Last Shot at Love

CHAPTER THREE

MAKI LOPEZ

"Okay, if there's no questions or suggestions, meeting adjourned! Thank you everyone!" I said and rose from my seat.

"Congratulations on your new successful commercial Maki!" Bati sa akin ni Greg Montenegro, my cousin and boss dito sa ADP Corporation.

"Just doing my job, Greg. Anyway, congrats on your engagement." I greet back at him.

"Thank you, Maki. I want you to be there, Couz. Our wedding will be the wedding of the century!" Masayang saad nito. Ngayon ko lang nakitang masaya si Greg but I can't be there.

"I can't, Couz. It'll be awkward." I said sadly.

"Couz, hindi ako makakapayag na wala ka doon."

"For sure, andoon ang buong barkada ni Alex. They wouldn't like it if they'll see me there."

"No, napag-usapan na namin ito ni Alex and we agreed na pareho namin kayong papupuntahin ni Mj. Please, Couz. It's also high time para magkaroon na kayo ng closure." Sagot nito sa akin.

"She'll never ever talk to me, Greg. That's how much I damaged her. That's my price for ruining her."

"Basta, you'll be there. Mj will be there. Hindi naman necessary na kausapin mo sila. I just want my favorite cousin to be on my wedding day." He said firmly. Alam ko namang hindi ko rin matatanggihan ito.

"Just don't make me part of the entourage, Greg." Iyon na lang ang narequest ko.

"Sayang, ipapartner pa naman kita may Mj." Asar nito sa akin.

"Greg! Hindi pwede! Pareho kaming babae!" I said one octave higher.

"Asus! Si Maki nag blush! Gusto mo pa rin siya ano?!" Tukso nito.

"Sira! Hindi na no! Past is past!" Natatawang sagot ko dito but the truth is, I still love my Julian. Yung MJ na kahit tahimik, pero makulit. Masungit pero caring at mapagmahal. I never missed an update abou Mj. Close kasi ako kay Alex. I know how much she'd changed since four years ago. I know how much she suffered all because of me.

"Wag mo kaisipin, mahal ka pa noon!" Mapang-asar na sabi ng pinsan ko.

"Shut up! Babalik na nga ako sa office ko!" And I walked out.

I am Maria Katrina Lopez or Maki. A well known advertisement and promotion executive of one of the biggest multi-corporation company. A broken girl who's only desire is to be forgiven by the only one she ever loved.

If I could only turn back time, I won't chose to hurt you, My Julian.

"Knock knock!" I heard Alex said aloud as she entrr my office.

"Hi, Alex! What's up? Congrats, tibay ng helmet mo at papakasalan mo pa ang pinsan ko!" Natatawang saad to dito.

"Nagayuma nga ata ako ng pinsan mo eh." Natatawang sagot naman nito. "Anyway, she's back. Anong plano mo?" Tanong nito sa akin. Walang kaabog abog naman itong si Alex! Kaloka!

"I--- I don't know. Hindi ko nga alam kung paano ko siya lalapitan."

"Well, worry no more, Couz. You'll help her with our pre-nup shoot. Para saan pa ang pagiging hotshot EVP position mo di ba? You'll be in charge for the production committee para mapikot mo na si Mj!" My cousin interrupted us. Parang kabute ang peg niya.

"Loko-loko ka talaga, Gregorio! Anong pikot pikot? Usap lang po, usap lang!" I know I am as red as tomato dahil sa pinagsasabi nitong pinsan ko.

"Love, huwag mong asarin si Maki, ang pula na niya oh! Isipin muna natin kung paano sila mag-uusap. Anyway, may meeting kami with her bukas, dapat andun ka tutal ikaw naman ang bahala sa production." Alex winked at me.

"Naks! Lalove life na ulit ang favorite kong pinsan!" Natatawang asar ni Greg sa akin.

"Ako lang naman ang pinsan mo, sira ulo!" Natawa na rin ako. I hope this is it. Sana magka-ayos pa kaming dalawa.

Be ready, Margaux Julian, I'll get you by hook or by crook!