EVERYTHING | CYJ

C 1

When I entered the room, I was greeted by the elegant chandeliers and the cold air. I quickly felt shivers all over my body and I thought the scarf Azari gave me would at least help me feel warm but it didn't. The place wasn't that dark and spacious like I thought it would be. It's actually elegant and the long table convinced me that we are having another family dinner.

"Savi," Jared suddenly appeared on my side.

"I thought you're going to be late?" I told him.

"Ivrene went home early today. She originally told me that she's having a dinner with her officemates but it got cancelled." He calmly answered while we were walking to our seats.

He pulled the chair out for me and I smiled as a thank you.

"So... When are you going to confess to her?" I asked him.

Jared has been my friend ever since we were kids. Yes. Childhood friends. Wala yatang school year na hindi kami pinagsama ng mga magulang namin. From what I can remember, tuwing magkahiwalay ang section namin, talagang susugod si Mama sa school para lang palipatin si Jared sa section ko. Until college, we took the same course and had the same schedule. We're basically bestfriends and we trust each other with almost everything.

But him getting into a relationship? I don't think I can bare that weight. I don't think I would be able to easily adjust to the changes that will happen. Alam kong wala akong gusto sa kaniya pero nasanay lang kasi akong nandyan siya.

Na lagi siyang may oras sa akin.

Because the day he gets himself a girlfriend, I know I won't just lose a friend. I would lose a bestfriend.

"Maybe next week?" He answered me after taking a sip of the wine. "'Di ka sure?" I joked. Napahinga ako nang malalim at nagulat ako nung ginawa ko 'yon. Buti nalang hindi niya napansin kasi malamang hindi ako titigilan nun hangga't 'di niya nalalaman kung anong iniisip ko.

"Why are we here again?" He suddenly asked. "I really have no idea. Our family planned this but seriously, I'm clueless." I honestly answered him.

The door suddenly opened again and Jared's family entered. I stood up to greet his mom and dad. Tita Dez, his mother, gave me a warm hug before taking her seat. "How's your training?" She asked me.

"I'm having fun, Tita. Actually, I really enjoy managing the hotel more than I thought I would." I enthusiastically answered her.

"That's great! Jared also told me that you seem like a professional already." She complimented me.

Napatingin ako kay Jared at tinaasan niya lang ako ng kilay. "What? It's true! I saw you work one time. I already entered your office but you didn't even budge. You're already serious about what you're doing. I'm proud of you." He said, while patting my head. This man really thinks I'm still the kid he's playing with dati.

"Okay. Thanks." Sagot ko habang iniirapan siya. Biglang tumunog 'yung phone niya at mabilis naman niyang kinuha 'yon. "Sino 'yan?" I jokingly said while leaning on a bit to his side to see his phone.

"Ivrene." He answered. I quickly backed off and stayed quiet. Kinausap ako nang kinausap ni Tita Dez hanggang sa dumating sila Mama. Tsaka lang natigil si Jared sa kapipindot sa phone niya when he noticed that my family's already here.

We both kept quiet while our parents talked about their hotel businesses. I quickly paid attention when I heard that they're planning to open a branch in South Korea. If it's really possible, doon talaga ako magtratrabaho. That country's always been my favourite one and it will never change.

"Jared, when are you planning to court my daughter?" My father boldly asked. Halos mabulunan ako habang kinakain ko 'yung pasta nung sinabi niya 'yun.

"Tito, only if she would allow." Jared answered. Napairap nalang ulit ako sa isip ko. How would I allow when you're not even asking for permission?

Plus, I'm not even hoping that he would. I know he's in love with someone else. And in fact, I'm not planning to develop any romantic feelings for him. I know his mind and heart is already occupied by someone else. He's so crazy about Ivrene and I have no place in his heart.

"So... Why don't you guys go in a vacation? Know each other more? Then perhaps think of marriage while having fun?" His father suggested. Jared and I knew that this scenario would happen. We already agreed that we will do whatever our parents wants us to do except that there are no feelings involved.

Parang baliw 'no? Handang magpakasal kahit na walang love?

This is the dilemma most rich people face. Actually, I'm not sure if all. But rich people with businesses? 'Yung mga nakikita sa teleserye na pinapakasal din sa mayayaman para lang sa business?

It really happens and because Jared is wise, he already opened this topic up to me.

"Sure Tito, that would be great. Right, Savi?" He said while squeezing my left hand. "Yes! Yes, definitely." I answered, showing my fake excitement.

"That's great. I already bought tickets for you two. Enjoy it, okay?" Tito Denver told us.

"For sure, Dad." Jared answered with a smile. For a moment, I'm convinced that he likes me-that he's really going to see that vacation as a chance to know me deeper but I know that I am never going to have a place in his heart.

I told myself that I'm ready to face the heartbreak but right now, I don't think I can. I don't think I ever will.