"Ano ba naman 'yan, Eva! Ka-badtrip naman! May pasok pa ako mamaya!", I ranted to my sister over the phone as I struggled to get myself a cab to take me to the concert.

With my Angel costume on, it was even harder for me to get in because I was in a hurry to go to the concert where she ran away. Eva is my seventeen-year-old sister who is a fan of Dua Lipa who, by the way, has an ongoing concert here in Manila for two straight nights.

Funny to get lucked on wearing Angel for Trick-or-Treat as it suited my name too.

"Ate Angel! Sorry, sorry! Alam mo namang sobrang idol ko si DL eh!", she pleaded over the phone despite the noise in the background.

"Sa Araneta po, Manon—", my voice trailed when I caught a glimpse of the man behind the steering wheel.

"Hello, Angel.", he said in a voice I know too well.

"Sagutin mo tawag ko mamaya, Eva ha!", I said between gritted teeth.
I ended the call and heaved a sigh.

It was a bumpy ride and traffic was bad. It's a weekend. Everybody's favorite day. Party time.

While most look forward to good time outside, I am the total opposite as I would opt for quiet nights sleeping my head off whenever I can. Working in a call center, it was a struggle adjusting my body clock to shifting of schedules from middle to graveyard shift. Daig ko pa naka-jetlag galing sa biyahe abroad sa antok at pagod.

But all the drowsiness was gone because of the man's presence inside the car where I am in.

Kung bakit ba naman kasi hindi ko tiningnan ang driver ng Grab na binook ko! Ang awkward tuloy!

"Looks like you have really forgotten about me.", he shook his head and stepped on the gas as he maneuvered the vehicle.

"Charlie", I uttered and met his eyes at the rearview mirror. He smiled and I willed myself not to be swooned over him again.

Three years ago, we shared something special. I thought it will last a lifetime. But, I guess not.

"You have gotten more beautiful now, Angel. How have you been?", he dared to ask with his eyes still glued to me.

Cars began honking behind us when we didn't realize how long we have been holding each other's gazes. The stoplight had turned green and we were oblivious to everyone around us. It was me who broke the stares.

He began to drive again and silenced enveloped the atmosphere. The mellow music which was being played in the background started shifting to romantic songs.

"All I want is to hold you forever.
All I need is you more, everyday." Soft music played as memories of our past came flooding back to me.

That night we had our first share of laughter. That night when he first confessed to me his feelings. The night when we became official. The night when we sealed our promise with a kiss.

He was my first kiss. My first boyfriend.

But then, he vanished. No words came from him.

I waited for his texts. His calls. His messages on Messenger.

But neither Read nor Seen was evident in any of the messages I have sent him. He disappeared.

"Fine.", I answered. "I'm doing great."

"That's good. I'm glad you are successful now.", he smiled and I willed myself not to ask how and what the hell has ever happened to him. To us.

"Okay.", I pursed my lips and calmed myself down. I was close to tears of frustration.

I should not feel this longingness. I was fine already.

Why did he have to return?

Of all drivers to get booked to, why him?

"Are you ready for the last two songs, Manila?", the faint voice of Dua Lipa can now be heard from the entrance of Araneta Coliseum.

Festivities can now be felt and seen everywhere. Christmas season is indeed in the air.

Joyful people are strolling with their loved ones not caring what time it is. Couples walking hand-in-hand and happy family in color-coded shirts.

"I'm sorry.", he said as soon as he parked the car. He turned to face me at the backseat and our eyes locked.
"I was supposed-to-be on my way to you but I had to go. I had to leave you to settle my responsibilities."

I kept quiet. I didn't know how to respond to him.

"I will understand if you don't want to talk to me as I have been away for too long. But please know that it is still you I want until the end.", he said and I blinked.

The phone vibrated and I saw Eva's name on the screen.

"Go ahead, Angel.", he smiled and unlocked the car door. "She's waiting for you. Say my regards to her. Take care always, my Angel. I'm just a call away. I want a second chance with you—"

"—let's give it another try.", I said which stopped him in his tracks. "This time, no secrets. No inhibitions. Just pure honesty."

"Yes, Angel. I'm glad I took over my cousin's ride.", he said smiling widely at me.

"I'm happy I did book one today.", I admitted blushing under the city lights.

"I'll wait here. I'll drive you and Eva back home.", he said and I nodded.

I called Eva and found her waiting at the entrance, her eyes smiling with happiness.

"Sayang, Ate! Sana sinamahan mo ako! Akala ko ba idol mo rin si DL?", she gave me an inquisitive look while I just flashed her a smile.

"Parang hindi mo ako kilala! Mas gugustuhin ko namang matulog kesa gumala. Ayos na sa akin ang makinig sa mga albums niya sa bahay!", I answered back as I yanked her arm away from the crowd. "Sa susunod, huwag ka ng maglalayas ha! Magsabi ka!"

"Opo! Sorry na! Teka! Si Kuya Charlie ba yun?", she gasped when she saw him with his back leaning at the car's door. "Hala! Kayo na ulit? Yieee!"

"Eva!", I hissed but she began to tickle me and I let out a giggle. "Oy! Tama na! Hahahaa!"

"Hi, Kuya Charlie!", Eva waved as soon as we approached him. "Kaya naman pala hindi sinasagot ni Ate ang phone. Ikaw pala kasama niya!"

My face reddened and I had to slap her arm which she yelped at.

"Kuya oh! Si ate, namimisikal!", she complained as she rubbed her arm.

"Let's go?", he asked and I nodded. He pulled open the door for Eva and led me to the passenger seat. "So, shall I get you home?"

"Yes, Charlie.", I answered returning his smile. "Let's go home."

End