Chapter 34

“ARE YOU really sure about this, Chaya?”

Chaya looked over her shoulder and found Ellie standing by the door. She had just finished packing.

“Yes, but I have to book a later flight. I’m going to a beach resort owned by Parker’s grandparents tomorrow morning. I could use a short break. And he’s proposing to Jellybean, so he needs my help. Hitting two birds with one stone. Do you want to come?”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Ellie said with a shrug. “But my schedule is full this week. I would love to go some other time. I know you’ll be fine on your own.” She smiled. “Have fun, Chaya.”

“I hope so. Like, why is everyone getting married now? It’s a little annoying.” Chaya snorted.

Ellie laughed. “I wish I could punch Kyrie in the face now, you know.”

Chaya pouted. “I won’t let you ruin his handsome face even if you’re my friend.”

Ellie groaned. “Goodness.” She arched an eyebrow. “Want some coffee?”

“Definitely.” Chaya brought her hands together and flexed her arms. “Caramel macchiato?”

“Caramel macchiato.”

***

“Tyler, welcome to Realtalks.”

Tyler smiled at veteran host Gerry Diaz and the camera.

“Thank you so much, Uncle Gerry. It’s nice to be back.”

Tyler was sitting on a pink couch across Gerry’s trademark velvet throne. Behind them was the TV screen displaying the logo of Realtalks.

“Friends, when Tyler called me to do this exclusive interview, I felt honored. At the same time, I felt a little pressured because I was interviewing the superstar, the best actor. Thank you for trusting me with this interview, Tyler.”

“I could not think of anyone to do this with, Uncle Gerry. When I first started on show business, I had my very first interview with you. You were so kind to a newbie like me.”

“It had been what? Five years?”

“Yes, it was more than five years ago,” Tyler nodded with a smile.

“And you had an amazing career in just five years.”

“Yes, I think so.” He brought his palms together and bowed politely.

“I wanted to ask you now. Tyler, how are you? How are you since the first time you sat here with me?”

“A lot has changed with me, definitely. Good and bad things happened to me over time. Honestly, I didn’t think I would still be here.”

“Tyler, a few months ago, you were rushed to the hospital for overfatigue. And you rarely appear on screen after that. How are you since that incident?”

Tyler rubbed his jaw. “Now that I’ve been working less for the past months, I had more time to think about the things that I really want to do with my life. I still wanted to live, and I still wanted to be happy. I refused to speak up. I refused to ask for help. I refused to rest. It cost me almost everything. First, I lost the woman I love. A few months after that, I almost lost my life.”

Gerry stared in disbelief and motioned to the camera. “Wait a second. What do you mean by that?”

Tyler cleared his throat. “I appreciate that my mom only wanted to protect me, but she had already done enough. Uncle Gerry, I don’t want to hide my struggles for the rest of my life. I believe that if I talk about it more, people will realize that our mental health struggles are just as valid as any other struggles in life. Six months ago, I wanted to escape my problems and responsibilities, so I attempted… suicide.”

Gerry gasped and pushed back in his seat.

“When my mom rushed me to the hospital, the first person she called was Chaya because she was the only one who saw what people could not see on camera. Our relationship was not perfect, but it was the most meaningful relationship I ever had.”

“Are you still together?”

“No.” Tyler shook his head. “I don’t think we’ll ever get back together, but we are still good friends. She had been protecting that secret for the past six months. People saw us all the time, and they thought we were still dating, but no. I know the only reason she was quiet about these baseless rumors is for my sake. I started seeking professional help, and she was there whenever she could.

“And I know that she had to compromise the good things that have been happening in her own life because of me. The reason I decided to do this interview is for both of us. I don’t want to hide anymore. I don’t want to drag her every time something happens to me. I felt bad that we were not together anymore, but she was still looking after me. I know that Chaya did not care about whatever was coming out. People will believe what they want to believe. But I wanted her to be happy. And she deserves someone better.”

“Honestly, even though I love your team-up with Margaux Salvador, I admire how private your relationship with Chaya Rosales was. Friends, I met Chaya on some occasions, and she was a very shy, sweet girl.”

Tyler smiled in agreement.

“Tyler, do you have any regrets about your relationship with Chaya?”

“Yes, I do have many regrets. I wish I had taken care of her more. I wish I wasn’t selfish when we were still together. But yeah, you will never know what you lost till it’s gone.”

“Do you have any message for her?”

“Um…” Tyler cleared his throat. “I know you’re watching. I want you to know that I love you, and I want you to be happy. Thank you for being a great girlfriend and a friend. I’m pulling myself together now, so I don’t have to bother you anymore. I know how hard it was for you. But thank you. Thank you for sharing your heart with me. I hope we can work together again. Go for what your heart wants. I’ll be okay.”

“Do you have a message for Tessa, your mom?”

“Mom, I love you. You’re a great manager, but what I really need right now is a mother.” Tyler’s eyes moistened.

“Tyler, after this interview, my respect for you grew even bigger. Thank you for opening your heart to us. It’s a brave thing to do. You’re a young man, but you are full of wisdom. You know, friends, the best thing about my job is that even if I had talked to a lot of people for decades, I still get surprised by our conversations. I don’t think I will forget this interview with you, Tyler.”

“Me, too, Uncle Gerry. Thank you for listening to me.”

“Will you still be in show business?”

“I will be. Definitely.”

***

“Chaya, why you! Why did you keep it all to yourself?” Ellie blurted in disbelief.

She'd called her after watching Tyler’s interview. Chaya was sitting on the sand, looking out on the calm sea on a sunny afternoon.

“I didn’t want to burden you, obviously,” she said with a smile. “He didn’t need to do that interview, but I appreciate it.”

“His mom should apologize to you for spreading false rumors about you and Tyler.”

“I’ll deal with that later.” She took a deep breath. “It’s beautiful in here, Ellie. I think I’m going to use this place in my novel.” She glanced at the notebook and pen on her lap.

“What’s the name of the place again?”

“Caroline Shore.”