What If...

20: Decision Made

"You've heard that right! I'm the one responsible for spreading the video of me and my boyfriend in our campus board and other social media platforms!"

Rina once again sounded before the School Board and the media this revelation. Everyone was shocked by her statement, including me. I was instantly speechless, unable to react on her actions while I was slumped on the floor, while I see people around with their jaws totally dropping to the floor. Her father was stunned in his seat after hearing his daughter, while his wife and Cindy are trying to help him regain his composure.

   "I never expected that this video would reach this far, and I truly apologize for my carelessness. I hope this ends the speculation regarding the spread of our video. Thank you all for coming!" my ex concluded her statement by taking a bow in front of the cameras.

After her brief statement, a barrage of flashes from the cameras blinded the hall to fully document this bombshell. By that time, I was able to gather my strength to take a hold of her and move out of the cameras and bring her towards my corner of the hall.

   "Rina, what the hell are you doing?!" I asked her during the chaos that happened.

   "I told you, Babe. I will make things right," Rina mumbled as she had that assured look as she never regret what she did a few moments ago.

   "How are you making things right?" I followed up, puzzled at her response. "Is it true that you leaked our video in the public?!"

   "I never leaked that video, Babe!" she revealed in hushed tones. "I just said that so that my father won't hound you about this issue."

   "I don't understand! What do you mean by that?" I further inquired as things are getting more complicated as it seems.

   "You know, my father will never stop blaming you in this scandal. Although he said he will take care of everything if you admit to it, he will just hustle you in this deal," she explained. "I want to protect you by letting you out of his radar."

   "Rina, you shouldn't have done that! I'm supposed to say that I'm innocent and I have Dennis and Lardz to vouch for my statement," I protested as I felt guilty at having my former girlfriend take all the blame.

   "If you've done that, the more my father will destroy you!" she refuted as she tried to assure me. "With my statement, you are not gonna be involved in this issue anymore. My father will find other ways to get away from this. I'm sure his publicist will do something about it!"

   Looking more confused, I probed Rina once more, "If both of us didn't spread our video, who did?"

   She looked at me and answered, "Your guess is as good as mine, Babe! What matters most is that you are out of this! This issue is the reason you almost ended your life, and I felt responsible for it. Just make sure you won't do that again. Let them handle this."

After her assuring words, I heard Mr. Elizalde yelling his frustrations and angered, which triggered the media to move the spotlight towards his direction:

"RINA! What are you doing?! Are you trying to ruin our name and my career with your stunt?! You are making our family a laughing stock!!!"

   "I have to check on him before he makes a total wreck of himself, Babe. Please take care of yourself, and sorry if I made your life a mess by dragging you in this scandal. I still love you, Babe!" Rina said affectionately as she kissed me in my cheek and rushed towards her dad.

Once she headed to her corner, I can see her censured by Mr. Elizalde while her mother is trying to restrain him from making any untoward gestures that the media might feast on.