Changed

Four

-FOUR-

"Hey, it's not that bad," he commented, playing it cool. Damn it's bad in my prescriptive. We looked like a couple here. Gazing longingly into each other's eyes. Sobrang ngiting ngiti pa ko. My clothes wasn't that decent either.

"You look soo..." he caught my gaze, and he narrowed his eyes. "Innocent. Yeah, innocent." And he tried not to laugh. Innocent? I was wearing a sparkly tube which exposed my belly for Goodness' sake! I looked so disgusting here. I remembered this was taken during halloween. Hindi naman ako nagrebelde ah. I looked carefree and wild then.

"Jewels," I mumbled shockingly to myself. I scanned the photos again. Looking for it. I will be doomed. Damn. Suddenly, I was tense. Ang hirap huminga. Leo wasn't here just to visit and be friends with me. He's here for something I lost. Something I can't give him.

"Leo, Leo," I called or rather shouted. My heart was racing as I stared.

Queen of Albany forgive me!

"Yes?" I hastily passed him the photo.

"Are--are you still looking for this?" I managed to get out from my throat. I watched his expressions changed. Medyo nanlaki yung mata niya sa nakita.

The photos leaked. The jewel leaked. The one who wore it was me. I leaked. We're all doomed. Sabi na, ipapatapon na talaga ako ng nanay niya. Kailangan ko ng magpaalam kay Mama, kay Dad, kay Talia, kay Xenon. Sa iPhone, iPad, and most especially sa mga DOLLS ko!

"Dang it," he uttered under his breath.

"It's bad, right? I'm sorry." I ducked my head down, ashamed of what I've done.

"Can you control the publication of this? Make sure it doesn't---"

"Sir, sorry to interrupt, but the Queen saw the picture. She's asking who is the girl." I sat frozen on the news. Damn heirlooms. Kahapon problema ko kung saan ako kukuha ng money, ngayon problema ko kung panong hahanapin yung gem.

"Double crap. Did you tell her that it was taken years ago?"

"Yes, Sir." I looked up at them. "She wants to see the girl." My eyes widened. She wants to see the girl so she could throw her in neverland. Maybe that was what he wanted to say. He just felt pitiful for me. Oh, goodness.

Bakit ba kasi tinanggap ko yun? Supposedly, the gem should only be worn by someone who the prince wants. It's like a pre-engagement necklace. Family tradition. 3 generations na na nasakanila yun. Ang masaklap, after na mawala tska lang niya sakin sinabi lahat yun! I won't wear it kung sinabi niya na may meaning yung pagsusuot ko nun! Sometimes he can be a dimwit.

On that night, I don't know where I put it. Wala na nga akong matandaan nung gabi na yun. I needed to reminisce. Well, we both have to.

"Wait lang." I don't care what damn language I said nung umalis ako para kumuha ng tubig. I drank it in 3 big gulps tapos bumalik ulit ako.

"We need to think of what really really happened that night," I said sternly, emphasizing every word. I was determined to give him that piece--whatever it takes. Tumingin siya sakin mula sa pagkakapikit niya. Halata naman na nag-iisip siya ng malalim.

"Can we call them?" He asked raising his brows. Can we? Of course...not. Not me. Pero ngayon problema ko 'to. I'd done enough damage for them to stay away from me. Ayoko ng dagdagan pa.

"Sure, but don't mention me." It was the lamest thing I could come up with. How the hell would he tell them if he didn't mention I was the one who freakingly wore it?

"Ahh... Forget it. What do you remember?"

"I remembered that we play hide it and seek it."

"What?"

"It's your game. We hid things then we seek them."

"I did that?"

"Totally."

I cracked up my brain. So, maybe, isa yun sa mga tinago namin.

"Call Sage. I think he sobered up a bit. He managed to take us home, right?" Yes. That's a possibility. But if---no, no what if's for today.

I just nodded once. We were both thinking deeply. Remembering everything. But I really can't remember a thing.

"Your Highness." We both looked up to the man, startled. "I'm sorry but you are scheduled to have tea with the president."

He looked up at me with troubled eyes. I nodded at him.

"Go. I'll be fine here. Ring me, okay?" Tumango siya.

"We'll find it, don't worry. My mother wont bite. And so is my dad if that's your worry." I laughed half-nervous, half-amused. Somehow nabunutan ako ng tinik. Thank you, Lord. What am I thinking? Syempre, hindi naman monsters yung pamilya ni Leo.

He pecked my cheek then went on his way. The moment he was out, pumanik agad ako sa kwarto ni Talia.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Asan na si darling Leo?"

"Tea party with the president," I said, flopping beside Ela.

"Wow! Big time naman yung kaibigan mo! Nararamdaman ko pa din yung kamay niya. Waaah! Ang pogi pogi pogi!" Pulang pula yung mukha niya. I bet it's the hormones. Haha

"Pano mo siya naging kaibigan?"

"I met him at a party at Versailles." Her eyes widened. Okay, I'm not comfortable about this.

"What sort of party?" Talia asked me.

"Ahh... Suit and Tie." I bit my lip. She knew it was for elite boys. Damn. I shouldn't let it slipped.

She looked at me meaningfully.

"Versailles? Sa Italy? Gusto ko dun! Maganda ba?" I nodded at her, smiling. Good memories lost.

I half-listened to Ela. My brain's battling with me. Wala akong number nila pero meron si Talia. Siguro. This is my one shot. Whatever happens, happens.

"Talia, can I have Sage's number?"

"Sure. Wait, I'll go get my phone."

"Prince din ba yung Sage? O kaya naman artista?" Ela asked.

"Nope. But he's---" before she can utter another word, tumayo na ko then kinuha sa kamay yung phone. God knows what she'll tell Ela.

I typed Sage. His name appeared syempre. I sent it to my phone. I bit my lip and tap my fingers on my thigh. Can I do this? Can I really really do this? Ugh. He's a call away. Am I ready? Surely he wont remember my voice, right? As much as I don't want it, I hit the call button.

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Enjoy reading, honeys! Love. Love.