Off Script Book One

Chapter 23.1 - The Catch Up

A/N:

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS! :)

I'm not that bad. I just like to have fun once in a while.

Love you, guys.

Here's the next one.

Enjoy.

xoxo

***

Three weeks after Neri abruptly left for London, sinorpresa niya ako by coming to the set.

It was almost time for lunch and nagulat ako ng bigla na lang may yumakap sa likuran ko.

I knew it wasn't Maria.

For one, the person smelled of oatmeal milk and honey.

I turned around and saw Neri beaming.

Unlike the day she called where it sounded like the world is ending for her, she looked radiant.

She was grinning from ear to ear like the Cheshire cat.

"Hey. When did you get back? I gave her a quick hug then let go.

"Kahapon lang."

"Why didn't you call or text?"

"I wanted to surprise you."

"I am surprised. Kumusta ka na?" Lumakad kami papunta sa likod ng classroom.

I have just finished shooting the classroom confrontation scene.

Alex and Gabby were now sitting on the platform and looking at their phones.

"I'm good." Hinila ko ang isang upuan at una ko siyang pinaupo.

"How's Mama? Is she better?"

"She is. I'm really thankful when the doctor said that it was exhaustion and not anything else kaya siya hinimatay. Kasi naman, she was shuttling back and forth between London and Kent dahil siya ang nagbibabysit sa mga apo niya. I was so mad at Ate Beth. Hindi kasi nila sinasabi sa akin na she's divorcing and Mama was helping her out dahil she couldn't afford daycare.

Her cheeks turned red habang nagkikwento.

"But I'm not here to bore you with the drama in my life."

"You don't bore me."

"I know. But that's not the reason why I came over."

"What is the reason then?"

"Kahit nasa London ako, I'm still updated sa mga showbiz chika."

"Ah." I crossed my legs.

"So? Tell me. Is it true?" She didn't need to mention names.

We can read each other like a book.

I looked around to make sure no one's milling about.

After the blind item, Maria pleaded to keep things on the down low.

Naiintindihan ko naman ang kagustuhan niya for privacy.

God knows it's like fighting tooth and nail to keep my private life away from the prying and cruel eyes of the public.

"Why don't we take a walk? It's time for a break anyway." Tumayo ako at sumunod si Neri.

I took her to the school grounds where it was quieter and isolated.

The sun was beginning to settle down but the sky was still a vibrant blue.

Neri and I walked side by side.