You Belong With Me

Nine.

"Pors, may date ako! Anong susuotin ko?", mabilis na tanong ni Chandler sa kabilang linya.

I put him on speaker since I am busy typing on my iMac.

"Wear a fishnet. No one cares."

"Saan ako makakahanap niyan?"

I chuckled. "Estupido."

Eventually, I took him seriously and sent him an ideal outfit for his 'date'. How nice. He'll be dating that Dia Ang!

A week has already passed after my sudden breakdown in his car and we've been inseparable since. I noticed how Chandler has become dependent to me and I, to him. I feel like I found a friend in him. One that I can really trust. But I don't tell him that, of course. Knowing him, he'd get dramatic and cheesy!

Don't get me wrong, Anicia and Jeorella are good to me. But I sometimes feel awkward opening up to them and I can't seem to understand why. With Chandler, I just find myself spilling tea!

I'm in my mini office on my penthouse. Its a Saturday and I'm working from home. What a life.

Nang mapagod ako, I went to my sala and just stared at the tall buildings, bright lights and full moon.

I'm tired of being lonely... I thought to myself.

Nilingon ko ang picture namin ni Lala sa baba ng lampshade. I was hugging her on the photo while she was smiling wide. I miss you, Lala...

Suminghap ako at may naisip. I immediately went up to my room and changed. Lala would tell me to do the same, I'm sure.

Wearing a sequined silver satin dress and killer YSL heels of the same color, I confidently walked inside Xylo at The Palace. Clubbing is not my thing but I kinda want to enjoy tonight. I hope I won't regret it.

"Portia?"

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. I'm at the bar counter drinking a Martini while thinking how stupid of me to go here alone.

"Hi," I smiled. It was a guy. A very handsome one at that.

"Don't you remember me? Andres?"

When he read the confusion on my face, he chuckled.

"We were on Mega's cover two years ago!"

My eyes widened when I remembered! How could I forget this man? He was kind to me back then! Especially when we traveled to Amsterdam for the shoot.

"Andres! I'm sorry, memory's bad."

"No worries. Are you with someone?"

And we talked and danced all night! I liked how respectful and gentle he was. He didn't make moves on me nor tell me indecent things! He was very wholesome.

"See you, soon!"

I waved my hand and drove away. Wow. Clubbing alone wasn't so bad. I even got to know Andres more. I smiled to myself. I should do this often. Time to let yourself go, Portia, loosen up.

"Tapos, Pors, dinala ko siya sa magarbong restaurant! Aba, nag-order ba naman ng damo!"

I listened to Chandler's episode of 'stories no one asked for' while playing golf. Its a Sunday and the weather's perfect for a match so I invited him.

"Pero syempre, umuwi akong virgin! Good boy ata 'to!", my eyes widened. He even tapped his own shoulder!

"Oh my gosh, that's too much information!"

"OA naman. 27 ka na, uy!"

I hit the ball and watched where it would land.

"Shoot!", napapalakpak ako! "Your turn."

Kumunot ang noo ko nang hindi niya tinanggap.

"I said its your turn."

Chandler gave me his favorite stupid peace sign. "'Di pa ako marunong."

Oh my gosh!

In the end, we sat comfortably on the clubhouse's poolside. I was having tea while Chandler ordered the whole menu! Okay, that's an exaggeration but he ordered a lot!

"Kwentuhan mo ako sa clubbing mo! Daya mo pa naman, hindi mo ako sinama!"

I rolled my eyes and told him. I didn't go into details though. Hindi naman ako katulad niyang madaldal.

"Wait lang, hulaan ko ah. Inaya ka niya ng date noh?"

How did he know? Andres texted me earlier this day and invited me for dinner this Wednesday. He said his mom's restaurant will be having its grand opening so I happily agreed.

"I don't call it a date," simple kong sagot. Napawi ang ngiti niya.

"Pero lalabas nga kayo?"

"Yes."

Chandler smiled. "Ako rin may ka-date. Bleh!"

"Good for you," I chuckled.