IT WON'T STOP

25.

[ Machiko’s ]

After very long law classes, I guided myself to just go home. Yes, I'm in law school. After all of those struggles, including getting shot just because of my family’s cases in the Philippines.

I had to stop; I needed to choose a normal and peaceful life. And I'm absolutely loving it.

"Machiko, make time! I want you to meet our new endorser for this product!" My tito exclaimed on our call. We are really close, especially since I was already here in the US.

"Oh, come on, I have so many readings," I answered while busy highlighting some words on a file.

"You keep studying! Just go out and meet her; have dinner with us, yeah?" He was convincing me too much. 

I had no choice but to just join. I've been invited to go to a lot of events, but I barely go. Law school is taking so much of my time.

After I got ready, I checked my grades, which were all the highest. I was surprisingly smart, but I stopped my singing and dancing career. I needed something long-term.

An hour later, I got there in my tito's company using my sports black car. I was just wearing a casual outfit; it was just a white plain shirt with black pants and puma shoes. I even had my eyeglasses on and my hair tied up. 

"Perfect." I looked at myself in the car mirror before going out.

"The Machiko!" My tito approached me when I immediately got inside. 

"How are you, Tito?" I smiled widely and hugged him.

"I'm doing very, very well! Come here, check everything. I want to know a law student and top notcher’s opinion." He was praising me while leading the way.

I saw a lot of his staff turn their heads to look at me. I felt very awkward. But I experience this every single day.

"Pogi." I heard a Filipino’s voice. I didn't even smile; I kept walking. I was really opposite from before.

"It's really cool, Tito," I commented while looking around. He was really proud of his pieces and achievements.

When suddenly he spoke loudly, that really caught my attention. "The endorser is here! She is a goddess!"

She?

Goddess?

"Who is she?" I couldn't help but ask; I didn't like my instincts.

"Amara Quincy Arceta!" My tito cheerfully approached her. She was smiling so wide, and I heard her say her greetings. Then, they hugged.

Fuck.

What the hell is this?

Why do we always see each other everywhere?

"This is Machiko," my tito introduced me to her. Her smile wasn't that wide anymore, it was just a little smile.

How do I act?

And damn, she's absolutely beautiful. She has been always be.

I was just starstrucked, I knew I was staring at her.

"We know each other," she said, smiling sweetly. Wow, ba't niya sinabi 'yon?

"Oh, really? How, Machiko?!" My tito looked at me, surprised.

"I met her in the Philippines, she watched me perform, and we just... greeted each other." What the hell, Machiko? You had sex with her.

"Yeah, right," she understood the assignment. She's now a good liar, I'm impressed.