The running water seemed to calm Sen’s nerves. He was alone in the men’s bathroom. The discomfort was killing him. Van sat in one of the chairs outside the coffee shop. To add salt to the wound, Bea Munoz Pojas was with him.
Van and Bea got married a year after he left for San Francisco. He still was an actor, but more focused on dramatic roles that teeny-boppers. The industry recognized his talent, granting him a few Best Actor awards.
After dinner, he excused himself from Laarni and Jansen and went into the bathroom. Hansen, it’s all in the past, he said to himself.
The doorknob began to twist. Sen looked at the door and watched who was going to enter.
“Sen.” A familiar voice said as the door opened. Van entered the bathroom. Sen managed a smile. “How are you?”
“Fine.” Sen said, still looking at the mirror. He looked at Van through the mirror as the younger man stood behind him.
“I tried calling you, but you would not answer my calls.” It was true. Van tried calling Sen to explain and apologize, but Sen did not answer any of his calls, or any other calls for that matter.
“It doesn’t take a genius to know why.” Sen replied.
“Listen, I would like to apologize for what happened. I just got carried away with my emotions. I was hurt, so hurt.” Van explained. “I was hurt when you chose Cris.”
“It’s ok. I’ve forgiven you.” Sen said. There was an awkward silence between the two.
“Um, Sen. I don’t know if this is the right time, but I want you to know that I still love you.” Van said.
“You’re with Bea now. That’s where you should be. We have destroyed one family too many. My family is enough collateral.”
“Don’t you love me anymore.” Van asked. Sen turned around to face him.
“I do. But If I return to you, it would be as if I never respected myself. I have to love myself before anyone else.” He replied. “I love you, but I have to love myself more.”
Van stepped closer to Sen. He could feel Sen’s breath now. He moved his face closer, their lips almost touched.
“Van, please.” Sen said as he pushed Van away. Van looked at Sen and understood. He stepped back.
“Why didn’t you answer my calls then?” He asked. “I wanted to talk to you, to say sorry, to say that I do want to go to Greece with you.”
“The last thing I wanted you to know was that you hurt me. So much. So, so much.” Sen replied. Van bowed his head in guilt. “But now that you know it, perhaps I could have my closure. Thank you Van, for making me stronger.”
Van looked at the man he defiled, yet loved at the same time. He knew he was supposed to be distraught that Sen did not want to be with him, yet he was surprised that there was no remorse in his heart. Instead, there was a feeling of optimism and joy. It was as if a thorn had been removed from his heart. He smiled.
“Remember our song? Can you sing it for me?” Sen requested. Van proceeded to sing: I’ve got to move on and be who I am, I just don’t belong here I hope you understand. We might find our place in this world someday, but at least for now, I got to go my own way.
“Got to go my own way.” Sen repeated. He stretched out his hand. Van stood there for a moment. He had wanted to hug the man, but instead accepted his hand.
Sen smiled radiantly. He felt so light, so carefree as if a huge load has been lifted from his shoulders. He turned around and headed for the door. He opened the door and took a step outside. Before closing the door, he turned around and looked at Van. The young man was smiling.
“Goodbye Mr. Pojas.” Sen said as the door shut with finality.
END
Thursday, August 28, 2008
CHAPTER 48
“What?” Laarni Losala Nichols shrieked as Hansen let out a laugh.
“I can’t tell you. It’s a family secret.”
“Well, I am part of family now!” Laarni protested. Sen stood up and whispered something in Laarni’s ear. She shrieked making the other customers look towards their direction. Laarni offerered an apologetic smile to everyone. The two were in a coffee shop at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. It had been almost three years since he left Manila to return home to San Francisco. He wanted to forget everything that happened and for him a change in location was the most appropriate.
He was thankful that Laarni was there every step of the way. She accompanied him every step of the way, almost never leaving his side. She would make it a point to visit him in their family home everyday. He cannot deny the fact that she was instrumental in his emotional recovery.
“By the way, have you heard?” Laarni asked. “Cris is going to get married again.” Sen nodded.
“Looks like she and Iñaki finally came through.” He said as he sipped his coffee. Annulment proceedings with Cris were not as messy as he thought. Their petition was granted almost immediately, infidelity charges she filed against him. However, he was still thankful that she practiced restraint and made it appear that a woman was the third party. They tried to mend their relationship for the sake of Louie, who visited his father in San Fo every summer.
Cris dated Inaki Ting, one of their fellow contestants a year after their annulment was granted. They lasted for another year prior to the engagement.
“Well, she deserves to be happy after the hell you put her through.” Laarni said. Hansen made a face and the two of them shared a laugh.
“Where is you brother anyway?” Laarni asked as she checked her watch.
“How should I know, you’ re his wife?!” Sen shot back. Laarni met Jansen Nichols as she was helping Hansen recover. The sparks flew almost instantaneously. After a few weeks, the two had started dating. The engagement came 2 months later, the wedding after 4 months.
“Well, he said he was finishing something up for the agency.” Laarni said. After the events of three years ago, Sen transferred control of Talentado to Laarni and Jansen. The two managed to improve business profits and expand internationally. They repackaged the agency into a modeling agency and renamed it Kartoffel Models, Inc. Business has been good as they represented some of the top models of today.
“He’ll be here in a while.” Sen said reassuringly. He had found work in a non-government organization that supports children with cancer. He shared their pain as he used to be one of them. Now, he devoted his time to their cause.
“By the way, I got mail from Bugoy. Apparently, Apple gave birth to her and Miguel's fifth child. Guess what she named the child?”
“What?” Sen asked.
“Vanpojas. Tacky, I know.” Laarni replied. He looked at Sen who seemed to be staring at something.
“Sen?” She asked again, yet he did not seem to notice her. She turned around, expecting to see her husband. He was not there, but another figure caught her eye. She understood the shock in Hansen’s face as she had the same expression in her too. The world indeed proved itself to small.
Outside the coffee shop, looking at them stood Van Pojas.
“I can’t tell you. It’s a family secret.”
“Well, I am part of family now!” Laarni protested. Sen stood up and whispered something in Laarni’s ear. She shrieked making the other customers look towards their direction. Laarni offerered an apologetic smile to everyone. The two were in a coffee shop at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. It had been almost three years since he left Manila to return home to San Francisco. He wanted to forget everything that happened and for him a change in location was the most appropriate.
He was thankful that Laarni was there every step of the way. She accompanied him every step of the way, almost never leaving his side. She would make it a point to visit him in their family home everyday. He cannot deny the fact that she was instrumental in his emotional recovery.
“By the way, have you heard?” Laarni asked. “Cris is going to get married again.” Sen nodded.
“Looks like she and Iñaki finally came through.” He said as he sipped his coffee. Annulment proceedings with Cris were not as messy as he thought. Their petition was granted almost immediately, infidelity charges she filed against him. However, he was still thankful that she practiced restraint and made it appear that a woman was the third party. They tried to mend their relationship for the sake of Louie, who visited his father in San Fo every summer.
Cris dated Inaki Ting, one of their fellow contestants a year after their annulment was granted. They lasted for another year prior to the engagement.
“Well, she deserves to be happy after the hell you put her through.” Laarni said. Hansen made a face and the two of them shared a laugh.
“Where is you brother anyway?” Laarni asked as she checked her watch.
“How should I know, you’ re his wife?!” Sen shot back. Laarni met Jansen Nichols as she was helping Hansen recover. The sparks flew almost instantaneously. After a few weeks, the two had started dating. The engagement came 2 months later, the wedding after 4 months.
“Well, he said he was finishing something up for the agency.” Laarni said. After the events of three years ago, Sen transferred control of Talentado to Laarni and Jansen. The two managed to improve business profits and expand internationally. They repackaged the agency into a modeling agency and renamed it Kartoffel Models, Inc. Business has been good as they represented some of the top models of today.
“He’ll be here in a while.” Sen said reassuringly. He had found work in a non-government organization that supports children with cancer. He shared their pain as he used to be one of them. Now, he devoted his time to their cause.
“By the way, I got mail from Bugoy. Apparently, Apple gave birth to her and Miguel's fifth child. Guess what she named the child?”
“What?” Sen asked.
“Vanpojas. Tacky, I know.” Laarni replied. He looked at Sen who seemed to be staring at something.
“Sen?” She asked again, yet he did not seem to notice her. She turned around, expecting to see her husband. He was not there, but another figure caught her eye. She understood the shock in Hansen’s face as she had the same expression in her too. The world indeed proved itself to small.
Outside the coffee shop, looking at them stood Van Pojas.
CHAPTER 47
“Sen?” Laarni shouted as she entered the Nichols’ house. Broken pieces of glassware lay on the floor, the plants had not been watered and had wilted. The furniture was in disarray. Empty beer bottles were strewn on the living room.
“Sen?” she repeated as she reached the stairs. Slowly, she lifted her feet up and climbed the stairs, her Manolos clacking against the floor. As she reached the second floor landing, she heard soft sobbing. She called out Hansen’s name one more time as she entered the master’s bedroom. She found no one. Slowly, she made her way to Louie’s bedroom.
“Hansen?” she said as she entered the bedroom. He was seated on the corner, sobbing uncontrollably. Empty beer cans lay scattered all around him. For two weeks, he had secluded himself in the house and refused contact with anyone outside. It was out of concern that Laarni dropped by the house and by luck that the front door was unlocked.
She rushed to his side and hugged him. He reeked of perspiration and beer, having not taken a bath for three days, but Laarni did not care. He cried in her arms.
“It hurts.” Sen managed to say. Laarni understood.
“Remember when I said that trust and love involved betting on an unsure? The feeling becomes a collateral. We get hurt, yet we must move on.”
“Everything I hold dear is gone- Cris, Louie, Van…” Sen said.
“You still have you friends.” He looked at Laarni. Her smile reassured him.
“I do not know where to go. I am so broken.”
Laarni hushed him. “You’ll pick up the pieces. Move on.”
“Hansen, before you love anyone, you have to love yourself first. Otherwise, how can anyone else love you. You gave yourself too much to Van that you neglected the other people you hold dear.” Hansen felt the words stinging his heart. “Van is not the be all and end all of you. You have to live your life.”
“Where do I go from here?” Hansen looked at Laarni, his eyes swollen, his stubble was very evident, a rough moustache was growing above his lips. Laarni looked at him with affection and smiled. She brushed the hair covering his face. Even in this situation, Sen still looks very much like the charmer that he was seven years ago.
“Only you can answer that, Sen.” Laarni replied as Sen rested his head on her chest. “Only you can answer that.”
“Sen?” she repeated as she reached the stairs. Slowly, she lifted her feet up and climbed the stairs, her Manolos clacking against the floor. As she reached the second floor landing, she heard soft sobbing. She called out Hansen’s name one more time as she entered the master’s bedroom. She found no one. Slowly, she made her way to Louie’s bedroom.
“Hansen?” she said as she entered the bedroom. He was seated on the corner, sobbing uncontrollably. Empty beer cans lay scattered all around him. For two weeks, he had secluded himself in the house and refused contact with anyone outside. It was out of concern that Laarni dropped by the house and by luck that the front door was unlocked.
She rushed to his side and hugged him. He reeked of perspiration and beer, having not taken a bath for three days, but Laarni did not care. He cried in her arms.
“It hurts.” Sen managed to say. Laarni understood.
“Remember when I said that trust and love involved betting on an unsure? The feeling becomes a collateral. We get hurt, yet we must move on.”
“Everything I hold dear is gone- Cris, Louie, Van…” Sen said.
“You still have you friends.” He looked at Laarni. Her smile reassured him.
“I do not know where to go. I am so broken.”
Laarni hushed him. “You’ll pick up the pieces. Move on.”
“Hansen, before you love anyone, you have to love yourself first. Otherwise, how can anyone else love you. You gave yourself too much to Van that you neglected the other people you hold dear.” Hansen felt the words stinging his heart. “Van is not the be all and end all of you. You have to live your life.”
“Where do I go from here?” Hansen looked at Laarni, his eyes swollen, his stubble was very evident, a rough moustache was growing above his lips. Laarni looked at him with affection and smiled. She brushed the hair covering his face. Even in this situation, Sen still looks very much like the charmer that he was seven years ago.
“Only you can answer that, Sen.” Laarni replied as Sen rested his head on her chest. “Only you can answer that.”
CHAPTER 46
“Cris?” Sen opened the front door of his house. The house was deserted. He rushed upstairs to check on the master’s bedroom. The bed was a mess, his clothes were scattered on the floor, just like he left it the night before. He went inside the bathroom and saw that Cris’ cabinets were open. Her clothes were not there.
He ran to louie’s bedroom, the cabinets were also empty. Acting on a hunch, he proceeded to where he thought Cris would go.
* * *
“Cris!” he shouted outside Cris’ parents house in BF Parañaque City. “Let’s talk! I’m sorry.”
Cris made good on her promise that nothing would be waiting for him when he returned home. She packed her bags and brought Louie to her parents house to seek refuge. She knew that she would find herself forgiving Sen if he found them in Greenhills.
“Cris!” Sen repeated after banging the gate.
Inside, Cris stood behind the front door, tears welling in her eyes. She cradled Louie in her arms. She had wanted to go out, but something was holding her back. Cris got hurt too much, she did not want to lose any self-respect she had left.
“Hansen!” a male voice screamed. Sen looked up and saw Mr. Pastor standing on the balcony.
“Dad! Please, let me talk to Cris.” Sen begged.
“No. You’ve hurt her long enough.”
“Please Dad, let us iron this out.”
“You have no more family here, Hansen.” Mr. Pastor said with finality. He then entered the house.
He ran to louie’s bedroom, the cabinets were also empty. Acting on a hunch, he proceeded to where he thought Cris would go.
* * *
“Cris!” he shouted outside Cris’ parents house in BF Parañaque City. “Let’s talk! I’m sorry.”
Cris made good on her promise that nothing would be waiting for him when he returned home. She packed her bags and brought Louie to her parents house to seek refuge. She knew that she would find herself forgiving Sen if he found them in Greenhills.
“Cris!” Sen repeated after banging the gate.
Inside, Cris stood behind the front door, tears welling in her eyes. She cradled Louie in her arms. She had wanted to go out, but something was holding her back. Cris got hurt too much, she did not want to lose any self-respect she had left.
“Hansen!” a male voice screamed. Sen looked up and saw Mr. Pastor standing on the balcony.
“Dad! Please, let me talk to Cris.” Sen begged.
“No. You’ve hurt her long enough.”
“Please Dad, let us iron this out.”
“You have no more family here, Hansen.” Mr. Pastor said with finality. He then entered the house.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
CHAPTER 45
“This is all that bitch’s fault.” Bea said as she put ice on Van’s swollen cheek. He sat on the black leather couch, dazed. He never expected Hansen to react the way he did. He had after all intended to show up at PDA, but not to go with Hansen, rather to dismiss him. This was the final act of revenge for him- to leave Sen the way he had left him.
“Hansen should not be mad at you, he should be mad at Cris.” Bea said.
“Bea, please! Leave me alone for a while.” Van said as he stood up and headed for the bedroom.
Alone in the bedroom, Van sat down on the bed. His revenge was now complete, yet somehow he was not happy. I hurt Sen, he thought. He gave me his trust. I destroyed it.
He stood up and went to his dresser. He stood there for a while, looking at himself at the mirror. He no longer saw the carefree 18-year-old, rather a 25-year-old monster looked back at him.
He shouted at the top of his lungs and hurled everything at the drawer- cigarettes, perfume, creams. He banged on the table until his knuckles bled. It took a moment later that he realized he was crying.
“Hansen should not be mad at you, he should be mad at Cris.” Bea said.
“Bea, please! Leave me alone for a while.” Van said as he stood up and headed for the bedroom.
Alone in the bedroom, Van sat down on the bed. His revenge was now complete, yet somehow he was not happy. I hurt Sen, he thought. He gave me his trust. I destroyed it.
He stood up and went to his dresser. He stood there for a while, looking at himself at the mirror. He no longer saw the carefree 18-year-old, rather a 25-year-old monster looked back at him.
He shouted at the top of his lungs and hurled everything at the drawer- cigarettes, perfume, creams. He banged on the table until his knuckles bled. It took a moment later that he realized he was crying.
CHAPTER 44
“Van!” a voice roused Van from his sleep. There was heavy pounding of wood. His head throbbed. Slowly, he got up and wrapped the blanket around his waist. He walked towards the door and opened it.
Sen pushed the door open and entered Van’s unit.
“I had been waiting for you all night? Where were you?” Sen asked.
“I, uh, fell asleep.” Van lied.
“Conveniently in the nude.” Sen said looking at Van. “I waited for you until sunrise infront of PDA.”
“Listen, Sen. I fell asleep. I-“
“Van?” a female voice screamed out. Sen looked at the direction of the bedroom, then to Van. The bedroom door opened.
“Who’s that?” Sen froze.
At the doorway stood Bea, wearing Van’s shirt. Sen felt the world closing in on him, so this was the reason why Van did not meet him, he had a rendezvous with Bea. All the anger was building up within him now. He looked at Van, who was smirking. That was the last straw, his fist landed on Van’s cheek.
He bolted out of the unit.
Sen pushed the door open and entered Van’s unit.
“I had been waiting for you all night? Where were you?” Sen asked.
“I, uh, fell asleep.” Van lied.
“Conveniently in the nude.” Sen said looking at Van. “I waited for you until sunrise infront of PDA.”
“Listen, Sen. I fell asleep. I-“
“Van?” a female voice screamed out. Sen looked at the direction of the bedroom, then to Van. The bedroom door opened.
“Who’s that?” Sen froze.
At the doorway stood Bea, wearing Van’s shirt. Sen felt the world closing in on him, so this was the reason why Van did not meet him, he had a rendezvous with Bea. All the anger was building up within him now. He looked at Van, who was smirking. That was the last straw, his fist landed on Van’s cheek.
He bolted out of the unit.
CHAPTER 43
Pinoy Dream Academy stood out like a broken space shuttle in the darkness. Ever since ABS-CBN has stopped the franchise of all Endemol shows three years ago, the PBB/PDA studios have fallen into disrepair. The painted façade of the building has chipped, the street lights cast an eerie glow to the building, now used as a props store room.
Outside the Academy, Sen waited patiently inside his BMW. The sound of merrymaking from a nearby bar could be heard. He took a glance at his watch,10:45. Still plenty of time before 1, he thought.
He alighted from his car and looked at the PDA façade. Where it all began, he thought. Instantly, he was brought back to that fateful expulsion night when he and van stood face-to-face. The next words Toni Gonzaga mentioned had been a blur. All he could recall was that he cried himself to sleep that night.
Now, Hansen had to wait, the same way he waited for two weeks for the Grand Dream Night. Van’s instructions to him were clear: They were to meet in front of PDA then proceed to the airport for their flight to Greece.
1:00 came and went, yet not even a shadow of Van arrived. He’ll be here Sen thought to himself.
By 6:00, Sen was speeding through EDSA rushing towards Eastwood City.
Outside the Academy, Sen waited patiently inside his BMW. The sound of merrymaking from a nearby bar could be heard. He took a glance at his watch,10:45. Still plenty of time before 1, he thought.
He alighted from his car and looked at the PDA façade. Where it all began, he thought. Instantly, he was brought back to that fateful expulsion night when he and van stood face-to-face. The next words Toni Gonzaga mentioned had been a blur. All he could recall was that he cried himself to sleep that night.
Now, Hansen had to wait, the same way he waited for two weeks for the Grand Dream Night. Van’s instructions to him were clear: They were to meet in front of PDA then proceed to the airport for their flight to Greece.
1:00 came and went, yet not even a shadow of Van arrived. He’ll be here Sen thought to himself.
By 6:00, Sen was speeding through EDSA rushing towards Eastwood City.
CHAPTER 42
Van emerged from the bathroom carrying a pile of his shirts. He stuffed them unceremoniously into his gym bag.
He sat down beside the bag and got his half finished cigarette. I’m almost done, he thought. Just a task lay at hand.
He was amazed at the work he had done. He had planned this for quite some time, but he had difficulty planning his return. It was Cris Nichols herself who opened the door when she invited him to the reunion. Everything fell into place from there.
Now, there was only one thing left, he thought as he took a puff. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
“Hello?” he asked as the other end picked up.
* * *
“Are you sure about this?” Laarni asked as she handed two plane tickets to Sen.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.” He replied as he stuffed the tickets into his jacket. The two had met at Laarnia. Upon Sen’s prodding, Laarni purchased the plane tickets for Sen and Van to Athens.
“Well, you seem happy.” Sen smiled.
“La, thank you for everything. You really are a friend.” Sen said as he held Laarni’s hand.
“I made a promise to a friend to take care of you. I’m just fulfilling his wishes.” Laarni replied. Sen nodded.
“I’m going to miss you.” Sen stood up and hugged Laarni.
“Where do you go from here?” She asked as he pulled away.
“Honestly I do not know.”
He sat down beside the bag and got his half finished cigarette. I’m almost done, he thought. Just a task lay at hand.
He was amazed at the work he had done. He had planned this for quite some time, but he had difficulty planning his return. It was Cris Nichols herself who opened the door when she invited him to the reunion. Everything fell into place from there.
Now, there was only one thing left, he thought as he took a puff. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
“Hello?” he asked as the other end picked up.
* * *
“Are you sure about this?” Laarni asked as she handed two plane tickets to Sen.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.” He replied as he stuffed the tickets into his jacket. The two had met at Laarnia. Upon Sen’s prodding, Laarni purchased the plane tickets for Sen and Van to Athens.
“Well, you seem happy.” Sen smiled.
“La, thank you for everything. You really are a friend.” Sen said as he held Laarni’s hand.
“I made a promise to a friend to take care of you. I’m just fulfilling his wishes.” Laarni replied. Sen nodded.
“I’m going to miss you.” Sen stood up and hugged Laarni.
“Where do you go from here?” She asked as he pulled away.
“Honestly I do not know.”
CHAPTER 41
Welcome to hell, Cris thought as she pulled up her Toyota Vios into the driveway. She took a deep breath as she opened the door of her car. This past week, 63 Colombia has become hell for Cristina. She used to love her home, but now it was like a plague that she avoided. But, her life outside the house has also been hell. Contact with Bea has been a lost cause as she refused to return her messages. She knew Bea had told Liezel already since she too had dropped out of her radar altogether.
She pushed open the door and the vast living room greeted her. The cheerful yellow couch seemed drab to her now. The oriental furnishings that she lovingly placed were eyesores. As she climbed the stairs, she noticed activity in the Master’s Bedroom. What could Hansen be possibly be doing right now? She thought.
An instant later she saw it.
At the foot of the bed lay Hansen’s suitcase. A moment later, Hansen emerged from the bathroom with a pile clothes in hand.
“What’s the meaning of this?” She asked.
“I’m leaving.”
“To be with him?” Hansen placed the clothes onto the suitcase.
“Hansen, you’re taking things too fast.” Cris said as she dropped her bag at her dresser. “Maybe this is just a test.” Despite of everything going on, the thought of Hansen leaving her was still too much for her to bear.
“I’ve thought things over.” Hansen said as he went back into the bathroom.
“Hansen, please don’t leave me. We can work it out. I know we can.”
“Cris, throughout the years we’ve been married, I tried to be happy. I wanted to be happy for us, but I just can’t be.” Hansen said as he emerged from the bathroom one more time. “This is my chance for happiness and I want to take it.”
Cris rushed towards Hansen and hugged him. She knew it was a desperate plea.
“Hansen, I love you! I can forgive everything, put please don’t go.” Hansen removed Cris from his body. He bent over and closed his suitcase. He picked it up and proceeded towards the door of the bedroom. Cris followed him. She knew Louie will hear them fighting but she had to make her voice heard.
“You want to be with Van? To be what? His secret whore? That’s what you’ll be.” She screamed as Sen was going down the stairs. He stopped in his tracks and faced her
“I’d rather be his whore than your husband.”
Cris felt like she was stabbed in the heart. She had expected to hear everything, but the last line uttered by Sen, she was unprepared. She made a dash to the stairs.
“Papa!” Louie screamed as Sen reached the first floor. The little girl ran towards her father. “Where are you going?”
Sen picked up the little girl and embraced her.
“Papa will just be away for a while. Only for a little while.” He lied. He knew Louie would not be able to understand the situation just yet. He kissed his daughter in the forehead.
“Take care of Mama ok?” Louie nodded as he put her down. He then walked slowly towards the door.
“Sen!” Cris screamed as she reached the ground floor. “If you step out that door, you’ll have nothing to come back to.”
Hansen stopped, turned around and looked at his family. His eyes then wandered around the house. This house held so many secrets, it’s time one finally unravels he thought. With finality, he walked past the door and closed it shut.
She pushed open the door and the vast living room greeted her. The cheerful yellow couch seemed drab to her now. The oriental furnishings that she lovingly placed were eyesores. As she climbed the stairs, she noticed activity in the Master’s Bedroom. What could Hansen be possibly be doing right now? She thought.
An instant later she saw it.
At the foot of the bed lay Hansen’s suitcase. A moment later, Hansen emerged from the bathroom with a pile clothes in hand.
“What’s the meaning of this?” She asked.
“I’m leaving.”
“To be with him?” Hansen placed the clothes onto the suitcase.
“Hansen, you’re taking things too fast.” Cris said as she dropped her bag at her dresser. “Maybe this is just a test.” Despite of everything going on, the thought of Hansen leaving her was still too much for her to bear.
“I’ve thought things over.” Hansen said as he went back into the bathroom.
“Hansen, please don’t leave me. We can work it out. I know we can.”
“Cris, throughout the years we’ve been married, I tried to be happy. I wanted to be happy for us, but I just can’t be.” Hansen said as he emerged from the bathroom one more time. “This is my chance for happiness and I want to take it.”
Cris rushed towards Hansen and hugged him. She knew it was a desperate plea.
“Hansen, I love you! I can forgive everything, put please don’t go.” Hansen removed Cris from his body. He bent over and closed his suitcase. He picked it up and proceeded towards the door of the bedroom. Cris followed him. She knew Louie will hear them fighting but she had to make her voice heard.
“You want to be with Van? To be what? His secret whore? That’s what you’ll be.” She screamed as Sen was going down the stairs. He stopped in his tracks and faced her
“I’d rather be his whore than your husband.”
Cris felt like she was stabbed in the heart. She had expected to hear everything, but the last line uttered by Sen, she was unprepared. She made a dash to the stairs.
“Papa!” Louie screamed as Sen reached the first floor. The little girl ran towards her father. “Where are you going?”
Sen picked up the little girl and embraced her.
“Papa will just be away for a while. Only for a little while.” He lied. He knew Louie would not be able to understand the situation just yet. He kissed his daughter in the forehead.
“Take care of Mama ok?” Louie nodded as he put her down. He then walked slowly towards the door.
“Sen!” Cris screamed as she reached the ground floor. “If you step out that door, you’ll have nothing to come back to.”
Hansen stopped, turned around and looked at his family. His eyes then wandered around the house. This house held so many secrets, it’s time one finally unravels he thought. With finality, he walked past the door and closed it shut.
CHAPTER 40
Cris entered the Ladies bathroom and slammed the door shut. She bolted the lock and then rushed to the sink. She studied herself in the mirror. Her left cheek was red and puffed up. There was a small gash as well. Bea’s ring had hit her and made a shallow wound.
She felt a rising anger inside her. She got the tissue dispenser from the counter and hurled it to the floor, followed by a blood-curdling scream. Tears were now flowing freely. He has got everything she has held dear- her friends, her family, Sen. Where was the Van she was fond of? What happened to him?
If he was hell bent on destroying her, he had been successful. She was broken, alone, and and cold.
Van’s words echoed in her ears, Revenge is a dish best served cold.
* * *
“Hello Van?” Sen asked as he sat on behind his office desk.
“Sen” Van replied at the other end of the line.
“Bea came here this morning, she had a tiff with Cris.” Sen informed.
“Oh really, what about?” Van asked, sounding innocent.
“I think Bea saw you and Cris talking. She said you two were having an affair.”
“Really?” A smile crept across Van’s face.
“Anyway, I called to tell you I have made my decision.”
“about what?”
“your offer.”
“Oh.” At the other end of the line, Van listened intently as Hansen made his decision.
“Okay. I understand.” Van said. “We’ll keep in touch.” He said as he put the phone down. He took a puff of his cigarette and looked out the window. Outside, the sun was setting, the shadows cast a sinister figure on his face.
She felt a rising anger inside her. She got the tissue dispenser from the counter and hurled it to the floor, followed by a blood-curdling scream. Tears were now flowing freely. He has got everything she has held dear- her friends, her family, Sen. Where was the Van she was fond of? What happened to him?
If he was hell bent on destroying her, he had been successful. She was broken, alone, and and cold.
Van’s words echoed in her ears, Revenge is a dish best served cold.
* * *
“Hello Van?” Sen asked as he sat on behind his office desk.
“Sen” Van replied at the other end of the line.
“Bea came here this morning, she had a tiff with Cris.” Sen informed.
“Oh really, what about?” Van asked, sounding innocent.
“I think Bea saw you and Cris talking. She said you two were having an affair.”
“Really?” A smile crept across Van’s face.
“Anyway, I called to tell you I have made my decision.”
“about what?”
“your offer.”
“Oh.” At the other end of the line, Van listened intently as Hansen made his decision.
“Okay. I understand.” Van said. “We’ll keep in touch.” He said as he put the phone down. He took a puff of his cigarette and looked out the window. Outside, the sun was setting, the shadows cast a sinister figure on his face.
CHAPTER 39
The sound of clacking heels disturbed Cris’ afternoon slumber as she slept inside her office in Talentado. The door opened and Bea Munoz came rushing in.
“Hello Cris.” She greeted calmly. Cris was about to greet back, when suddenly, she felt Bea’s palm against her left cheek. She was surprised.
“Bitch! What was that for?” She shouted. The employees were beginning to look at the events unfolding through the glass partition. Hansen and Laarni emerged from the upstairs office.
“I thought you were a friend.” Bea screamed. “You’re a snake!”
“What?” Cris reacted.
“Van told me everything” Bea replied. “How you tried to seduce him, how you offered yourself to him.” Cris was shocked.
“What the hell?! I never did any of those!” Cris said. Hansen and Laarni were now outside the door.
“You know what, forget the friendship! I should have believed everything that they said about you in the Academy. You are a slut! A whore! A tramp!” This time it was Cris’ palm that met Bea’s cheek.
“What’s going on here?” Hansen asked as he and Laarni entered Cris’ office. Bea just gave a cold stare to Cris, then to Hansen then left.
“Are you okay?” Sen asked Cris. She pushed him away then stormed out of the office as well.
“Hello Cris.” She greeted calmly. Cris was about to greet back, when suddenly, she felt Bea’s palm against her left cheek. She was surprised.
“Bitch! What was that for?” She shouted. The employees were beginning to look at the events unfolding through the glass partition. Hansen and Laarni emerged from the upstairs office.
“I thought you were a friend.” Bea screamed. “You’re a snake!”
“What?” Cris reacted.
“Van told me everything” Bea replied. “How you tried to seduce him, how you offered yourself to him.” Cris was shocked.
“What the hell?! I never did any of those!” Cris said. Hansen and Laarni were now outside the door.
“You know what, forget the friendship! I should have believed everything that they said about you in the Academy. You are a slut! A whore! A tramp!” This time it was Cris’ palm that met Bea’s cheek.
“What’s going on here?” Hansen asked as he and Laarni entered Cris’ office. Bea just gave a cold stare to Cris, then to Hansen then left.
“Are you okay?” Sen asked Cris. She pushed him away then stormed out of the office as well.
CHAPTER 38
“Laarni, I need your advice.” Sen said as he paced behind his office desk. Laarni sipped her white mocha latte as she watched Sen paced back and forth. “I’m really, really confused.” After their encounter at the restaurant, Laarni has become a constant ear who could listen to his problems, especially the latest storm brewing in his life.
“Torn between rivers?” Laarni asked. Sen nodded.
“I want to be with Van but I have to be with Cris.” Sen said as he stood behind his desk.
“Hansen, love is about making a choice and taking the risk. Someone is always bound to get hurt. Look at bugoy.” Laarni explained. “He fell in love with you, and he got hurt.”
“Well, I got hurt with what he did.” Sen said. “I trusted him.” Laarni fell silent.
“Trust is betting on an unknown. Even if you never know what it holds, you have to bet on it. The same with love.” Laarni explained. “I have no right to tell you stay with Cris or be with Van. I’m not the one living with them. It’s only you who can decide.”
She approached Sen and gave him a hug. He felt thankful that Laarni was there. Evrsince they left the academy, she had been a wonderful confidante. Even if he had not told her the entire truth, she still understood and gave the most sensible piece of advice.
He knew now what to do.
“Torn between rivers?” Laarni asked. Sen nodded.
“I want to be with Van but I have to be with Cris.” Sen said as he stood behind his desk.
“Hansen, love is about making a choice and taking the risk. Someone is always bound to get hurt. Look at bugoy.” Laarni explained. “He fell in love with you, and he got hurt.”
“Well, I got hurt with what he did.” Sen said. “I trusted him.” Laarni fell silent.
“Trust is betting on an unknown. Even if you never know what it holds, you have to bet on it. The same with love.” Laarni explained. “I have no right to tell you stay with Cris or be with Van. I’m not the one living with them. It’s only you who can decide.”
She approached Sen and gave him a hug. He felt thankful that Laarni was there. Evrsince they left the academy, she had been a wonderful confidante. Even if he had not told her the entire truth, she still understood and gave the most sensible piece of advice.
He knew now what to do.
CHAPTER 37
Cristina took a sip of scotch as she watched Louie play at the floor. What is this family coming to? She thought.
Dinner with Liezel and Bea was an awkward as Bea and Cris were trying to play an under-the-table cat-and-mouse game. Liezel had made reservations for the three of them to catch a movie, but the tension made her bail out.
Now, she sits alone in her house. It’s no longer a home. She heard the horn of Sen’s BMW, followed by the clanking of the gates. A minute later, Sen emerged from the side door.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s finally home.” Cris said, standing up. Sen approacher her to kiss but she deliberately avoided his face. “So, how was your day?”
Sen deliberately ignored her and went to Louie. He picked up Louie and carried her up the stairs.
* * *
Bea took a sip of wine as she sat by the bar of Akademya. She too had bailed out on Liezel’s scheduled movie date. A figure in red approached her. She turned around and stared at the figure.
“Hi.” Van greeted, planting a kiss on Bea’s cheek.
“So, tell me about Cris.” Bea said as Van sat on the empty stool beside him. He beckoned the waiter and ordered a glass of scotch.
“Van?”
“Cris talked to me the other day.” Van said as the waiter brought the glass of scotch. He took a swig then placed the glass down. “She told me that she’s in love with me.”
Dinner with Liezel and Bea was an awkward as Bea and Cris were trying to play an under-the-table cat-and-mouse game. Liezel had made reservations for the three of them to catch a movie, but the tension made her bail out.
Now, she sits alone in her house. It’s no longer a home. She heard the horn of Sen’s BMW, followed by the clanking of the gates. A minute later, Sen emerged from the side door.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s finally home.” Cris said, standing up. Sen approacher her to kiss but she deliberately avoided his face. “So, how was your day?”
Sen deliberately ignored her and went to Louie. He picked up Louie and carried her up the stairs.
* * *
Bea took a sip of wine as she sat by the bar of Akademya. She too had bailed out on Liezel’s scheduled movie date. A figure in red approached her. She turned around and stared at the figure.
“Hi.” Van greeted, planting a kiss on Bea’s cheek.
“So, tell me about Cris.” Bea said as Van sat on the empty stool beside him. He beckoned the waiter and ordered a glass of scotch.
“Van?”
“Cris talked to me the other day.” Van said as the waiter brought the glass of scotch. He took a swig then placed the glass down. “She told me that she’s in love with me.”
Monday, August 25, 2008
CHAPTER 36
For a moment, Sen forgot all his problems. This was bliss, lying next to Van as the world moved on around them. He faced Van who was sleeping beside him. His face seemed peaceful. Sen lifted his hand, and caressed Van’s face. The years have been very kind to Van. The youthful appeal he had when he entered the academy was still there, his features were now more developed. The baby fats he used to have were now gone, revealing a well-sculpted body.
Van stirred, and saw Sen looking at him. He smiled. This was one moment where he could forget his plans. This was what he wanted after all- to have Sen by his side. He could put aside everything he felt, everything and just stay there.
Things must be done, he thought. He stood up, and lit a stick of cigarette. He wrapped the blanket around his waist, stood up and looked out the floor-to-ceiling window.
“Sen, remember what I told you and Cris during dinner a few weeks back?” Van asked. He looked at Van’s back. “I told you guys, I would quit if I found the one.”
He took a puff then turned around. Sen sat down on the bed, a pillow covering his lower half.
“I’m ready to quit.” Van said.
“Why?”
“I’ve found the one.” Van smiled. “It was you.” Sen looked puzzled.
“Me?”
“Yes. I want us to go far, far away.” Sen’s expression went from puzzled to surprised.
“But, what about Cris? I have a family now Van. It’s not that easy.” Sen explained.
“But do you love Cris?” Van asked.
“In the past years, I’ve learned to love her.” Sen replied
“More than me?” Sen paused. He knew he loved Van more, but he was unsure if this was the right thing to do.
“I love you more, of course. But I am not sure..”
“Do you trust me?” Van said.
“Of course.” Sen said.
“Then believe me, this is the best for us. It’s not our own way anymore. It’s our way.” Van said, smiling. “I’ll give you a token of trust.”
“A token of trust?”
“A token of trust.” Van said as he knelt down before Sen. He missed this-Van going down on him. It had been a long time, the last time before they parted ways. But this time it was different, Van was methodical, as if he was doing it just to get things over with. Sen did not feel the passion Van used to have.
Van stirred, and saw Sen looking at him. He smiled. This was one moment where he could forget his plans. This was what he wanted after all- to have Sen by his side. He could put aside everything he felt, everything and just stay there.
Things must be done, he thought. He stood up, and lit a stick of cigarette. He wrapped the blanket around his waist, stood up and looked out the floor-to-ceiling window.
“Sen, remember what I told you and Cris during dinner a few weeks back?” Van asked. He looked at Van’s back. “I told you guys, I would quit if I found the one.”
He took a puff then turned around. Sen sat down on the bed, a pillow covering his lower half.
“I’m ready to quit.” Van said.
“Why?”
“I’ve found the one.” Van smiled. “It was you.” Sen looked puzzled.
“Me?”
“Yes. I want us to go far, far away.” Sen’s expression went from puzzled to surprised.
“But, what about Cris? I have a family now Van. It’s not that easy.” Sen explained.
“But do you love Cris?” Van asked.
“In the past years, I’ve learned to love her.” Sen replied
“More than me?” Sen paused. He knew he loved Van more, but he was unsure if this was the right thing to do.
“I love you more, of course. But I am not sure..”
“Do you trust me?” Van said.
“Of course.” Sen said.
“Then believe me, this is the best for us. It’s not our own way anymore. It’s our way.” Van said, smiling. “I’ll give you a token of trust.”
“A token of trust?”
“A token of trust.” Van said as he knelt down before Sen. He missed this-Van going down on him. It had been a long time, the last time before they parted ways. But this time it was different, Van was methodical, as if he was doing it just to get things over with. Sen did not feel the passion Van used to have.
CHAPTER 35
“Cris!” Liezel shouted as the former entered Akademya. Cris waved at her and went towards that direction. Cris welcomed this respite. It was a breather from her now tumultuous family life. However, she stopped in her tracks when she realized that Bea was also there.
Bea looked at Cris coldly, then put on a smile.
“Hello Cris” she said as she stood up and planted a kiss on Cris’ cheek. Cris smiled uncomfortable as Bea pulled away from her.
I wish I could tell her without breaking her heart, she thought. The three sat down together at the table.
“So, what has happened these past few days?” Liezel asked, unmindful of the brewing tension between the two girls. “Have you heard that Bugoy has finally gone to Macau?” but it was as if the two girls did not hear her.
Bea watched in observation as Cris sat uncomfortable across her. She’s guilty, she thought. After seeing what she saw the other day, she had been thinking whether or not she could still trust Cris. She had talked to Van earlier that day, and he assured her of his love. At least that I could hold on to, she thought.
On the other end of the table, Cris was staring at Bea. She felt pity for the girl. Can’t you see, Van is just using you, she thought. She had wanted to tell Bea, but she did not know how. A thing this heavy could break this girl’s heart. She knew how long Bea waited for Van, and for this to come up, it would destroy Bea.
:”Are you two even listening to me?” Liezel asked when she noticed the two were not even paying attention to what she was saying. “Is there something I should know here?”
The two looked at each other. There was an awkward silence, thick enough to envelop Akademya.
“Of course not.” Bea said, smiling. “Everything’s fine. Right Cris?” she raised one eyebrow. Cris felt an uncomfortable shudder run through her spine.
“Yeah.” She lied. “I was just thinking about something.”
Bea looked at Cris coldly, then put on a smile.
“Hello Cris” she said as she stood up and planted a kiss on Cris’ cheek. Cris smiled uncomfortable as Bea pulled away from her.
I wish I could tell her without breaking her heart, she thought. The three sat down together at the table.
“So, what has happened these past few days?” Liezel asked, unmindful of the brewing tension between the two girls. “Have you heard that Bugoy has finally gone to Macau?” but it was as if the two girls did not hear her.
Bea watched in observation as Cris sat uncomfortable across her. She’s guilty, she thought. After seeing what she saw the other day, she had been thinking whether or not she could still trust Cris. She had talked to Van earlier that day, and he assured her of his love. At least that I could hold on to, she thought.
On the other end of the table, Cris was staring at Bea. She felt pity for the girl. Can’t you see, Van is just using you, she thought. She had wanted to tell Bea, but she did not know how. A thing this heavy could break this girl’s heart. She knew how long Bea waited for Van, and for this to come up, it would destroy Bea.
:”Are you two even listening to me?” Liezel asked when she noticed the two were not even paying attention to what she was saying. “Is there something I should know here?”
The two looked at each other. There was an awkward silence, thick enough to envelop Akademya.
“Of course not.” Bea said, smiling. “Everything’s fine. Right Cris?” she raised one eyebrow. Cris felt an uncomfortable shudder run through her spine.
“Yeah.” She lied. “I was just thinking about something.”
CHAPTER 34
“Van, we need to talk.” Hansen said as he entered Van’s loft. “Cris knows about us.”
Van took a long drag of his cigarette.
“I know.” He said, calmly. Sen was puzzled.
“How?”
“She talked to me the other day.” Van took a puff of his cigarette. “She told me to leave you.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.” Van lied. “What do you want me to say?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Sen responded. Van turned around and faced the window. The whole of Eastwood City layout before him.
“Do you want me to go?” He asked, a snicker in his face.
Sen hugged Van from behind. The smile disappeared.
“No. I lost you once. I’m not going to lose you again.” Van turned around and kissed Sen.
Van took a long drag of his cigarette.
“I know.” He said, calmly. Sen was puzzled.
“How?”
“She talked to me the other day.” Van took a puff of his cigarette. “She told me to leave you.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.” Van lied. “What do you want me to say?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Sen responded. Van turned around and faced the window. The whole of Eastwood City layout before him.
“Do you want me to go?” He asked, a snicker in his face.
Sen hugged Van from behind. The smile disappeared.
“No. I lost you once. I’m not going to lose you again.” Van turned around and kissed Sen.
CHAPTER 33
Bea noticed Van’s black Expedition parked outside Treballa in Tomas Morato. She had gone to Laarnia to oversee the preparation for an upcoming function. Thinking everything would be okay, she entrusted the rest of the preparation to the kitchen staff.
She parked her car, a silver Honda Jazz, nearby. I’m going to surprise him, she thought. She walked towards the restaurant, passing by its large glass window. She spotted him immediately at the far end of the restaurant talking to somebody.
At first, she could not see who he was talking to, but as she shifted her position, she saw Cristina Nichols seated opposite Van. The two were in a serious discussion.
At first she thought nothing of it. The clincher for Bea was when Cristina held Van’s hands. Van did nothing to remove it.
Are those two… Bea thought. She decided to go back to her car. The thought of surprising Van no longer interested her.
She parked her car, a silver Honda Jazz, nearby. I’m going to surprise him, she thought. She walked towards the restaurant, passing by its large glass window. She spotted him immediately at the far end of the restaurant talking to somebody.
At first, she could not see who he was talking to, but as she shifted her position, she saw Cristina Nichols seated opposite Van. The two were in a serious discussion.
At first she thought nothing of it. The clincher for Bea was when Cristina held Van’s hands. Van did nothing to remove it.
Are those two… Bea thought. She decided to go back to her car. The thought of surprising Van no longer interested her.
CHAPTER 32
In another restaurant, Hansen sat nervously. He drank a shot glass of tequila then poured himself another one.
“Take it easy with that.” A voice behind him said. Hansen turned around a saw figure dressed in a gray one piece button down dress. A black belt accents her waist. Her hair neatly tied into a side pony-tail.
“What are you doing here?” He asked.
“I just happened to be around.” Laarni said, sitting across him. “Now come on, what’s the problem?”
“It’s no use explaining. It’s a long story.” Sen said.
“Try me?” Laarni replied. “Is this about Van?”
“How did you know? An astonished Sen asked.
“Let’s just say a guardian angel told me.” Laarni smiled.
“Bugoy.” Sen said. Who else would have known? “Cris found out.”
“And?”
“What do you mean and?”
“I mean, what happened.”
“We had this huge fight. Honestly right now, I don’t know what to do?”
“What do you feel towards her? Towards Van?” Laarni asked.
“In all the years I’ve been married to Cris, I have learned to love her. She is the mother of my child. I thought I have forgotten about Van, but when he showed up, the bottled up feelings just erupted.” Sen broke down to tears. Laarni held his hand.
“Listen to me.” She started. “You have to be strong. Why don’t you go talk to Van.”
“Take it easy with that.” A voice behind him said. Hansen turned around a saw figure dressed in a gray one piece button down dress. A black belt accents her waist. Her hair neatly tied into a side pony-tail.
“What are you doing here?” He asked.
“I just happened to be around.” Laarni said, sitting across him. “Now come on, what’s the problem?”
“It’s no use explaining. It’s a long story.” Sen said.
“Try me?” Laarni replied. “Is this about Van?”
“How did you know? An astonished Sen asked.
“Let’s just say a guardian angel told me.” Laarni smiled.
“Bugoy.” Sen said. Who else would have known? “Cris found out.”
“And?”
“What do you mean and?”
“I mean, what happened.”
“We had this huge fight. Honestly right now, I don’t know what to do?”
“What do you feel towards her? Towards Van?” Laarni asked.
“In all the years I’ve been married to Cris, I have learned to love her. She is the mother of my child. I thought I have forgotten about Van, but when he showed up, the bottled up feelings just erupted.” Sen broke down to tears. Laarni held his hand.
“Listen to me.” She started. “You have to be strong. Why don’t you go talk to Van.”
CHAPTER 31
Van Pojas entered the Treballa restaurant. It was mid-afternoon and the restaurant was nearly empty. He immediately scanned the area to see the person he was meeting seated in a secluded corner of the restaurant.
“Sorry, traffic’s a killer” he said, sitting down opposite Cris Nichols. She looked at him, cold and unforgiving. Van grabbed a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.
“This is about you.” Cris began. “and Sen.” Van sat back and took a puff. “He told me everything about you two.”
Van laughed.
“As I expected he would.” He said. “An now you’re going to beg me to leave him and save your family? Well, boo hoo Cris.”
Cris was shocked with Van’s defiance. She had at least expected him to be morose and apologetic. Apparently that was not the case. Van took a puff from his cigarette.
“We have a family. A daughter. Doesn’t that matter to you? And what about Bea?” Cris asked.
“Well Cris, you ruined our chance for a happy life together. Whoever said payback was not going to be a bitch anyway?” Van snapped as he stubbed his cigarette out on the ashtray.
“And Bea” she asked.
“Consider Bea collateral damage. An unwitting pawn.” Van said. Cris could not believe what she was hearing. Van was not like this a few years back. He was young, carefree and very fun-loving- a far cry from the Van seated across him.
“Van, what happened? You used to be a nice kid.” Cris asked.
“People change Cris. Sometimes, something happens to people and they change.” Van explained. “In my case, I just got tired of being the nice kid. They usually finish last. I should have fought for Sen when I had the chance, instead I gave him up.”
Cris was silent. In a way, she understood where Van was coming from, but things are different now.
“Things are different now Van. Sen has a family to take care of. You can still be his friend.” Cris offered. Van let out a laugh again.
“Do you think this is just about you?” Van snapped, the light casting an evil glow on his face.
Cris was puzzled.
“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
“Sorry, traffic’s a killer” he said, sitting down opposite Cris Nichols. She looked at him, cold and unforgiving. Van grabbed a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.
“This is about you.” Cris began. “and Sen.” Van sat back and took a puff. “He told me everything about you two.”
Van laughed.
“As I expected he would.” He said. “An now you’re going to beg me to leave him and save your family? Well, boo hoo Cris.”
Cris was shocked with Van’s defiance. She had at least expected him to be morose and apologetic. Apparently that was not the case. Van took a puff from his cigarette.
“We have a family. A daughter. Doesn’t that matter to you? And what about Bea?” Cris asked.
“Well Cris, you ruined our chance for a happy life together. Whoever said payback was not going to be a bitch anyway?” Van snapped as he stubbed his cigarette out on the ashtray.
“And Bea” she asked.
“Consider Bea collateral damage. An unwitting pawn.” Van said. Cris could not believe what she was hearing. Van was not like this a few years back. He was young, carefree and very fun-loving- a far cry from the Van seated across him.
“Van, what happened? You used to be a nice kid.” Cris asked.
“People change Cris. Sometimes, something happens to people and they change.” Van explained. “In my case, I just got tired of being the nice kid. They usually finish last. I should have fought for Sen when I had the chance, instead I gave him up.”
Cris was silent. In a way, she understood where Van was coming from, but things are different now.
“Things are different now Van. Sen has a family to take care of. You can still be his friend.” Cris offered. Van let out a laugh again.
“Do you think this is just about you?” Van snapped, the light casting an evil glow on his face.
Cris was puzzled.
“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
Sunday, August 24, 2008
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 30:
The smog-filled Metro Manila skyline layout before Sen. The hills of Antipolo seem like a perfect refuge for times like these. He parked the car in an enclave that overlooked the city. He switched off the engines.
“So what do you want to talk about?” He asked. Cris sat beside him, staring up front. He knew that when Cris suggested that they drive around, he knew that it was not merely for fun. It was her way of telling him that they have a problem to iron out. It was better this way, he thought. At least we do not fight in front of Louie.
He knew there was a problem. It had been four days and Cristina has hardly talked to him. So when she asked they go for a drive, it was already a welcome respite.
“Hansen, have you ever cheated on me?” Cristina asked.
“No” Hansen replied. A sharp pain hit Cris’ heart.
“I saw something at the Picnic Grove.” Cris said. Hansen looked at Cris, the shock evident in his eyes.
“How long has this been going on?” Cris asked.
“Cris, I-“ Hansen started to explain.
“How long has this been going on?” Cris screamed. Hansen saw the anger in her eyes.
“Three weeks.” Hansen answered. Tears were now flowing from Cris’ eyes.
“Before we were married…”
“Yes, Van and I had an affair before we were married.” Hansen came clean. “I was about to break off with you, but you were pregnant.”
“You only married me because I was pregnant?” Cris exclaimed.
“It’s true.” Hansen replied. The next instant, a warm sensation hit his face. He felt the whiplash immediately as Cris’ hand found its way to his cheek.
“You animal! I thought you loved me.” Cris said, pounding her hands on sen’s shoulder. She felt this was the ultimate betrayal.
“ I could have forgiven you if you’re mistress was a woman, but a man!” The past five years were some of the best of her life, only to find out they were a lie. She wanted to push Sen down the cliff, but deep inside she still oved him.
“I did love you. I love Louie. It’s just that…”Hansen began.
“You love Van more.” Cris finished the sentence for him.
The smog-filled Metro Manila skyline layout before Sen. The hills of Antipolo seem like a perfect refuge for times like these. He parked the car in an enclave that overlooked the city. He switched off the engines.
“So what do you want to talk about?” He asked. Cris sat beside him, staring up front. He knew that when Cris suggested that they drive around, he knew that it was not merely for fun. It was her way of telling him that they have a problem to iron out. It was better this way, he thought. At least we do not fight in front of Louie.
He knew there was a problem. It had been four days and Cristina has hardly talked to him. So when she asked they go for a drive, it was already a welcome respite.
“Hansen, have you ever cheated on me?” Cristina asked.
“No” Hansen replied. A sharp pain hit Cris’ heart.
“I saw something at the Picnic Grove.” Cris said. Hansen looked at Cris, the shock evident in his eyes.
“How long has this been going on?” Cris asked.
“Cris, I-“ Hansen started to explain.
“How long has this been going on?” Cris screamed. Hansen saw the anger in her eyes.
“Three weeks.” Hansen answered. Tears were now flowing from Cris’ eyes.
“Before we were married…”
“Yes, Van and I had an affair before we were married.” Hansen came clean. “I was about to break off with you, but you were pregnant.”
“You only married me because I was pregnant?” Cris exclaimed.
“It’s true.” Hansen replied. The next instant, a warm sensation hit his face. He felt the whiplash immediately as Cris’ hand found its way to his cheek.
“You animal! I thought you loved me.” Cris said, pounding her hands on sen’s shoulder. She felt this was the ultimate betrayal.
“ I could have forgiven you if you’re mistress was a woman, but a man!” The past five years were some of the best of her life, only to find out they were a lie. She wanted to push Sen down the cliff, but deep inside she still oved him.
“I did love you. I love Louie. It’s just that…”Hansen began.
“You love Van more.” Cris finished the sentence for him.
CHAPTER 29
The Departure Area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 was bustling with activity. Travellers lined the check-in counters of various airlines, relatives bid farewell to their kin. Amidst these, Beulah and Laarni sat quietly.
It had been four days ago that Beulah received a call from the Wynn resort in Macau with an offer for him to be a part of their drag show. He did not think twice in accepting the offer. It, however, required Beulah to be there as soon as possible for rehearsals and training.
“Are you sure about this?” Laarni asked. Beulah gave a nod.
“It’s better this way.” Beulah said. “At least I can finally put the past behind me.”
“You still have feelings for him, don’t you?” Silence. “Then why don’t you put closure. Just say something to him. It’s better than hiding forever.”
“I’d love to, but I don’t know how.” Beulah began. “Besides, I think he has moved on. And to see him finally happy, then I guess I can be happy too.”
Laarni had something to say to Beulah, but held back. It seems as though he was decided that this was his way of letting go.
“Will you be back?”
“I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.” Beulah said.
“Flight 5J 564 bound for Macau, now boarding at Gate 17.” The public address system announced. Beulah stood up and collected his hand carry luggage. He faced Laarni and gave her a warm hug.
“La?” Beulah called as he pulled away from the hug. “Promise me one thing.” Laarni listened intently.
“Please take care of him.”
It had been four days ago that Beulah received a call from the Wynn resort in Macau with an offer for him to be a part of their drag show. He did not think twice in accepting the offer. It, however, required Beulah to be there as soon as possible for rehearsals and training.
“Are you sure about this?” Laarni asked. Beulah gave a nod.
“It’s better this way.” Beulah said. “At least I can finally put the past behind me.”
“You still have feelings for him, don’t you?” Silence. “Then why don’t you put closure. Just say something to him. It’s better than hiding forever.”
“I’d love to, but I don’t know how.” Beulah began. “Besides, I think he has moved on. And to see him finally happy, then I guess I can be happy too.”
Laarni had something to say to Beulah, but held back. It seems as though he was decided that this was his way of letting go.
“Will you be back?”
“I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.” Beulah said.
“Flight 5J 564 bound for Macau, now boarding at Gate 17.” The public address system announced. Beulah stood up and collected his hand carry luggage. He faced Laarni and gave her a warm hug.
“La?” Beulah called as he pulled away from the hug. “Promise me one thing.” Laarni listened intently.
“Please take care of him.”
CHAPTER 28
“Hey! You’re back!” Bea said as she saw Cris coming towards her. Cris wore a dazed expression on her face. “Are you okay?”
Cris managed to nod, still shocked from what she saw.
“We’re back!” Van said as he and Hansen came down, a bottle of wine in his hand.
“What took you so long?” Bea asked.
“The usual guy talk.” Van said as he eyed Sen. He just smiled.
“I think Cris is not feeling well.” Bea said as she pointed to Cris who was seated at the picnic table. Sen rushed to Cris side.
“Are you okay?” He asked. Cris looked at him, here eyes cold and unforgiving. She wanted to slap him right there but decided to spare Bea the gory details.
“Yeah. I just felt dizzy.” Cris reasoned out.
“Perhaps you’re just hungry. Maybe we should eat.” Van suggested.
“Yeah, may be you should eat.” Sen agreed.
* * *
The drive home was the part Cris dreaded the most. It would be the time that she would be with her husband, and no one else. Thank God Louie and the yaya are the, she tought.. The trip down the ridge was so silent, it was thick enough to cut with a knife.
“You’re quiet.” Sen said as their car entered the South Luzon Expressway.
“I’m just tired.” Cris said coldly, not wanting to face her husband.
Hansen just shrugged and continued driving.
“Do you want to stop by ATC?”
“I just want to go home.” Cris replied with finality.
Cris managed to nod, still shocked from what she saw.
“We’re back!” Van said as he and Hansen came down, a bottle of wine in his hand.
“What took you so long?” Bea asked.
“The usual guy talk.” Van said as he eyed Sen. He just smiled.
“I think Cris is not feeling well.” Bea said as she pointed to Cris who was seated at the picnic table. Sen rushed to Cris side.
“Are you okay?” He asked. Cris looked at him, here eyes cold and unforgiving. She wanted to slap him right there but decided to spare Bea the gory details.
“Yeah. I just felt dizzy.” Cris reasoned out.
“Perhaps you’re just hungry. Maybe we should eat.” Van suggested.
“Yeah, may be you should eat.” Sen agreed.
* * *
The drive home was the part Cris dreaded the most. It would be the time that she would be with her husband, and no one else. Thank God Louie and the yaya are the, she tought.. The trip down the ridge was so silent, it was thick enough to cut with a knife.
“You’re quiet.” Sen said as their car entered the South Luzon Expressway.
“I’m just tired.” Cris said coldly, not wanting to face her husband.
Hansen just shrugged and continued driving.
“Do you want to stop by ATC?”
“I just want to go home.” Cris replied with finality.
CHAPTER 27
Van was drenched in sweat as he pumped incessantly behind Sen. Sen leaned forward, holding onto a tree for support. He winced in pain as if his insides were being torn apart. He held on to the tree tightly as Van’s hands were on his hips.
Van never really intended to get the wine. Once they were far enough from Bea and Cris, he pulled Sen over to a secluded area and did the deed. Sen himself was shocked that he agreed to go bottom. He initially refused, but Van was adamnant.
He was moving faster now, his moans getting louder. Sen knew Van was nearing the point of no return. He braced himself as Van’s movements became rougher. In an instant his legs tightened. He let out a long moan. Sen felt his insides get wet. Van stayed still for a while before finally pulling out. He got a rag and wiped his manhood before pulling up his pants.
* * *
Cris felt her knees buckle. She fell to the ground dazed with the events she had witnessed. She crept slowly behind the bushes to see who was moaning. She had thought it was a person in pain. As she peered through, she saw two men in the throes of passion, one was standing upright, his pants down to his ankles. The other was naked from the waist down, bent over and holding onto a tree.
It took a minute or two before Cris realized who the two figures were. She felt the rug pulled from underneath her. The rumors started swirling back in his mind. They were true, she thought.
Hansen was Van’s whore, she thought. The tears began to fall.
Van never really intended to get the wine. Once they were far enough from Bea and Cris, he pulled Sen over to a secluded area and did the deed. Sen himself was shocked that he agreed to go bottom. He initially refused, but Van was adamnant.
He was moving faster now, his moans getting louder. Sen knew Van was nearing the point of no return. He braced himself as Van’s movements became rougher. In an instant his legs tightened. He let out a long moan. Sen felt his insides get wet. Van stayed still for a while before finally pulling out. He got a rag and wiped his manhood before pulling up his pants.
* * *
Cris felt her knees buckle. She fell to the ground dazed with the events she had witnessed. She crept slowly behind the bushes to see who was moaning. She had thought it was a person in pain. As she peered through, she saw two men in the throes of passion, one was standing upright, his pants down to his ankles. The other was naked from the waist down, bent over and holding onto a tree.
It took a minute or two before Cris realized who the two figures were. She felt the rug pulled from underneath her. The rumors started swirling back in his mind. They were true, she thought.
Hansen was Van’s whore, she thought. The tears began to fall.
CHAPTER 26
“Van, can you please pass the salad dressing.” Bea Munoz said as she chopped up the tomatoes on the picnic table. Van retrieved a bottle of Italian dressing that Bea made the night before and placed it on the table.
“I wonder what’s taking them so long?” Van asked as the looked at his watch.
“Sorry we’re late.” A voice called out. Van and Bea looked to see Cris running with a basket in hand.
“Cris! I’m so glad you made it.” Van said as he planted a kiss on her cheeks. “Where’s Sen?” Cris motioned her head to her back. Behind her, emerged Sen, carrying Louie.
“Sen! It’s nice to see you again.” Van said. Sen smiled. The past week, the two had met up four times the past week- each time at Van’s discretion.
Sen put Louie down to play. A yaya who had been trailing Sen followed the little girl as she ran around the grounds. Sen stood beside Van as they watched Louie and the yaya play. Cris helped Bea in preparing their meals.
“Like a beer?” Van asked Sen. The older man nodded. Van proceeded to the cooler and grabbed a can of ice cold beer. He reached over to Sen. Hansen accepted the can, but before doing so, Van held his hand. Sen looked at Van, who had a smirk on his face. Sen, looked terrified, he trained his gaze to Cris and Bea who were busy preparing the food. He yanked his hand away from Van’s touch.
“Easy. I was just handing out to you the beer.” Van said pseudo-innocently. Sen took the beer from Van’s hand, opened it and took a swig.
“Van, please. Not here.” Sen whispered. Van just stared at him and smiled.
“Bea, I forgot the wine.” Van shouted towards Bea’s direction. “Sen and I will just get it in the car.”
“Ok.” Bea replied.
Van looked at Sen, he nudged his head to signal the older man to follow him. Sen was reluctant to follow. He wanted to run to Louie and pretend that his daughter needed him.
“Sen, let’s go.” Van said with finality. Sen let out a deep breath, then followed Van.
* * *
“Bea, this is good!” Cris exclaimed as she put some of Bea’s crab salad into her mouth. Bea smiled in recognition.
“I know that’s Hansen’s favorite so I brought some with us.” Bea explained.
“Speaking of which, where are those two?” Cris asked looking around. It had been almost an hour since the boys disappeared to get the wine.
“Oh, just let them be. Probably catching up on old times.” Bea side as she flipped a piece of chicken in the grill. “Besides, it will take at least another 20 minutes before the chicken is ready. I hope you brought enough plates.”
“Oh shit!” Cris suddenly exclaimed. “I left the plates in the car. I better text them.” She grabbed her Louis Vuitton bag and picked up her cellphone. It was dead. She felt like throwing the phone.
“Can I borrow you phone, mine’s dead.” She said to Bea.
“I left my phone in Van’s car.” Bea replied. “Maybe you can catch them.” Cris took a deep breath and started walking towards the parking lot.
Where in the world are those two? She thought to himself. Why does my heart beat loudly. She had heard about a rumor linking Sen and Van together before they got married. Sen dismissed them as nothing but gossip cooked up by showbiz reporters.
Besides, she thought to herself, he is straight. He got me pregnant, we’ve been having some of the best sex ever.
As Cris closer to the parking lot, she hear someone moaning, as if in pain. Concerned, she tried to listen where the sound was originating. It came from some trees towards the far end of the parking lot.
“I wonder what’s taking them so long?” Van asked as the looked at his watch.
“Sorry we’re late.” A voice called out. Van and Bea looked to see Cris running with a basket in hand.
“Cris! I’m so glad you made it.” Van said as he planted a kiss on her cheeks. “Where’s Sen?” Cris motioned her head to her back. Behind her, emerged Sen, carrying Louie.
“Sen! It’s nice to see you again.” Van said. Sen smiled. The past week, the two had met up four times the past week- each time at Van’s discretion.
Sen put Louie down to play. A yaya who had been trailing Sen followed the little girl as she ran around the grounds. Sen stood beside Van as they watched Louie and the yaya play. Cris helped Bea in preparing their meals.
“Like a beer?” Van asked Sen. The older man nodded. Van proceeded to the cooler and grabbed a can of ice cold beer. He reached over to Sen. Hansen accepted the can, but before doing so, Van held his hand. Sen looked at Van, who had a smirk on his face. Sen, looked terrified, he trained his gaze to Cris and Bea who were busy preparing the food. He yanked his hand away from Van’s touch.
“Easy. I was just handing out to you the beer.” Van said pseudo-innocently. Sen took the beer from Van’s hand, opened it and took a swig.
“Van, please. Not here.” Sen whispered. Van just stared at him and smiled.
“Bea, I forgot the wine.” Van shouted towards Bea’s direction. “Sen and I will just get it in the car.”
“Ok.” Bea replied.
Van looked at Sen, he nudged his head to signal the older man to follow him. Sen was reluctant to follow. He wanted to run to Louie and pretend that his daughter needed him.
“Sen, let’s go.” Van said with finality. Sen let out a deep breath, then followed Van.
* * *
“Bea, this is good!” Cris exclaimed as she put some of Bea’s crab salad into her mouth. Bea smiled in recognition.
“I know that’s Hansen’s favorite so I brought some with us.” Bea explained.
“Speaking of which, where are those two?” Cris asked looking around. It had been almost an hour since the boys disappeared to get the wine.
“Oh, just let them be. Probably catching up on old times.” Bea side as she flipped a piece of chicken in the grill. “Besides, it will take at least another 20 minutes before the chicken is ready. I hope you brought enough plates.”
“Oh shit!” Cris suddenly exclaimed. “I left the plates in the car. I better text them.” She grabbed her Louis Vuitton bag and picked up her cellphone. It was dead. She felt like throwing the phone.
“Can I borrow you phone, mine’s dead.” She said to Bea.
“I left my phone in Van’s car.” Bea replied. “Maybe you can catch them.” Cris took a deep breath and started walking towards the parking lot.
Where in the world are those two? She thought to himself. Why does my heart beat loudly. She had heard about a rumor linking Sen and Van together before they got married. Sen dismissed them as nothing but gossip cooked up by showbiz reporters.
Besides, she thought to herself, he is straight. He got me pregnant, we’ve been having some of the best sex ever.
As Cris closer to the parking lot, she hear someone moaning, as if in pain. Concerned, she tried to listen where the sound was originating. It came from some trees towards the far end of the parking lot.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
CHAPTER 25
“You girls are so lucky!” Liezel exclaimed. Cris and Bea flashed their million-watt smiled then erupted in laughter. The girls gathered at Akademya to have lunch as they have always done every Thursday.
“I wish I had a lovelife like yours.” Liezel added.
“Don’t worry. You’ll find your prince.” Bea smiled.
“Hopefully, I’m not old enough to be his mother.” The girls let out a laugh.
“Seriously, I’m happy that you got Van. Is it official?” Cris asked.
“Well, we’re getting there.” Bea replied. “Next Saturday, he’s taking me to Tagaytay. We’re going to have a picnic. Hey! Maybe you and Sen can come with us. Too bad Liezel, you have a show.” Liezel made a sulking face.
“I take it is a couples date.” She added.
“Wait? Won’t Van be pissed that you invited us?” Cris inquired.
“No. I’m sure it will be okay. After all, we’re friends.” Bea answered.
* * *
“Hon?” Cris asked. Hansen was propped up against the headboard of his side of the bed.. He put down the newspaper and faced his wife.
“Bea and Van are inviting us for a picnic Next Saturday.”
“I see no problem with that. Where will it be held?” he asked.
“Picnic Grove in Tagaytay.” Hansen froze. The Picnic Grove brought back a lot of memories, especially of that fateful day five years ago.
“Sen!” Cris repeated. Sen broke out of his thoughts.
“What?”
“So it’s ok? We’re going with Bea and Van?” Cris said.
“Ok.” This should be interesting, Hansen sighed.
“I wish I had a lovelife like yours.” Liezel added.
“Don’t worry. You’ll find your prince.” Bea smiled.
“Hopefully, I’m not old enough to be his mother.” The girls let out a laugh.
“Seriously, I’m happy that you got Van. Is it official?” Cris asked.
“Well, we’re getting there.” Bea replied. “Next Saturday, he’s taking me to Tagaytay. We’re going to have a picnic. Hey! Maybe you and Sen can come with us. Too bad Liezel, you have a show.” Liezel made a sulking face.
“I take it is a couples date.” She added.
“Wait? Won’t Van be pissed that you invited us?” Cris inquired.
“No. I’m sure it will be okay. After all, we’re friends.” Bea answered.
* * *
“Hon?” Cris asked. Hansen was propped up against the headboard of his side of the bed.. He put down the newspaper and faced his wife.
“Bea and Van are inviting us for a picnic Next Saturday.”
“I see no problem with that. Where will it be held?” he asked.
“Picnic Grove in Tagaytay.” Hansen froze. The Picnic Grove brought back a lot of memories, especially of that fateful day five years ago.
“Sen!” Cris repeated. Sen broke out of his thoughts.
“What?”
“So it’s ok? We’re going with Bea and Van?” Cris said.
“Ok.” This should be interesting, Hansen sighed.
CHAPTER 24
Sen took a deep breath. He raised his hand and pressed on the doorbell. Earlier during the day, as he was preparing to head home, he received a call from Van beckoning him to come over. Like a mad, driver, he made the dash from Quezon City to Libis in less than 15 minutes.
The knob turned. The door slid backward to reveal a dimly lit receiving area. Half of Van’s face emerged from the door.
“Come in.” He motioned. Sen entered the door to see Van dressed only in a dark blue towel. Sen walked towards the living room, but Van motioned him to come into the bedroom. In the bedroom, Sen stood in the middle of the room, Van behind him. He unbuttoned Sen’s shirt and let it slide from his arms.
He proceeded to the front of the older man, and placed his hand on Sen’s neck. He pulled Sen closer, their lips touched.
Immediately, a sharp pain hit Van’s left cheek. His face was numb.
“Fuck!What was that for?” Van asked Sen. Sen’s hand was still in the air, the whiplash of the slap still stinging his palm.
“I was at the restaurant yesterday.” Sen said. “Taping my ass.”
Instead of feeling remorse, Van let out a laugh.
“So I lied. I had to appease Bea too. It was just a date.” Van explained. “Anyway, you’re here with me. Bea’s not. So why not make the most out of it?” He approached Hansen again and kissed him, more passionately this time. Hansen, put his hand on his shoulder, trying to push down Van. The younger man, fought against his push.
“Wait, I don’t suck..” Van said, pulling away from Sen.
“You used to.” Sen persisted. “Come on, just this once.”
“People change, Sen. I don’t go down there anymore. Now, do you want to get this?” He took off the towel revealing his nakedness. He approached Hansen again. Hansen fell to his knees, he placed his hands on Van’s hips and engorged himself on Van.
Van moved backward, Sen followed. Van did the routine again, Sen followed yet again. A smile crept upon his face as he raised his hands to savor the moment.
This is the ultimate submission, he thought. Sen is now in the palm of my hands.
The knob turned. The door slid backward to reveal a dimly lit receiving area. Half of Van’s face emerged from the door.
“Come in.” He motioned. Sen entered the door to see Van dressed only in a dark blue towel. Sen walked towards the living room, but Van motioned him to come into the bedroom. In the bedroom, Sen stood in the middle of the room, Van behind him. He unbuttoned Sen’s shirt and let it slide from his arms.
He proceeded to the front of the older man, and placed his hand on Sen’s neck. He pulled Sen closer, their lips touched.
Immediately, a sharp pain hit Van’s left cheek. His face was numb.
“Fuck!What was that for?” Van asked Sen. Sen’s hand was still in the air, the whiplash of the slap still stinging his palm.
“I was at the restaurant yesterday.” Sen said. “Taping my ass.”
Instead of feeling remorse, Van let out a laugh.
“So I lied. I had to appease Bea too. It was just a date.” Van explained. “Anyway, you’re here with me. Bea’s not. So why not make the most out of it?” He approached Hansen again and kissed him, more passionately this time. Hansen, put his hand on his shoulder, trying to push down Van. The younger man, fought against his push.
“Wait, I don’t suck..” Van said, pulling away from Sen.
“You used to.” Sen persisted. “Come on, just this once.”
“People change, Sen. I don’t go down there anymore. Now, do you want to get this?” He took off the towel revealing his nakedness. He approached Hansen again. Hansen fell to his knees, he placed his hands on Van’s hips and engorged himself on Van.
Van moved backward, Sen followed. Van did the routine again, Sen followed yet again. A smile crept upon his face as he raised his hands to savor the moment.
This is the ultimate submission, he thought. Sen is now in the palm of my hands.
Friday, August 22, 2008
CHAPTER 23
“Bugoy, if it’s bothering you all that much why don’t you talk to them.” Laarni suggested as Beulah hurriedly put on lash exact mascara on his eyes. Beulah did not mind Laarni’s suggestion as he continued putting on his make-up. He adjusted his pink sequined bikini.
“Are you even listening to me?” Laarni asked as she paced around the backstage of the Manila Film Center.
“La, it’s easier said than done.” Beulah said as he stood up and proceeded to a mannequin wearing a pink feathery headdress.
“Why? I thought you’re close to Hansen. I think you should really talk to him.” Laarni insisted. Beulah removed the headdress from the mannequin and put it on his head. He adjusted the strap under his chin.
“I was close to Hansen and Van.” Beulah said. “But something happened. The relationship’s been tarnished since.”
“Well, I’m sure it’s water under the bridge” Laarni explained as she adjusted Beulah’s headdress.
“It’s more complicated than that. It began in the academy.” Beulah narrated. As the events unfolded, Laarni realized that the past was more colorful than she could ever imagine.
“Are you even listening to me?” Laarni asked as she paced around the backstage of the Manila Film Center.
“La, it’s easier said than done.” Beulah said as he stood up and proceeded to a mannequin wearing a pink feathery headdress.
“Why? I thought you’re close to Hansen. I think you should really talk to him.” Laarni insisted. Beulah removed the headdress from the mannequin and put it on his head. He adjusted the strap under his chin.
“I was close to Hansen and Van.” Beulah said. “But something happened. The relationship’s been tarnished since.”
“Well, I’m sure it’s water under the bridge” Laarni explained as she adjusted Beulah’s headdress.
“It’s more complicated than that. It began in the academy.” Beulah narrated. As the events unfolded, Laarni realized that the past was more colorful than she could ever imagine.
CHAPTER 22
Akademya, as the name suggests, offers school cafeteria goodness served in a hip and funky atmosphere. The restaurant, located along Katipunan Avenue, caters mostly to the students of Ateneo de Manila and Miriam College.
Bea Munoz is working at the kitchen of the restaurant, one of her pet projects. She poured a little more flour into the batter she’s making. She stirred the mixture, then dabbed her finger into the batter. She then put the batter in her mouth. It tasted sweet, with a hint of saltiness. Satisfied, she turned it over to her assistant.
“So how is the master chef doing?” a familiar voice asked. Bea turned around to see Van standing at the kitchen door, a bouquet of white tulips in hand. Bea ran to Van and planted a kiss on his lips.
“Are you ready? Van asked. Bea nodded. She took of her apron and hanged it on the rack. She then tousled her hair a little, then picked up her purse, which she left on the rack.
Van held open the kitchen door. Bea passed through, before he followed, closing the door behind him.
* * *
“Well, Mr. Nichols, we would like Casper Alindada to be part of our new soap.” Denver Olivarez replied. Hansen smiled in recognition.
Olivarez is the Vice President for programming of ABS-CBN, the network where Pinoy Dream Academy aired and Van’s home studio. Ever since he founded Talentado, Hansen has never failed the network as a manger. Some of his discoveries skyrocketed to superstardom. One of his latest talents, Casper Alindada was the subject of this meeting.
“Which soap is he going to be a part of?” Hansen asked.
“Van Pojas’ new soap.” Olivarez replied. Sen nodded. He was about to ask a follow-up question. He froze in his tracks.
Coming in the restaurant were Van Pojas and Bea Munoz. They went straight ahead, opposite the direction where he and Olivarez were seated. Thank God, he thought. Yet there was a tight feeling in his chest. He told me to trust him. He watched as the two took a seat and opened the menu.
Focus! Focus! He thought to himself, but it was no use.
“Excuse me for a moment, Mr. Olivarez.” Hansen said as he stood up and walked to a corner. Phone in hand, he dialed a few numbers on his phone and placed it on his ear. The phone began to ring. Inside the restaurant, a phone began to ring.
“Hello?” the voice on the other end answered.
“Where are you?” Sen asked.
“I have taping today. We’re about to have a take.” The voice on the other end said. Sen took a peek towards Van’s direction and saw Van was on the phone still.
“Really?” Sen asked, as if to taunt Van.
“Yes. I’ll call you.” The call abruptly ended.
Bea Munoz is working at the kitchen of the restaurant, one of her pet projects. She poured a little more flour into the batter she’s making. She stirred the mixture, then dabbed her finger into the batter. She then put the batter in her mouth. It tasted sweet, with a hint of saltiness. Satisfied, she turned it over to her assistant.
“So how is the master chef doing?” a familiar voice asked. Bea turned around to see Van standing at the kitchen door, a bouquet of white tulips in hand. Bea ran to Van and planted a kiss on his lips.
“Are you ready? Van asked. Bea nodded. She took of her apron and hanged it on the rack. She then tousled her hair a little, then picked up her purse, which she left on the rack.
Van held open the kitchen door. Bea passed through, before he followed, closing the door behind him.
* * *
“Well, Mr. Nichols, we would like Casper Alindada to be part of our new soap.” Denver Olivarez replied. Hansen smiled in recognition.
Olivarez is the Vice President for programming of ABS-CBN, the network where Pinoy Dream Academy aired and Van’s home studio. Ever since he founded Talentado, Hansen has never failed the network as a manger. Some of his discoveries skyrocketed to superstardom. One of his latest talents, Casper Alindada was the subject of this meeting.
“Which soap is he going to be a part of?” Hansen asked.
“Van Pojas’ new soap.” Olivarez replied. Sen nodded. He was about to ask a follow-up question. He froze in his tracks.
Coming in the restaurant were Van Pojas and Bea Munoz. They went straight ahead, opposite the direction where he and Olivarez were seated. Thank God, he thought. Yet there was a tight feeling in his chest. He told me to trust him. He watched as the two took a seat and opened the menu.
Focus! Focus! He thought to himself, but it was no use.
“Excuse me for a moment, Mr. Olivarez.” Hansen said as he stood up and walked to a corner. Phone in hand, he dialed a few numbers on his phone and placed it on his ear. The phone began to ring. Inside the restaurant, a phone began to ring.
“Hello?” the voice on the other end answered.
“Where are you?” Sen asked.
“I have taping today. We’re about to have a take.” The voice on the other end said. Sen took a peek towards Van’s direction and saw Van was on the phone still.
“Really?” Sen asked, as if to taunt Van.
“Yes. I’ll call you.” The call abruptly ended.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
CHAPTER 21
The cellphone rang fervently. Hansen picked up without looking at the caller ID. Years of working in the entertainment industry has taught him that even in the dead of night, expect the unexpected callers.
“Hello?” he said.
“Hansen.” A familiar voice on the other end of the line greeted. He instantly recognized it. All the events of earlier that night flashed before him again.
“What do you want?” Hansen asked.
“I just called to say I’m sorry.” Van replied on the other end of the line. “I was an ass earlier today.”
“What about Bea?” Hansen demanded. The other end was silent. “What about Bea?”
“Just let me sort this out ok? Van said. “You’ll just have to trust me.” Sen took a deep breath.
“I do.” Sen said.
“Ok, good night” Van said.
“Can we meet tomorrow?”
“I can’t. I’m busy tomorrow. I’ll tell you when we can meet”
“Ok. I love you.”
“Ok.” Van replied as he ended the call
* * *
Van closed his cellphone. He then took his cigarette from the ashtray nearby and took a puff. As he blew out the smoke, a smirk emerged on his face.
Hay Van Pojas… he thought to himself. He opened his phone again, and dialed another number. He put the unit on his ear and waited for the other end to pick up
“Hello?” he said.
“Hansen.” A familiar voice on the other end of the line greeted. He instantly recognized it. All the events of earlier that night flashed before him again.
“What do you want?” Hansen asked.
“I just called to say I’m sorry.” Van replied on the other end of the line. “I was an ass earlier today.”
“What about Bea?” Hansen demanded. The other end was silent. “What about Bea?”
“Just let me sort this out ok? Van said. “You’ll just have to trust me.” Sen took a deep breath.
“I do.” Sen said.
“Ok, good night” Van said.
“Can we meet tomorrow?”
“I can’t. I’m busy tomorrow. I’ll tell you when we can meet”
“Ok. I love you.”
“Ok.” Van replied as he ended the call
* * *
Van closed his cellphone. He then took his cigarette from the ashtray nearby and took a puff. As he blew out the smoke, a smirk emerged on his face.
Hay Van Pojas… he thought to himself. He opened his phone again, and dialed another number. He put the unit on his ear and waited for the other end to pick up
CHAPTER 20
“What are you doing?” Sen asked in an angry whisper.
“Relax.” Van replied. He took out a stick of Marlboro from his pocket and put it in his mouth. Cris had gone to the ladies room to freshen up.
Dinner was quite interesting, especially for Sen. While above the table, everything seemed perfectly normal, underneath, Van’s foot was playing with Sen’s legs. Sen had difficulty eating, much to the amusement of Van.
“Why are you here?”
“I just happened to be in the neighborhood. I bumped into Cris and she invited me.” He lit the cigarette and took a puff.
“How did you get here so fast?” Sen inquired.
“Shortcuts.” Van smiled. Sen reached across the table and grabbed him by the collar.
“Are you insane? You almost got us caught.”
“Hansen,” Van said blowing smoke into Sen’s face. “It’s the look of guilt that make people get caught. Act fine and Cris won’t notice a thing.”
Sen looked around and spotted Cris as she stepped out of the ladies’ room. He let go of Van’s collar and fixed his shirt.
“So what have you been talking about?” Cris asked as she sat down beside her husband. Sen was silent as he looked at Van with a don’t-you-dare look.
“Oh nothing, guy stuff.” Van smiled.
“Relax.” Van replied. He took out a stick of Marlboro from his pocket and put it in his mouth. Cris had gone to the ladies room to freshen up.
Dinner was quite interesting, especially for Sen. While above the table, everything seemed perfectly normal, underneath, Van’s foot was playing with Sen’s legs. Sen had difficulty eating, much to the amusement of Van.
“Why are you here?”
“I just happened to be in the neighborhood. I bumped into Cris and she invited me.” He lit the cigarette and took a puff.
“How did you get here so fast?” Sen inquired.
“Shortcuts.” Van smiled. Sen reached across the table and grabbed him by the collar.
“Are you insane? You almost got us caught.”
“Hansen,” Van said blowing smoke into Sen’s face. “It’s the look of guilt that make people get caught. Act fine and Cris won’t notice a thing.”
Sen looked around and spotted Cris as she stepped out of the ladies’ room. He let go of Van’s collar and fixed his shirt.
“So what have you been talking about?” Cris asked as she sat down beside her husband. Sen was silent as he looked at Van with a don’t-you-dare look.
“Oh nothing, guy stuff.” Van smiled.
CHAPTER 19
Beulah Jay scooped up a ladle full of sinigang ang poured it in his bowl. He then reached for his spoon.
“Bugoy, why so quiet?” Laarni asked as she forked some sautéed stringbeans into her mouth. The two were having dinner at the Seaside Restaurant in Macapagal Boulevard, a stone’s throw away from the Amazing Philippine Theater and Laarni’s Roxas Boulevard penthouse loft.
Beulah put down his spoon and smiled.
“Nothing, why?”
“It’s just not like you to be quiet. You’re usually full of joie de vivre.”
Beulah let out a sigh.
“Is it that friend of yours again?” Laarni inquired further. He nodded. “Well, I told you let them solve their problems. Unless you are too close to them.”
“La… the friend I was telling you about. It’s Hansen.” Beulah casually said. Laarni dropped her fork.
“What?” Laarni asked.
“It’s Hansen. The friend who’s involved with the another person.” Laarni’s jaws dropped.
“Have you told anyone about it?” she managed to ask. Beulah shook his head. “How did you find out?”
“It was an accident. I almost walked in on them.” Beulah explained.
“Maybe they were just doing something, like playing chess?” Laarni suggested.
“They were in a compromising position when I saw them. He was down there doing something.”
“Did you see the girl’s face? Do we know her?”
“Him.” Beulah said with finality. “Hansen’s whore is a guy.” Laarni’s jaw dropped again.
“What? Hansen is cheating on Cris with a guy?” Beulah nodded.
“And yes you know the guy. Brace yourself.” Laarni took a deep breath.
“It’s Van.”
Laarni felt herself shrinking in her chair. This was the night when all skeletons were thrown out of the closet.
“Bugoy, why so quiet?” Laarni asked as she forked some sautéed stringbeans into her mouth. The two were having dinner at the Seaside Restaurant in Macapagal Boulevard, a stone’s throw away from the Amazing Philippine Theater and Laarni’s Roxas Boulevard penthouse loft.
Beulah put down his spoon and smiled.
“Nothing, why?”
“It’s just not like you to be quiet. You’re usually full of joie de vivre.”
Beulah let out a sigh.
“Is it that friend of yours again?” Laarni inquired further. He nodded. “Well, I told you let them solve their problems. Unless you are too close to them.”
“La… the friend I was telling you about. It’s Hansen.” Beulah casually said. Laarni dropped her fork.
“What?” Laarni asked.
“It’s Hansen. The friend who’s involved with the another person.” Laarni’s jaws dropped.
“Have you told anyone about it?” she managed to ask. Beulah shook his head. “How did you find out?”
“It was an accident. I almost walked in on them.” Beulah explained.
“Maybe they were just doing something, like playing chess?” Laarni suggested.
“They were in a compromising position when I saw them. He was down there doing something.”
“Did you see the girl’s face? Do we know her?”
“Him.” Beulah said with finality. “Hansen’s whore is a guy.” Laarni’s jaw dropped again.
“What? Hansen is cheating on Cris with a guy?” Beulah nodded.
“And yes you know the guy. Brace yourself.” Laarni took a deep breath.
“It’s Van.”
Laarni felt herself shrinking in her chair. This was the night when all skeletons were thrown out of the closet.
CHAPTER 18
“Hansen!” Van exclaimed. Cris turned around to see her husband standing behind her. She stood up and planted a kiss on her lips.
“Sen, Van’s joining us for dinner, I hope you won’t mind.”
“Of course he won’t!” Van answered. “Right Sen?” He wanted to hit Van at that instant. The nerve of this guy! Obviously, he can’t do it in front of Cris lest she suspect something. Left without a choice, he nodded.
Sen sat down beside Cris, directly opposite Van. He gave a cold stare towards Van, but the younger man just deflected it with his trademark smirk.
“So how’s your career going? I heard you have a new soap coming.” Cris asked.
“Yeah. They’re trying to break me away from matinee idol image. Actually they’re asking me to work out. I think there will be a love scene. They’re also planning a new album.”
“Wow! Seems like good breaks are coming towards you. You are so lucky.”
“Well, not in the matters of the heart.” Van smiled, eyeing Sen.
“But then, you have Bea.” Sen replied. “Well, Cris told me.”
Van let out a laugh.
“Who knows I might find someone else. If I find the right person for me, I will leave showbiz. I would want a quiet life for the person I love, free from the klieg lights.”
“That seems easier said than done.” Cris said. “Especially if this has been your life.”
“I still yearn for the quiet life once in a while.” Van explained. “There are still days that I wish to give this all up and be with the people I love. I want to be devoted to my family, for it to be strong. Like yours.”
Cris smiled. Sen hid a cringe.
“I really admire your relationship. It’s as solid as a rock.” Van grinned.
“Sen, Van’s joining us for dinner, I hope you won’t mind.”
“Of course he won’t!” Van answered. “Right Sen?” He wanted to hit Van at that instant. The nerve of this guy! Obviously, he can’t do it in front of Cris lest she suspect something. Left without a choice, he nodded.
Sen sat down beside Cris, directly opposite Van. He gave a cold stare towards Van, but the younger man just deflected it with his trademark smirk.
“So how’s your career going? I heard you have a new soap coming.” Cris asked.
“Yeah. They’re trying to break me away from matinee idol image. Actually they’re asking me to work out. I think there will be a love scene. They’re also planning a new album.”
“Wow! Seems like good breaks are coming towards you. You are so lucky.”
“Well, not in the matters of the heart.” Van smiled, eyeing Sen.
“But then, you have Bea.” Sen replied. “Well, Cris told me.”
Van let out a laugh.
“Who knows I might find someone else. If I find the right person for me, I will leave showbiz. I would want a quiet life for the person I love, free from the klieg lights.”
“That seems easier said than done.” Cris said. “Especially if this has been your life.”
“I still yearn for the quiet life once in a while.” Van explained. “There are still days that I wish to give this all up and be with the people I love. I want to be devoted to my family, for it to be strong. Like yours.”
Cris smiled. Sen hid a cringe.
“I really admire your relationship. It’s as solid as a rock.” Van grinned.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
CHAPTER 17
“Honey? Where are you?” Cris asked over the phone. “We’re having dinner at 8!”
“Yeah, I just had a meeting with Calypso Records” Sen said, entering the elevator of Van’s condo.
“Don’t forget!” Cris reminded.
“Yeah, yeah!” Sen said, putting down the phone. He was still angry because he found out that Van was going out with Bea. It was dinner last night when he and Cris were discussing about where Louie would go for Elementary. Out of the blue, Cris casually mentioned that Bea and Van went out on a date.
Sen almost choked on his carbonara. He asked Cris if it were true. She replied that Bea personally called her the night before, immediately after the date.
A sharp pain hit Sen’s chest. Suddenly, he no longer had the appetite to eat. He pushed his plate away and left the dining table, leaving behind a puzzled wife and an unmindful daughter.
As Sen drove through C-5. His thoughts were still on Van. He could not understand why Van was dating Bea. A publicity ploy? A side dish? If he were to get to the true reason, he must get the answers from Van.
The gray BMW Z3 veered a sharp right, entering the parking lot of Treballa Restaurant in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Hansen revved the engine before shutting it down. He looked at himself in the rearview mirror, fixing himself. He popped a piece of mint in his mouth. He took a deep breath, then opened the door.
* * *
“Good evening sir!” the waiter greeted as he opened the door. Sen nodded in recognition. Treballa Restaurant was packed, but he knew Cris was already there. Stretching his neck, he scanned the restaurant. He found his wife at the far end. She seemed to be talking to someone, but he could not see who because he was covered by the divider. He made his way through the crowd, slinking his way through people, table and chairs.
At last he reached Cris. He was about to plant a surprise kiss to his wife, but he froze. He saw the person his wife was talking to. A cold chill passed through his spine. Seated in front of him was Van, looking directly at him, a smirk on his face.
“Yeah, I just had a meeting with Calypso Records” Sen said, entering the elevator of Van’s condo.
“Don’t forget!” Cris reminded.
“Yeah, yeah!” Sen said, putting down the phone. He was still angry because he found out that Van was going out with Bea. It was dinner last night when he and Cris were discussing about where Louie would go for Elementary. Out of the blue, Cris casually mentioned that Bea and Van went out on a date.
Sen almost choked on his carbonara. He asked Cris if it were true. She replied that Bea personally called her the night before, immediately after the date.
A sharp pain hit Sen’s chest. Suddenly, he no longer had the appetite to eat. He pushed his plate away and left the dining table, leaving behind a puzzled wife and an unmindful daughter.
As Sen drove through C-5. His thoughts were still on Van. He could not understand why Van was dating Bea. A publicity ploy? A side dish? If he were to get to the true reason, he must get the answers from Van.
The gray BMW Z3 veered a sharp right, entering the parking lot of Treballa Restaurant in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Hansen revved the engine before shutting it down. He looked at himself in the rearview mirror, fixing himself. He popped a piece of mint in his mouth. He took a deep breath, then opened the door.
* * *
“Good evening sir!” the waiter greeted as he opened the door. Sen nodded in recognition. Treballa Restaurant was packed, but he knew Cris was already there. Stretching his neck, he scanned the restaurant. He found his wife at the far end. She seemed to be talking to someone, but he could not see who because he was covered by the divider. He made his way through the crowd, slinking his way through people, table and chairs.
At last he reached Cris. He was about to plant a surprise kiss to his wife, but he froze. He saw the person his wife was talking to. A cold chill passed through his spine. Seated in front of him was Van, looking directly at him, a smirk on his face.
CHAPTER 16
Ding-dong!
“Just a moment!” Van yelled out as he got up from his bed. He grabbed the remote control and turned off the plasma. He rushed to the door and opened it. In the corridor stood Hansen, his face looking cross as ever. Van offered a smile, but Sen did not reciprocate. Van just motioned him to enter his loft. Sen walked past Van and sat on the sofa.
Outside, Eastwood City was beginning to fill up with nighttime activity. Yet from the twenty second floor of the Eastwood Le Grand Condominium, the hustle and bustle below seemed like a world away.
“I missed you.” Van said as he attempted to kiss Hansen’s lips. Sen tilted his face away from Van. He placed his hand from his face to block Van’s kiss.
“What’s wrong?” Van asked. Sen stood up and went to the window.
“You’re dating Bea.”
“So?”
“What do you mean so?” Hansen said, his voice slowly building up momentum.
“Are you jealous?” Van stepped back.
“No. I don’t have a right to be.” Sen said. Van smiled. He went behind Sen and put his arms around Sen’s waist.
“You’re jealous.”
“Get off me!” Sen removed Van’s hands from his waist, but Van was persistent. He held on to Sen. He began kissing Sen’s neck and earlobe. Sen turned around and kissed Van. The kiss was violent and very forceful. Sen’s arms then grabbed hold of Van’s shirt and in one forceful motion he tore it open. The sound of ripping fabric echoed throughout the living room.
Van and Sen moved backward until Van found one of the seats in his living room set. He sat on the armrest of the seat as Sen made his way down Van’s chest. His hands were now exploring Van’s shorts, pulling them down.
Sen went down to business as Van grabbed the back of Sen’s head. His hips thrust forward with every bob of Sen’s head. His legs began to stiffen, he knew the moment drew near. He held Sen’s head in place as he reached bliss. Sen seemed to swallow every drop of his jism. He finally let go of Sen’s head.
Van fell back to the couch, tired and exhausted. He pulled up his shorts and looked at his torn shirt. Sen stood up and looked at Van.
“Grudge fuck!” He said as he walked out the door. Alone in his pad, Van smiled. He knew Sen’s weakness all along.
“Just a moment!” Van yelled out as he got up from his bed. He grabbed the remote control and turned off the plasma. He rushed to the door and opened it. In the corridor stood Hansen, his face looking cross as ever. Van offered a smile, but Sen did not reciprocate. Van just motioned him to enter his loft. Sen walked past Van and sat on the sofa.
Outside, Eastwood City was beginning to fill up with nighttime activity. Yet from the twenty second floor of the Eastwood Le Grand Condominium, the hustle and bustle below seemed like a world away.
“I missed you.” Van said as he attempted to kiss Hansen’s lips. Sen tilted his face away from Van. He placed his hand from his face to block Van’s kiss.
“What’s wrong?” Van asked. Sen stood up and went to the window.
“You’re dating Bea.”
“So?”
“What do you mean so?” Hansen said, his voice slowly building up momentum.
“Are you jealous?” Van stepped back.
“No. I don’t have a right to be.” Sen said. Van smiled. He went behind Sen and put his arms around Sen’s waist.
“You’re jealous.”
“Get off me!” Sen removed Van’s hands from his waist, but Van was persistent. He held on to Sen. He began kissing Sen’s neck and earlobe. Sen turned around and kissed Van. The kiss was violent and very forceful. Sen’s arms then grabbed hold of Van’s shirt and in one forceful motion he tore it open. The sound of ripping fabric echoed throughout the living room.
Van and Sen moved backward until Van found one of the seats in his living room set. He sat on the armrest of the seat as Sen made his way down Van’s chest. His hands were now exploring Van’s shorts, pulling them down.
Sen went down to business as Van grabbed the back of Sen’s head. His hips thrust forward with every bob of Sen’s head. His legs began to stiffen, he knew the moment drew near. He held Sen’s head in place as he reached bliss. Sen seemed to swallow every drop of his jism. He finally let go of Sen’s head.
Van fell back to the couch, tired and exhausted. He pulled up his shorts and looked at his torn shirt. Sen stood up and looked at Van.
“Grudge fuck!” He said as he walked out the door. Alone in his pad, Van smiled. He knew Sen’s weakness all along.
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 15:
The black Ford Expedition parked in front of 83 Maria Cristina St., Ayala Alabang Village.
“I really had a great time.” Bea said, looking at Van.
“I’m glad you did.” Van said, offering a sheepish smile. “Hopefully this will not be the last time.”
“Certainly, it won’t.” Bea said. Van leaned over to Bea. He hovered there for a moment before letting his lips touch hers. Bea, at first was surprised, but she warmed up to the feeling. However, Van pulled away. Bea just stared at Van as he put on his killer smile. Slowly, he moved in again, this time more passionate. Bea reciprocated, feeling the insides of Van’s mouth. The kiss lasted longer.
“You better go inside.” Van said, pulling away from Bea. She opened the door of the Expedition and got off.
“Thank you.” She smiled. Van nodded in recognition.
The black Ford Expedition parked in front of 83 Maria Cristina St., Ayala Alabang Village.
“I really had a great time.” Bea said, looking at Van.
“I’m glad you did.” Van said, offering a sheepish smile. “Hopefully this will not be the last time.”
“Certainly, it won’t.” Bea said. Van leaned over to Bea. He hovered there for a moment before letting his lips touch hers. Bea, at first was surprised, but she warmed up to the feeling. However, Van pulled away. Bea just stared at Van as he put on his killer smile. Slowly, he moved in again, this time more passionate. Bea reciprocated, feeling the insides of Van’s mouth. The kiss lasted longer.
“You better go inside.” Van said, pulling away from Bea. She opened the door of the Expedition and got off.
“Thank you.” She smiled. Van nodded in recognition.
CHAPTER 14
Bea Munoz poured ranch dressing on her smoked sea bass. She scooped up a little of the fish with her fork and put it in her mouth. It had been almost a week since they gathered for their reunion.
“How does it taste?” Laarni asked as she forked some of her stringbean salad. Laarni and Bea were co-partners in Laarnia, a bar and restaurant located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. At first, the people were shocked with the partnership, yet the two made Laarnia work. It was now one of the hippest restaurants in the area.
“Good. Could be one of our best sellers.” Bea replied. Their conversation was cut short by a cellphone ringing. Bea rummages through her bag and looks at the caller ID of her phone- an unknown number.
“Hello?” Bea asked.
“Bea!” the voice on the other end replied.
“Van?” Beas was not sure. Laughter emerged from the other end of the phone. Laarni dropped her fork and covered her mouth in surprise.
“Hey.” Van said. “I was wondering if we could, you know, go out?”
Bea seemed excited, she fanned herself with her hand. She sought a second to gather herself.
“Um, sure.” She replied.
“Great! Pick you up at eight.” Van said as he put his phone down. The two ladies giggled and shrieked like high school girls.
“How does it taste?” Laarni asked as she forked some of her stringbean salad. Laarni and Bea were co-partners in Laarnia, a bar and restaurant located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. At first, the people were shocked with the partnership, yet the two made Laarnia work. It was now one of the hippest restaurants in the area.
“Good. Could be one of our best sellers.” Bea replied. Their conversation was cut short by a cellphone ringing. Bea rummages through her bag and looks at the caller ID of her phone- an unknown number.
“Hello?” Bea asked.
“Bea!” the voice on the other end replied.
“Van?” Beas was not sure. Laughter emerged from the other end of the phone. Laarni dropped her fork and covered her mouth in surprise.
“Hey.” Van said. “I was wondering if we could, you know, go out?”
Bea seemed excited, she fanned herself with her hand. She sought a second to gather herself.
“Um, sure.” She replied.
“Great! Pick you up at eight.” Van said as he put his phone down. The two ladies giggled and shrieked like high school girls.
CHAPTER 13
“Bugoy, are you okay?” Laarni asked as their car sped down EDSA. Beulah has been quiet ever since he came back from the rest room. His head was deep in thought. Sen was sucking Van.
“Hey!” Laarni nudged Beulah with her elbow. She swerved the car to avoid a bus which stopped in front of them. “Are you okay?”
Beulah smiled. He knew telling Laarni what he saw would only complicate the situation. He never thought that those two had a special bond deeper than friendship. He was devastated. He used to be part of the brotherhood of the three, but an incident forced him to sever ties with Sen and Van. Though they were now friends, the level closeness they had prior to the incident never returned.
The radio in Laarni’s car suddenly blurted a familiar song-REO Speedwagon’s Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore.
“La?” Beulah said, turning towards Laarni. She raised her eyebrows in recognition of her name. “I have a hypothetical question.”
“Shoot!” Laarni said as she honked the horn of her Honda CR-V. Outside, a pedestrian crossed the street. Beulah took a deep breath.
“Suppose you have a friend.” he began. “Let’s say this friend is in a commitment. Yet he has been unfaithful. You accidentally caught them in the act. What would you do?”
“Well, it would depend. Let’s say it would destroy the marriage if the other part found out. I would not tell it right away. What I would do is I would talk to my friend and ask him about it. Otherwise, I would just stay out of it. Some problems should be left within their relationship.”
Beulah sat back in his seat. The purple car parked infront of an apartment in Tramo, Pasay City.
“So?” Laarni added. “Do I know this friend?”
“Nah. A colleague from theater.” Beulah replied as he got off Laarni’s car.
* * *
Van took a long puff of his cigarette. This night has been nothing short of magical. Aside from getting in touch with old friends, he has been able to rekindle his bond with Sen. As he blew out smoke, a smile came across his face.
The message alert tone of his cellphone beeped. He picked up his phone and opened its inbox. It was from Sen: THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL EVENING. SEE YOU SOON.
He turned on the ignition of his Expedition.
“Hey!” Laarni nudged Beulah with her elbow. She swerved the car to avoid a bus which stopped in front of them. “Are you okay?”
Beulah smiled. He knew telling Laarni what he saw would only complicate the situation. He never thought that those two had a special bond deeper than friendship. He was devastated. He used to be part of the brotherhood of the three, but an incident forced him to sever ties with Sen and Van. Though they were now friends, the level closeness they had prior to the incident never returned.
The radio in Laarni’s car suddenly blurted a familiar song-REO Speedwagon’s Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore.
“La?” Beulah said, turning towards Laarni. She raised her eyebrows in recognition of her name. “I have a hypothetical question.”
“Shoot!” Laarni said as she honked the horn of her Honda CR-V. Outside, a pedestrian crossed the street. Beulah took a deep breath.
“Suppose you have a friend.” he began. “Let’s say this friend is in a commitment. Yet he has been unfaithful. You accidentally caught them in the act. What would you do?”
“Well, it would depend. Let’s say it would destroy the marriage if the other part found out. I would not tell it right away. What I would do is I would talk to my friend and ask him about it. Otherwise, I would just stay out of it. Some problems should be left within their relationship.”
Beulah sat back in his seat. The purple car parked infront of an apartment in Tramo, Pasay City.
“So?” Laarni added. “Do I know this friend?”
“Nah. A colleague from theater.” Beulah replied as he got off Laarni’s car.
* * *
Van took a long puff of his cigarette. This night has been nothing short of magical. Aside from getting in touch with old friends, he has been able to rekindle his bond with Sen. As he blew out smoke, a smile came across his face.
The message alert tone of his cellphone beeped. He picked up his phone and opened its inbox. It was from Sen: THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL EVENING. SEE YOU SOON.
He turned on the ignition of his Expedition.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
CHAPTER 12
“Bea, thank you for catering tonight’s party” Cris said as she entered the kitchen. Bea and Liezel followed her, both were carrying empty bowls that came from Bea’s restaurant Neva.
“Yeah, Bei. Thanks. The food’s good. You ruined my diet yet again.” Liezel added. Bea smiled as she placed the remaining Paella in a plastic container.
“Anytime. I’m just happy someone showed up again.”
Cris and Liezel looked at each other and smiled. It had been an open secret among them that Bea has an attraction towards Van. It was common knowledge among the ladies that one of the reasons why Miguel and Bea split up was because Bea was falling for Van. Instead of pursuing Van, however, she decided to finish her course first to appease her parents.
“What?” Bea asked. “You know how long I’ve waited for this moment.”
“Yeah, we know.” Liezel replied. “We also know that Neva is an anagram of Van.” The three ladies roared in laughter.
“By the way, where’s Louie?” Bea asked.
“She’s asleep upstairs.” Cris replied. Cristina Loelle “Louie” Nichols is Sen and Cris’ five-year-old daughter.
“You and Sen are lucky to have a happy family.” Liezel said as Bea handed out the plastic container filled with Paella to Cris. Cris paused for a moment while she put the paella inside their stainless steel refrigerator.
“I know.” She smiled.
“So, Hansen has never cheated on you yet?” Bea asked. Cris looked at Bea then raised herleft eyebrow.
“Nope.” She replied.
“Really?” Liezel probed further. “What about that woman… What her name?”
“Gemma Fonacier?” Bea supplied. Hansen, using the contacts he earned in the entertainment industry, founded Talentado Inc., a talent management agency that handles television and recording artists. Gemma Fonacier was one of his talents. He dismissed her from the agency because of her prima donna attitude. She however, reported to the media that she was fired because Cristina Nichols discovered the she was having an affair with Hansen- a report which Sen denied. The media speculation eventually died down as Gemma was not able to follow through with her claim.
“Oh that? It was just a bitter talent trying to extort money.” Cris replied.
“Suppose that affair was true-“
“Please Bea, stop it. Just the thought of Hansen cheating on me drives me insane.” Cris snapped.
“Ok, I’m sorry.” Bea said as she hugged Cris.
“I just don’t know what I would do if Hansen had another woman.”
“Yeah, Bei. Thanks. The food’s good. You ruined my diet yet again.” Liezel added. Bea smiled as she placed the remaining Paella in a plastic container.
“Anytime. I’m just happy someone showed up again.”
Cris and Liezel looked at each other and smiled. It had been an open secret among them that Bea has an attraction towards Van. It was common knowledge among the ladies that one of the reasons why Miguel and Bea split up was because Bea was falling for Van. Instead of pursuing Van, however, she decided to finish her course first to appease her parents.
“What?” Bea asked. “You know how long I’ve waited for this moment.”
“Yeah, we know.” Liezel replied. “We also know that Neva is an anagram of Van.” The three ladies roared in laughter.
“By the way, where’s Louie?” Bea asked.
“She’s asleep upstairs.” Cris replied. Cristina Loelle “Louie” Nichols is Sen and Cris’ five-year-old daughter.
“You and Sen are lucky to have a happy family.” Liezel said as Bea handed out the plastic container filled with Paella to Cris. Cris paused for a moment while she put the paella inside their stainless steel refrigerator.
“I know.” She smiled.
“So, Hansen has never cheated on you yet?” Bea asked. Cris looked at Bea then raised herleft eyebrow.
“Nope.” She replied.
“Really?” Liezel probed further. “What about that woman… What her name?”
“Gemma Fonacier?” Bea supplied. Hansen, using the contacts he earned in the entertainment industry, founded Talentado Inc., a talent management agency that handles television and recording artists. Gemma Fonacier was one of his talents. He dismissed her from the agency because of her prima donna attitude. She however, reported to the media that she was fired because Cristina Nichols discovered the she was having an affair with Hansen- a report which Sen denied. The media speculation eventually died down as Gemma was not able to follow through with her claim.
“Oh that? It was just a bitter talent trying to extort money.” Cris replied.
“Suppose that affair was true-“
“Please Bea, stop it. Just the thought of Hansen cheating on me drives me insane.” Cris snapped.
“Ok, I’m sorry.” Bea said as she hugged Cris.
“I just don’t know what I would do if Hansen had another woman.”
Monday, August 18, 2008
CHAPTER 11
Van leaned against the table. It was the moment of rupture he was deprived of for a long time. Sure, he has had experiences with women, but none brought him close to this feeling of eternal bliss. What he had with those women was just sex. This was different, since there was much more involve than just lust. He was breathing heavily, his body dripping of sweat yet he was not tired.
Sen emerged from the bathroom, wiping his mouth a towel. He grinned when he saw Van just as he had left him- shirt unbuttoned, pants still on his ankles. His manhood was now growing soft.
“What about you, you have not released yours yet?” Van asked.
“I’ll take care of that.” Sen said. He approached Van and planted a kiss on his lips. Forcefully, he turned Van around. Van’s back was now to Sen, his hands planted on the face of the narra table for support. Sen then nibbled on Van’s left earlobe as his hands unbuttoned his jeans.
With one motion, his jeans dropped to the floor. Sen’s hands explored Van’s behind trying to look for his asshole. He then spread Van’s legs as he prepared to enter the younger man.
Van felt excruciating pain as though a hot rod was penetrating his innards. He let out a soft scream. Sen grabbed his shirt which he left on the table and stuffed it in Van’s mouth.
“Just bear it, it will be over soon.” Sen said as he slowly pumped himself in and out of Van.
Van felt like he wanted to punch Sen because of the pain he was feeling. From the corner of his eye, he saw Sen’s face. His eyes were closed, his head thrust upwards. He sensed the feeling of pleasure Sen was experiencing. The pain was soon replaced with pleasure.
A few moments later, Van felt his insides become wet. Sen let out a loud moan. Instantly, he knew the older man reached bliss.
Hansen collapsed on Van’s shoulder, his manhood still inside.
“I love you.” He said. Hansen smiled. He planted a kiss on Van’s lips.
“I love you too.”
Sen emerged from the bathroom, wiping his mouth a towel. He grinned when he saw Van just as he had left him- shirt unbuttoned, pants still on his ankles. His manhood was now growing soft.
“What about you, you have not released yours yet?” Van asked.
“I’ll take care of that.” Sen said. He approached Van and planted a kiss on his lips. Forcefully, he turned Van around. Van’s back was now to Sen, his hands planted on the face of the narra table for support. Sen then nibbled on Van’s left earlobe as his hands unbuttoned his jeans.
With one motion, his jeans dropped to the floor. Sen’s hands explored Van’s behind trying to look for his asshole. He then spread Van’s legs as he prepared to enter the younger man.
Van felt excruciating pain as though a hot rod was penetrating his innards. He let out a soft scream. Sen grabbed his shirt which he left on the table and stuffed it in Van’s mouth.
“Just bear it, it will be over soon.” Sen said as he slowly pumped himself in and out of Van.
Van felt like he wanted to punch Sen because of the pain he was feeling. From the corner of his eye, he saw Sen’s face. His eyes were closed, his head thrust upwards. He sensed the feeling of pleasure Sen was experiencing. The pain was soon replaced with pleasure.
A few moments later, Van felt his insides become wet. Sen let out a loud moan. Instantly, he knew the older man reached bliss.
Hansen collapsed on Van’s shoulder, his manhood still inside.
“I love you.” He said. Hansen smiled. He planted a kiss on Van’s lips.
“I love you too.”
CHAPTER 10
Beulah put his eye close to the opening.A soft light came from a lamp which illuminated the far end of the room. The room was greyinsh, but had a yellow glow thanks to the light. At the center of the rrom was a couch which faced a big LCD television screen. Directly in front of the door was another door. Near the door was a narra office table.
Beside the office table were two figures. One, dressed in a black shirt whose buttons were opened and jeans, that were now on his ankles stood against a table-his back towards Beulah. The other figure was squatting on the floor. He was naked from the waist up and jeans, which were open. It seems as if his head was bobbing.
Are they doing what I think they are doing? Beulah thought. A closer look revealed that the guy in black is thrusting his pelvis towards the guy on the floor.
Who could these be? Beulah thought to himself.
At that point the figure in black reached climax. Upon the throes of ecstasy, he threw his head backwards. In an instant Beulah recognized the face.
Van!
A few moments later, the other guy stood up. Sen! The two shared a passionate kiss.
Holy crap! Beaulah thought. He knew there was something between the two, but he never realized it was this intimate. For the longest time, he has had feelings towards Hansen, but the man never reciprocated. He said he only saw him as a brother.
Now the light dawns. Slowly, Beulah stepped away from the door, turned around and walked towards the garden.
Beside the office table were two figures. One, dressed in a black shirt whose buttons were opened and jeans, that were now on his ankles stood against a table-his back towards Beulah. The other figure was squatting on the floor. He was naked from the waist up and jeans, which were open. It seems as if his head was bobbing.
Are they doing what I think they are doing? Beulah thought. A closer look revealed that the guy in black is thrusting his pelvis towards the guy on the floor.
Who could these be? Beulah thought to himself.
At that point the figure in black reached climax. Upon the throes of ecstasy, he threw his head backwards. In an instant Beulah recognized the face.
Van!
A few moments later, the other guy stood up. Sen! The two shared a passionate kiss.
Holy crap! Beaulah thought. He knew there was something between the two, but he never realized it was this intimate. For the longest time, he has had feelings towards Hansen, but the man never reciprocated. He said he only saw him as a brother.
Now the light dawns. Slowly, Beulah stepped away from the door, turned around and walked towards the garden.
CHAPTER 9
Beulah Jay poured more wine in to his glass. The former Jay Bugayon was now the lead of the Amazing Philippine Theatre, a cultural program which features drag queens. His name added prestige to the show, he is after all renowned as the farner’s son who came out on reality tv.
“Can you pass the olives?” He asked Liezel Garcia, seated beside him. Liezel grabbed the bowl of olives and passed them to Beulah. Liezel is now one of the country’s premiere recording and concert artist. She has released five albums whose status range from gold to double platinum.
Beulah picked an olive and tossed it in his mouth.
“I’m going to the restroom.” He said as he stood up.
* * *
Beulah walked into the living room. Clearly, it had cris’ design touch- oriental details mixed with a bold yellow couch. Behind the couch stood a brown molave door. He approached the door.
He heard someone moaning. Beulah paused, what was that? He thought to himself. Surely, this place is not haunted, otherwise, Cris or Hansen would have told me.
“I’ve waited so long for this” he heard a voice say. The sound came from the den.
Slowly, he crept towards the door. He turned the handle slowly and pushed the door open a little.
“Can you pass the olives?” He asked Liezel Garcia, seated beside him. Liezel grabbed the bowl of olives and passed them to Beulah. Liezel is now one of the country’s premiere recording and concert artist. She has released five albums whose status range from gold to double platinum.
Beulah picked an olive and tossed it in his mouth.
“I’m going to the restroom.” He said as he stood up.
* * *
Beulah walked into the living room. Clearly, it had cris’ design touch- oriental details mixed with a bold yellow couch. Behind the couch stood a brown molave door. He approached the door.
He heard someone moaning. Beulah paused, what was that? He thought to himself. Surely, this place is not haunted, otherwise, Cris or Hansen would have told me.
“I’ve waited so long for this” he heard a voice say. The sound came from the den.
Slowly, he crept towards the door. He turned the handle slowly and pushed the door open a little.
CHAPTER 8
Van stood motionless. He was not sure if he heard it right.
“You’re drunk.” Van said. Sen was moving closer. Van was feeling the urge to move back, but he did not.
“I mean it Van, I love you” He was standing in front of Van now. He put his hand on Van’s nape then pulled his head closer. Their lips touched.
Van froze like hell. Sen caught him off-guard. The years were kind to Sen. His lips were still soft and tender. His breath was an intoxicatingly sweet mixture of mint and wine. But reality was still tugging at him. He pushed Sen back.
“Stop it Hansen.” He said, his gaze cold as ice. But Sen saw a glimmer in Van’s eye. He saw that glimmer of weakness.
“You liked that.” He smiled.
“No I didn’t” Van was on the defensive.
Sen moved closer once more. He grabbed Van by the nape again, rougher than the first. Their lips met again. Van tried to fight it, he was pushing Sen hitting his torso. But Sen was adamnant, he stuck his toungue out and played with Van’s mouth.
Sen’s hold on Van’s nape became loose. His hands were now moving towards Van’s face. Van’s push became weaker, until his hands were just holding Sen’s waist.
Outside, Cristina Nichols was singing Somewhere Down the Road.
“You’re drunk.” Van said. Sen was moving closer. Van was feeling the urge to move back, but he did not.
“I mean it Van, I love you” He was standing in front of Van now. He put his hand on Van’s nape then pulled his head closer. Their lips touched.
Van froze like hell. Sen caught him off-guard. The years were kind to Sen. His lips were still soft and tender. His breath was an intoxicatingly sweet mixture of mint and wine. But reality was still tugging at him. He pushed Sen back.
“Stop it Hansen.” He said, his gaze cold as ice. But Sen saw a glimmer in Van’s eye. He saw that glimmer of weakness.
“You liked that.” He smiled.
“No I didn’t” Van was on the defensive.
Sen moved closer once more. He grabbed Van by the nape again, rougher than the first. Their lips met again. Van tried to fight it, he was pushing Sen hitting his torso. But Sen was adamnant, he stuck his toungue out and played with Van’s mouth.
Sen’s hold on Van’s nape became loose. His hands were now moving towards Van’s face. Van’s push became weaker, until his hands were just holding Sen’s waist.
Outside, Cristina Nichols was singing Somewhere Down the Road.
CHAPTER 7
Van picked up the box once again and lifted its lid. He poured its contents on the table. There were a few newspaper clippings. One of his grade cards from PDA, a picture of him from one of his soaps. He smiled.
He read some of the clippings that Hansen put in the box. Some of them even date back to the time they were inside the academy. He was fixated on one blind item that did not really concern him, but rather it was about the infamous ‘patatas’- a pet name fans developed for Hansen because of his bulge.
“I see you found my secret stash.” A voice behind Van said. Startled, Van began fixing the clippings and putting them in the box.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-“
“It’s ok” Sen assured. “It’s nice seeing you again.” Van weakly smiled. This was one of the most uncomfortable situations he was ever in. He wanted to make a dash for the door.
“Excuse me.” He said as he tried to make his way past Sen. Sen caught him by the arm.
“Why are you avoiding me?” Sen asked. Van just looked at Sen straight in the eye. God Van, control yourself, he thought. “You have been aloof to me all night long.”
“I think you know why.” Van replied calmly.
“It’s been five years Van. That’s already a long time.” Sen answered back. Van swayed his arm to let go of Sen’s hold.
“It’s still not enough!” Van exploded as if all the pain he held for five years suddenly let go. “There are still nights I cry myself to sleep. Can’t you see? I am still hurting. It took a lot of guts for me to come here, hoping that I’ve already moved on. Apparently not.”
Van made his way towards the door.
“You think you’re the only one unhappy?” Van paused in his tracks. He turned around to see tears flowing from Sen’s eyes. Outside, Apple’s voice provides entertainment for the group.
“This marriage has been hell for me!” Sen blurted out. “It may seem perfect from the outside, but it’s far from it.”
Van stood there frozen. Never had he imagined the events happening in front of him right now. Sen just took of his veneer and he was the lone witness. But nothing prepared him for what came out of Sen’s mouth next.
“It’s you that I want Van. I love you.”
He read some of the clippings that Hansen put in the box. Some of them even date back to the time they were inside the academy. He was fixated on one blind item that did not really concern him, but rather it was about the infamous ‘patatas’- a pet name fans developed for Hansen because of his bulge.
“I see you found my secret stash.” A voice behind Van said. Startled, Van began fixing the clippings and putting them in the box.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-“
“It’s ok” Sen assured. “It’s nice seeing you again.” Van weakly smiled. This was one of the most uncomfortable situations he was ever in. He wanted to make a dash for the door.
“Excuse me.” He said as he tried to make his way past Sen. Sen caught him by the arm.
“Why are you avoiding me?” Sen asked. Van just looked at Sen straight in the eye. God Van, control yourself, he thought. “You have been aloof to me all night long.”
“I think you know why.” Van replied calmly.
“It’s been five years Van. That’s already a long time.” Sen answered back. Van swayed his arm to let go of Sen’s hold.
“It’s still not enough!” Van exploded as if all the pain he held for five years suddenly let go. “There are still nights I cry myself to sleep. Can’t you see? I am still hurting. It took a lot of guts for me to come here, hoping that I’ve already moved on. Apparently not.”
Van made his way towards the door.
“You think you’re the only one unhappy?” Van paused in his tracks. He turned around to see tears flowing from Sen’s eyes. Outside, Apple’s voice provides entertainment for the group.
“This marriage has been hell for me!” Sen blurted out. “It may seem perfect from the outside, but it’s far from it.”
Van stood there frozen. Never had he imagined the events happening in front of him right now. Sen just took of his veneer and he was the lone witness. But nothing prepared him for what came out of Sen’s mouth next.
“It’s you that I want Van. I love you.”
Saturday, August 16, 2008
CHAPTER 6
Oh shit! Van thought. Of all the songs in the world, this is what Cris chose.
“I gotta say what’s on my mind” Laarni began to sing.
Van looked towards Sen’s direction. Sen was just looking straight ahead at Laarni. How could he not feel something special for this song? He thought to himself. His chest felt uneasy. The emotions he bottled for seven years seemed to have reached their limit. He felt himself, choking.
“I’ve gotta leave but I’ll miss you.” Laarni sang, ever so soulfully.
“Excuse me, I need to go to the washroom.” Van said, standing up.
“It’s at the den. First door to the left.” Cris called out.
* * *
Inside the bathroom, Van just stood there. He did not really have to go to the bathroom. He just wanted to get away.
Is this Cris’ idea of a joke? He thought. All these years, he tried to control his emotions. The reason he avoided all those reunions, he was afraid of bumping into Sen. Not that he was afraid of Sen, but more of himself. He might not be able to control himself if the time comes.
After seven years, he felt he was ready. Only to be shot down by a single song, he shrugged to himself. He turned on the faucet and put his hands in the running water. He scooped up some of it and splashed it onto his face. He wiped his face on the towel then took a deep breath.
He opened the bathroom door and stepped into the den. From the way the room was arranged, it was obviously Sen’s space. A huge Flatscreen Bravia hung on one side of the room. Underneath it is a mahogany buffet table occupied by a DVD Player and a radio component. Beside it is a shelf full of DVDs , both English and Tagalog. Van recognized some of them as his movies and soaps. Sen’s been collecting my stuff, he grinned.
As he moved towards the door leading to the living room, he accidentally bumped another table. A black box accidentally fell on the floor. Van tried to catch the box, but his efforts were futile. The box fell on the carpeted floor, cushioning the fall. Van picked up the box and put it back on the table. A piece of paper jutting out of the box captured his attention. He picked it up and turned it over.
It was a picture of him and Sen.
“I gotta say what’s on my mind” Laarni began to sing.
Van looked towards Sen’s direction. Sen was just looking straight ahead at Laarni. How could he not feel something special for this song? He thought to himself. His chest felt uneasy. The emotions he bottled for seven years seemed to have reached their limit. He felt himself, choking.
“I’ve gotta leave but I’ll miss you.” Laarni sang, ever so soulfully.
“Excuse me, I need to go to the washroom.” Van said, standing up.
“It’s at the den. First door to the left.” Cris called out.
* * *
Inside the bathroom, Van just stood there. He did not really have to go to the bathroom. He just wanted to get away.
Is this Cris’ idea of a joke? He thought. All these years, he tried to control his emotions. The reason he avoided all those reunions, he was afraid of bumping into Sen. Not that he was afraid of Sen, but more of himself. He might not be able to control himself if the time comes.
After seven years, he felt he was ready. Only to be shot down by a single song, he shrugged to himself. He turned on the faucet and put his hands in the running water. He scooped up some of it and splashed it onto his face. He wiped his face on the towel then took a deep breath.
He opened the bathroom door and stepped into the den. From the way the room was arranged, it was obviously Sen’s space. A huge Flatscreen Bravia hung on one side of the room. Underneath it is a mahogany buffet table occupied by a DVD Player and a radio component. Beside it is a shelf full of DVDs , both English and Tagalog. Van recognized some of them as his movies and soaps. Sen’s been collecting my stuff, he grinned.
As he moved towards the door leading to the living room, he accidentally bumped another table. A black box accidentally fell on the floor. Van tried to catch the box, but his efforts were futile. The box fell on the carpeted floor, cushioning the fall. Van picked up the box and put it back on the table. A piece of paper jutting out of the box captured his attention. He picked it up and turned it over.
It was a picture of him and Sen.
CHAPTER 5
“So who will sing next?” Poy Palma asked as she finished her song. The crowd around her cheered amidst wine and some of Bea’s famous Callos alla Madrileña. Poy became a force in the music industry, having been invited to sing at the 2012 London Olympics. What followed was a blooming career in London where music critics dubbed her the new Aretha Franklin.
“Laarni!” Apple chided.
“What?!” Laarni Losala shrieked. “Pass muna ako.” Laarni Losala’s career took off after the show. She released three albums-all of which reached platinum status. In 2013, she was invited to read for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserbales. She was eventually cast as Fantine. She has since been based in Manhattan, shuttling back and forth to Manila every once in a while to be with her fiancée Mark.
“We have not heard you sing in a long time, Labarns.” Miguel teased. The group began chanting Laarni’s name. Laarni took a sip of wine and stood up. The groups exploded in wild cheering as Laarni took the microphone from Poy.
“So what do you want me to sing?” She asked. The group immediately looked at the catalogue of songs.
“Let’s give her Bohemian Rhapsody!” Bea suggested. “or something from Les Miserables.”
“How about If you could read my mind” suggested Poy.
“I know!” Cris said, grabbing the song catalogue from Bea. She skimmed over one page, grabbed the remote and put in the numbers.
Immediately, the TV screen beside Laarni glared to life. On the screen, a woman was walking down the beach, thinking.
The title then appeared over the image.
At that instant, Sen was about to drink wine from his glass. The moment he saw the title his hand froze mid-drink. His heart began beating wildly. He put down his glass and did a double take on the screen.
The screen read: GOT TO GO MY OWN WAY.
“Laarni!” Apple chided.
“What?!” Laarni Losala shrieked. “Pass muna ako.” Laarni Losala’s career took off after the show. She released three albums-all of which reached platinum status. In 2013, she was invited to read for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserbales. She was eventually cast as Fantine. She has since been based in Manhattan, shuttling back and forth to Manila every once in a while to be with her fiancée Mark.
“We have not heard you sing in a long time, Labarns.” Miguel teased. The group began chanting Laarni’s name. Laarni took a sip of wine and stood up. The groups exploded in wild cheering as Laarni took the microphone from Poy.
“So what do you want me to sing?” She asked. The group immediately looked at the catalogue of songs.
“Let’s give her Bohemian Rhapsody!” Bea suggested. “or something from Les Miserables.”
“How about If you could read my mind” suggested Poy.
“I know!” Cris said, grabbing the song catalogue from Bea. She skimmed over one page, grabbed the remote and put in the numbers.
Immediately, the TV screen beside Laarni glared to life. On the screen, a woman was walking down the beach, thinking.
The title then appeared over the image.
At that instant, Sen was about to drink wine from his glass. The moment he saw the title his hand froze mid-drink. His heart began beating wildly. He put down his glass and did a double take on the screen.
The screen read: GOT TO GO MY OWN WAY.
CHAPTER 4
“Oh my god! Van!” Apple Abarquez-Mendoza exclaimed. She rushed towards Van who just emerged from the living room.
“Apple!” Van said as Apple approached her. “Kamusta na ka?” he planted a kiss on her cheeks.
“Here, pregnant!” Apple replied. After Pinoy Dream Academy, Apple pursued a singing career, but she failed to achieve superstar status. She continued singing in bars and town fiestas until she got tired of what was happening and gave up on singing altogether. It was around this time that Miguel Mendoza entered her life once more.
Miguel Mendoza entered the academy with then girlfriend Beatriz Munoz. However after the run of the show, the two decided that they are better off friends. Bea went on to finish her HRM course. Upon graduation, she flew to Dallas, Texas to pursue a course at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Institute. She returned to the Philippines two years later a chef. She opened her first restaurant, La Beateria, which proved to be a success. Bea became a celebrity Chef, hosting her own cooking show as well as expanding her restaurant empire which now includes La Beateria, Laarnia, Akademya and Neva.
Miguel, on the other hand, finally achieved his dream of stardom. Packaged as the Next Michael Buble, Miguel performed to sold out crowds, though mostly senior citizens. Once in a while, though, he would cross over and hit it off with younger audiences. While doing a concert in Cebu, he crossed paths with Apple, who happened to be his front act. The two hit it off immediately. Two years later, the two were married at the Cebu Cathedral (with Bea’s blessing). They have been blessed with a son Ryan Orange and another baby on the way.
“Van. It’s been so long.” Miguel said, coming behind his wife.
“Well, well well. Look who’s here!” a familiar female voice shouted. Van turned around and saw Bea coming out from behind him.
“Bea. It’s so nice to see you again.” Van smiled as he planted a kiss on Bea’s cheek. One by one, the other scholars started to gather around Van as if he were a prodigal son. Van was overjoyed with the reunion. It had been close to five years since he saw these people whom he shared a special bond with.
“Van! Oh my god! You’re here!” Cris exclaimed running from the kitchen. Van smiled as Cris’ arms enveloped him. “I thought you’re not going to come.”
“Of course, I will. I promised you ‘di ba?” Van replied.
“Hi, Van.” An uncomfortable voice said. Van turned around to see Hansen slowly emerging from the living room. Van nodded in recognition. Sen extended his hand. Van had second thoughts whether to shake his hand, but formality got the better of him. He shook Sen’s hand and forced a smile. This is going to be one long night.
“Apple!” Van said as Apple approached her. “Kamusta na ka?” he planted a kiss on her cheeks.
“Here, pregnant!” Apple replied. After Pinoy Dream Academy, Apple pursued a singing career, but she failed to achieve superstar status. She continued singing in bars and town fiestas until she got tired of what was happening and gave up on singing altogether. It was around this time that Miguel Mendoza entered her life once more.
Miguel Mendoza entered the academy with then girlfriend Beatriz Munoz. However after the run of the show, the two decided that they are better off friends. Bea went on to finish her HRM course. Upon graduation, she flew to Dallas, Texas to pursue a course at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Institute. She returned to the Philippines two years later a chef. She opened her first restaurant, La Beateria, which proved to be a success. Bea became a celebrity Chef, hosting her own cooking show as well as expanding her restaurant empire which now includes La Beateria, Laarnia, Akademya and Neva.
Miguel, on the other hand, finally achieved his dream of stardom. Packaged as the Next Michael Buble, Miguel performed to sold out crowds, though mostly senior citizens. Once in a while, though, he would cross over and hit it off with younger audiences. While doing a concert in Cebu, he crossed paths with Apple, who happened to be his front act. The two hit it off immediately. Two years later, the two were married at the Cebu Cathedral (with Bea’s blessing). They have been blessed with a son Ryan Orange and another baby on the way.
“Van. It’s been so long.” Miguel said, coming behind his wife.
“Well, well well. Look who’s here!” a familiar female voice shouted. Van turned around and saw Bea coming out from behind him.
“Bea. It’s so nice to see you again.” Van smiled as he planted a kiss on Bea’s cheek. One by one, the other scholars started to gather around Van as if he were a prodigal son. Van was overjoyed with the reunion. It had been close to five years since he saw these people whom he shared a special bond with.
“Van! Oh my god! You’re here!” Cris exclaimed running from the kitchen. Van smiled as Cris’ arms enveloped him. “I thought you’re not going to come.”
“Of course, I will. I promised you ‘di ba?” Van replied.
“Hi, Van.” An uncomfortable voice said. Van turned around to see Hansen slowly emerging from the living room. Van nodded in recognition. Sen extended his hand. Van had second thoughts whether to shake his hand, but formality got the better of him. He shook Sen’s hand and forced a smile. This is going to be one long night.
CHAPTER 3
Sen found himself alone at the Picnic Grove. He was running fast, as if chasing something. He looked ahead and saw what he was chasing- it was the figure of a man. The figure was a bit hefty, but well built, has brownish hair and fair complexion. He was running faster now, almost catching up to the figure. The man turned around to reveal a familiar face… Van!
“Honey” a female voice screamed out.
Sen startledly opened his eyes. He spent a minute or so trying to adjust to his surroundings. He was in his own bedroom. It was just a dream, but it seemed so real!
“Hansen” Cristina Pastor-Nichols screamed again. She knocked gently at the door.
Hansen got up from the bed and opened the door. Cristina, dressed in a red empire-cut dress, entered the room.
“Honey they’re here.” She said as she planted a kiss on Hansen’s lips.
“They?” Hansen looked puzzled. An instant later it hit him. Today was June 14, 2015. The seventh year anniversary of PDA Season 2’s Dream Night. As it has been their tradition, the fifteen participants of the competition (sans the two quitters) always gathered at the date to celebrate the event that started their bonds.
He immediately threw off his shirt and rushed to the shower.
“Who’s there?” he shouted out to his wife.
“There’s Liezel, Laarni, The Malundas, Bugoy, Bea, Miguel and Apple, and Poy. Inakand Sheng are on their way.” Cris replied. “And so is Van.”
Hansen turned off the shower. “Who?”
“Van. Van Pojas?”
“He is coming?” Hansen asked stepping out of the shower. He rushed to the bedroom.
“You’re dripping!” Cris exclaimed. She immediately grabbed a towel from the closet and proceeded towards her husband.
“Never mind that, how did you know?” Hansen persisted.
“Laarni gave me his number, so I sent him a message.” Cris explained as she wiped his back.
“And he replied?”
“Yeah.”
Somehow a bitter pang hit home. Hansen had been sending messages via text and e-mail to Van, but no reply came. When Cris gave birth to their daughter Cristina Louelle, Sen sent Van a message, hoping that the latter would show up for Louie’s christening. Sen waited the entire event, but not even Van’s shadow came close to the venue.
“I’ll be going down now. I’ll see you in a bit.” Cris planted a kiss on Sen’s lips. She then tossed the towel down the hamper by the door and left.
Sen sat down on the edge of the bed. Van is coming, he though to himself. Somehow a tingling sensation rose from his loins. Never had he felt like this in a long time.
Eversince he got married to Cris, nothing excited him anymore. He saw his life as if he had already lived it. For him, it was more a marriage of responsibility than out of love. In the years they were dating before, he never felt truly happy. He was longing for something else- one that he could not find in Cris. He was set to call of his relationship with Cris then, but she got pregnant.
Van is coming, he smiled. He did not notice he had an erection.
* * *
Outside 63 Colombia Street, East Greenhills, a black Ford Expedition was parked. The lights of the mansion were lit. Small chatter and the sound of people singing could be heard. Inside the Expedition, Van Pojas took a puff of his cigarette. He was nervous as hell.
“Why did I agree to this?” He told himself. It had been a week after he got an unexpected message in his cellphone from Cris Nichols, inviting him to their seventh reunion. The message sent shockwaves down his spine. Hansen will be there, he thought. Initially, he was to reply in the negative. Oh what the hell, he realized. He erased his typed message then replied: OK, I’LL BE THERE.
He had been outside the Nichols’ residence for almost an hour. Unsure whether to push through or not. He had seen some of his fellow scholars go in. Thankfully, they have not noticed him.
“Eh! Bahala na.” Van exclaimed as stepped out of the car. He threw the cigarette butt to the ground and walked towards the Nichols’ gate.
“Honey” a female voice screamed out.
Sen startledly opened his eyes. He spent a minute or so trying to adjust to his surroundings. He was in his own bedroom. It was just a dream, but it seemed so real!
“Hansen” Cristina Pastor-Nichols screamed again. She knocked gently at the door.
Hansen got up from the bed and opened the door. Cristina, dressed in a red empire-cut dress, entered the room.
“Honey they’re here.” She said as she planted a kiss on Hansen’s lips.
“They?” Hansen looked puzzled. An instant later it hit him. Today was June 14, 2015. The seventh year anniversary of PDA Season 2’s Dream Night. As it has been their tradition, the fifteen participants of the competition (sans the two quitters) always gathered at the date to celebrate the event that started their bonds.
He immediately threw off his shirt and rushed to the shower.
“Who’s there?” he shouted out to his wife.
“There’s Liezel, Laarni, The Malundas, Bugoy, Bea, Miguel and Apple, and Poy. Inakand Sheng are on their way.” Cris replied. “And so is Van.”
Hansen turned off the shower. “Who?”
“Van. Van Pojas?”
“He is coming?” Hansen asked stepping out of the shower. He rushed to the bedroom.
“You’re dripping!” Cris exclaimed. She immediately grabbed a towel from the closet and proceeded towards her husband.
“Never mind that, how did you know?” Hansen persisted.
“Laarni gave me his number, so I sent him a message.” Cris explained as she wiped his back.
“And he replied?”
“Yeah.”
Somehow a bitter pang hit home. Hansen had been sending messages via text and e-mail to Van, but no reply came. When Cris gave birth to their daughter Cristina Louelle, Sen sent Van a message, hoping that the latter would show up for Louie’s christening. Sen waited the entire event, but not even Van’s shadow came close to the venue.
“I’ll be going down now. I’ll see you in a bit.” Cris planted a kiss on Sen’s lips. She then tossed the towel down the hamper by the door and left.
Sen sat down on the edge of the bed. Van is coming, he though to himself. Somehow a tingling sensation rose from his loins. Never had he felt like this in a long time.
Eversince he got married to Cris, nothing excited him anymore. He saw his life as if he had already lived it. For him, it was more a marriage of responsibility than out of love. In the years they were dating before, he never felt truly happy. He was longing for something else- one that he could not find in Cris. He was set to call of his relationship with Cris then, but she got pregnant.
Van is coming, he smiled. He did not notice he had an erection.
* * *
Outside 63 Colombia Street, East Greenhills, a black Ford Expedition was parked. The lights of the mansion were lit. Small chatter and the sound of people singing could be heard. Inside the Expedition, Van Pojas took a puff of his cigarette. He was nervous as hell.
“Why did I agree to this?” He told himself. It had been a week after he got an unexpected message in his cellphone from Cris Nichols, inviting him to their seventh reunion. The message sent shockwaves down his spine. Hansen will be there, he thought. Initially, he was to reply in the negative. Oh what the hell, he realized. He erased his typed message then replied: OK, I’LL BE THERE.
He had been outside the Nichols’ residence for almost an hour. Unsure whether to push through or not. He had seen some of his fellow scholars go in. Thankfully, they have not noticed him.
“Eh! Bahala na.” Van exclaimed as stepped out of the car. He threw the cigarette butt to the ground and walked towards the Nichols’ gate.
CHAPTER 2
Van’s world seemed to crumble. He knew this moment would come, and this moment was what he feared the most. Cris Pastor was also a graduate of PDA. Inside the academy, she had been romantically linked to Sen- a relationship Cris decided to pursue outside. Sen being the gentleman that he is, also felt something somewhat for Cris so he decided to give it a go anyway. They were now dating for a year and a half.
“Are you okay?” Sen asked as he noticed Van turn pale.
“Do I look okay?” Van snapped. “I told you to be careful. You never heed my advice.” He felt an overwhelming heat rising inside him.
Sen kept quiet, not looking at Van. His hand were drawing figure eights on the picnic table.
“When did this happen?” Van asked.
“You ask like you’re my girlfriend.” Sen laughed.
“Look moron, this is not the time to joke.” Van stood up and shoved Sen. The older man, almost lost his balance. He stood up and pushed Van.
“ I never intended for this to happen, dickhead” Sen raised his voice for the first time. “It just happened. And now that it’s here…” Sen shrugged.
“Now that it’s here, what?”
Sen sat down. He had thought about this moment for a long time. He knew breaking the news to Van would be the most difficult thing he would do. His family accepted the news right away. So did Cris’ family. This was the final hurdle.
“Please sit down.” Van immediately sat down.
“We’re going to get married.” Van slumped on the table. No matter how he tried to hold it back, he knew it was a losing battle. The tears were now falling. Sen knew this would come. He stood up and went to Van. Gently, he placed his hand on Van’s back.
Van sat up, the tears were still in his eyes. There was no other thing to do now, but to accept it. It was a losing battle, no matter how he wanted to keep his bro, he has to go.
“Do you remember that night? The final expulsion?” Van asked, his voice breaking.
“Yes” Sen replied.
“Remember the song?”
Sen goes to sing:
We might find our place in this world someday, but at least for now, I got to go my own way.
Van closed his eyes as his hand held on to Sen’s hand on his shoulder:
What about us? What about everything we’ve been through?
The tears somehow made their way to Sen’s eyes. He knew his bro was hurt. They have, after all, shared a speical bond-one that transcends friendship.
“It does not have to be this way…” Sen tried to reason out.
“It has to… for your good.” Van said with finality.
“Gotta go my own way.” He forced a smile.
Van stood up and faced Sen. He spread his arms and hugged his friend. So tightly, that he felt the warmth of Sen’s breath. He wished they could stay like this forever, but reality calls. Reluctantly he pulled away and turned. He walked slowly, each step heavier than the last. As he went farther, tears were again falling.
Sen remained glued to where he was, remembering the moment, thinking that this could be the last time he would be with Van. Then, he cried.
“Are you okay?” Sen asked as he noticed Van turn pale.
“Do I look okay?” Van snapped. “I told you to be careful. You never heed my advice.” He felt an overwhelming heat rising inside him.
Sen kept quiet, not looking at Van. His hand were drawing figure eights on the picnic table.
“When did this happen?” Van asked.
“You ask like you’re my girlfriend.” Sen laughed.
“Look moron, this is not the time to joke.” Van stood up and shoved Sen. The older man, almost lost his balance. He stood up and pushed Van.
“ I never intended for this to happen, dickhead” Sen raised his voice for the first time. “It just happened. And now that it’s here…” Sen shrugged.
“Now that it’s here, what?”
Sen sat down. He had thought about this moment for a long time. He knew breaking the news to Van would be the most difficult thing he would do. His family accepted the news right away. So did Cris’ family. This was the final hurdle.
“Please sit down.” Van immediately sat down.
“We’re going to get married.” Van slumped on the table. No matter how he tried to hold it back, he knew it was a losing battle. The tears were now falling. Sen knew this would come. He stood up and went to Van. Gently, he placed his hand on Van’s back.
Van sat up, the tears were still in his eyes. There was no other thing to do now, but to accept it. It was a losing battle, no matter how he wanted to keep his bro, he has to go.
“Do you remember that night? The final expulsion?” Van asked, his voice breaking.
“Yes” Sen replied.
“Remember the song?”
Sen goes to sing:
We might find our place in this world someday, but at least for now, I got to go my own way.
Van closed his eyes as his hand held on to Sen’s hand on his shoulder:
What about us? What about everything we’ve been through?
The tears somehow made their way to Sen’s eyes. He knew his bro was hurt. They have, after all, shared a speical bond-one that transcends friendship.
“It does not have to be this way…” Sen tried to reason out.
“It has to… for your good.” Van said with finality.
“Gotta go my own way.” He forced a smile.
Van stood up and faced Sen. He spread his arms and hugged his friend. So tightly, that he felt the warmth of Sen’s breath. He wished they could stay like this forever, but reality calls. Reluctantly he pulled away and turned. He walked slowly, each step heavier than the last. As he went farther, tears were again falling.
Sen remained glued to where he was, remembering the moment, thinking that this could be the last time he would be with Van. Then, he cried.
CHAPTER 1
The afternoon sun glared brightly at Tagaytay’s Picnic Grove. Families were taking advantage of the April weather, and Tagaytay seemed to offer the perfect solace. Perched above Taal Lake, the humid air of the city made it a perfect resort town.
Yet amid the merrymaking, a figure sat alone in one corner of the park. Van Louelle Pojas, one of the Philippines’ renowned singers/ actors impatiently tapped on the picnic table. After emerging from the reality show Pinoy Dream Academy two years ago, Van’s life has been somewhat a dream. He became one of the hottest singers in the land–having albums that achieved mulit-platinum success. What followed was an acting career that had him pitted against some of the country’s premiere actresses.
Today was actually a taping day for his upcoming teleserye, I Can’t Fight This Feeling. But a text message early this morning roused him from sleep: BRO, WE NEED TO TALK, IMPORTANT. PICNIC GROVE 5PM. An excuse was made immediately to the director and production manager, and off he was to Tagaytay.
Lighting another cigarette, he waited impatiently. God, what’s taking him so long, he thought. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure coming closer. Thinking it was one of those asking for his autograph, he decided to ignore the figure first.
“I thought you did not smoke?” A familiar voice asked. Van turned to see his friend Hansen Nichols approaching him. He let out a coy smile.
“Work’s too stressful. Helps me cope.” He said as he took a puff and threw away the half-finished cigarette. “You haven’t changed.”
Hansen nodded in recognition. At 26, Hansen was one of Van’s contemporaries from Pinoy Dream Academy. Upon coming out of the reality show, he too had a promising singing career, but a botched thyroid operation damaged his vocal chords and left him unable to sing ever again.
He found solace in a foundation helping children with cancer- a cause his fellow scholars have been more than eager to help. Just last month, Sen and Van’s fellow contestant Laarni Losala put up a benefit concert to help a child from Shariff Kabunsuan suffering from thyroid cancer.
The two embraced, like brothers who have not seen each other for a long time. After all, that was what they viewed each other-brothers.
“What is it that we have to talk about?” Van asked as he sat down on the bench. Sen sat down on the opposite bench and looked at Van. His thoughts were flying, as if grasping for the right word to say. He took a deep breath.
“Cris is pregnant.”
Yet amid the merrymaking, a figure sat alone in one corner of the park. Van Louelle Pojas, one of the Philippines’ renowned singers/ actors impatiently tapped on the picnic table. After emerging from the reality show Pinoy Dream Academy two years ago, Van’s life has been somewhat a dream. He became one of the hottest singers in the land–having albums that achieved mulit-platinum success. What followed was an acting career that had him pitted against some of the country’s premiere actresses.
Today was actually a taping day for his upcoming teleserye, I Can’t Fight This Feeling. But a text message early this morning roused him from sleep: BRO, WE NEED TO TALK, IMPORTANT. PICNIC GROVE 5PM. An excuse was made immediately to the director and production manager, and off he was to Tagaytay.
Lighting another cigarette, he waited impatiently. God, what’s taking him so long, he thought. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure coming closer. Thinking it was one of those asking for his autograph, he decided to ignore the figure first.
“I thought you did not smoke?” A familiar voice asked. Van turned to see his friend Hansen Nichols approaching him. He let out a coy smile.
“Work’s too stressful. Helps me cope.” He said as he took a puff and threw away the half-finished cigarette. “You haven’t changed.”
Hansen nodded in recognition. At 26, Hansen was one of Van’s contemporaries from Pinoy Dream Academy. Upon coming out of the reality show, he too had a promising singing career, but a botched thyroid operation damaged his vocal chords and left him unable to sing ever again.
He found solace in a foundation helping children with cancer- a cause his fellow scholars have been more than eager to help. Just last month, Sen and Van’s fellow contestant Laarni Losala put up a benefit concert to help a child from Shariff Kabunsuan suffering from thyroid cancer.
The two embraced, like brothers who have not seen each other for a long time. After all, that was what they viewed each other-brothers.
“What is it that we have to talk about?” Van asked as he sat down on the bench. Sen sat down on the opposite bench and looked at Van. His thoughts were flying, as if grasping for the right word to say. He took a deep breath.
“Cris is pregnant.”
Sunday, August 10, 2008
PROLOGUE
PROLOGUE:
Hansen Nichols took a deep breath as he walked through the double doors that divided the concert hall from the academy. Among all the expulsion nights he had experienced, this is probably the most bittersweet.
Behind him Van Pojas followed his footsteps nervously. It was his first time on the chopping block, but already, he did not like the feeling. Why like this? He thought to himself.
The production staff led them behind the LED monitor. The two stood there nervously.
“Nervous?” Sen asked as he grabbed Van’s hand. The younger man nodded.
“I wish it never had to be this way.” Van said. “This expulsion is bittersweet. If I lose, I’d leave the academy. If I win, I’ll still be sad because…” he looked at Sen, “you’re not coming back with me inside.”
“Do you know the song Got to Go My Own Way?” Sen asked. “We might find our place in this world someday, but at least for now, I’ve gotta go my own way,” he sang.
“Yeah.”
“ Consider that our theme. It’s just two weeks. We’ll see each other again. For now, we’ve got to go our own ways.”
The familiar theme music of the show came on, as they heard applause from the people in front of the LED.
“Sa puntong ito ay naid ko nang tawagin ang dalwang probee na sina Sen at Van.” Toni Gonzaga announced over the microphone. The LED screen split up to reveal the two. They walked down a couple of steps until they are beside Toni. Van tightened his grip on Sen’s hand.
“Ang pangalang aking babanggitin ay ang nakakuha ng mas mataas na percentage of votes. Mapapabilang ka sa Honor List of 6.” Their hearts were beating faster now.
“Congratulations, you are safe…”
Hansen Nichols took a deep breath as he walked through the double doors that divided the concert hall from the academy. Among all the expulsion nights he had experienced, this is probably the most bittersweet.
Behind him Van Pojas followed his footsteps nervously. It was his first time on the chopping block, but already, he did not like the feeling. Why like this? He thought to himself.
The production staff led them behind the LED monitor. The two stood there nervously.
“Nervous?” Sen asked as he grabbed Van’s hand. The younger man nodded.
“I wish it never had to be this way.” Van said. “This expulsion is bittersweet. If I lose, I’d leave the academy. If I win, I’ll still be sad because…” he looked at Sen, “you’re not coming back with me inside.”
“Do you know the song Got to Go My Own Way?” Sen asked. “We might find our place in this world someday, but at least for now, I’ve gotta go my own way,” he sang.
“Yeah.”
“ Consider that our theme. It’s just two weeks. We’ll see each other again. For now, we’ve got to go our own ways.”
The familiar theme music of the show came on, as they heard applause from the people in front of the LED.
“Sa puntong ito ay naid ko nang tawagin ang dalwang probee na sina Sen at Van.” Toni Gonzaga announced over the microphone. The LED screen split up to reveal the two. They walked down a couple of steps until they are beside Toni. Van tightened his grip on Sen’s hand.
“Ang pangalang aking babanggitin ay ang nakakuha ng mas mataas na percentage of votes. Mapapabilang ka sa Honor List of 6.” Their hearts were beating faster now.
“Congratulations, you are safe…”
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