN BA AKO?

SINAMPAL KO SA ISIP ANG SARILI KO HABANG NAKATINGIN SA KANYA.

HINDI EH, TOTOONG BUHAY TO.

GISING NA GISING AKO, NASA HARAP KO SIYA, NASA HARAP NIYA AKO.

BUMALIK NA ANG KATAWAN KO.

KASABAY NG PAGBALIK NITO ANG PAGSABI NIYA NA GUSTO NIYA AKO.

KUNG GUSTO NIYA AKO EDI…

EDI THIRD PARTY AKO?

ANAK NG…

[janicetimbol]

Chapter 11 - Shall We Dance?

Chapter 11 - Shall We Dance? Unedited. (Photo of Julie’s dress above) It’s the day of the merger ball and Elmo is still in his office at SJC burying himself in work for days, distracting himself from his thoughts of Julie and their “friendly date” 3 nights ago. Pagkatapos makit ni Julie kung sino yung tumawag sakanya bigla na itong nag ayang umuwi. She looked distraught and guilty.  Since Julie took a cab para makarating sa Restaurant, Elmo drove her home. The drive to her condo was silent, other than the instructions Julie gave her to get to her condo, pinalibutan sila ng katahimikan. Until now he was still wondering what happened, or who happened that made Julie looking so guilty. 

Everything was going smoothly, even better after their dinner. He was about to make his move and tell her how he feels, if it weren’t  for that call.

Aiden … That was the name she mentioned. he didn’t catch the next thing she said because of the blaring horn from a car that passed by where they were. Kahit anong gawin niya, hindi niya mapigilan ang sarili sa pag iisip kung sino yung taong yun. So, instead in dwelling on it more, he decided to keep himself busy . He still has not been able to talk to Julie after that night dahil naging busy din ito sa preparations for the merger ball na ang host ay ang SJC. In this party, both companies will announce to the public the merger of SJC and FMCC that they have kept under wraps habang inaayos pa ang mga dapat ayusin sa SJC after the scandal that they went through.

Everyone in the building are all busy and buzzing with excitement. Ever since kasi sa nangyari last year, hindi na nagkaroon ng magagarang party ang SJC, except for the Christmas party na mismo ang employees by Department na ang nag-organize. 

Maagang papauwiin ang employees today para magkaron pa sila ng time para makapag prepare sila for the party. All employees both from SJC and FMCC are invited, kaya looking forward din si Elmo dahil makikita niya  ang friends niya, dahil medyo matagal narin since huli silang nag unwind.

Checking his watch, he decided to go home and prepare for the party.  He didn’t want to be late for this party or he’ll never hear the end of it from his brother. -x- -x- -x- They were at the SJC-FMCC merger party. All of the employees are present, even some people from the press and each company’s clients. Elmo was talking with Frank, Nathaniel and some of SJCs board members holding a glass of brandy, he wasn’t the drinking type but the alcohol helps to calm his nerves.

He was nervous but for a complete different reason.

He’s been thinking a lot about Julie ever since they last saw each other. He so badly wanted to get a chance to talk to her, to talk about that one moment during their date.

Truth is he never gets nervous, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. He was always confident, because once they saw him, they will be the first to initiate flirting, he didn’t even have to do anything.

The last time he felt nervous when it comes to the opposite sex was during his college graduation, when he decided to confess his undying love for his bestfriend, Julie.

He excused himself from his group to go to the men’s room, to try to get him out of his nervous funk.

When he got to the men’s room he couldn’t help but hear grunts and soft moans coming out from one of the stalls. He couldn’t help but smile smugly realizing what’s going on, remembering himself doing the same thing. He washed his face then looked at himself on the mirror.

“Get yourself together Elmo.” he muttered to himself.

He washed his hands and grabbed a couple of paper towel to dry his face and hands with.

The noise from the stall started to get louder then it stopped. A moment later the door opened, a woman wearing a very skimpy dress went out. She stopped when she saw Elmo, eyeing him and smiling seductively then strolled out. Then the man with her went out fixing his crumpled suit.

Elmo looked at him through the mirror. The guy gave him a smug smile.

“Bago ka lang ba dito? Parang ngayon lang kita nakita.” the guy asked.

“Hmm, parang ganon na nga.” Elmo answered

The guy nodded in approval.

“You might wanna clean that stain on your pants before going out.” Elmo said.

“Shit.” he heard the guy say as he went out of the men’s room and went back to his group  joining the conversation. Habang nakikipag usap siya with Frank and Nathan when they heard murmurs and awes.

Elmo turned to the direction where every ones attention was. His heart started to beat so fast the moment he saw Julie walking from the entrance.

She looked immaculate in a gorgeous short strapless sweetheart white chiffon A-line beaded asymmetrical sequin dress, with her long hair falling down in waves. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

He was still looking at her when their gazes met. She smiled at him which he returned with his own genuine smile that he only give to Julie. He saw something change in her, but was gone immediately as she approached them.

“Gentlemen.” Julie said when she reached their group.

“You look lovely princess.” Nathan said giving her a kiss on the forehead.

“Thanks Daddy.” Julie answered smiling at his father.

“Good to see you again Julie.” Frank said.

“Likewise.” Julie answered with a smile.

Then Julie turned to him and gave him a wry smile which he returned kindly. “You look breathtakingly beautiful tonight Miss San Jose.” Elmo chided himself for letting the ‘breathtakingly’ slip out of his mouth but recovered from it and gave her a playful smile.

“Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself. You clean up well.” Julie answered him with a teasing tone.

But before he could answer, the guy from the men’s room appeared beside Julie. He furrowed his brows when he gave her a peck on the cheek. He returned to his stoic expression before anyone noticed him frowning. They were whispering to each other, he saw Julie frown a bit giving the guy a skeptic look. The guy whispered in her ears again and Julie started nodding in agreement, the frown on her face fading away.

Seeing the guy get that close to Julie made his blood boil. He started to feel protective of her. He chided himself for feeling the he felt. Because alam niyang wala siyang karapatan dahil wala naman silang relation except from being best of friends back in college, and they just saw each other after a long time a few days ago. And besides he might just be a relative of hers that she’s really close to.

Get a hold of yourself Moe. he told himself.

Julie and the guy turned their attention back to the group. He didn’t miss the look the guy had when he saw him, like a deer-in-the-headlights look. Elmo raised his eyebrows and saw the guy composed himself and gave him a small smile.

“Aiden, I’d like you to meet our guest of honors, the CEO of FMCC Frank Magalona-” Julie gestured to Frank.

“-and his brother the CTO and current CFO of FMCC that I was telling you about, that I will be working with Elmo Magalona.” Julie gestured to him and offered his hand to him that he hesitantly took.

“And this is Aiden Caballero, the new Marketing Manager of SJC and my fiancé.” Julie said proudly. -x- -x- -x- “Fiancé?” shocked, Elmo couldn’t help but ask, at the same time when Nathaniel asked.

Julie looked at him and he couldn’t help but see guilt and remorse in her eyes, before she looked at her Father.

“Dad”

“When did this happen? Why am I hearing this just now?” Nathaniel ask with a little bit of anger, and hurt in his tone.

Elmo tuned out from the conversation, he was trying to control the turmoil of emotions he was feeling at the moment with what he found out. He was looking at the ground and he could feel Franks hand on his shoulder giving it a squeeze. “Babe, di mo pa ba sinasabi sa Daddy mo?” Elmo looked up when he heard Aiden questioned Julie, deciding to listen to the conversation. Julie ignored Aiden and focused on her Dad. She couldn’t get past the hurt she heard in his tone. 

“Dad, I wanted to tell you.. I… I was planning to tell you the day I came home over dinner,  but then your guests arrived and I… it slipped my mind. And then work became hectic, and then—” Julie looked at Elmo for a moment. “and  we all got busy with work and preparation for this ball that I didn’t get the chance to tell you.” She looked back at her Dad and said, “I’m sorry Daddy, I wanted to tell you, I really do but—” Julie looked down, she didn’t know what to say, to tell her Dad.

Nathaniel did not miss the look he saw on her daughter’s eyes, the uncertainty, doubts, confusion,  that she somehow have. And especially the look she gave Elmo when she was trying to explain to him why she didn’t tell him about her engagement until tonight.

He stepped closer to his daughter and wrapped her in his arm. “It’s okay sweetie, I understand.” He said to her soothingly

“I’m really sorry Daddy.”

“Shh, it’s okay.” Nathaniel smiled at her daughter and planting a kiss on her forehead. 

Releasing Julie in his arms, and looked at Aiden “So, I guess congratulations are in order?” offering his hand for a shake.

“Thank you sir!” Aiden said taking his hand and giving it a shake.

“Leave the formalities in the office during work hours, outside of work Tito nalang itawag mo sakin tutal malapit ka narin maging parte ng family namin.” Nathaniel said patting Aiden on the shoulder.

Frank also offering his congratulations to the couple. Elmo on the other hand, was scowling at the couple, especially at Aiden, who he saw earlier at the men’s room with another woman doing nasty things.

“I need a drink. Excuse me.” he announced to the group before leaving and heading to the open bar.

As Elmo was walking away, he stopped when he heard Aiden ask Julie to dance, and he couldn’t help but to look back. He was met with warm, apologetic, pleading brown eyes, Julie’s enigmatic eyes, beckoning him to hear her out. He couldn’t explain why but when he nodded his head, he saw relief in her eyes and she gave him a small smile in return.

He turned his head away as she walked to the dance floor with her fiance in tow,  and walked to his original destination. The bar.

He sat on one of the stool, and asked the bartender for a glass of whiskey. Once the bartender poured him a glass, he downed all of it in one drink and asked for another. On his fourth glass, he was feeling the effects of the alcohol. Holding his drink he turned around and faced the dance floor. He saw his friends with their dates in the crowd of people dancing. He also saw Julie dancing with her philandering fiance, which made his blood boil, making him down the drink on his hand. Turning around, he asked the bartender for another glass.

He noticed a woman sitting beside him, who was looking at him curiously.

“Don’t you know that it’s rude to stare.” he said flippantly

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it.” she said, biting her lip,  checking him out openly. Elmo turned to face the woman, looking at her from head to foot and nodding in approval. She was wearing a red body fitting dress which emphasized all her assets and curves. 

“What’s your name?” he asked, turning on the charms. 

“Veronica” said the woman, offering her hand.

“I’m El — Moses. Call me Moses” taking the woman’s hand and giving it a peck

. Elmo caught the attention of the bartender and asked to give the woman another one of her drink.

“Thanks for the drink. So, anong ginagawa mo dito mag-isa? Where’s your date?” the woman asked.

“Unfortunately, i don’t have a date tonight. How about you?”

“Wala din. I came with my co-workers.”

“That’s a shame.” Elmo said taking another sip of his drink. 

Feeling a warm hand on his shoulder he turned back to the woman. She was now on her feet, and as she closed the distance between the two of them, her hand slowly slid down from his shoulder to his hand that was holding the glass of whiskey.

He was slightly caught off guard by the woman’s straightforwardness, that he didn’t notice that she was now standing between his legs, taking the glass from his hand and placing it on the island. She slowly wound her hands around his neck and suddenly he felt her lips on his.

He was frozen in place, shocked with by the action of the woman before him. He felt her coaxing him to respond by sensuously stroking his lips with her tongue. Eventually, with the amount of alcohol that he had, he lost his resolve and control and finally gave in to the woman’s desire and responded to the kiss by winding his arms around the woman’s waist and parting his lips, which the woman took the opportunity by thrusting her tongue inside. 

He didn’t know how long they have been making out in the open, he was enjoying himself that he didn’t care if everyone can see in the party can see, it has been awhile since the last time he has been this intimate with another woman. He was caressing the woman’s back, squeezing her waist, her bottom, pulling her hair to angle her lips to deepen the kiss. His hand was on it’s way to explore other parts of the woman when he felt a tap on his shoulders, making him groan,  which made him break the kiss and look at the person who disturbed them.

Opening his eyes, he saw Julie standing just three feet from them. Her demeanor was calm, but when he looked at her eyes he saw that she was fuming.

Before he can even say anything, Julie beat him to it.

“You owe me a dance. Shall we?” -x- -x- -x- A/N: Hello everyone! I made some changes in the part that I posted as the prologue. So don’t get confused, they are just minor changes. This story is still on indefinite hold. I had a personal issue which made me take down my stories along with my drafts that I don’t have back up to and change my UN (at Wattpad). At the moment, I’m still trying to figure out the direction of where the story will go. And of me being busy with work and family doesn’t help also, so please bear with me. 

This update won’t be possible if it weren’t for these three wonderful and amazing people (@letmeKRISyou, @mamays13 & @heyits_Fil) who kept hounding me for an update. Don’t forget to thank them and follow them on twitter. Lol

Keep spreading the JE Love! 

Don’t hate, just LOVE! :)

Peace y’all!

[janicetimbol]

Dance moves.

[janicetimbol]

I used to like you a lot, as in a lot. It was a kind of “I like you a lot” that freaks me out all the time while I try so hard to never make it obvious. I liked you like I’ve never liked anyone else, to the point that I was convinced (for a moment) that I’m already in love with you. I used to dream about a future with you, a lot. I used to think and believe that every time you look at me, you see me; that everytime you’re close to me, you feel me; and that everytime you talk to me, you can hear my heart. You used to be the only guy I ever wanted, I ever hoped for. You used to be the center of my thoughts. You used to be that person whom I shared the most awkward silences with, I had nonsense arguments with, and with whom I enjoyed a complicated friendship. You used to be so special and different to me. But liking and loving you was difficult and crazy and pointless. I waited, I assumed, I expected and I ended up being broken. You never knew what exactly I have felt you. Maybe that’s the reason why nothing happened between you and I. I never told you how much I cared and you never cared to tell me what I was to you. For many years, I’m attached to you, I’m tangled up in you, I’m annoyingly in love with you. And now, I’m done. I’m over you, I ‘ve moved on. How did I know? It was when I saw you the last time, I felt nothing. I felt no rush in my blood, no excitement in my heart, no confusion in my mind. And I looked at you and saw nothing but a guy I used to like a lot, a guy I’ve secretly loved, a guy who never met me halfway. And I smiled and realized, my feelings have changed. My heart no longer holds that hope of you and me I’ve been carrying all those years. And I felt good. I still don’t have the courage to tell you all this, but maybe one day I could finally let you know.And if one day, when we will look at each other and I would feel those same old, crazy feelings again and you finally feel the same way, maybe…just maybe, after all this time, we’re really meant to be.

A letter to the Guy I Have Finally let Go of (via thisisorangeandblue)

[janicetimbol]

[janicetimbol]

After Forever (1/2)

“..I vow to tolerate your mood swings, as much as I can. I vow to try my best to keep you calm whenever you have your period and you want to transform into a monster; a very beautiful monster, of course. I vow to let you hold the remote control, like, 90% of the time during weekdays and and 65% on weekends. I vow to cook for you whenever you’re hungry or not or whenever you pretend to be on a diet but you’re really not, I will force you to eat, because I don’t really care if you will be big as an elephant, as long as you won’t look like a walking stick. I vow to listen to you, to you every drama, no matter how pointless they could get. I vow to ignore that fact that, sometimes, you love Channing Tatum and John Lloyd Cruz more than me. I vow to pretend that I love The Vampire Diaries when I really do prefer watching Games of Thrones, it’s more awesome. And hey, fine, I will let you use my poor finger and toesnails for your nail polish experiments, just promise you get rid of them afterward. I vow to take your side when all of your friends are against you, even if you’re the that’s who’s wrong point. I vow to shut up when you want me to, and talk when you want me to, and do both when you want me to. I vow to be your best friend, your brother, your father, your grandfather, your pet, your pillow, your blanket, your punching bag, you shoulder to cry on and your stress absorber all the days of your life. I vow to be the boy, the guy, and the man who will love you for the rest of his life. I vow to keep my every vow and you will always be my number one girl. I will love you forever.”

Julie smiled. She felt her tears fall from her eyes. She wiped them away and looked around to see if anyone caught her. Luckily, all eyes were at the two people exchanging wedding vows at the altar.

It was one of the sweetest vows Julie has ever heard. At hindi nya mapigilang hindi ma-touch. 

Then her phone vibrated inside her clutch bag. Pagtingin nya’y muli syang napangiti. Lumabas sya ng church at doon sinagot ang tawag.

“Yes?” Sagot nya.

“Pop quiz. How much would you do for love?” tanong ng lalaking nasa kabilang linya.

“Hmmm… how?”

“Really? Di man lang sumubok na sagutin?”

Julie laughed. “You should be here. The wedding is so beautiful. Narinig mo sana iyong wedding vow ni Brad kay Chin.”

“I’m the one who wrote that for him, I know every word! Please, tell me, he didn’t add any more freakin’ baduy lines.”

“He didn’t dare.”

“Good.”

Julie smiled and looked back at the church. “I really hope they will live happy ever after.”

“You organized a perfect wedding and reception for them and you weren’t talking to me for days for Pete’s sake, they owe you a lifetime of marriage.” 

Muling natawa si Julie. “I miss you. Kelan ka ba uuwi?”

“Very soon, Malay mo, I’m on my way na.”

“You know I hate surprises.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t surprise you.”

“I need to go back inside. I’ll call you later. You need to prepare that phone patch message or else I won’t talk to you for a month, okay?”

“Ang layo ko na nga, nagagawa mo pang maging bossy. Alright, alright. Enjoy the wedding. i love you.”

“Love you, too.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Oh.  My. God.”

“Hello to you, too.”

Nanatiling nakatayo si Amber habang pinagmamasdan ang binatang kaharap. With an obvious expression of disbelief on her face, napailing na lang sya until a smile appeared. “You are unbelievable, you bastard.”

Elmo snorted and laughed, and put his bag down. Hewelcomed Amber into his arms as she walked towards him. His sister didn’t say anything and just hugged him for a long time. Napangiti na lang sya nang muli sya nitong titigan pagkatapos nilang magyakapan na para bang literal syang bumangon mula sa hukay.

“Dad’s right.” sambit ni Amber. “The prodigal son always comes back.”

“So you’re still his number one fan, huh.”

Amber released a cold laugh. “He just bought me a new car.”

“Tsss.” react ni Elmo. Saka napansin ni Amber ang malaking maleta na nasa likod ng binata.

“Would that be good for a month or two?” tanong nya sa kapatid.

Elmo took a deep sigh and gave his sister a very sincere smile. “It’ll be good for good.” Amber narrowed her eyes at saka inubos ang natitirang wine sa bitbit nyang baso.

“You’re kidding.” Elmo didn’t answer. “I know you and there’s no way you will stay in one place for a long time, especially not here.”

“Bakit? Ayaw mo ba?”

“For one, kahit na mukha ka pa ring sira ulo, I’m actually, sincerely happy to see you. At kung seryoso ka nga, I need you to keep your word.” Kapwa sabay na nagbago ng mood ang magkapatid at naging mas seryoso ang usapan. “He’s dying. And now you’re here, it’s time for you to finally fix things. Don’t you think?”

Elmo glanced at the stairs and when Amber noticed, napalingon sya at nakitang nakatayo roon si Brad. Maya-maya'y lumapit ito sa kanila. Diretso itong nakatingin kay Elmo. Amber looked at her two brothers. She made way for Brad to get closer to Elmo, and eventually, she felt so relieved when the two finally reached other and hugged.

“You’re back.” bulong ni Brad.

Elmo nodded slightly. “Yeah.”

“Photography?!” natatawang sambit ni Amber. “Seriously?”

Napasimangot si Elmo. “Why do you sound so surprised?”

“Wala. Hindi ko lang in-expect na kahihiligan mo iyon. I thought-”

“You thought what?”

“You’ll be into…I don’t know, business, music, or whatever. Not arts.”

“He’s our father’s son.” Singit ni Brad. “That’s just a proof.” Napabaling si Elmo sa pinakamatanda nilang kapatid. One of their dad’s hobbies is photography, at nagpe-paint din ito. “What kind?”

Elmo tried not to smile or laugh. “Weedding.” And the reaction from Brad and Amber was what he was already expecting. Hindi na nya napigilang matawa sa mga kapatid dahil sa pagkabigla ng mga ito. They look at him as if he isn’t the brother they thought they knew. Well, he’s obviously changed, so he’s not surprised.

“You hate weddings!” bulalas ni Amber.

“Who are you and where the hell is our brother?” si Brad.

“Very funny.” sagot nya. Binalingan muna nya si Amber. “I used to hate weddings, not anymore.”

“But why weddings? So you do prenups din?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my gosh.” At saka nya pinagtawanan si Elmo. “You’re so cute, Moe, my baby brother.”

“How long have you been into wedding photography?” tanong ni Brad.

“Two years. Actually one of the reasons why I’m here is because I have two clients for this month. And I-”

“Now, look who’s here.” Sabay-sabay na napatingin ang magkakapatid sa pinagmulan ng boses na iyon. Napahinto si ELmo nang makitang nakatayo sa may pintuan si Logan, ang papa nila. Naka-simpleng t-shirt at pajama lang ito at kahit halatang maysakit ay  hindi pa rin nawawala ang kaguwapuhan nito.

Tumayo si Brad at nilapitan ang matanda. “Dad, why did you go out? You need to stay in bed for-”

“I don’t need to rest.” sagot ni Logan. “I’ll be sleeping for the rest of my life in a couple of months.” katwiran nito. Saka ito mulimg bumaling kay Elmo. “Son.”

At ang salitang iyon lang ang hinintay ni Elmo para tuluyang gumaan ang pakiramdam nya. He stood up and walked towards his dad. “Dad.”

“Moe,” si Amber, “Take dad to his room, please.”

Pagsandal ni Logan sa headboard nya'y hinila ni Elmo ang isang upuan at inilapit iyon sa kama nito. Doon sya umupo at sinalubong ang mga tingin ng ama. He’s just 50 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer, and he’s been fighting it for almost 20 years now. Nagpabalik-balik ang sakit nito hanggang sa dumating sa puntong hindi na kaya ng kahit anong treatment dahil nagkalat na sa bawat parte ng katawan nya.

“Two months.” Umpisa ni Logan. “The doctors said I have two months.” Nagbaba ng tingin si Elmo. “You know, my doctor is a very religious man. He knows miracles can really happen. He’s been a doctor for 30 years now but he never stopped believing on a higher power.” Elmo’s still looking down. “It was just 3 days ago when I came home from the hospital. I told him, ‘Are you sure I still have 2 months? Pakiramdam ko hindi pa ako nakakauwi e mamamatay na ako’. And then, you know what he told me? ‘I wish you would have more than that. But if you won’t, you have to make it at least 2 months.You still need to wait for your son to come back’.” Dahan-dahang nag-angat ng tingin si Elmoat tinitigan ang ama. “That’s why I like him very much.“ tuloy ni Logan. "And since that day, all I’ve ever wanted was for you to finally come home.  Because doctors aren’t always right. And I’m scared of thinking…hindi ko man lang makikita ang bunso ko bago ako sintensyahin.” Then Logan finally showed that smile he’s been hiding since he saw Elmo. It’s been 4 years nang huli itong umalis. “I’m happy to see you, son.”

And the tears came in quicker than the words for Elmo. “I’m so sorry, dad.” Saka ito lumapit sa ama at maingat itong yumakap. At para itong batang maliit na umiyak sa magulang. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” mahinang sagot ni Logan. “It’s okay, son.”

Elmo’s suitcase is still full and he hasn’t emptied his bags yet. Nakahiga sya sa kanyang kama, sa kuwarto nya na walang ipinagbago simula nang huli syang umuwi doon. He’s staring at the ceiling. The little stars are still there.

It was his dad who drew those stars, at ito rin ang nagpintura sa buong kuwarto nang bata pa si Elmo. He hated the design, at hindi na rin nya maalala kung ilang beses na silang nagsigawan at nag-away sa silid na iyon, sila ng daddy nya. But now, for the first time in a very long time, he finally feels he’s home. And he missed everyone so much, especially his father.

Saka sya bumangon at nilingon ang malaking bintana sa kuwarto nya na nakabukas. Madilim na sa labas at ilang oras na lang ay matatapos na ang araw na iyon.

And once again, he thought of her.

“Knock, knock!” Lumingon sya’t nakita si Amber. Nabuksan na nito ang pinto bago pa man ito kumatok. “Can i come in?”

“No.”

Amber smiled. Pumasok sya’t isinara ang pinto. Nilapitan nya si Elmo at saka umupo sa kama nito. “The old man was asking about you before I’ve convinced him to go to sleep.”

“Sinabi ko na sa kanya. I’m not going anywhere.” sagot ni Elmo.

“I know. He knows. It’s just that, hindi mo rin maiiwasang hanapin ka nya. When all you’ve done was leaving, people would always think you will leave again. Leave, come back, leave. Never stay.”

Tinitigan ni Elmo ang ate nya. Amber has been separated for 2 years now and simula noon ay lagi na itong umiinom. She stopped working and focused herself on taking care of their father, but there are time when she till breaks down and she seeks comfort on wine and liquor.

“Not if you have a reason to.”

Amber smiled and touched her brother’s hand. “It’s okay kung darating iyong araw na gusto mo ulit umalis. Just promise me, you’ll stay with dad while he’s still around.” Elmo smiled back at her and slightly nodded. Napabuntong-hininga si Amber at saka pumwesto sa tabi ng kapatid. They’re both facing the same direction and she’s still holding his hand.

“I know that… dad and us and your work aren’t the only reasons why you’re here.” Elmo didn’t react. He knows exactly what Amber’s talking about. She turned to him. “In a day, nagawa mong maayos ang lahat sa pagitan nyo ni dad, at sa inyo ni kuya Brad. You’ll be able to fix things with her, too.”

Nilingon ni Elmo ang ate nya. “I hope it’ll be that simple.”

“Just talk to her and tell her everything.”

“Ano bang kailangan kong sabihin?”

“I don’t know. You know.”

“I broker her heart.” mahinang sabi ni Elmo

“She broke yours, too. And she’s the only one who can fix it.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The next day, Elmo woke up early to meet his first client for that month. He checked on his dad and assured Amber and Brad that he’s definitely going home after work.

He arrived at  the meeting place at exactly 7:30 AM. And he had time to study the pre-nup and wedding theme for 30 minutes. At 8:05 AM, his clients arrived. The engaged couple and their common friend, Felix.

“Moe!” At nagyakapan ang dalawa. “Sorry pare, we’re late. Traffic.”

“It’s okay, Fel.”

“Here, I want you to meet, Jessica and Billy. Jess’s my high school classmate and a very good friend. Billy’s my former officemate.”

“Hi.” Kinamayan ni Elmo ang dalawa at nagpakilala na rin sya sa mga ito. “When Felix knew we’re getting married,sinabi nya agad na he knew someone who could be the perfect photographer for us.” si Jessica.

“And since, we trust him,” si Billy. “We immediately said yes.” Elmo smiled.

“Well, this guy here,” turo ni Felix kay Elmo, “He’s really good. He’s been around Europe and South America covering all kinds of weddings. You sure won’t regret it.”

“Coincidentally, Felix is the president of my fans club so I’m glad you guys found me.” Pabirong pagmamayabang ni Elmo. “You won’t regret it indeed.”

Felix rolled his eyes. “Just excuse the conceitedness.” Sabi nito sa magkasintahan. And they all laughed and started ordering for food.

“We already have our coordinator, medyo nagtampo nga nung malaman nyang hindi namin kukunin iyong photographer nya. But she’s nice and she wants to have a meeting with you, too.” ani Jessica.

“Ahm, sya nga iyong kinuha nyong coordinator?” biglang tanong ni Felix.

“Yeah. She’s my brother’s-”

“I actually invited her to be here.” singit ni Billy.

“Oh, you did?” BIglang nalimutan ni Jessica ang nais sabihin kanina.

“Yeah, baka na-traffic din.”

Saka napansin ni Elmo ang naging reaksyon ni Felix at ang pagsulyap nito sa kanya. Napakunot-noo sya nang nag-peace sign ito at hindi pinahalata kina BIlly.

“There.” sambit ni Jessica. At dahil sa hindi maipintang expression ni Felix sa mukha, nagkaroon na ng ideya si Elmo sa dahilan kung bakit ganon ang reakyson ng kaibigan. Saglit syang napapikit at bumuntong hininga, at saka lumingon.

He saw how that beautiful smile disappeared from her face. And from the way they stared at each other, the soon-to-be-wedded-couple realized the two know one another.

“Mukhang there’s no need for introduction.” sambit ni Billy.

“Julie!” masayang bati ni Jessica. Tinignan sya ni Julie at saka ito muling ngumiti. Nagbeso-beso ang dalawa at nakipagbeso rin ito kay Billy.

“Good morning.” bati nya sa mga ito. At simpleng nginitian naman nya si Felix na kumaway sa kanya.

Elmo’s just watching her, until she sat on the remaining vacant chair across him. And their eyes met again. No one smiled. No one talked.

“Julie, seems like you already know Elmo?” tanong ni Jessica.

“Yeah. I do.” sagot nito.

“Great. Since you two already know each other, for sure hindi na kayo magkakaproblemang magtrabaho together. Elmo, Julie’s our wedding coordinator.” sabay tingin ni Jessica kay Elmo. Pagdaka'y binalingan nya ulit si Julie. “Elmo will be our photographer, Jul. Small world, huh.”

“Photographer.” sambit ni Julie habang nakikipatitigan pa rin sa binata. “Nice.” At siguradong na-sense ni Elmo ang sarcasm sa tono ng dalaga.

“Teka, parang ang tagal nyo na ring hindi nagkita ah.” sambit ni Billy. “Judging by the way Elmo being…speechless.”

Elmo was the one who looked away and turned to Billy. “Four years.”

“Oh.” At tahimik lang si Felix habang pinapanood at nakikinig sa apat. “Do you used to be lovers?” biglang tanong ni Billy.

“Honey.” awat ni Jessica habang tumatawa. “Seriously?”

“Why?” At sabay-sabay silang napatingin kay Felix na biglang napa-ehem. “They seem like they have ‘a past’.”

“Actually,” Julie spoke. “We weren’t. He used to be my crush but…he didn’t feel the same way about me.” At nalipat sa kanya ang atensyon ng lahat. Muli silang nagkatitigan ni Elmo. “Did you?” And she gave him a smile.

Nanahimik sina BIlly at Jessica nang mapansin ang makahulugang titig ni Elmo at ngiti ni Julie. They finally felt the tension and both looked at Felix for help. And the latter understood.

“Well, sabi nga nila past is past. We’re here for Jess and BIll’s wedding and their future, so, lets’ eat and get started?” suhestiyon ni Felix. It was a terrible way of diverting the topic but it worked.

Julie remained composed and acted like Elmo’s a total stranger she just met and Elmo tried to do the same. After a couple of hours, their meeting ended.

“I’m so looking forward for our prenup shot.” si Jessica. “I’ll see you both in 2 days.”

“Ingat.” taning nasagot ni Elmo.

Naunang umalis ang dalawa at naiwan sii Felix kasama sina Elmo at Julie. When Elmo found a chance to talk, Julie grabbed it first. “So since you don’t have your guys with you and obviously, you can’t do it all not alone, I’ll take my photography team with me sa shoot.” seryosong sabi ni Julie.

“Sure. Just make sure you pick the ones who are not difficult to deal with.”

Julie smiled. “As long as you’re not being difficult, we won’t have any problems. Mauna na 'ko sa inyong dalawa. See you in two days.”

Felix watched as Julie walked away while Elmo just stood there and didn’t move at all. “Hey, Moe. What’re you doing?”

“What?”

“Habulin mo.”

Elmo took a deep sigh. “She won’t talk to me.”

“Pare, kung kinamumuhian ka pa rin ni Julie, hindi na yan tumuloy na makipag-meeting sa 'tin.”

“She’s just being professional.”

“Look pare, sorry kung hindi ko nasabi na sya yung coordinator, ang sabi kasi ni Jess hindi pa sure iyon. Pero you and Julie will be working together, on a wedding, for the next two weeks! You can’t have this cold relationship with her.”

Hindi na nagsalita si Elmo at napabuntong-hininga na lang nang malalim. He didn’t expect na sa ganoong paraan pa sila magkikita ulit ni Julie. And clearly, she still hates him as much as she did four years ago.

Nakahawak na sa pinto ng kotse nya si Julie pero hindi pa rin nya iyon binubuksan. Muli syang pumikit at huminga nang malalim at pilit pinakalma ang puso nya na mabilis pa rin ang pagtibok. Hindi nya alam kung galite ba sya o ano. Soon as she saw Elmo’s face, she’s been trying very hard to get herself together.

“Are you okay?”

Napalingon sya bigla at nakita ang binata, She took anothesr deep breath. “Yeah.” tatalikod na sana ulit nang,

“Can we talk?” pormal na sambit nito. Tinignan nya ito.

“No. I’m a busy person. At kung hindi tungkol sa kasal nina Jess ang gusto mong pag-usapan natin, I don’t think I have time for any 'talk’.”

Elmo took a few steps closer to her, without breaking their eye connection. “No. We need to talk about 'us’.”

Napataas ng kilay si Julie. “Us?” at sarkastiko itong tumawa. “Oh my God, are you for real?!”

“I’m serious. I need to-”

“You need to what?” biglang seryoso ulit ni Julie. At hindi na nya itinago pa kay Elmo ang galit sa mga mata nya. “I have to go-”

“Julie-”

“Don’t waste my time!”

“I want you to come with me.”

“What?! And why would I do that?”

“So we can talk?”

Hindi kaagad sumagot si Julie at galit na tinitigan lang ang binata. And then she took a couple of steps forward and didn’t blink while looking at Elmo. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

At wala nang nagawa si Elmo kundi panoorin na lang kung paano sya iniwang mag-isa ni Julie doon. He wanted to follow her and convince her, but he knows her well and her stubborness hasn’t changed. He just let her go, again.

“I heard that his dad’s sick.”

Nilingon ni Julie si Kasey. Kasama nya ito sa bahay at matagal nang kaibigan. Inaayos ni Julie ang planner nya at nabanggit nya kay Kasey ang pagkikita nila ni Elmo.

“Paano mo naman nalaman iyon.” tanong nya.

“Magkasama sa work ang ate nya at ate ko, remember? Di ko lang binabanggit sa iyo dahil baka mamaya mawala ka lang sa mood.” Hindi kumibo si Julie. Umupo si Kasey sa kaharapan nya. “Ano nang hitsura nya?”

“Nino?”

“Ni Elmo!”

“Ganun pa rin.”

“Ganun pa rin? Sure?” Julie just rolled her eyes. “Bakit ‘di mo man lang kinausap?”

“Seriously, Kas?!”

“What? Matagal na rin naman iyon diba? Don’t you think it’s time na para mag-stop ka na sa pagiging bitter mo? isa pa, hindi naman naging kayo-” napatigil si Kasey nang mapansing iba na ang tingin ni Julie sa kanya. “O teka teka, baka sabunutan mo ‘ko ha, tandaan mo hindi ka sa akin galit. Sinasabi ko lang naman iyong totoo e. Malay mo, binalikan ka nya para once and for all ayusin na iyong sa inyong dalawa.”

“Ikaw na nagsabi diba, di naman naging kami. Wala namang dapat ayusin.” sagot ni Julie.

“E ba’t ganyan ka ka-bitter?” Inis na tumingin si Julie sa kaibigan. “Kausapin mo na, kung ako sa iyo. Para finally, matanggal na yang mga ‘what if’ at ‘whys�� sa puso mo. At nang hindi ka na um-ampalaya.” Saka na tumayo si Kasey at tinuloy ang pagluluto ng hapunan nila.

Hindi na nakipagtalo pa si Julie. Alam kasi nyang kahit na ayaw nyang aminin ay tama si Kasey. 

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Good morning!”

Napalingon si Julie nang marinig na bumati si Billy. Saka nya nakitang dumating si Elmo at binati ang dalawang magkasintahan. 

“G’morning.” Nagtanggal ito ng shades at tinignan sya. Saglit na nagtama ang mga tingin nila at saka na umiwas ng tingin si Julie.

“Julie, nandito na si Elmo!” tawag ni Jessica.

Humarap sya sa kanila at ngumiti. “Alright, let’s start!” Sambit ni Felix. “Jess, Billy, here ipapakita ko sa inyo iyong sketch plan ni Julie.”

Nilapitan ni Elmo si Julie at pinakilala ng huli ang tatlong mas nakababatang lalaking magiging assistant photographer nya. “This is Ronie, Glenn and Jayjay. Sila iyong maga-assist sa iyo.”

“Hi.” simpleng bati ni Elmo sa kanila. Nakasabit sa leeg nito ang camera nya. Then binalingan nya si Julie. “You did the sketch plan ng photoshoot?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Diba dapat ako ang in-charged dun? Since I’m the photographer.”

“I’m the wedding planner and I know exactly what they want, do you?”

Bumuntong-hininga si Elmo. “Are you going to be that rude to me the whole time?”

“I’m not being rude.”

“Really?”

“Guys!” Sabay silang napalingon kay Felix. “Ready na iyong dalawa. Kayo ba?”

Elmo just glanced at Julie and then finally approached the couple. Sinundan sya ng 3 nyang assistant.

Sa isang lumang church na napapaligiran ng napakagandang garden sa may Batangas sila nagpunta dahil doon napiling mag-prenup nina Jess. Pagkatapos nun at sa beach naman at ang huling location nila ay sa resthouse nina Billy.

Habang nagsu-shoot sila sa may garden ay nakaupo lang si Julie at pinapanood sila. Maya’t maya’y napapasulyap sya kay Elmo at napapansin kung gaano kaseryoso ang binata sa ginagawa nito. Hindi pa rin nya akalaing magiging photographer ito. Dati-rati’y kasi wala itong hilig sa kahit anong klase ng art puro sa pagta-travel lang ang interes.

Nagtagal ng 3 oras ang photoshoot nila sa church at garden at sa kalagitnaan ng shoot nila sa beach ay nag-decide silang mag-lunch na muna.

Nananghali sila sa isang malaking cottage malapit sa beach.

“Guys, sya  nga pala,” si Bill. “After ng shoot natin, I’m inviting everyone to stay with us sa resthouse and spend the night there. Bukas na tayo umuwi ng Manila.”

“Oo nga, para makapag-rest tayong lahat.” dagdag ni Jess.

“Go kami dyan!” sagot ni Felix na tila sumagot na sya para sa lahat.

“Elmo?” si Jess.

“Ahm…sure. Though I need to leave early tomorrow, I promised my dad na uuwi ako bukas sa bahay.”

“Alright.”

Muli ay nagtama ang mga tingin nila ni Julie at ito rin and unang bumitaw. Napansin iyon ni Felix at hindi na lang ito nag-react.

“By the way, you guys haven’t told us yet, Julie, Elmo. How did you two know each other?” Kapwa sila napabaling kay Billy. At nang walang sumagot sa kanilang dalawa’y,

“We all went to the same school nung college.” si Felix na ang unang sumagot.

“Oh, really. Matagal na pala kayong magkakilala.”

“Julie said you used to be her crush pero you didn’t feel the same way, bakit naman?” biglang tanong ni Billy kay Elmo. “Who wouldn’t like a girl like Julie?”

Nakatingin ang lahat kay Elmo maliban kay Julie, waiting for his answer. Then he smiled. “I actually did. Kaya lang, when I was meeting her halfway she’s not there anymore.”

Lumipat ang tingin nila sa dalaga and Julie was already cornered. She tried to smile, too. “Well, I wish I knew he was on his way, right?”

“Damn.” Sambit ni Billy. Habang si Jess nama’y lumilipat ang tingin mula kay Julie papunta kay Elmo. “You two have the most pointless love story. Meeting each other halfway di nyo pa nagawa, tsk tsk. Sayang.” Biro nito.

“If you knew, you would’ve stayed?” biglang tanong ni Elmo.

And everyone went silent at nagseryoso ang atmosphere. Hindi sumagot si Julie at nang mahalata ni Felix na naiinis na ito, sya na mismo ang nagbago sa mood ng usapan. “O guys, eto may tanong ako… Anong isla sa Pilipinas ang babalik-balikan mo?”

“Ano?” tanong ni Billy.

“E ‘di… CAMIGUIN!”

At dahil sa kakulitan at mga korning jokes ni Felix ay nabaling na sa kanya ang atensyon ng lahat at nakalimutan na ang topic nila kanina. Tumatawa ang lahat pero napansin ni Elmo na medyo tahimik pa rin si Julie.

Matapos nilang mananghali ay tinuloy nila ang pagkuha ng prenup shots. Julie completely ignored Elmo at hindi rin ito pumayag nang i-suggest ni Jess na sumabay na lang sya sa kotse ni Elmo habang papunta sila sa resthouse para mapagusapan nilang mabuti ang photoshoot.

Pagdating sa resthouse ay doon pa lang pinakita ni Julie kay Elmo ang sketch plan. At hindi iyon masyadong nagustuhan ng binata.

“I suggest we make some changes dito sa ginawa mo.” diretso nyang sabi kay Julie.

“What?!”

“Gusto ni Jess and Billy na sa loob ng bahay kunan lahat ng pictures at halos lahat ng mga sketches mo nagre-require ng outdoor shots. Are you sure you know exactly what the couple wants?”

Inis na natawa si Julie. “Yeah, I’m a hundred percent sure. Before they hired you to be their photographer, we’ve already talked about that. Kung magaling ka talaga, magagawan mo iyan ng paraan.”

“You don’t understand-”

“No, it is you who don’t understand. I don’t want to argue with you, okay? That’s the plane, that’s I made, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Clear?”

At kagaya ng inasahan ni Felix ay hindi lang iyon ang pagkakataong nagtalo at nagkontrahan ang dalawa. Halos sa buong shoot ay hindi sila nagkakasundo at napansin din iyon nina Billy at Jessica.  Because they weren’t just arguing, they’re attacking each other na para bang may iba pang dahilan kung bakit galit sila sa isa’t isa.

“Are you two, okay?” tanong ni Jess sa kanila pagkatapos ng shoot.

“Yeah. We’re good.” Si Julie na ang sumagot.

“Sensya na guys, ganyan na talaga sila ever since.” Biro ni Felix.

“By the way, Jess. Hindi ako makakasama sa inyo sa second shoot, I need to start finalizing everything. The wedding is in 10 days so ayaw kong ma-rush. I need those to be done as soon as possible.” Paalam ni Julie.

“Alright. No problem.”

Sama-sama silang nag-dinner at pagdaka’y nagpahinga na silang lahat sa kanila-kanilang mga kwarto.

Kahit pagod na’y sinimulan na ni Elmo ang pagaayos ng mga shots nya. He was busy editing some of the pictures when he accidentally opened a folder na nasa desktop. He saw some old photos from his old camera at lahat iyo’y mga litrato ni Julie, all were candid and stolen.

He stopped editing and just stared at the pictures of Julie. And he recalled the way she was treating him since they saw each other again after 4 years. He recalled the way she’s looking at him, and the way she talks to him.

Maya-maya’y nag-print sya ng isang litrato gamit ang portable printer nya.

Julie couldn’t sleep. She left her room and went outside with her laptop and a cup of tea. She opened her mcbook and dialed a number on her phone pero hindi nya nakontak ang taong gusto nyang makausap sa mga oras na iyon. She felt frustrated and sadder and lonelier.

She tried to distract herself by updating her website. She’s been an in-demand wedding planner and organizer for 2 years now and she’s created so many beautiful and memorable weddings that she couldn’t pick a favorite.

She was about to respond to a follower’s email when a photograph fell in the keyboard.

“That’s one of my favorite pictures of you. ”At alam na nya kung sino ang taong nakatayo sa may likuran nya. “That was 7 six years ago.”

Umikot si Elmo and he sat on the chair across Julie. He’s watching her looking at the photo. “Gumagawa kayo ng music video para sa isang school project. I was there, you didn’t know.”

Julie looked at him. He continued talking. “When I was in Mexico, a friend invited me to a wedding and the photographer didn’t come. Then someone handed me a camera and asked for a favor, he asked if I could take some pictures. I said yes and I ended up being the unofficial photographer that day. Nung na-print na iyong pictures the newlyweds told me I did a good job and they gave me a gift, a new camera. Then I remembered that you used to tell me how much you love weddings, then I decided to study photography and chose to cover weddings. You have no idea how much I wanted to share all those wedding experiences I had, para inggitin ka. And you have no idea how every wedding I went to reminded me of you and made me miss you more.”

“What do you want?”

“I like to talk. And to give you that picture.”

“What part of ‘I don’t want to talk to you’ you don’t and can’t understand?”

“I’m sorry.” Sagot ni Elmo.

At sapat na iyon para mag-walkout si Julie. Kinuha nya ang laptop nya’t iniwan ang tasa’t litrato sa lamesa at saka naglakad paalis. Elmo followed her and walked faster than her kaya’t naabutan nya ito’t hinarangan.

“Just leave me alone, okay?!” sambit ni Julie. “It was something you’re so good at, remember?”

“Julie.”

“Ayokong kausapin ka-“

“I’m sorry!” ulit ni Elmo.

“I don’t care about you anymore!”

“I don’t believe you.”

Julie released a sarcastic laugh. “Well, problema mo na iyon. Alis-“

“Can you just please hear me out first?!”

“No! Ayoko.”

“If you don’t care about me anymore bakit mo ‘ko iniiwasan?” Hindi sumagot si Julie at inis na napatitig kay Elmo.  “I don’t care if anything I will say won’t change whatever happened in the past or make you forgive me but I need to say it, I need you to know everything I failed to tell you. Because the last time I kept the truth, I just didn’t lose you, I lost ‘us’.”

Julie raised her brows. “Us? Bakit, naging tayo ba?” She sounded bitter, yes, but she didn’t care. She was so hurt and she never got the chance to let everything out. “Ano pa bang gusto mong sabihin? You just said, it won’t change anything and you’re right. So wag na tayong magaksayahan ng panahon, okay? I don’t want to be involved with you again.”

“I know that you still hate me-“

“No, I used to hate you so much, pero ngayon? As I’ve said, I don’t care anymore.”

“And as I’ve said, I don’t believe you.”

“What makes you think na okay lang sa iyo na gawin ‘to, ha?” Galit na na tanong ni Julie. “You broke my heart after I told you what I feel about you and you left and you were gone for 4 years, tapos bigla ka na lang susulpot ulit at you’re acting like I need to hear whatever you need to say? Na parang ganun lang iyon kadali?”

“I’m sorry-“

“Stop saying you’re sorry! Just leave me alone!” Tinulak nya si Elmo para makadaan sya. And when she was just a couple of steps away,

“I loved you.” Biglang sabi ni Elmo. That surprising confession made Julie stop. “I did. And that never changed.”

Dahan-dahang humarap si Julie sa kanya. “Hindi mo na kailangang sabihin iyan para pagaanin ang loob ko.”

“Hindi ko pinapagaan ang loob mo. It’s true. I just didn’t tell you.”

“Kasi?” Hindi sumagot si Elmo. Paiyak na natawa si Julie. “Sh*t ka pala talaga e. Ang tagal kong inipon iyong lakas ng loob at kakapalan ng mukha at katapangan para maamin sa iyo noon na mahal kita, para itanong sa iyo kung ano ba tayo, para malaman ko mula sa iyo kung ano ba talaga ako sa buhay mo. Ano’ng sinagot mo sa akin? Naaalala mo pa?” Elmo didn’t answer. “Hindi mo na naaalala? Ang sabi mo…you never saw me ‘that way’. Tapos sasabihin mo ngayon sa ‘kin minahal mo ‘ko? Paksh*t! Kailan mo naramdaman iyon? Bago ba ako umamin o pagkatapos? O after 2 years? O nung umalis ka na lang bigla?” Elmo was just staring at her. “Mamahalin mo naman pala ako, hindi ka pa sumabay sa akin.”

“Julie-“

“You asked me earlier, if I knew you were meeting me halfway, magi-stay ba ako? Magaantay ba ako? Ang sagot ko…oo, oo naman. I was that stupidly in love with you. Kaya lang ano? Nasaan ka nun?”

Dahan-dahan syang nilapitan ni Elmo. “I was so scared to tell you. Natatakot na baka kapag sinabi ko sa iyo at hindi ako sigurado masaktan lang kita. Hindi ko alam. I just realized how much a part me was missing nung wala ka na. I was thinking about you every day. I was longing for you every day. It may sound really foolish but, I realized how much I’m in love with you nung wala ka na sa buhay ko.”

“So kaya ka bumalik?” tanong ni Julie. “Kaya sinasabi mo ‘tong lahat sa akin? So ano ba talagang gusto mo? What the hell do you want?!”

“I want you back.” Hindi iyon inasahan ni Julie ngunit nagdulot iyon ng magkasingbigat na sakit at tuwa sa puso nya. “You’re the one I’m still in love with.”

Muling pinigilan ni Julie ang luha nya pero di pa rin nya magawang kontrolin. “Yes, I loved you. I loved you longer than I’ve ever loved anyone. I was willing to give you my whole heart but you pushed me way. You almost had me, but you chose to break my heart. You want me back? Minahal kita pero kahit kailan…hindi akong naging sa iyo.”

“Julie-“

“Babe?”

Sabay silang napalingon sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Mabilis na pinunasan ni Julie ang mukha nya habang gulat na nakatingin sa guwapong lalaking dumating.

“Matt?” Matthew smiled at her.

“I’m back.”

………………………tbc

[janicetimbol]

[janicetimbol]