Chapter 30: Him

After we left that place, I thought I could finally have a moment of peace. Or at least until we made it back to New York City. But when we arrived at the airport terminal, our car was abruptly swarmed by reporters and their blinding cameras.

"What the hell?" Hestia gasped.

The scene that used to be usual for me suddenly felt strange and shocking.

I almost forgot how it felt to be caught out of nowhere by paparazi and the lens of their cameras.

How the hell did they know we were arriving here?

May mga iba pang paparazzi na kumakatok sa bintana. Hindi kami makalabas dahil nakaharang sila sa pintuan. Mabuti na lang ay may mga dumating na guard para hawiin sila.

I checked on Kristan. Kasalukuyan niyang sinusuot ang kanyang kwintas. Nasa kandungan niya ang cat carrier backpack kung saan mulat ang mga mata ni Lilly. She seemed aware of the chaos happening around.

"I think may nakakita sa atin na umuwi kaya hinintay nila tayong bumalik," buntonghininga ni Hestia mula sa front seat. "Hindi pa ako naligo!"

I wasn't worried since I dressed good as usual. Sa tagal ko na sa industriyang ito ay natutunan kong isabuhay ang mga bagay na dapat ay ginagawa ko lang sa harap ng mga camera. I wasn't faking how I dressed and act in front of the media. I was living with it.

"I will escort you two—"

"No need," I cut Kristan off. "You cannot do that. May mga guard naman na mag-e-escort sa amin ni Hestia hanggang sa makapasok. We are already used to it."

"I want to make sure you are safe," he insisted.

"We are safe. You cannot go out with us," I said and looked away. "Mauuna na kami ni Hestia sa loob. Hintayin mo munang humupa ang mga reporters bago ka sumunod."

I easily get linked with anyone. Maging nga ang isang lalaking nakuhanan lang ng picture sa background ko ay nababalitaan na boyfriend ko.

I hate how people perceive me as a serial dater or someone who will hook up with any man at any time. As much as I love attention, I hate it when even my personal life is being filmed. Or worse, being directed by someone else.

"Or he can pretend my boyfriend!" proud pa na sabi ni Hestia.

I glared at her and shook my head. Just because people don't care about her dating life anymore, as they are already tired of her boyfriends, doesn't mean I will let Kristan be linked to her. Also, I don't want him to be associated with her lost list of nasty boyfriends.

Bumaling ako kay Kristan na tahimik lang. Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko noong maabutan ko siyang hinuhubad ang kanyang kwintas. I hope he knows that I am just protecting his peace.

"I guess I don't have to wear this necklace anymore," he said as he kept it in his pocket. Saka siya tumingin sa akin at tumango. "Go ahead. Susunod din ako agad."

Hestia and I prepared to go out the car. Habang tumatagal kami rito ay pakapal nang pakapal ang mga tao. Hindi lang ang mga reporters ang ngayon ay nakatutok sa amin. Maging ang mga tao rito sa airport.

"We are causing inconvenience," Hestia giggled like that was a good thing. "Nakakatuwa rin minsan na nadadamay ako sa mga viral paparazzi pictures ni Nathalia."

"You are famous, too." I rolled my eyes.

"Let me help you." Lumapit sa akin si Kristan para tulungan akong isuot ang aking kwintas. "These people are scary. Please be safe."

"I know..." I mumbled.

Hinawi ko ang buhok ko sa likod bago huminga nang malalim at tumingin sa labas. Patuloy pa rin ang pag-ilaw ng mga camera nila. They will not stop until they can sell our pictures.

"I will go first," ani Hestia bago siya lumabas ng sasakyan.

I felt the intensity outside when the door was ajar after Hestia stepped out. Even the guards were struggling to hold the crowd back. I could even hear them screaming my name. It was complete chaos outside.

Kristan suddenly held my hand when I was about to leave. Pagkaharap ko sa kanya ay sinubukan niya pa akong halikan pero umiwas ako ng mukha.

"Hestia is waiting outside," I whispered.

"Sure. Please be safe."

I smiled at him before I stepped out of the car.

It was one of those numbing moments outside. Everyone was screaming my name and asking me things that I couldn't comprehend due to the overwhelming sensation feeding my long-time craving— attention.

I smiled at everyone. This is my life.

If the flashes of cameras were bullets, I would be the target. Even if they all fired simultaneously, they would still hit the perfect spot.

"Let's go..." Kumapit sa braso ko si Hestia.

I tried to wave at the fans and ignore the reporters. I even managed to sign some of their magazines— all for the fans and their happiness. These people who were filming us only want money. The fans are the real supporters.

Habang palapit kami nang palapit sa entrance ay pabawas nang pabawas ang mga taong nakikiusyoso. Kahit papaano rin ay hindi na maingay.

"When did you and Mr. Carter start dating?"

One of the reporters caught my attention. Nakatutok sa akin ang kanyang camera. Gusto kong paulit ang tanong niya dahil baka nagkamali lang ako ng pagkakarinig. When did I start dating who?

I find it funny sometimes when I am doing something somewhere, and I will just find out about a rumor that I am dating a person I don't even know. But most of the time it's annoying.

"How's your vacation?" another reporter asked.

"Are you with Mr. Carter?"

"Lady Nathalia. When did you and Mr. Carter start dating?"

Mabuti na lang ay hindi na hinayaan na makapasok sa loob ang mga reporters. Narinig kong sinabihan ni Hestia ang mga guard na huwag na kaming sundan.

When we arrived in my private lobby, I immediately phoned my manager. I know he knows something about this, or he has something to do with this.

"How about Kristan?" tanong ni Hestia.

"It was your idea, wasn't it?" I asked right after my manager answered my call. "You told the media about our whereabouts!"

"You need a public appearance!" he reasoned out. "It's been a while since you posted on your social media. I just don't want people to forget about you."

I scoffed. What did this mean just say?

"Do you really think I am that easy to forget?" I raised an eyebrow. Since then, he has been my manager, and it's kind of concerning how he still underestimates my appeal to the public. "And... why are the reporters asking me about Dylan?"

I heard him sigh. "Mr. Carter told the media that you and him are dating."

"He did?" Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi.

"He did. Don't worry. The feedback from fans is all positive so far. Hindi ko inakalang susuportahan kayo ng mga fans. You two are creating a collab fandom!"

Tumikhim ako bago pumirma sa upuan. Nakatingin ako sa entrance at hinihintay ang pagdating ni Kristan. Sa tingin ko ay mayamaya pa siya makakapasok.

I crossed my legs as I asked more about the dating that man started without my knowledge. "What else did he mention in the media?"

"Wait. You are not mad about it?"

"I love my fans. If they want this, then I will give it to them."

If it's not negatively affecting my career, I don't mind it. Saka gusto ko rin talaga na mas mapalapit sa kanya. I have a plan, and I can only accomplish it if I stick with him.

"Yes!" narinig kong napahalakhak siya. "I was already worrying that you might not like it, which would be a bummer. This is a strategic decision, Nathalia. You will achieve another level of popularity with this."

Another level of popularity? It sounds just right for me.

I ended the call when I saw Kristan walking toward us. Based on his smiling expression, I think we are good. The good thing is that he is not a very sensitive man. What's to complain about, though?

"No one noticed me," he grinned, looking proud.

"Good." I smiled.

"Wait. Is that true, then?" gulat na tanong sa akin ni Hestia. "You and Terrence are dating?"

"Dylan Carter, Hestia. He's Dylan. Not Terrence."

I am dating Dylan Carter— the artist.

Not Terrence Andreus Maniago— the jackass.

Hindi ko na hinayaan na mas lumawak ang usapan namin tungkol doon. Dumaan kami sa jet bridge hanggang sa makapasok sa loob ng sasakyan.

I put my cell phone on airplane mode, put the sleeping mask on, and rested myself throughout the trip. An hour before we landed at the airport, I showered and changed my clothes.

"Chesnut brown would be perfect after ash gray," Hestia suggested while drying my hair. "You look glowing now with ash gray. I think you would look fierce with chestnut brown. Parang total different transformation ang peg."

"I don't want to look like an MILF," I rolled my eyes.

"Stop!" she laughed. "Basta ako magpapa-bangs."

Mabuti na lang talaga naligo at nakapagpalit ako dahil paglapag sa airport ay panibagong mga paparazzi na naman ang tumambad sa amin.

I thought I was more prepared this time. But when I saw who was waiting in the lobby, I almost drove back to the Philippines—just kidding.

"How's your trip?" Dylan approached me with a smile. He was in his usual formal black attire and holding a bouquet of red roses. "I'm sorry I didn't inform you that I would be here."

I chuckled. "You know that I will take another airport terminal if you told me you would be here, right?"

He laughed. "Maybe. But it would be a waste if this bouquet of red roses ended up in the trash bin, wouldn't it be? Now that you are here. Will you take it, at least?"

I had no choice but to accept the roses. As much as I don't want to like it, the scent and color made me not just love it but also embrace it. Gosh. Red roses are really my weakness.

Napatingin siya kay Kristan na kalalabas lang ng plane. Hawak niya ang bagahe ni Hestia. Lumapit sa amin si Hestia para bumati.

"Bakit ka magdadala ng bagahe kung hindi mo kayang bitbitin?" iritado kong tanong kay Hestia.

It genuinely irritates me when Kristan is doing a favor for others.

She ignored me to talk to Dylan. "I didn't know you would be here, Mr. Carter. But since you are already here. So... you and Nathalia are really dating, huh?"

I turned to Kristan who stood still on our back. Padabog na kinuha ko sa kanya ang bagahe ni Hestia saka tinabi sa gilid.

"That's not your baggage," I rolled my eyes at him.

Napansin kong nakatingin siya sa bulaklak na hawak ko.

"Hold it for me." I gave him the flowers. "Thanks."

"What is he doing here?" he asked, irritated.

"I don't know either," sabi ko na lang.

"Welcome back, Explorers!"

Hando entered the scene. Hindi katulad ng madalas na pagsalubong niya sa amin sa airport, malawak ngayon ang ngiti niya sa amin.

"Oh, my Nathalia Cardinal." He kissed my cheek and hugged me. "I missed you so much!"

I cringe.

Biglang tumili si Hestia na ikinalingon namin. Nakangiti sa kanya si Dylan. Mukhang nakuha na niya ang kumpirmasyon na inaasam.

"I have been lowkey shipping you two!" she even said.

"By the way!" Hando clapped his hands to get our attention. "I invited some reporters outside. Let's make this official now, shall we?"

Just as I thought, I already saw this one coming.

"I can already imagine all the headlines tomorrow," Hestia giggled.

"Imagine all the endorsements?" Hando laughed.

I could see Kristan sitting on the bench and playing with his cat from my peripheral vision. He didn't seem like interested in our conversations at all. But I knew he was listening attentively.

Inayusan muna ako ni Hestia. Si Dylan ay nakatalikod sa amin at may kausap sa cell phone. Napansin kong nilapitan ni Hando si Kristan.

"How's my acting?" pabulong na tanong ni Hestia.

Ngumisi ako. "You didn't seem like acting at all."

"I don't think he will carry the book with him. You need to watch over him to gather intel."

I know what to do. I am not planning on acting like I like the idea of dating him. He's not going to buy it anymore. I will just be myself. He wants it more when I am not faking it.

"No. I will wait for Nathalia," dinig kong sinabi ni Kristan.

"Mas mabuting mauna ka na sa penthouse, Kristan. Mukhang matatagalan si Nathalia. Also, I don't think it will be good for your cat," sabi ni Hando.

"I can wait," simpleng sagot ni Kristan.

"Okay." Hando sighed. "Just... stay away from the crowd."

"Okay."

Nung matapos akong ayusan ni Hestia ay tapos na rin sa katawag niya si Dylan. Nakangiting lumapit siya sa akin. Hindi siya nag-atubiling hawakan ako sa bewang.

He moved his face closer and whispered, "I am doing this as compensation for what I did back in Azalea Village. I know how much you love your popularity. I want to help you boost it."

I am not the one needing any boost on my career because my name alone can make headlines. But of course, he will make it as if he's doing me some deep favors.

"I am expecting your cooperation," he added.

I laughed. "Why, Dylan? Aren't you attracted to me anymore?"

"That would be a consolation prize for me," he teased.

"Good luck, guys. Make headlines!" sabi pa ni Hando.

"We are watching!" pahabol pa ni Hestia.

Bago sila makaalis ay naabutan ko pa ang tingin sa akin ni Kristan. He was smiling at me. Nagawa pa niyang hawakan ang isang pa ani Lilly para i-wave sa akin.

"I still cannot believe that a picky woman like you would pick someone like him."

"I already made my worst decision when I picked you, Mr. Carter." Humawak na ako sa kanyang braso. "But let's not talk about our past. We are here for a show."

He just chuckled.

We finally stepped into the spotlight. When my manager said he invited some reporters, he meant almost all the media. There was a ridiculous amount of reporters waiting for us outside.

This was no red carpet event or a movie premiere night, but it felt like everyone had been waiting for this moment. I didn't expect it to be like this.

I was all smiles while answering their queries. Pili lang ang mga sinasagot ko. Halos si Dylan ang sumasagot para sa akin. Nakahawak siya sa bewang ko habang nakaharap sa camera.

"What can you say about the rumors that you are pregnant?" one asked.

That was the only question that triggered me. Wala sa sariling napahawak ako sa aking tiyan. Hindi naman ito maumbok para akalain nilang buntis ako.

"Do I look pregnant?" I chuckled.

"It's tough to tell with your shape. Are you?"

This is why I don't entertain questions. Kapag nakaharap ka na sa camera ay wala kang ibang magagawa kung hindi sagutin kung ano man ang itatanong sa 'yo.

"Of course not!" I flipped my hair which made them chuckle.

"When are you planning on having a baby?"

"We are still enjoying our moments together," Dylan answered for me. Naramdaman kong hinaplos niya ang bewang ko. "We want it to stay that way for now."

"Is there a particular age you have in your mind to have a family, Miss Nathalia?"

Why aren't they asking the same thing to Dylan? Fucking idiots. I am here to announce that I am dating this fucking asshole, and they are asking about a child.

Did they even ask me if I wanted a child?

"Can we take your first kiss, please?"

Everyone cheered when someone requested that.

"Kiss. Kiss. Kiss."

Everyone was cheering for a kiss.

Sa bandang dulo ay napansin kong pumapalakpak si Hando. Nasa tabi niya si Hestia na nakangiwi ang labi. Si Kristan naman ay nakatingin lang sa akin.

"Can I kiss you?" Dylan whispered.

I couldn't take my eyes off him. It was as if I was waiting for him to nod and let me kiss someone else. But I also wanted him to shake his head not to permit me.

"They are waiting..."

I swallowed.

Humarap ako kay Dylan. Nakangiting hinawi niya ang buhok ko sa likod ng aking tainga. Dahan-dahan ay nilapit niya sa akin ang kanyang mukha.

"I won't kiss you until you say yes," he whispered.

"Just kiss me and give them what they want."

He leaned and pressed his lips into mine.

He was about to let go of my lips when I pulled him to kiss me longer. I wanted to feel something, but it felt like I was kissing the wind. It was nothing to me.

"I love your lips," he smiled after the kiss.

We stayed there for another couple of minutes until someone brought up a question about my past.

"May I ask why it took you four years to date again? Does it have something to do with your late boyfriend? Are you really ready for another relationship now after Bryson?"

This one caught me off guard out of all the offensive questions they have asked me so far. I didn't even think that I would still be questioned about it.

I was about to go into a new relationship. Of course, my past relationships would be brought up. Why didn't I think about this before I agreed? Shit.

"Excuse me." My manager finally stepped in. "That's all they could answer for now. I appreciate your willingness to interview them, but they need to rest now. Thank you so much!"

We were escorted out. Sumakay kami ni Dylan sa isang itim na sasakyan. Hinabol pa kami ng mga reporters kaya mabilis na nagmaneho ang driver palayo.

"Are you okay?" Dylan asked.

I should be.

"I am. Just tired. Can you drive me home, please?"

Habang nasa byahe ay hindi ko napigilang magbalik-tanaw. Parang bumalik lahat ng takot sa dibdib ko. Ang takot na baka malaman ng lahat at mawala ang lahat sa akin.

"Why would they ask you about a dead person?" Dylan hissed.

Napapikit ako sa binanggit niya.

"Ridiculous. When will they let that man rest in peace?"

They dropped me off on my building. May mga sinabi pa si Dylan pero hindi ko na napagtuonan ng pansin. Nakayanan pa ng mga paa ko ang tuwid na paglalakad pero nung nasa elevator na ako ay bumigay ang mga tuhod ko.

No. That was already four years ago.

That's when I almost lost everything I worked hard for— my name, career, and everything I am today. I couldn't let that happen.

Being a vampire and living with the mortals was not easy. May mga pagkakataon na muntik na rin akong mabuking dahil sa pagiging pabaya. I managed to get away with all those mishaps, except on one.

I had to silence him to save my career.