𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙞𝙙

24. Catching up with Hailey

"You got a nice house," I told Hailey, admiring the stylish exterior of her living room. The sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow that made the space feel inviting.

"Thank you! San mo gusto, dito sa living room or sa poolside?" she asked, gesturing toward the shimmering water just outside.

"Dito nalang sa living room," I replied, already feeling at ease in her space.

"Beer na agad?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes please. Kahit ang aga pa," I laughed, enjoying the lighthearted banter.

She left me for a moment, and I took the opportunity to settle onto the plush sofa. From my spot, I could still admire her impressive swimming pool, the surface glistening under the afternoon sun.

Hailey soon returned with two bottles of cold beer, the sound of the caps popping open echoed in the cozy room.

"Thanks," I said as she handed me one.

We faced each other while sipping our drinks, the atmosphere light and filled with the kind of comfort that only good friends can share. We chatted about our work, our families, and all the little things that had changed since we last saw each other.

"So about you and Michael Bane, totoo ba?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

Umiling agad ako, shaking my head. "No. Remember Yanie Ignacio? We were in college together."

Tumango si Hailey, her interest piqued.

"Boyfriend niya si Michael."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Hailey, her surprise genuine. "Really? Akala ko ikaw ang girlfriend."

"No. Yanie is my personal assistant. Ayaw kong ma-involve siya sa mga paparazzi, kaya we were trying to hide her involvement with Michael. And he's here to meet Yanie's parents. We met earlier sa hotel na tinutuluyan niya."

"Wow, Yanie ha? Damn, she's lucky," Hailey said, a hint of envy in her voice.

Tumawa ako, a sense of nostalgia washing over me. "His past is a bit worrisome, but I think he's a changed man now. Lalo na at magkakaanak na sila."

I could see Hailey processing this news, her expression shifting as she absorbed the implications.

"When is the wedding?" she asked, genuinely interested.

"Di ko pa alam. Nagdadalawang isip pa si Yanie. As you can see, kilala si Michael as a womanizer."

We continued talking, the conversation flowing easily, until I finally summoned the courage to ask the question that had been nagging at me.

"So you and Zayne, why did you break up?"

Napatingin sa akin si Hailey, a playful grin appearing on her face. "I know you wanted to know."

"I'll go get another bottle then we'll talk about Zayne," she said, standing up and leaving me alone in the room once more.

As I waited, I checked my phone to see if Zayne had replied yet. But still no response.

Nang bumalik si Hailey, ibinalik ko sa bag ang mobile phone ko, trying to push thoughts of him aside.

"We broke up after five months of dating," she said, her tone suddenly serious.

"Five months?!" I exclaimed, shocked at the briefness of their relationship.

Tumawa si Hailey, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "But why?"

"Well, it didn't feel quite right. For my part ha. There was something wrong about me at that time. Akala ko mag-work out ang relationship namin ni Zayne, but after you left, nagbago rin si Zayne."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Naging masungit, cold. And oh, hindi namamansin lalo na sa mga babae."

"Huh? Ano namang kinalaman niyan sa pag-alis ko?"

"Hindi rin ako siguradong that time. But later on, I realized na it was because of you."

I fell silent, taken aback by her revelation. Because of me?

"But why did you break up?" I pressed on, needing to understand.

"I'm gay, Belle. That's the reason why I broke up with him."

"You're gay?!" I blurted out, utterly shocked. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine Hailey being gay.

Tumango siya, her expression earnest. "But, you don't __."

"I know. But that's who I am."

I had never heard of her being gay, even now. "Even now?" I asked, wanting to confirm.

"Yes. And I'm married. Later, ipapakilala ko sayo wifey ko."

As if on cue, may narinig kaming sasakyang dumating.

"Ohh, she's already here," she said excitedly, standing up and heading toward the main door.

I felt a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and a touch of admiration. But when I saw the woman who came in and gave Hailey a soft kiss on the lips, everything clicked into place.

"Hi Bella. Nice meeting you again," the woman smiled warmly.

"Belle, nagmeet na kayo kanina diba? But let me introduce my wife to you," Hailey said, pulling the woman closer.

"This is Lily. My wife."

It was true—Hailey was living her truth, and I felt a swell of happiness for her.

"Does Zayne know?" I asked suddenly, a pang of concern rising within me.

"Oo naman. He was the first one who knew about me and Lily."

Lily joined us for a drink, and I was initially uncomfortable at the sight of their affection. But as the evening wore on, I found myself relaxing, their genuine love for each other radiating warmth that was hard to resist.

They looked so in love, and I couldn’t help but feel happy for Hailey. Despite the world not knowing their story, they seemed content in their own little bubble.

As the clock approached six in the evening, I realized it was time for me to head home.

"Umuwi na ba si Zayne?" I asked Lily as they walked me to the door.

"Kasama niya mga staff. May barbecue party sila ngayon sa isang restaurant. Birthday kasi ng cameraman namin. Gusto mong sumunod?"

Di na ako nagdalawang isip pa. Tumango agad ako, excitement bubbling within me.

"Give me your number, I will send you the address."

After saying my goodbyes to them, I climbed into a taxi headed for the restaurant Lily mentioned, feeling a mix of emotions about the night ahead.