When We Collided

The Interview

We had our first interview at a morning show and we were up so early it was still dark. We had been prepped beforehand by our handlers so we felt ready. Then the ultimate question was asked.

"Are you guys dating?" Cherry Lou, the TV host, asked us.

"No," I answered pleasantly. "We're focusing on our careers."

"Are you with anyone else?"

"No." Technically Rick wasn't my boyfriend yet. We'd talked on the phone a few times and had coffee twice. But we were still trying to figure stuff out. My family didn't even know yet.

"How about you Onyx? Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No," Onyx said after a beat. I think his hesitation was for Jessica's benefit. He'd told her about this but she still felt sensitive about it.

"You have been linked to Jessica, one half of the Pressy & Jessica singing duo. Do you deny this?" Cherry Lou said in a puzzled tone.

"We're not together anymore. We broke up early this year," he lied smoothly.

Cherry Lou urged us to invite the viewers to watch our upcoming movie. And then it was over.

"Good job, kids." Rei, my handler, high-fived us. Mom handed me my bag with a smile.

Onyx's phone rang. "Yes?" He answered with a frown. "Okay. I'll be there in ten."

He looked unhappy. This worried me, but I'd since learned to wait until the time Onyx deemed fit to share his problem with me. He said goodbye and left.

Mom and I left for home as well. Dad was getting ready for work while my siblings were already waiting at the door with their school bags.

They all left at the same time; Dad with the boys and Mom with Bienne.

I was about to change into loungewear when my phone rang. It was Rick.

"Do you have any plans for today?" He asked.

"No."

"Have lunch with me."

I agreed to meet him at a burger house in the discreet part of town. He kissed me on the cheek when I arrived. I noted with care that no one else was there.

"Don't you have work today?" I asked him over grilled burgers.

"No. I was on call last night and today is my day off."

"You must be tired then," I commented.

"Not really. I didn't get called in so I had some rest. How about you? How's work?"

"We're almost done. The movie is being edited. We're now rehearsing for the mall tours," I explained.

"Show biz seems hectic," he mused.

"It can be. I'm just grateful I have work. There were days when I had no projects at all. It was kind of discouraging for a while."

"I remember how happy you were when you did an ad or a show. I'm glad you're doing what you love."

"Thanks," I smiled.

"I ordered your favorite for dessert," he told me and gestured towards a waiter.

The waiter placed a plate of salted caramel cake in front of me. It was my favorite four years ago. Not anymore. I was amazed that he still remembered though.

It was one of the things I loved about him. His care and thoughtfulness. I didn't know at first that he used to take notes all the time about my preferences. And then he'd surprise me with little things that had meant a lot.

We emerged from the restaurant full and happy. We then decided to watch a movie. A foreign romantic drama with subtitles.

It was a shame there were three other couples inside the moviehouse. I knew so much more would've happened if it were only the two of us. Hence we contented ourselves to holding each other's hand and exchanging glances.

When we got out of the cinema, a woman and a man with a camera were waiting for us. I tamped down the panic and quickly tried to think of a way to troubleshoot this problem.

"Good afternoon, Shana! Lee Maddock from TV 6. How was your date with Mr. Handsome? Do you have a name, Sir?" the annoyingly bubbly reporter asked while her cameraman recorded.

Rick kept silent. He knew from experience that saying the wrong thing could be detrimental to me.

"Hi." I gave the camera a winning smile. "Just hanging out with my cousin, Richie. Destressing from a hectic schedule. Oh, speaking of hectic, we have to go. I only have a few minutes before I have to get back to the studio. Bye everyone!" I called out and then dragged Rick away.

We quickly got back to his car and he drove me home.

"Cousin? Richie?" he asked, surprised.

"Yes. Sorry about that. But I have to lie most of the time. Telling the truth just generates more questions and speculations."

"I can't believe you're letting other people dictate you life." He looked disappointed.

He didn't understand how show business worked. I wanted him to understand. I wanted him to give us another chance. I hoped he'd let me.

Photo credits: http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs31/f/2008/220/4/b/Linda_Chibi__Giant_Microphone__by_cinnimonmocha.jpg