PAPARAZZI

Six

Weeks had passed since your recent conversation with Jay, when you chose to lie low.

Fortunately, it is the end of the school semester, at least you have time to divert your attention to him, as your last conversation with him did not go well because Jay threatened to sue you for what you are doing.

You're in your room reading a book when your mom walks in and asks why you haven't come out since dinner is ready. Until now, your conscience has been eating you because you did not tell your mom about your dad's affair.

Your mom asks you to come down, but you say you're not feeling well, which is just an excuse for not wanting to see your dad downstairs.

You know your mom is sceptical, but she just nodded and said she would ask a maid to bring you food.

You assumed your mom would leave, but after a few seconds, she opened your door.

"By the way, I already told your grandma that you will stay in Ilocos with them for the entire vacation. Pack your things now, because your flight will be at 4:00am."

You arrived at your grandmother's house in the afternoon, and although you dislike the idea of staying in the province for nearly a month, you accept it because it is the last thing you need to do.

Your grandma was nice, she always cooked food for you, unlike in Manila, where maids cooked instead of your mom.

"Iha, do you want to go to the Farm?"

You look at your grandma before setting down the food you are eating.

You are aware of the ranch that your grandma mentioned, but you were unaware that it still exists because you assumed it had been sold in a previous business merger before.

"You loved going there when you were young so I know you will have the idea of visiting there."

"Don't worry, I'll ask someone to accompany you." your grandma says.

You smile and thank your grandmother because you expected your stay in the province to be boring, but it will not be, because the province will refresh your mind.

And, as your grandmother promised, she ask someone to accompany you. You and Jen are walking to the ranch while Jen holds a small fan for you.

You laugh slightly because you feel she is nervous around you.

"It's fine, don't be nervous, we're the same age." You told her.

Despite what you say, Jen still treats you with formality, so you just let it go.

After a few minutes of walking, you can see the large ranch your grandma was talking about, and if you compare it to the last time you saw it, the difference is already visible because most of the areas have been upgraded.

"Ms, this is not-"

Jen was about to say something, but you interrupted her by handing her your phone and asking her to take your picture.

"This area is a people friendly." you say while walking towards the wood barrier.

"Just gave me a signal so I can start posting," you told Jen.

"Don't worry, I'll take you a picture after I do," you say, smiling as you practice your pose.

Jen has no choice but to grant your request.

She begins to capture you when your gaze shifts to an area that catches your attention.

It was a group of men laughing at the man riding the black horse, you can't see who he is because his back is turned to you, but the build of his body appears familiar.

You look at Jen to ask, but it appears that she already knows why you're looking at her. That is why, before you ask her, she has already provided an answer.

"That man is the owners of this farm, Ms." Jen stated.

You look at Jen puzzled because you assumed your grandmother had failed to sell it.

"Huh? i thought my grandma still own this."

Jen smiles, then shakes her head.

"No ms. this ranch is own by Mr. James Park." 

"Your grandmother ranch is on the second land, Ms," Jen said, laughing slightly. "I was going to tell it earlier Ms. but you didn't let me finish"

Park?

James Park?

Suddenly, confusion consumed you until you returned your gaze to the man Jen was stalking.

You watch the man touch the horse's head before allowing it to move.

You waited for the man to face you so you could see his but, but as soon as he did, your forehead creased as well questions began to arise.

"Jay"