When We Happened

Chapter 34: Homecoming Queen

Chapter 34

Homecoming Queen

"Put your sunglasses on," Sir Red said to me once he had reached me after passing through the immigration.

I didn't move. "Why? What's going on?"

Sir Red sighed and wore his sunglasses. "Well, we didn't anticipate this from happening, and we're really sorry for that. It's our responsibility and we've let you down on this."

My brows furrowed. "Saan po? Ano bang nangyayari?"

"It looks like you're going to have an impromptu homecoming celebration."

I could only blink at him. "Huh?"

"Anak, you are Asher Flores now," he said with a gentle smile. "While you were gone, your star shined brighter here at home. Some of your fans are outside right now waiting for you to come out."

"Here? At the airport?" I looked around and immediately saw a couple of people pointing their phones at me. Shit.

"Yes, looks like they wanted to see you right away. But don't worry, Felix already sent additional security for you. He's expecting us to come to TMA HQ right away. Naghihintay na rin sa atin sa labas si Simon."

Nauna siyang umuwi sa amin ng ilang araw may emergency daw sa TMA, and he's the only person that could smooth it out.

"Why? Hindi naman ako scheduled na magpakita sa TMA today?" Maybe it's my jetlagged brain talking, but wasn't I supposed to come home right away? I'm also looking forward to taking a shower at home and going straight to Yap's place.

Shit. It's still working hours, right? Baka nasa office pa siya.

"We have to go there for a while to change cars, mahirap na at baka may sumunod sa atin. We don't want them to find your apartment."

He has a point. "Fine. But can we please not stay there for long? I'm so tired and I really miss my bed."

"I'll see what I can do."

I could only sigh. "Thank you, Sir Red."

"You're welcome, hija," sabi pa nito bago magsimulang maglakad. "C'mon now, let's go outside and face the world."

Just like what Sir Red said, we were immediately bombarded by the press and a swarm of fans when we exited the arrival area of the airport. Thank God for Sir Felix's goons, nakapaglakad pa kami nang maayos dahil pinalibutan nila ako at hinawi ang daan papunta sa naghihintay na black TMA van kung saan naghihintay si Sir Simon. They shut the van's door closed once Sir Red entered the van as well.

"Good to see you again, Ash anak," he said to me as he engulfed me into arms. I really like Sir Simon's hugs, his hugs are the best and it makes me feel cared for. I see my daddy-issues are rearing its ugly head again.

Maybe I should give my parents a visit soon... that way I won't have to miss them again. I mean, how would you miss someone who won't talk to you? Someone who won't even look at you, just because you can't play tennis anymore?

"Are you okay? How's the flight?"

I looked outside and saw the people running after our van, cameras flashing and phones pointed towards us. Hindi kami agad maka-alpas dahil sa dami ng kotseng nakaharang sa harapan namin.

"Well, aside from all this craziness, okay naman po. Wala namang aberya sa airport."

"Hindi rin namin ine-expect ito," sabi pa nito habang nakatingin sa labas. Probably wondering why they keep on taking pictures when we're already inside the van. "Wala naman kaming sinabihan na ngayon ka uuwi."