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Chapter 22 part 1 Gone I told Brent everything when I calmed down. From the beginning to what happened earlier. I know I promised myself that everything would just happen to me but I was left with no choice. I needed someone who can relate with me and Brent is the only one available that time. To be able for him to understand me, I told him everything. I thought that telling Brent everything will ease the heaviness of my chest. It did. But, just a little bit. Apart from Brent, I have nothing else to say about what Aunt Jene did to me. I kept it to myself. Especially with my family. I know they would really be furious if they will learn about it. I don't want to make things worse. As what I've said, I understand her. I'm also thankful that no news spread about it. What happened in the canteen stayed in the canteen. As much as I want to mourn for everything that Tita Jene told me, I realized that I've always been crying lately. I was so tired I cried. I'm so tired of being hurt. I decided not to be affected anymore. Life goes on no matter what happens. The day came when Jared's OJT was over. Indeed, he was true to his words. Even though we are on the same campus, we are just a building, I can no longer see his shadow. I don't know what I will feel there. I asked that of him so I should be happy otherwise I mean, I lose. I don't know if it reached him about what happened to us with Aunt Jene. If it ever reached him, he probably didn't care either. Aldrin and I were always seen together for the rest of the school year. Our engagement was already publicized. As what I've expected, our parents threw an engagement party for us so it's no wonder Aldrin and I are together. There are some people who wonders what happened to Jared and I, though. So far, Aldrin and I were doing good. I am already really comfortable with him. He's really doing his best to make me happy because he knows I'm still in the process of moving on. Yet, sometimes, I am still spacing out and I'm thankful that he understands it. I also don't know when I will learn to love him again. I'm trying but I just still can't. I'll just settle for friendly love for now. "Congratulations!" I cheerfully handed my gift to Aldrin. Today is the graduation of colleges. The other day it was Senior High Schools like Daphne. "Woah! Thanks," He smiled accepting my gift. It's a watch. A common gift. I can't really think of a gift other than that. I chose a watch that suits his personality, though. For somehow special. "You're welcome, Engineer Villacorta," I teased. Aldrin is a Summa Cum Laude. I was no longer surprised there. He's been studying almost half of his life! He almost spent all his time in studying that he failed to pay focus on other things. But now, his sacrifices are all worth it. I can say that he is good in choosing what to prioritize first. I am happy because all his efforts have not been in vain. He is a role model. Most of all, I'm happy because he definitely has time for other things. "Tss. You're too advanced, Ms. Villegas. There are board exams yet." I rolled my eyes. "Hello? Are you seriously doubting if you could pass it? You're just Summa Cum Laude from a famous university in the Philippines. That's a chick for you!" He laughed and messed up my hair. "I wish I'm as confident as you when my review for the board exams start," I rolled my eyes again. How did he get Latin Honors if he was like that? Maybe that's his secret so he's smart? Be negative as well. "Whatever. Just picture it!" I said then called a student to take a picture of us. To be friends with Aldrin is such an honor, indeed. "Thank you," I said to the person who pictured us after he returned my phone. "Thal, I'll just go to my friends for a while. Is that okay with you?" "Sure." "Just find them mommy so you can have someone with you," "All right. Go there. Don't worry too much about me," I winked at him. "Tss." Shaking he walked away. I looked around to find Tita Andreia but someone else caught my eye. In the distance I saw Jared who I don't know if he had been looking at me before or not. I only confirmed that when he averted his gaze after I also stared back at him. My anger melted for a while. To see her wearing a black gown today is proud. I was the one who most witnessed how hard he worked at learning. Of course because for most of the school year, we were together. We were both average students who concurrently studied hard for us to at least pass. During the times that we were still together, we motivated, comforted, uplifted, and tried our best to teach each other. He is passionate about managing business. He wants to manage and hold La Sirene after graduation that's why he worked hard in school. Now, he can already achieve it. Even if he hurt me, I am still happy for him. I stopped in my tracks when Aunt Jene approached her. He said something to Jared and then they walked away. I was swallowed. I remembered how he insulted me again. I shook my head. Forget about it, Thalia. "Hey …" I turned to Aldrin. "Come on? Mommy called me. They were already at the resto," Aldrin has a celebration today with his family. My family is also invited even here in the ceremony. They didn't just go because they were busy with business but I'm sure they will attend the restaurant. Maybe they are already there, e. "Are you done greeting your friends?" I will ask. "Yup. Can we go now? I'm starving," I laughed. "Okay!" Chapter 22 part 2 A week after their graduation, the graduates were already busy getting their forms in school. Aldrin was one of them who went back and forth to school almost every day to pick up different forms that I couldn't understand why. I no longer ask what those are for because I might just have a headache when I found out. Hopefully, I'll be dealing with those things in the near future, anyway. I better not think of it for the meantime. During his daily commute to school, he was with me. I'm really bored in the house. My parents are still busy on our business so we can't go on a vacation yet. Daphne, on the other hand, was consumed by reading novels. And because Aldrin doesn't want me to have alone time, he just takes me with him to school since he can't take me to other places yet because he is really busy with his requirements. In my daily association with him, I also see the same faces of the students taking their forms every day. There is only one face that I have never seen take forms … Jared. It's just amazing because I've seen Travis and Trevor two or three times at school picking up requirements but Jared, not once. Can't he need his forms anymore? For example, for work. If anything, he is the heir to La Sirene. He may not need them anymore because he can be directly appointed to a high position. That's really it, e. Let us face the truth. But why are Travis and Trevor still picking up forms? Is it impossible for them not to work in their own business? The mess. Or maybe he got it before but I just didn't see him. Maybe. "Brent, I'm really not in the mood! Daphne hates the crowd, too! Why did you even include us here ?!" I complained as Daphne and Brent pulled us both. "Ate's right, kuya. Tss. I should have really just stayed in the house." Daphne, on the other hand. Brent stopped pulling at us. He also released our wristbands. I looked at my wristband. I went home. It immediately blushed at the tightness of his grip earlier. He waved at us. "Can you stop calling me 'brother', Daphne Asthraiea? Disgusting! You two should be even thankful because I'm concerned about you so I included you here. You literally caged yourselves inside your big house! Gosh!" We were strolling inside our village a while ago when we saw Brent. He offered us a ride back to our house. He said that he would actually visit us. But he's a scam. Instead of being at home, we are in the plaza now to accompany him to watch car racing. I rolled my eyes. "You mean, you just don't have anyone nice to come with you. We were contented spending our days in the house. And we're not caging ourselves. Aldrin and I can go out," I defended. He faked a choke. "Tse! O e asan ngayon ayong Aldrin mo? Andun. Nagrereview. Last week pa kayo last lumabas, remember? Since then hindi ka na rin lumabas ng bayan! Since when did you become an anti-social, Thalia Ysabel? And look at your innocent little sister, "We both turned to Daphne. "Have mercy. That's really not coming out of the house!" My brother blinked. "I'm not leaving KUYA Brent's house because I'm going on vacation in the province next week." He winced. "Stop protesting already! What are you? We're here, oh! Don't worry, it's only now because I don't have gay cocks. I will never let you out of your prisons again. Just … enjoy , "He sarcastically smiled and proceeded into pulling us again. When we arrived at the venue, I just sighed. When I realized that the car was not going home, I was complaining a bit because I was really lazy to get out. When I found out we were going to watch car racing I really protested. That's because when I hear the words 'car racing', only one person enters my mind. Jared. Now that we're already here, I can literally feel my heart pounding so hard against my chest. I do not know why. Maybe he's here? Brent says it was a major racing event. He loves car racing so much. It is impossible that he was not part of it. Why am I looking for him? Do not know. I'm just really wondering maybe why I don't really see him anymore. Maybe he's really true to his words that he won't show up to me anymore. But it's impossible for me not to see him totally? The smallness of the world we live in! Whatever. "Oh! There's papa Travis! I'm right, they're involved!" Brent exclaimed. I turned in the direction Brent was looking. The participants are already going to their expensive and fashionable sports cars. I've seen Travis, Trevor … I looked forward to going the way of all the participants. No Jared showed up. "Why isn't papa Jared?" Brent whispered. "It can't be. This is a major competition! He can't miss it!" I think Brent was so emotional and he forgot I was just here next to him as he mentioned Jared's name. Right now, Jared is still a sensitive topic for us. At the same time, I was even more surprised. Where is Jared? Chapter 22 part 3 The race started and the crowd got so loud. Brent shrieked. He alternately cheers for Travis and Trevor. Even Daphne who I thought was just going to grumble was screaming as well. I'm the only one who can't keep up. I am too preoccupied. The race ended with Travis being the champion and Trevor being the first runner up. When they got out of their cars, they were immediately attacked by many people, especially women. "Let's take a picture of them too!" Brent as we watch people taking pictures with the twins. "Tss. Don't rely on them, brother. Let's just go home," Daphne said. I laughed. I salute my sister for being able to contradict Brent at times like this. I can do it too but not like Daph's blocker. I think I should give her an award right after we get home. "We'll just join you," I said. Actually, I have a different motive. I never really lost my wonder where Jared was. I really need to approach and ask his friends now. I just hope they answer me properly. Maybe they are also angry with me like Tita Jene. But isn't it embarrassing that after I drive him away I will now ask where he is? I'm just really curious! I just really want to know! Bahala na. At times like this, I forget my anger at him. It is replaced by concern. We waited until we had exhausted the people taking pictures of them before we approached. "Hi, Travis, Trevor …" Brent greeted softly. From talking to their teammates earlier in the race, they both looked at Brent. "Oh. Hi, Brent!" They both smiled. But their smile faded when they looked at me from behind. Their lips even protruded. I squeezed my fingers. Can I ask them? "Can I take a picture with you, guys?" Brent. They turned their gaze back to Brent. They smiled. "Sure. Are we one by one?" "Hmm. If only I could!" The twins laughed. "Okay," I feel like it's just a little bit and Brent will jump with excitement and excitement. He turned to Daphne and me. "You really don't want to?" He whispered. "Tss. You're embarrassing brother," Daphne said. He just rolled his eyes at her. He turned to me. "You, mare?" I shook my head and smiled fakely. "It's just you. We just really went with you," He made a face. "The Villegas sisters are so kill joy right now." He sighed and I laughed. "Just take a picture of us then," he handed me his phone. I turned to Daphne. "It's you," He sighed and lazily picked up Brent's phone. As I watched Brent thrill I wondered if I would still ask the twins or not. From their reactions when they saw me a while ago, I can say that they may be mad at me. It's like I don't want to keep asking. But I really want to know! It's really up to you. Chapter 22 part 4 "T-Travis," I hesitantly called him when they had finished taking a picture of my friend. Trevor is now Brent's preoccupation. Daphne's face was already full of tears. He turned to my band. "Hey, Thalia! Call me?" He seemed so startled. I bit my lower lip and hesitantly approached him. "Uh, can I … ask you something?" His lips parted but he recovered immediately. "Sure," his tone suddenly became interested. Damn. I took a deep breath before speaking again. "Uhm, what's the matter … I'm just wondering what …" I just closed my eyes. I'm ashamed. Shit. "And what, Thalia?" He said like he's anticipating so much for my next statement. "I-I'm just wondering why I haven't seen Jared these past few weeks. I-I'm just curious if … where he is," My voice got smaller and smaller. A smile flashed on his lips but he also successfully prevented it. Fuck. His face became serious afterwards. "Why'd you ask? You drove him away, didn't you?" My jaw extremely dropped. I was caught off-guard. This is one of the rare times when I just wanna disappear. It was as if I had been slapped. I already somehow expected this response from his friends a while ago but I didn't expect that it's this … mocking. "Just kidding," His facial expression brightened. I am not convinced that he really is just kidding. Whether he took it back, I knew it was just so I wouldn't be embarrassed or anything. I smiled awkwardly, though. He cleared his throat when he noticed my reaction. "To answer your question, Jared … he already left, Thalia." My eyes widened. "H-huh?" "He already left for New York." My chest tightened. He ran his fingers through his hair. "A day after our graduation his flight to the US. Suddenly, e. He only told us three hours before the time of his flight," "A-what is he going to do there?" Going on vacation? He let out a deep sigh. The strange feeling in my chest only grew worse. "That's where he will get his master's degree. We were really surprised, e. We thought he would go straight to running La Sirene after graduation. That was also his plan then. Not to master. That's why I'll also think about whether I'm going to master it. Only Trevor really has such a plan for us, eh. " I fail to nod. It's fine, right? That he is gone? "I just wonder … why does he have to go abroad? He can just master here, right, Thalia?" He gave me a meaningful look. I was swallowed. Do they think it's because of me? Of what I did? Am I? Should I respond to it? It seems like he just wanted to test my reaction on his question. "Hey, Travis Dale," Brent simultaneously took my hand. Saved. Thank God! "I'll take Thalia, huh? We still have a walk, eh. Bye!" He added and pulled me away from Travis. "Okay!" Travis shouted. Chapter 22 part 5 I was so stunned by what I found out that I couldn't thank Travis anymore and Brent didn't pull me into his car. "Brother Brent, where are we going again? I want to go home!" Daphne complains in the back of the car in the middle of Brent's driving. Brent turned to him. "Don't talk to me, Daphne Asthreaia," She turned to me. "We're not going anywhere. I'm just going to excuse that so you can get rid of your sister's flirtation with Travis." He rolled his eyes. I did not say a word. Whatever insult he does to me now I will not blame him. I was really shocked by what I found out. He snapped his fingers right in front of my face. "Hey, Thalia Ysabel, I gave you to Jared before, ha! Don't be your twin! What were you and Travis talking about earlier?" I just shook. When we were really disgraced because of Brent's meanness … "Mare, I hate you! Answer me!" "Tss. Just stop it there at the children's park." He frowned at me. "And now you're going to run away from me ?!" "Stop it. He's all yours," I rolled my eyes. "Suplada." Daphne tapped me. I turned to him. "Why, sister?" She asked. "Just. When they look for me mommy, please just let me know that someone will take care of me for a while." I'm sorry. I don't know why I feel this way about Jared's departure. My chest is tightening which it shouldn't be. Maybe because I still love him. So I want to meditate so I can lose it. "Be careful, huh? Maybe you met someone there? You, you're too showbiz!" Brent when I got out of his car. "Ate …" "Tss. I don't know about you two. All right. Bye!" When the car left I dialed Aldrin's number. "Thal," Aldrin said. His background is a bit noisy. "Are you busy?" I know he's busy reviewing for the board exams but I hope he'll say he's not. It was a while before he could answer. "Nope. Why?" I bit my lower lip. "Can you come to me?" He was silent again for a while. "Where are you?" "Here in the children's park," "I'll be there in 30 minutes. Wait for me." He then dropped the call. I just sighed. I know I caused a delay in his work and I apologize for it. I just really need someone right now to talk about what I've learned and it's Aldrin. I feel like if I don't tell him, I'll go crazy. I could have told Daph and Brent earlier what I found out but I didn't. In things about Jared, I'm used to it and I'm more comfortable with Aldrin being the first one I tell before everyone else. Jared left for New York. He will study there. Maybe because of me. Damn. I asked for this. But now that I'm here, why is my chest tightening? I'll be more fine if he's not around, right? C'mon, Thalia, don't be sad! You can forget him too! It's even better without him! I sat down on one of the benches. The weather today is perfect for cuddling. Shady. The children are scattered in the park with the guards or their parents. "Thalia?" I looked up to call me. Oh. I remember her. Krisha. Your tourism student who gave me advice back in CR. You already have sex with Jared. Damn. "What are you doing here?" He asked happily then sat down next to me. He wiped away the sweat with the small towel slung over his shoulder. I think he just came from jogging. "Uhm, just … waiting for someone," I hesitantly said. We are not close so that I can be comfortable talking to him but then the etiquette states that when someone you know talks to you, be nice to that person. "Oh!" He stopped wiping and looked at me. "Jared?" She smiled. I barely stopped. I remember him again. "Uh, no …" I smiled awkwardly. Her lips protruded. "Aldrin?" Chapter 22 part 6 I hesitated to nod. What is she doing? He nodded. "Of course, you can't meet Jared anymore because he's already left the country. Did you know?" She turned to me again. My chest tightened. I came here to forget about it but I think the world isn't in favor with me. I just nodded again in agreement. If only the tone of his speech was not calm I would have mistaken him for attacking me little by little. We were silent for a while. "Maybe you're wondering why I'm talking to you now even though we're not close and then I even included Jared in the conversation," he laughed a little. I looked at him. We looked at each other. So is this about Jared? "You know what? You've been a lot of bashers at school since you became Jared. Or should I say, since you were the one he always touched," I swallowed and averted my gaze. "I know that," "Wait, you might get it wrong. I'm not one of them, ha!" She said in a defensive tone. I laughed. I seriously do not know where this conversation is heading but at least it makes me forget what's currently happening. It brings me back to the time when everything was still going smoothly. She sighed after. "What a pity." I looked at him again. "You know, all the Jared girls I've heard of before, I binully." My eyes widened. She laughed at my reaction. "Nothing. I'm annoyed with them for some reason. But mind you, I didn't even touch you for the past months knowing that you're the one Jared has touched the longest so far? Wanna know why?" 'Longest Jared has touched so far'. Damn. She sighed when I didn't answer. "Jared likes you since he was in his first year of college," I was stunned. What? "So I didn't bother you. Because finally, his dreams already came true. And of course, Jared will kill me if he finds out that I touched her beloved." Pity my mouth turned to him. What? First year college? No way. He didn't told me that! I didn't know that! Confused, I said, "H-how did you say so? I mean …" You were just fuck buddies before! He laughed at my reaction. "Jared is popular, Thalia. His world is vast. Not only are Travis and Trevor his friends, though they really are always together. Those three well-known playboys have other groups of friends, too. I am part of that ' other 'group where they belong. So basically, Jared and I were friends which means, I know some things regarding his feelings for you. " Chapter 22 part 7 Oh. 'Feelings'. Is she going to prove that Jared loves me? Please, no. I don't want to regret the things I've already done! He looked away. So am I. "I actually don't know how it started. Maybe the twins know. Just me, us, we witnessed how Jared skips from classes just to see you. We're laughing because we call him a playboy but when it comes to you, he's stupid!" He says laughing. I also laughed a little but at the same time my heart ached. "You won't imagine a playboy like him hiding behind the walls and watching you from afar. He has lost his balls, Thalia. Maybe that's how the playboy, when he really likes to be serious, loses strategy." So he really likes me since then? Shit. "Imagine, he can flirt with you but he's content to look at you from afar because you're still young. He swore to himself that he'll only move when you're already in college." I was swallowed. As far as I know Jared was Grade 11 when he moved to my school. It is said that he is from America. I was grade 8 that time and I remember how annoyed I am when I'm in school because my girl classmates won't stop talking about Jared all day! "When he already got your attention, all of us were really in deep awe." She paused for a while. I was nervous about what he would say next. I feel like I don't want to hear it anymore! "He really changed a lot, you know? He seems to be allergic to other women since you became close. We are his female friends, he doesn't pay much attention to us anymore." Is this to prove that he's faithful to me? Damn it. "When he's in the group, all he does is to talk about you. You are our favorite topic when you weren't close, you know? When you were close, he was always out of his mind when we were with him. The reason? You You text. When she's gone, we just know the reason, e. 'Date with Thalia'. " I was swallowed up there. How about this? To prove that he's really serious with me? "Even studying, damn, he's more serious than before! He said his rival is smart. It's as if you can see that he's not just arrogant. He's going to throw something out as well." My chest tightened and my eyes ached. There was a long silence after it. I try to process what I find out. How funny, right? I came here to cheer myself after knowing that he already left. I came here to convince myself that it's okay that he left 'cause there's nothing to gain from him. But then fate is really not on my side. Someone told me these things and I just want to explode. "He's madly in love with you, Thalia. No doubt. No bias. We all thought you feel the same, too. That's why we were surprised when we found out that you and Aldrin were engaged, e. Sadly, Jared didn't vent his resentment to us. Even to the twins. We all don't know how to comfort him especially since we don't know why you and Aldrin are suddenly together. " A tear escaped from my eyes. Why do I need to know all of these after everything was already settled? Damn! She let out a deep sigh. "Sayang talaga kayo, Thalia. I don't know what happened between the two of you so I don't have the right to comment on anything. Maybe I'm saying this so you could regret or think again." He took a deep breath and ambushed to stand. "Anyway, I gotta go now. I wish you all the best, Thalia," I could no longer answer. I was left there stupid. He … loves me. Shit! He really is in love with me! Tears dripped from my eyes like a faucet. I covered my face with my palms and started crying more. I didn't cry when he said goodbye to me in the garden. Earlier Travis said to leave that he was forcing me not to get hurt. Because I sealed in my mind that everything was just a game for him! But then I found out these things ?! One more thing that pushed me to believe that he doesn't love me is that I thought he just started liking me since we dated. I convinced myself that he cannot be in love with me in just a few months! I didn't know he likes me since God knows when! He has wanted me for a long time! Why didn't he tell me ?! I want to convince myself that Krisha's just lying but I just can't! Damn it. When he said he loved me, I doubted him. But now that other people are saying, that's when I believed! I believe! I believe he loves me! Why now? He's gone! "Thalia, I'm sorry I got stuck in traffic. Did you wait for too long-" I looked up at Aldrin. His eyes widened. "Holy crap. What happened ?!" He kneeled in front of me and cupped my cheeks. I hugged him tightly and cried loud onto his shoulder. "Thalia, speak up! I'm getting nervous now!" "I was wrong, Aldrin! H-he loves me!" I said in between my sobs. He didn't respond. "Aldrin! What to do ?! What to do now ?! He's gone! I-I pushed him away!" He caressed my back. He just let me cry and cry. I forgot I shouldn't have told them to Aldrin. It's an insult for him but I have no choice! He introduced me to him after I settled down. He wiped my tears using his thumb. "I'm sorry that you need to feel this. I believe it's because of me …" I immediately shake. It's no one's fault. It's my fault alone. I failed to trust Jared. I failed to believe him! He held my chin and made me look at his soulful eyes. "Don't worry, I'll correct every wrong move that I made, Thalia. You will have a chance to get him back." He said as his voice broke.