Ace

Episode 8: Adorable (January 10, 2021)

One hour ago...

Belle: Christine, can you please accompany me for the photoshoot? I'm already running late.

Christine: I can't. I'm on overtime. I need to save money for your lover.

Belle: Don't give me any kind of hope, sis. He doesn't even like me. Yeah, I'm sure he's straight but he not interested in this beauty.

Christine: Just stop being a slut then he'll like you.

Belle: I can't. It's innate in me.

Christine: Innate, innate ka pa. Gawin kaya kitang inmate. Ang bata pa ng bayaw ko, 19.

Belle: You say inmate? But he's already 19 as you said just now.

Christine: Just go to your work. You'll be late.

Tiningnan ni Belle ang relo n'ya at natanto n'ya na mahuhuli na s'ya. Tinigil na rin niya ang pagkain ng baon ni Christine.

Belle: Oh my gosh. I'm already late. Just finish this.

Christine: Now, run. You're not even a Filipino yet your time runs like you are.

Belle: Stop it, sis. I'm leaving.

Umalis na si Belle sa opisina nina Christine. Ilang sandali pa ay dumating na rin si Belle sa venue ng photoshoot.

Staff: Sis, you're so late. And since you're late, stay here and guard the entrance.

Belle: Sorry, sis. You now go ahead. I'll stay here.

Ilang sandali pa ay dumating din si Ace sa venue. Sinalubong siya ni Belle.

Belle: Hi, Ace. Why are you here? You aren't clearly the ones who go here to the gay bar.

Ace: Don't fool me, I knew that this place was a gay bar but I know that it's now under reconstruction for the upcoming Miss Gay. So let me in.

Belle: Are you a staff or a contestant here? Seems like you're not.

Ace: I'll be the judge of the contest. So let me in.

Nagulat si Belle ngunit hindi niya ito pinahalata.

Belle: No problem, Sir.

Pagpasok ni Ace ay may napansin siyang dumaan.

Ace: Is that...

Belle: Who?

Ace: The one inside.

Belle: Ah, she is one of the contestants. She's your type? (I hope not. I won't let you fall for a gay.)

Ace: Nope. No way. I just, she looks like someone I know.

Belle: Like who?

Ace: I'll just approach her.

Nilapitan ni Ace ang contestant. Tumalikod ito saglit at nang nakita niya si Ace ay biglang bumilis ang lakad nito at lumayo.

Ace: Miss, miss! Sandali!

Nakarating ang dalawa sa restroom. Hinanap ni Ace kung saan sa mga cubicle siya nagtago.

Ace: Alam kong ikaw 'yan, Michael.

Lumabas sa gitnang cubicle si Michael.

Michael: Ace.

Natulala lang si Ace at tinitigan lang si Michael.