This Could End

Chapter Twenty-One

"Bakit ka nandito?" I made it a point to sound irate but cool.

"Gusto ko lang makipag-usap," bato ni Rowan ng linya.

"Wala na tayong kailangan pang pag-usapan. Tapos na tayo. You made your choice," I maintained the coolness in my voice.

"I chose to do the right thing. I didn't choose to break up with you."

Naudlot ang sagot ko nang may kumatok sa pinto ng dressing room. We all looked just as the door opened and my manager came into view.

"Kaia," he called as he walked inside. Mama Ton scanned the room and his eyebrows lifted at the sight of Rowan. "Oh, Rowan. Nandito ka pala."

"Hey, Mama Ton," Rowan casually greeted.

Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan at lumapit kay Mama Ton para makipagbeso sa kanya. "You visited?"

"Nandito ako para..." Tumingin siya kay Rowan at napabuntong hininga. "Ibibigay ko lang itong first draft ng script ng Dream Girl sa'yo."

Mama Ton handed me a thick envelope. He turned to Rowan's direction. "I'm sure alam mo na naman ang tungkol dito kasi madaldal ang manager mo."

Tumawa si Rowan. "Don't worry, Mama Ton. Your secret is safe with me."

Mama Ton gave him an exasperated look and turned to me. "Pumirma tayo ng NDA para rito, so keep the script confidential, okay?"

"I know," I retorted. I've done this a couple of times. Hindi ko alam bakit niya pa ako laging pinapaalahanan sa mga ganitong bagay.

"Basahin mo and let me know if you liked it or not—pero sure naman akong maganda 'yan." Kumibit-balikat si Mama Ton.

"Alright." I nodded.

"Iyan lang naman ang pinunta ko kaya maiwan ko na kayo," paalam ni Mama Ton.

"Ang bilis naman, Mama Ton. Manuod ka muna ng isang scene nila," udyok ni Darcy.

"Hindi na. Dadaanan ko pa si Direk. May mga meetings pa ako mamaya," sagot niya. Lumapit siya sa akin at bumeso. "Bye na."

Nagpaalam ang lahat sa kanya. Sumama pa si Darcy para ihatid siya sa labas. I walked back to the dressing chair in front of the vanity mirror.

"Are you going to accept the role?" Rowan asked.

"If the script is good but I think it will be so... baka." I shrugged.

"Ayos 'yan." Lumaki ang ngisi niya. "'Wag mo akong kalimutan."

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Restroom lang."

I picked up my phone from the vanity table and headed straight to the restroom. I didn't really need to go. I just wanted to check if there was a message from Hades. Though I was pretty sure that there would be texts from him.

I wasn't a fan of texting. I don't particulare like calls either but I'd take it over exchanging messages. As long as it would be brief and it would be about work.

I was never the type who was always on her phone but with Hadeon, I didn't mind. I liked receiving clingy messages from him. Reading his texts always improves my mood.

Hades:
We reached the airport.

Hades:
They're here.

He attached a selfie with his family. They were inside a car. Siya lang ang nakatingin sa camera at walang kaalam-alam ang pamilya niya.

Hades:
What are you doing?

Hades:
I miss you

The other messages were sent hours ago while the recent one was sent just ten minutes ago.