This Could End

Chapter Two

"Saan tayo, Miss?" the man asked.

I opened my mouth. Sasabihin ko na sana ang condo building ko but I remembered that this is a stranger. I can't just tell him where I live.

Where the hell is Kuya Victor? Bakit pa kasi pareho ang sasakyan namin at siya pa talaga ang nakahinto sa tapat ng entrance?

This will be another issue if this gets out. Lalo na at paniguradong mainit ang balita tungkol sa nangyari ngayong kagabi. Shit. I can only imagine the reporers who'll be waiting on our set tomorrow.

And what if this guy makes an issue about me getting in his car and asking him to drive off to avoid a paparazzi?

Bago pa ako makapag-isip kung sasagutin ko siya ay tumunog na ang phone ko sa loob ng purse. My face scrunched up in distress when I saw my manager's name flashing on the screen.

Pagkasagot ko pa lang ay isinigaw na agad nito ang pangalan ko. It doesn't even need to be on phone speaker. Hindi pa nakalapit sa tenga ay rinig na rinig na ang malakas na boses niya.

"My God! Patulog na dapat ako pero tinawagan ako ni Yvette! Tinatanong kung totoong engaged ka na dahil nagkalat ngayon ang pictures mo at ni Giovann sa social media! Lord, have mercy!" he ranted.

Nakapikit ako at medyo nakalayo ang tenga sa phone dahil ang lakas talaga ng boses niya. I remembered the guy sitting in front. Tumingin ako sa kanya. Hindi naman ito tumitingin sa akin. He was just driving quietly.

"Sunod-sunod na tumawag sa akin ang media. They need confirmation kahit na kita naman doon. Ano ba 'to, Kaia? Bakit hindi mo man lang ako sinabihan? Yari tayo sa big bosses nito! Jusko, St. Martin, pray for us!" he whined.

"I didn't know! I was ambushed. Hindi sinabi sa akin ni Giovann!" I brushed my hair in agitation.

"At um-oo ka talaga! Kaia, na-s-stress ako sa 'yo. Kakatapos lang ng cheating issue niyo ni Rowan. Kaia naman!" parang naiiyak na talaga na sabi nito.

"My parents were there! You know I can't say no. Especially in public," I reasoned out.

"Oh my God. Aatakehin ata ako sa puso sa 'yo. Nasaan ka ngayon, ha? Nandyan ka pa rin ba? The reporters will be there like flies!"

"I already left. Pauwi na ako ngayon-"

"No! Don't!" kontra niya. "I'm sure may nag-aabang sa 'yo roon kahit sa basement parking! Just go somewhere else. You can't speak to any reporter hanggang wala pa tayong maayos na statement."

I leaned back in resignation. He's right. I can't go in our house, too. Paniguradong may reporters din doon.

"Okay," pagod kong sagot.

"Okay... Okay..." pagkalma ni Mama Toni sa sarili. "I need to think. Paniguradong tatawagan ako ng management. I'll call you later. Get some rest and please behave. Stay away from social media."

Binaba ni Mama Toni ang tawag. I grunted in frustration. I want to cry in anger. I want a drink. I want to scream.

"You okay?" the man asked.

I clamped my jaw and glared at him. "What a stupid question. Do I look okay?"

Napalingon siya sa akin dahil doon. His lips parted and then he laughed. I was expecting him to be offended or stupefied, but he seems to find me amusing.

"Sorry na?" he snickered.

My eyes closed. I took a deep breath. I was being prickly. Wala naman siyang atraso sa akin. I'm even under his mercy because I'm in his car right now. Inabala ko pa siya at ginawang driver.