The Damned Chase

-3-

Chapter Three

The previous week rolled in fast—and exhausting.

I had to finish everything simultaneously: from tons of school work I needed to pass within that week, the painting for my brother, to the samples for that demanding architect which is by the way, I haven't met yet.

Di ko pa siya nakikilala, naiinis na ko sa kanya.

Imagine, the morning right after the party, Lance called in to tell me that I have a week to pass five pieces of samples kasi kailangan na daw makita ng pinsan niya.

"Jet, he said he needs five samples and he needs to see it within a week." Lance said over the phone.

"Five? Sure. Papadala ko na lang. Send me the address." Five wouldn't be a problem. I have dozens stacked up in my gallery.

"No. He said he wants all the pieces dated from within this week."

He wants five newly made samples? Ugh.

"What?! But Lance.."

"I know. Pagpasensyahan mo na, ganun lang talaga yun. Kaya mo naman diba? Come on, I know you can. You're Jet Alcantara and you already said yes." He knows I can't back up if I already said yes, and damn it because he's right.

"Fine. But Lance, can you do me a favor?"

I heard him chuckle, "Sure. Ano yun?"

"Tell your cousin he's annoying and I hate him."

__

I'm at the condo eating dinner. Nag take-out na lang ako from my favorite restaurant because I don't like eating out alone. Reign isn't here, she's in Laguna attending some urgent family matter.

As for Trish, I texted her earlier and asked her to come over but she declined. Says she's on a date with some guy. She even told me I can join if I want to. No way. I don't fancy being a third wheel.

I checked the clock and It says 7:00.

Too early for sleep, I thought. So after I finished my meal, I sat on the couch and turned on the TV.

I was browsing through the channels, hopeful to come across a decent movie to watch when my phone rang.

It's an incoming call from my brother.

"How's my painting?" He said the moment I answered. Sweet.

"Good evening too, brother" I heard him laugh. "It's all done sir, are you picking it up tonight?"

"Yeah, sino kasama mo?"

"Wala. Si Reign nasa Laguna eh."

"I know. Have you eaten your dinner?" I said I already did.

"Wait. What do you mean you know Reign's—"

 "Sige. Di na ko magdadala ng pizza ah. I'll be there in a few minutes." He said, cutting me off.

Is there something they're not telling me?

After 20 minutes, the doorbell rang.

"Are you two secretly dating?" I said even before my brother entered the door.

"What are you saying?"

I rolled my eyes, "Kayo ni Reign. Are you hiding something?"

"What? Wala. Ano ka ba Jet" He shoved past me. "Asan na yung painting?" I pointed at the wall under the stairs where the painting is.