The Runaway Bride

Chapter 21 -- Expectation kills

When the plane touched down in Manila, I lugged my suitcase from the overhead compartment and braced myself with a steadying breath.






It was just months ago when I came back home, now here I am permanently staying.






I was with my parents. They never pried, since I was a grown woman, but they both feared that seeing me broke down again all for the love of Tyler but I assured them I wont.







With another deep intake of breath, I pushed past the gates and my eyes scanned the groups of awaiting families and friends.

"Diane!" Someone called from the crowd of people. It was Manang Rosario and I couldn't help but laugh as she hugged me tightly, the equally petit woman pulling away with tears mirroring the ones stinging my eyes. "I've missed you so much."

"Yeah," I replied, embracing her further as she took my luggage from mine. "It's good to be back."

As Mang Domeng, our long time driver, put our bags in the back of the family pick up, My mother slid into the backseat, her smiling eyes never straying from mine.

"Where's Darren?" I asked, hopping into the front seat and shutting the door behind me.

While Manang Rosario spoke animatedly about Darren's rumored new girlfriend, who he was spending the afternoon with, I watched the streaking sun outside the window, nodding when it was appropriate and grinning as my mother said she'd be joining them for dinner.







I couldn't ever remember Darren bringing a girl home. He was just a fourth grader!






The moment I was inside our house, I tossed my suitcase on the living room floor and changed my clothes.






 A five-thirty a.m. flight had meant I dozed on the plane, and my clothes were wrinkled. Once in a fresh pair of torn shorts and a long-sleeved top, I quickly made my way back down the stairwell, taking the steps two at a time.

Breathing in the morning air of the city, I grinned and made the short trek to Alex's flat at a condo unit in Trump Tower Manila. Right now all I could think of was the wave of excitement that washed over me at the thought of seeing Alex again.

While on board, I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe it was time to give him a chance that he wanted after all those years

"Good morning Diane," the guard greeted, taking a look at the two items in my hands and smiling knowingly. "I'll let you up."

"Thanks" I replied. The unabashed smile on my features was contagious, and the guard was helpless but to let me in without further questioning.






The power of being overly attractive





It was hard enough saying no to a pretty woman, but something about my childlike excitement was endearing.

When I was in front of Alex's door, I shifted my things to give myself a free hand and smoothed out my hair before knocking against the sleek material. Everything, even the doors, was lavish in Alex's building. Even wearing the blinding smile, I was able to roll my eyes at the thought.

I heard the deadbolt flip open and my heart sped up. Biting my lip to keep my grin in check, I inhaled as the door opened revealing Alex's surprised features.

"Diane," he said with a blink. His hair was a tousled mess and he was wearing a pair of athletic shorts and nothing else.








I found it difficult to tear my eyes away from the taut muscles of his bare chest, but managed to meet his eyes.

"Good morning, Alex."

He didn't step away from the door, keeping it open only a fraction, and I realized he wasn't going to invite me inside.






It was only eight on a Sunday morning, so his groggy, disheveled state didn't come as a surprise to me. The shock was to be expected. However the guilt evident in his expression did take me aback.

"I, uh," I fumbled, realized that I should have called. And then, plastering a polite smile, I tried to peek on the door but he wouldn’t let me

He didn't look apologetic, exactly, just mildly uncomfortable.

"Alex," I heard a woman's voice call from inside his flat. The dark-haired woman in question turned towards the voice.






And then beside him stood A sexy woman who has good features, good wholesome figure having right noticeable curves at the right places , and has a beautiful smile that is the most sexy thing in a girl.






"Everything okay out here?" She says and I notice she was only wearing Alex’s faded lasallian shirt which, if I could remember, I used to wore when I once got drunk and he came to my rescue

 

"Yeah," he replied
"Just give me a minute, Meg"






And taking a step into the hallway, he shut the door behind him. "Diane, look…"

I waited, my lips pursing tightly as I watched him. He hesitated for a moment, but didn't make any move to apologize.

"What?" I finally snapped. Taking a calming breath, I continued, "That’s really weird reaction I get from you"

"Thank you," he replied. His gaze never left my face, trying to decipher why the hurt in my eyes cut him so.






He didn't want me to see him with another woman, sure, but it didn't explain why I was going all jealous ex-girlfriend on him. "You didn't have to.. you know, personally come to my doorstep."

"Well, that's what friends do, Alex"

 

He rubbed his neck with his free hand, shaking his head. "Diane…"

 

"Enjoy the rest of the moment with .. What’s her name? Meg?," I said, cutting him off. Spinning on my heel, I moved towards the elevator.






 while He just stood there and watched, his heart dropping in his chest and settling somewhere deep inside his gut as he watched me stab at the elevator button over and over and over again.







When I was securely inside, I turned my head away so he couldn't make out my expression





Once I was inside the lift, I didn’t notice that another tear fell through my eye







Mahirap talagang umasa






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(A/N: 
Hi, If you wish to unravel who really Meg Toledo is, hit the external link and it will lead you to her story. Enjoy!)