Breaking Free

Exposed

To: Nadine Lustre

Sorry for texting this late...

You are not required to reply back, alright?

I just need to tell someone.

Ericka and I broke up.

Remember the cheating rumors I told you about? Well, they're true.

Never felt this stupid.

_______________________________

1:00 AM

I'm in my hotel room, busy...

Yeah, busy feeling sorry for myself.

I sent Nadine a text. I'm sure she's already sleeping - but I don't care. I feel choked up. I have all these emotions inside me. I need to tell someone. If I don't, I might go crazy.

I don't wanna tell my other friends. They've been telling me that Ericka's been cheating for months. I chose to ignore them. I don't want to see their smug faces and hear them say, "I told you so."

For some reason, Nadine alone can make me feel calm every time Ericka and I have our fights. That's why I always come to her to vent out my frustrations and anger. She's a good listener and a good confidant. A true partner in crime, indeed...

Bzzzz... Bzzzz...

I felt my phone vibrate. And looked at the notification. What the hell? She's still awake!

_______________________________

From: Nadine Lustre

Are you ok? I hope you're ok. Do you want to come over and talk about it?

I can sneak out.

Where are you? Don't do anything stupid.

You know I'm always here for you. We're partners in crime!

_______________________________

To: Nadine Lustre

Don't worry MOM...

I'm ok. I wont do anything stupid.

I'll tell you everything tomorrow.

Go get your sleep. Stop worrying. I'll be fine.

_______________________________

Who am I kidding? I'm a mess. I'm not ok. She doesn't have to know. Well at least, not right now. I'll tell her everything tomorrow after the shoot.

Bzzzz... Bzzzz... That was fast. I looked at my phone again.

*Ate Ca calling...*

False alarm. This looks important. I better answer this.

"Yes, Ate Ca?"

"James, sorry short notice pero change location tayo bukas. Sa Tagaytay tayo bukas. The driver will pick you up at 5 AM. Be sure to be ready by then. Sa condo mo ka ba papasundo o kina Ericka?"

"I'm at Manila Pen, Ate Ca."

"What? Bakit nandyan ka? Hmmm... Let me guess... Tantrums na naman ang sumalubong sa 'yo ano?" I can hear the concern in her voice.

"Don't worry Ate Ca. This will be the last time. We've broken up for good."

"What?! Seriously? Are you ok? Do you want me to move the shooting tomorrow to another day?"

"It's for real this time Ate Ca. I already told her to move out. I might be broken hearted, but I'll be fine. No need to reschedule the shoot tomorrow." I can feel my heart hurting again.