Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C17 - Plan

Third Person's POV

7:30 am - Mckinley Hills

Louise woke up to a pounding headache, her temples throbbing with every pulse. The sunlight streaming through the blinds of her condo didn't help either. She groaned, pulling the blanket over her head, trying to block out the world. Everything felt heavy and disoriented, the remnants of last night's drinking session still clouding her mind.

The room smelled faintly of alcohol, and the faint murmur of voices floated from the living room. Louise peeked out from under the blanket and slowly sat up, wincing as her body protested against the movement.

On the couch, Javi was sprawled out, one arm hanging off the side, snoring loudly. Kai was curled up on the floor, using a couch cushion as a pillow, while Gwen and Colet sat on the opposite side of the room, sipping coffee and scrolling through their phones.

"Morning, drunk queen." Colet said with a smirk, looking up from her screen. "Kamusta ulo mo?"

Louise groaned, pressing her palms to her forehead. "Para akong sinagasaan ng truck".

Gwen handed her a glass of water and some painkillers. "Kailangan mo 'to. Inumin mo na bago ka pa mamatay."

Louise took the water and downed the pills, leaning back against the headboard of the couch. Her mind started piecing together the events from last night—the call with Stacey, the drinking, the phone buzzing constantly in her pocket. Her stomach churned, but not from the hangover. She was still upset, but there was a nagging feeling of guilt too.

"Nasaan nga pala yung phone ko?" she muttered, glancing around.

"Nasa kitchen counter." Colet pointed. "Ring ng ring, kagabi pa. Tinatawagan ka ni Stacey ng paulit ulit."

Louise sighed, her head throbbing as she thought about facing that situation. She was still hurt by what happened, but she knew she couldn't avoid Stacey forever. She'd have to deal with it sooner or later.

Javi stirred on the couch, groaning as he rolled to the couch. "Ugh… anong oras na?"

"Maaga pa para sa hungover ass mo." Kai mumbled from the floor, still half asleep.

Louise forced herself up, slowly making her way to the kitchen counter, where her phone lay, the screen lighting up with missed calls and texts. Sure enough, Stacey had called more times than Louise could count. She stared at the phone, her finger hovering over it.

"Tawagan mo nalang pabalik." Gwen said softly, watching Louise hesitate. "It's not like you two can't talk it out.”

Louise bit her lip, debating with herself. The alcohol-fueled anger from last night had dulled, but the frustration was still there. She wasn't ready to talk—not yet.

"I need more time." Louise finally said, putting her phone back down. "I just... I'm still pissed off."

Colet nodded, understanding. "Take your time, pero 'wag kang mag hintay ng matagal. Lalo lang magkakagulo pag iiwasan mo 'yan."

Louise sighed, sinking back into the couch. She knew Colet was right, but dealing with her feelings—and Stacey—was a lot more complicated than just picking up the phone. For now, she just needed to let the hangover pass and sort through her thoughts.