Serendipity (Dauntless Series #3)

Chapter 29

"I should probably go." 

Tumango ako. Honestly, I don't know if I can act like a normal person again whenever he's around. What happened to us definitely scarred our friendship but it doesn't necessarily mean that we have to end it. Taking a break from seeing each other is the right way. Tumayo ako nang tuwid pagkatapos ay taas noo siyang hinarap. 

"It shouldn't happen again. Like ever."

"I know..."

Nagulat ako sa bilis ng kaniyang pagsang-ayon. Ano bang ini-expect mo, Guinevere? Magmakaawa siya sa'yo para may mangyari ulit? Mag-isip isip ka nga. Wala naman kayong gusto sa isa't isa. 

"And Manilka will kill me if they learned that I kissed you."

My mind got stucked when I heard him say Manilka's pronouns. I tried so hard not to be nosy but I can't help it. I just want to confirm if I heard it loud and clear.

"Manilka changed their pronouns?" 

He nodded. "Yeah. They've been using they/them pronouns since last year."

I kept my cool. Squealing will only break my reputation for being respectful of Manilka's space. Even though I got a news from them after so many months doesn't mean that I have to act like I'm their relative. I'll just be happy for them from the distance. 

Hindi nagtagal ay umalis na si Seamus. Gustuhin ko mang i-stalk si Manilka sa kaniyang social media account ay hindi ko magawa. It won't do any good for the both of us. Just thinking about seeing their photos makes me want to knock to their door and beg them to take me in their life again. I've thought about it a hundred times. Good thing I was able to stop myself.

I will fly to France next month together with Brianna. She said she will bring me as her plus one to the Cannes Film Festival. She's nominated for Best Actress from her movie The Fallen Woman. Brianna has already received multiple awards in the Philippines due to her brave portrayal of her character, but her being nominated in one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world is much more than an accomplishment. To step foot in Cannes with my favorite person in the world is truly an honor.

The Fallen Woman was shown in the Théâtre Lumière yesterday but it wasn't part of the Palme d'Or prize. They had a 5 minute long standing ovation. It also received several positive reviews.

"Are you nervous?" tanong ko nang magkita kami sa kaniyang kwarto sa hotel kung saan kami kasalukuyang nanunuluyan. Ilang oras na lamang ay lalakad na kami patungo sa venue. I am wearing a nude almost naked couture long gown with plunging neckline and high slit on the right leg. The dress is filled with swarovski crystals and diamonds combined. Brianna, on the other hand, is wearing a halter strap chartreuse fringe dress. I took a picture of her and posted it on my story.

"Of course, I am! My fellow nominees are known actresses. Kay Cate Blanchett pa lang walang wala na ako." sabi niya. Natutop ko ang aking bibig.

"Even though I am a big fan of her, my support will always be on you. I believe in you. You already defeated a veteran actress on MMFF last December, ngayon ka pa ba magdududa sa sarili mo?"

Huminga siya ng malalim bago kinuha ang aking kamay at pinagsalikop iyon. I caressed her back.

"By the way, I set you up on a blind date with my friend," ngiting-ngiti niyang sinabi. Kumunot ang noo ko. "I think it's time for you to put yourself out there."

"Brianna..."

She ignored me and continued talking. "You deserve someone who will love you for who you are. I know you're a selfless person but you have to give this one a chance. If this doesn't work out then I will stay out of your lovelife. No more blind dates."