This Could End

Chapter Nine

"Nakausap ko na rin ang manager ni Rowan. Pinili nilang 'wag i-address ang issue," Mama Ton said.

It's been twenty minutes since he called again. This time though, it was a group call with Gior, my publicist. Nakasandal lang ako sa kama habang pinapakinggan lang silang pag-usapan ang tungkol sa issue.

"That's because si Kaia lang naman ang pinag-iinitan. It's just free pubilicity for them," ismid ni Gior. "Let's just push through with our plan. Be straightforward when an opportunity arises. Kaia will say na nagre-rehearse lang sila ni Rowan and her fiancé is aware of it."

"We will post something in Kaia's account," he added. "Do you have a photo that we can post in your account, Kaia?"

"No. Hindi mahilig si Gio sa picture," I said as an excuse.

My eyes raised towards the small living room of the suite. Doon nakaupo si Hades para bigyan ako ng 'privacy' sa call, kahit na rinig pa rin naman niya ang pag-uusap mula doon dahil naka-speaker ang phone.

He doesn't seem to be bothered though. Nilalaro niya lang ang phone at hindi nagagawi ang tingin sa akin.

"We can make him post something instead. I think that will seem more genuine," he said. "Pero may idea rin ako na mas effective if the management will be okay with it."

The door bell chimed across the suite. Umangat din ang ulo ni Hades at sa akin agad ang tingin. He quickly stood up to get the door.

"My food is here. Just text me what I need to do," sabi ko.

"Ano pa nga ba?" ismid ni Mama Ton. "Victor and Emma will pick you up tomorrow."

"Okay, Mama Ton. Thank you, Gior."

"Goodnight, Kaia," paalam nito sa akin. Ibinaba ko na rin agad ang tawag.

"Ako na ang magpapasok. Thanks," I heard Hades say.

I kept my phone back in my bag. Narinig ko ang pagsara ng pinto. Tumayo na ako at naglakad papunta sa maliit na dining area na katabi lang ng living room.

Hades was pushing a cart with our food. Aside from the food and drinks, napansin ko rin ang paper bag na nakalagay sa pinakailalim ng cart.

Mukhang kaya naman na niya ang paglagay ng plates sa lamesa, kaya pumwesto na lang ako sa dining table.

Nakita ko lang ang sushi platter ay parang naglalaway na ako. It looks so appetizing. I opened the soup of Suimono and I can't help but smile at the aroma. Just the smell of the food is enough to put me in a good mood.

He had a big bowl of seafood stew and two servings of rice. It looks extremely appetizing, too.

He placed our drinks in a tall glass. My eyes raised at the reddish color of my drink. Kinuha ko 'yon para tikman.

"Pomegranate iced tea," I confirmed and looked at Hades. Tumawa siya sa kalokohan.

"This is yours." Inabot niya sa akin yung paper bag na napansin ko kanina. "Just something to sleep in."

Sinilip ko ang loob. It's a big white shirt and cotton shorts. May tag pa kaya sigurado akong bagong bili. "Hindi ka na dapat nag-abala... but thank you."

"Don't mention it. Let's just eat," he exclaimed as he settled on the chair across the table. His phone rang. Tiningnan niya 'yon at pinatay rin ang tawag.

I just shook my head and diverted all of my attention to my food. Una akong humigop ng sabaw.

His phone rang again. Pinatay niya lang ulit iyon at humalakhak. "Clingy fucktards."