CHAPTER THREE: Pain
JAMES still couldn't wrap his head around the idea of Julianne finally saying yes to him last night. They were now officially engaged. James and Julianne had the most romantic dinner and of course, a playful evening afterwards.
James laid on the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. His life was no doubt perfect; he has a job that he loves so much, a fiancé and a baby on the way. However, there was a empty and numbing feeling on his chest like there was a big hole that even Julianne herself couldn't fill up.
"Babe, I have to leave early. Mum will go berserk if I don't meet up with the organizers at 10," Julianne said, snapping James from his thoughts. She had her back on James, staring at her own reflection whilst putting some dangling earrings on.
James sat up on the bed, the duvet sliding off, revealing her toned abs, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I'm free today naman,"
She shook her head, "I have you told million times, James. Okay na kami ni Mommy mag-plan for the wedding. I'll see you later, okay?" She walked towards him and gave him a quick peck on the lips, "I love you," She muttered then left him all alone in the pent-house.
His eyes focused on his desk when saw a glimpse of a picture of him and Nadine during their Senior Prom. His chest tightens as he vividly remembered. He couldn't help but to feel regret.
Regret because of that certain night.
Clyde was an asshole. A douché. He didn't deserve Nadine from the start. Clyde was persistent on asking Nadine in which she later, caved in. However, on the last minute, he went with Alexandra (his on/off again girlfriend) to the Senior Prom.
The reason? Because Nadine wouldn't agree to check in a hotel after the room. Nadine wasn't that naïve and stupid — far from it. She knew that was Clyde up to.
That night, James had texted Julianne that he will instead meet her in the event instead of picking her up from her house. Nadine needed him more than anything after being dumped by an atrocious asshole Clyde. They were not in good terms but James set aside their drama so he can comfort his best friend.
James was standing on the porch of the Lustres'. Mustering all her courage, he knocked on the front door and after a fee minutes, Tita My opened the door, "James? What are you doing here?" Nadine's mother inquired, quite surprised with James' sudden appearance.
"Good evening, Mrs. Lustre. I am here to fetch Nadine po. I've heard about Clyde,"
Tita My shook her head and step aside to give James a room to enter in which he quickly stepped in, "Hay. Pabayaan na natin 'yung loko na 'yun. Kakarmahin rin 'yun. Sige, doon ka muna sa living room ha habang naghihintay ka. Malapit naman na si Nadine matapos," She informed him before going to the kitchen.
"Sige po," James walked inside of the house and went to the living room. He has been in this place many times now and he was always welcomed warmly by the Lustres.
Nadine's father, Dong was holding a cup of tea when James entered inside the spacious living room. A large smile plastered on the businessman when he saw James, "Oh, James. Nandito ka pala,"
"I'm here to pick Nadine up for Prom," He sat on the brown couch as he wait for Nadine.
"Salamat James, ha. Alam mo bang ayaw na ni Nadine pumanta sa Prom? Pinilit lang talaga ni Myraquel dahil sayang naman 'yung gown niya. Apaka mahal pa 'nun!"
