Hue in my Photograph (Hue Series #4)

Hue #11

Hue #11

Mirn’s POV

I managed to arrive at the Austin Grand Prix two hours before the actual race. I didn’t inform Gavion beforehand so I didn’t expect he would be picking me up in the hotel. Hindi ko nga rin sinabi sa kan’ya kung saang hotel dahil hindi naman kami nag-uusap. Sinabi ko lang din sa anak ko na susubukan ko na makapunta.

“Did you pay someone to stalk me?” Hindi napigilang tanong ko nang makalapit na siya. May dalawang bodyguards ang nakasunod sa kan’ya.

I checked around, and a sense of relief washed over me. Walang media. Kanina pa kasi ako kinakabahan dahil baka salubungin na naman ako ng mga cameras. Kapag hindi pa inayos ni Gavion ang gusot sa media ay sasapakin ko na talaga.

Although I heard during the press conference two days ago that he talked about it—about us. Hindi na ako nag-abala pa na panoorin. Hindi rin naman ako interesado, basta maging maayos lang ang lahat.

“Yes.” He nodded. “I want to make sure you are safe. Don’t worry, they won’t harass you anymore.”

“What did you tell them?”

He looked at me, raising his brow. “You didn’t watch the press conference?”

“I no longer watch F1, Gavion,” tugon ko at nauna nang maglakad sa kan’ya palabas ng hotel.

Sinalubong kami ng chauffeur at pinagbuksan ng pinto ng limousine ngunit hindi ako pumasok.

“Is this really necessary?” Lumingon ako kay Gavion. “I’ll just grab a taxi going there. Ikaw na lamang ang sumakay.”

“I cannot be seen alone.” He glanced at me.

“Why not? Kaya mo naman no’n bakit—”

“‘Cause you are already here.”

“Do you think you can make me head over heels on you again by dropping a pick up line? It is not even romantic, it is disgusting.” Iritang sabi ko. “I am too old for that, Gavion. When will you take me seriously?”

“I am serious, Mere. You would know if you watch the press conference.”

“I no longer give a damn about F1, Gavion, since the day you left me. I don’t even know who got the championship for the last few years, who is on the lead or whatsoever. Kung hindi lang naman dahil sa anak ko, I wouldn’t be here.”

It was the truth. Madali lang naman kalimutan ang F1 lalo na kapag nasa Pilipinas ka. Not everyone knew about it and it was not something you see on the news everyday. Honestly, it is a sport that only those privileged could actually relate to. Kung hindi siguro nabalita na magkakaroon ng racing track sa bansa ay hindi pa ito sisikat. Natapos naman na ang track at unang beses nga itong gagamitin sa susunod na buwan. Hindi ko lang sigurado kung makakasama na talaga ang bansa sa F1 race.

“Natin, Mere. He is also my son,” he argued.

“You know what, you are wasting my time,” I said, ignoring his words. “I’ll go on my own.”

“I told them that you would be appearing with me, that you would be there, and that you would support me with our son in every Grand Prix until I retire. . .that is. . .”

“Excuse me?” My jaw dropped. “Are you saying you told the press that?”

“That is the only way they will stop harassing you, Mere. If you continue on hiding, they will continue to bother you and Gabby. You don’t have to do anything, you just have to show up. . .like before.” He whispered the last two words. It made my heart ache.