3 YEARS LATER

kidding lol

It was almost a week and Slade still hasn't shown up. Despite of that, I always received 'Good Morning' and 'Good Night' texts from him. But the thing is, he never tried to start a conversation and as for me, I didn't initiate as well because something still felt off. 

I snapped out from my reverie the moment I reached the house. I got off the taxi and I was surprised to find Grandpa's car in the driveway. Hindi ko alam na nakabalik na pala siya kaya naman dali-dali akong pumasok lalo't miss na miss ko na siya.

Naabutan ko silang dalawa ni Mommy sa sala pero agad naglaho ang ngiti sa mukha ko nang mapansin ko ang mabilis na pag-alis ni Mommy. Nakatalikod man siya, napansin ko pa rin ang pagsapo niya sa pisngi... para bang nagpunas ng luha.

"How about a hug for your old man?" Grandpa chuckled, gaining my attention.

I was bothered but I tried to shake it off. I smiled and launched towards him, hugging him by the side of his waist as I sat next to him. "Gramps!"

"I missed you too." He laughed as he patted my head lovingly. I closed my eyes tight, trying to remember all the good he's ever done for me and how much I love him. 

He's not a bad person. He loves us so much. He's just as imperfect as I am. I thought to myself, repeating it over and over again like a mantra.

As always, Grandpa and I talked for awhile, catching up on each other's activities after a month of not seeing each other again. It was fun talking to him, but then I noticed a black dress and high heels sprawled in the one-seater couch. 

I jokingly sighed. "Anong party na naman, Gramps?" 

Grandpa grinned. "Just a business summit in a form of a gala dinner here in Filimon Heights. Don't worry, you won't be out of place because I heard your friends will be there too."

Hindi na bago sa akin ang pagdalo sa kung ano-anong mga event lalo na noong mayor pa si Lolo. Pero sa mga pagkakataong iyon, ni minsan hindi niya ako pinilit na dumalo. He always gave me a choice. He always told me to follow my heart. And every time, I chose to be with him because I was proud to have him as my Grandpa.

"How about sina Kuya Weewee?" Tanong ko.

Gramps sighed and smiled. "You know they dislike attending  events like this."

"Can I wear a boots?" I snickered as I changed the subject.

"Anything for my Grandchild." Gramps chuckled while shaking his head. 

Hindi nagtagal si Grandpa, ni hindi ito sumabay sa amin ng hapunan. Umuwi na agad siya kasi marami pa raw siyang mga gagawin lalo't may binabalak na naman siyang negosyo o foundation ba iyon, ewan ko ba daming naiisip lagi.

"You okay, Mom?" I asked when I went to the kitchen and found her sorting some ingredients from our fridge.

"Yeah." Mom turned to my direction and smiled. "Where's your Gramps?"

"Umuwi na. Busy daw. Probaby gonna have poker night with his old pals." I couldn't help but notice Mom's behavior. Something seemed off but again, I didn't want to pry... Admittedly, I was too scared to find out the truth about their rift.

Mom closed the fridge and sat by the kitchen counter. She pointed the adjacent chair, gesturing me to sit as well. I braced myself knowing we were going to talk about something serious.

"Baby, I know you love your Grandpa." Mom began and I could tell by the tone of her voice that she was being cautious as if she didn't want to hurt me with her words. "But that doesn't mean you have to follow his every decision. You can always say no to anything--"

"Mom, Grandpa always told me to follow my heart." I smiled reassuringly. "He's always been supportive of me in almost everything and he even makes sure that I get to be who I want to be. You have no idea how many times he defended me to those who aren't fond of my make-up and outfit choices."

"But to what extent?" Mom asked as he cocked her down while looking at my eyes.

All of a sudden, I remembered how Gramps treated Slade's dreams... how he hated Dad's choices.

"Reika, I've been in your shoes before. Kami ng mga tito at tita mo, he always told us to follow our hearts and so that's what we did... but by the time our choices began to go against his favor..." Mom shook her head in disdain. "Your Grandpa will tell you to follow your heart but that doesn't mean he will always approve of your choices... that doesn't mean he won't do something about it. There comes a time that he won't like your decisions and he'll do whatever it takes to change things according to what he thinks is best so it will be up to you to stand up and fight for what your heart really wants... Naiintindihan mo ba ako?"

"Mom, why are you telling me this?" I tried to remain looking unfazed by smiling.

"Because I don't want you to hate your Grandfather by the time you realize what he's truly capable of just to protect us... especially you." Mom began to well up in tears but I noticed that she was trying hard not to cry right in front of me.

I swallowed hard as I nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks Mom."

As I went to bed, I still couldn't shake off Mom's words out of my heads. Luckily, my phone beeped which provided me some time to escape my restless thoughts.

Gayfriend

10:56 PM

Gayfriend:

Psssst gising ka pa?

Reika:

Stop it

u sound like a flirty boy

Gayfriend:

Bitch ew hahahaha

Reika:

Let me guess... u want benji's number?

Gayfriend:

No need. He already has mine

hinanap niya pa talaga ang instagram ko just to ask for my #

Reika:

Gayfriend:

He's cute! Saw his pics, medyo sporty

Reika:

He's into kayaking since high school

Gayfriend:

damnnn that explains the guns

me likey

Reika:

This conversation is getting weird

Gayfriend:

Btw, I need you to pretend as my girlfriend tomorrow

Reika:

This conversation just got weirder

Gayfriend:

Great opportunity to help me plus the pics will make sladeyboy jealous

u in?

Reika:

Gayfriend:

Sige naaa

Reika:

May bayad

Gayfriend:

Libre kita food for entire week

Reika:

No need

kiss mo lang sapat na

Gayfriend:

Kadiri ka!!!!

Reika:

No kiss, no me

Gayfriend:

Okay fine! Basta smack lang!

Reika:

Gago joke lang hahahahaha

u really that desperate huh?

sorry i have to attend an event with gramps tomorrow

Gayfriend:

ughhhh i hate you

Reika:

i can help u with benji though 

Gayfriend:

ughhhh i love you

Reika:

I don't love you like i did yesterdayyyyy

Gayfriend:

Ewww

Reika:

U didn't even get the mcr reference????

si slade pa yon kumanta na yon

Gayfriend:

hulog na hulog na no?

okay fine di na kita aasarin

di ka talaga available bukas?

Reika:

Sorry, hanap ka na lang ng iba

Kinabukasan, maaga akong pinasundo ni Gramps sa driver niya. Ni hindi na ako nakapagpaalam kay Silver dahil tulog pa ang elemento nang makaalis ako. 

I spent the entire day bonding with Gramps over watching football. The guilt over my secret civility with Dad was still an issue but I tried hard not to make it hinder my time with Gramps. Eventually, our fun was cut short when we had to prepare for his event. 

Grandpa's house became some sort of a parlor all of a sudden, nag-imbita ba naman talaga ng mga stylist para lang ayusan ako. Muntikan ko pa tuloy makaaway ang make-up artist dahil ayaw niya akong gamitan ng dark make-up. Good thing the hairstylists had no problem with what I asked for; just to curl the end of my long hair and put some aquamarine highlights on the end. 

As Grandpa and I were on the car, I couldn't help but notice his tie.

"Gramps naman eh, tanda-tanda na pero di pa rin marunong magsuot ng necktie." Pabiro kong reklamo at inayos ang kulay black niyang suit and tie. His outfit matched my black dress and dark make-up so well.

"Sayang hindi mo dala 'yong pamporma mong tungkod, papalo ko sana kay Haji mamaya," biro ko pa.

Grandpa laughed loudly. Tawang-tawa sa sinabi ko. "That boy still hasn't changed?"

"A little. Inspired eh." I shrugged. "He has a huge crush on Braylee kaso naunahan na siya ni Denver. The two are on the rocks but i'm pretty sure wala nang pag-asa si Haji."

"Denver? That rude kid with great basketball skills?" Namilog ang mga mata ni Gramps. "But Braylee's way too good for him. She can find someone better. How about Apollo? He is one upstanding gentleman. Hindi man nanggaling sa mayamang pamilya, determinado naman at may pangarap sa buhay."

"Apollo's already in love with Piper, Gramps." I reminded him. 

"Well I do hope you'll meet someone similar to Apollo. Hindi bale na kung hindi perpekto, basta iyong totoo at sigurado." Gramps said, making me grimace.

"Gramps, that sounded like a campaign slogan." I joked my way out of the awkward conversation. 

Eventually, the car came to a stop. I didn't even notice that we were already right in front of the venue. I glanced at the driver's direction and saw from the dashboard that it was almost 7 in the evening, tamang-tama dahil gutom na rin ako.

Bubuksan ko na sana ang pinto pero naunahan ako ng valet. I grabbed my clutch bag as I held the end of my dress. From the side of my eyes, I saw the valet's hand held out to assist me. I didn't need anyone's help so I ignored him.

I bowed my head a bit as I took a step into the pavement. I felt the valet's hand above my head, protecting me from bumping my head against the car. As I got out, I pulled my head away from his hand and stood up straight with my chin up. 

I looked at the Valet's direction only to see Slade dressed in a white polo topped with a black suit. I almost didn't even recognize him since he was wearing eyeglasses and slicked back hair with an undercut. 

I swallowed hard, my heart in haywire all over again.

Slade looked at me from head to toe and by the time our eyes met again, he winked but remained a stoic expression. 

My heartbeat may have gone insane from his unexpected appearance but I tried not to show it by putting up a straight face and staring back at his eyes. I even raised an eyebrow just to show him that I'm unfazed by his presence.

All of a sudden, Slade's lips rose into a smirk and looked back at the car's direction.

"Good Evening, Attorney Magno." Slade immediately greeted Grandpa as he got out of the car.

"Slade?" Gramps looked just as shocked as I was, albeit gladder. He smiled and shook Slade's left hand. "What are you doing here young man? I read your last name on the invitation but I thought you weren't involved."

As if on cue, I looked at Slade's right hand and saw that it wasn't moving and just remained by his side. My forehead creased when I realized that he was no longer wearing a cast. The doctor specifically told him that he'd have to wear it for about 6 months at wala pa nga atang apat na buwan mula nang aksidente!

"My family spearheaded this event and I had the honor of organizing it." Slade said with pride, shocking Grandpa and I even more.

"Now that is impressive." Gramps nodded and chuckled, even patted Slade's shoulder. "Great job, young man. I guess you finally found your true calling huh?"

"I actually found a reason to do better." Slade glanced at me subtly.

"Well, congratulations to that. Have a drink with us at our table later." Gramps said.

 He had always been friendly with Slade before but something just changed... All of a sudden, Gramps seemed friendlier and by the looks of it, seems like Slade's approval rating just went up the roof.

"I'm looking forward to it, sir." Slade grinned and lead us the way.

As usual, Gramps and I were fashionably late again. Everyone was already having their dinner and the MC had to announce and recognize the arrival of Gramps. I felt a sinking feeling from everyone's attention being directed towards us but Gramps liked it, being the attention lover that he is. Ugh.

The lights were a little dimmed in the shade of blue, wasn't too bright or dark, it was the perfect ambiance actually. It's a little bummer that they were playing classical music and not punk rock though.

Slade grabbed a seat for me and as I sat, I heard him whisper in my ear. "I'm all yours later."

Ayoko sa'yo uy! I was about to yell at him but remained silent knowing Gramps was just next to me. I didn't want to make a scene either.

As Slade left to tend to the other guests, I looked around and I was amazed at the overall ambiance of the surroundings. I've been to gala dinners before and this one was definitely one of the bests I've ever been. It was beautiful! They even had a huge fountain at the center of the ballroom! 

If Slade really organized everything, he did one hell of a job.

"Kaya siguro nangayayat si Slade dahil sa sobrang pinaghirapan niya ang event na 'to." Gramps' comment snapped me out of my reverie. 

My eyes wandered for Slade right away and found him at the caterer's direction, talking to the staff earnestly. He looked so cool yet focused at the same time.

Gramps was right Slade looked like he lost weight. Ni hindi ko ito napansin nang magkita kami isang linggo na ang nakakaraan.

I felt guilty all of a sudden. Napaisip ko agad na marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit naging sobrang abala siya. Pero hindi ko pa rin napigilang mainis. He should've told me about his plans! I would've helped him! I would've supported him! I would've cheered for him!

"It's good that he's finally found his right path. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na." Sabi pa ni Gramps.

All of a sudden, Slade looked at my direction. Umiwas agad ako ng tingin at bumaling kay Gramps na nakikipag-usap na sa mga kaibigan niya. Isa-isa kong tiningnan ang mga kasama namin sa mesa at halos manakit ang mga tuhod ko nang makitang puro mga matatanda ang katabi namin. Damn you Slade Villafranca!

"This is one my wonderful Grandchildren, Reika." Pakilala sa akin ni Lolo.

"Which school does she go to?" Tanong agad ng matandang lalake.

"She goes to Filimon Heights University." Gramps said with pride. Alam ko na kung saan patungo ang usapan dahil sa daming beses ko nang naka-attend sa mga ganitong events. The conversation will start with people asking about where I study and it will end with Gramps having to defend my life choices. Fuck these people who can't mind their own damn business. Gramps doesn't even nag me about my future.

I walked aimlessly. I didn't know where to go, I just wanted to be away from the table so when I return, iba na ang pinag-uusapan nila.

All of a sudden, I noticed someone familiar. I may not love him like I did for all but I will always recognize Riley's buff body even from afar.

Natawa ako nang mapagtantong iisang event lang naman pala ang pupuntahan namin.

I wanted to sneak up and scare him for good time's sake but I saw a man beside him stand up, wearing a military uniform. I froze upon realizing that it was his homophobic father. They both stood up and Riley looked like he had no choice but to follow his father.

I watched from afar as they approached a table... Piper's table! 

By the looks of it, ipinakilala ni Riley ang tatay niya kay Piper at sa ama nito.

Hindi na sana ako lalapit pero nang akmang aalis na ako, bigla kong nakita si Apollo na nakatayo hindi kalayuan mula sa akin. He was wearing his uniform as a waiter while holding up his tray filled with glasses of wine, but his eyes were directed towards Piper's table.

Bigla kong naalala ang sinabi sa akin ni Riley, na gusto niya akong magpanggap bilang girlfriend niya. Could it be that he asked Piper dahil tumanggi ako?! But that could only mean Apollo's heartbreak! Wala na ngang confidence and ulol, dadagdagan pa ng pagpapanggap nina Riley at Piper.

I heaved a deep sigh. The things we do for our friends in need.

 I marched towards their direction and yelled. "Babe!"

 I threw out every bit of shame I have and dragged Riley away from the Valverde's table. Wala na akong pakialam pa kahit naroon ang tatay niyang ulol o kahit may makakita man sa akin. Pake nilang lahat!

"Riley, who's this girl?" Tanong ng tatay niya habang nakasunod sa amin. Good thing the music was pretty loud and everyone was occupied kaya wala masyadong eskandalo.

As I continued to drag Riley away, bigla na lang may humarang sa amin.

"Babe, you grabbed the wrong man." Slade said calmly but I could tell by his clenched jaw and sharp eyes that he wasn't happy with what was happening. I yanked my hand away from Riley's arm and held it tight.

All of a sudden, Slade's expression softened as he looked at the Bognacia's. He smiled politely at them as he bowed his head apologetically. "I am so sorry for my Girlfriend. She's not wearing her glasses kaya kung sino ang napagkakamalan niyang ako." He explained to Riley and lied his way out flawlessly.

"Then where's the girlfriend that you've been telling me about?" Kunot-noong tanong naman ni General Bognacia kay Riley.

I didn't know if it was because of the lights but to me, Riley looked as pale as a ghost. He was panicking alright but he sure did lie flawlessly as well. "Maya-maya lang darating na rin 'yon, Dad. Let's just wait."

"Sir, I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding. It won't happen again." Slade apologized to Riley's Father and he just nodded.

Before I could even say a single word, Slade wrapped his left arm around my waist and began walking away, all I could do was follow. His touch was soft as we made our way in the large crowded room. 

"Slade, ano ba?" I whispered, trying not to get the attention of the people around us.

My eyes widened when I spotted Gramps standing by the fountain, observing it's structure.

"I've been dying to do this." Slade said grinned, doubling the fear and panic engulfing me.

"A-anong gagawin mo?" Nautal ako sa sobrang kaba.

Slade didn't answer my question and next thing I know, we were already right in front of Gramps. I yanked his hand away and took a single step to the side but instead, Slade grabbed me towards him again, this time grabbing a hold of my hand.

"Excuse me, sir." Slade spoke politely to Gramps, earning his attention.

Gramps had a confused smile as he looked at Slade and I... and then to our hands. But before Grandpa could utter a single word, Slade spoke once again.

"Sir, I am in love with Reika. I can't tell why, I can't even tell when it began, all I know is that I am in love with her and there is nothing else I want other than to make happy memories with her. I want you to know that my intentions are pure." 

I froze on the spot. Grandpa on the other hand, smiled coolly and nodded. 

"And why are you telling me this?" Grandpa asked as his eyes turned into slits, his hands clasped behind him.

Slade remained unfazed. "Because Reika loves you so much and your opinion would matter to her greatly."

Grandpa sighed. "Well, seeing that you've finally decided to make something out of your life other than being just a member of a rock band... I guess you deserve a shot." Grandpa shifted his eyes to me and smiled. "But my opinion is irrelevant. The question is, will my Granddaughter let you court her?"

I swallowed hard upon realizing that both Slade and Gramps were already looking at me.

"Why not?" That was all I could say, trying to act cool and unbothered when truth is my knees were already shaking and my heart was beating insanely. 

▬ end of 50// thank u ▬