This Could End

Chapter Three

The wine helped me fall asleep.

I woke up at exactly 5AM again for my scheduled taping the next day. Dumating sina Emma at Kuya Victor ng 5:30AM. Si Emma lang ang umakyat sa kwarto para dalhan ako ng pamalit.

I left a few bills on the bed to pay for the wine bottle that I touched. I only drank three glasses. Pinadala ko kay Emma ang botttle. It was quite good. Kung hindi lang ako emotionally and physically drained last night, baka naubos ko 'yon.

"Did a rumor come out about my stay in that hotel?" I asked as I took a sip of my Coffee Mocha from Tim Hortons.

"Wala naman, Kaia. Puro lang tungkol sa engagement niyo ni Giovann," Emma dutifully answered.

I didn't say anything and resumed with silently drinking my caffeine fix.

"Schedule mo for today. Taping lang hanggang 9PM pero uhm... pupunta ngayong umaga si Mama Ton, your publicist, and Madam Faith sa set."

Napatigil ako sa pag-inom. I grunted. This is going to be a really noisy and eventful day. I made a mental note to make time to call my father once I'm free. I'm not letting him win without a fight.

Nang makarating kami sa basement parking ng building ay nakita ko na agad ang mahigit sampung reporters na naghihintay sa pagdating namin. They know my car. Halos sundan nila kami nang mag-park.

"Hello po, nandito na kami," sabi ni Emma sa kausap sa phone.

Hindi kami lumabas agad. Emma probably called Darcy and we're waiting for her and some guards to come. We won't be able to survive this small crowd. At hindi maganda para sa akin na personal na tumanggi sa interviews.

Bumaba ang mga mata ko sa kamay at naalala ang singsing. Shit. I have to wear that or else they'll write another issue about it.

Labag sa loob na kinuha ko 'yon mula sa purse at isinuot. I can't deny that it's a pretty ring with a big rock. It also looks expensive but I don't need anyone to buy me rings. I can buy it myself.

I was greeted in the set. It seemed like another typical taping day but I can feel the weight of the looks that followed me as I walked. May nahuli pa akong sumusulyap sa kamay ko para matingnan ang mahiwagang singsing.

Nasa dressing room na si Darcy at Jai. Nandoon din ang stylist ko na maghahanda ng mga outfit ko para ngayong araw. They all look juiced as they talked about the latest issue. Alam ko dahil narinig ko agad ang pangalan ni Giovann. Hawak pa nila ang phone.

"Seph!" Jai happily screeched when she saw me. Tumayo siya at sinalubong pa ako. "Oh my God. Congrats!"

She pulled me for a tight hug and gave me an air kiss. I feigned an exultant smile. "Thank you."

Sumunod si Darcy at Lane sa pagbati sa akin. Nagpasalamat din ako sa dumiretso na sa garment rack. I removed my white Uniqlo fitted top and high waist black denim shorts. I changed into my usual robe before settling on the chair in front of the vanity mirror.

"Nakapag-online ka na ba, Seph? You're trending until now!" Lane exclaimed. Lumapit na sa akin si Jai at sinimulan na ang moisturizing routine bago ako lagyan ng makeup.

"Hindi pa. I didn't have the time last night," I casually answered.

"Oh. Of course. You'll be celebrating," hagikgik ni Lane.

The door abruptly opened without a warning knock. Iniluwa ng pinto ang manager ko, si Gior, at si Ma'am Faith. Jai was already applying my foundation kaya hindi na ako nakatayo para bumati.

"Good morning po," I politely greeted. Bumati rin ang ibang mga nasa kwarto.

My eyes met Mama Ton's face. Pinandilatan niya ako ng mga mata. He doesn't have to say anything. I can already hear his endless nagging through his eyes.