"Help me see Jiro."

The five of them look at me with furrowed brows. Gwen even made a funnier face while taking a piece of fries.

"Bakit? Ano meron?" Jax confusedly ask,

"Basta, but I need to see him." I said but no one still speak.

"Aba, di na pwede sa amin. I can't do the the thing I did before." Ali said and I frown.

That was actually what I was hoping. That was the only thing I know and the only way I think is possible. Pero hindi na pala pwede.

"Bakit ba kasi Kassandra? Okay lang yung boyfriend mo na 'yon. 'Wag kang mag-alala." Gwen said, I look ay her first before leaning back on the chair and crossing my arms.

"How can she not be worried kung yung boyfriend niya may kasamang ibang babae nung Sunday which is 5 days ago." Lory said, not even looking at them, just focused on her drink.

"Oy, gagi seryoso?!" I heard Ali asked.

I look at them before leaning on the chair and closing my eyes.

"Seryoso nga," I heard Lory.

"Ay bad, di niya deserve si Laura." I heard Tobi said, making my thoughts even worse.

Who is that girl anyways? Why is she with Jiro? Why is she clinging her arms on his arms?! Hindi ba niya alam na may girlfriend si Jiro?!

Okay I get it, hindi pwede na malaman ng public na may boyfriend ako or so whatever. But Jiro could have at least tell her to distance herself away! Or tell her na may girlfriend siya but not mention my name!

"Uy, Laura. Anong balak mo?" I snap back to my senses when Tobi patted my legs. I fix my position from slouching.

"Honestly, i don't know." I said before taking my drink and taking a sip.

"Nag-usap na kayo through phone?" Jax ask, I look at her direction first before shaking my head.

"No.. not yet." I replied and she nods.

"Pero hindi naman maganda na sa through phone kayo mag-usap diba? 'Wag naman sana, pero what if serious topic na pala? And.. 'wag naman sana, the worst thing that could happen kapag you talk to it through phone is you two end up breaking up just through your phones diba?" Ali said, I bite my lower lip and nod.

She has a point though. That's why I don't want calling him. I wonder if he knows I'm here. He probably know. But.. if he really cares. He would have called right? Hindi 'yung he just let the days pass na andito ako. Cause he know that when I'm here it means I'm free from work. And yet he haven't call yet.

"Wala na ba talagang ibang paraan para magkita kayo?" Jax ask and I shrug.

"Maganda yung ginawa ni Ali before." I said while pointing at Ali.

"Pero napagalitan ako." She said and now I feel bad about it. I was the one who ask her to help me that time but she's the one who got scolded.

"I know, I'm sorry." I said while chewing on my lower lip.

We became silent for few minutes. Eating and probably thinking. Cause that's what I'm doing. I'm thinking for ways on how I can meet up with Jiro.

Cause that thing have been bothering me for the whole week. Cause starting Monday, the time Lory told me about it. It has been running through my mind the whole week until now, it's Friday. I've been stressed about it and I just can't figure it out.

Ganito pala yung feeling. The fear of losing someone.

I know I'm so innocent when it comes to love. Heck, I barely know anything about this kind of love. I entered this relationship knowing nothing. It's like going to a war without bullets.

"Tara sa bahay tomorrow. Call your man, dun kayo mag-usap. Around 3pm kayo pumunta. I'll prepare us some pastries." Lory suddenly said, catching all or attentions.

"Mag be-bake ka? Cake?" Jax ask and I hear Tobi snorts.

"Gabriella puro pagkain." Tobi said while pointing at Jax.

Lory chuckled but shake her head and look at me.

"Ano? You think you can?" She ask, I chew on my lip before nodding.

"Kaya." I said and she nods.

"Pero dapat siguro, ahm, bakit kasi hindi kayo sa subdivision nakatira? Ang hirap tuloy kapag aalis ka ng bahay niyo. Parang laging may mga taong nakatingin sayo." Ali said and I couldn't agree more.

It's true, whenever I would leave the house. Our neighbors, specially the teenage girls are always outside their house looking at me with their phones as if they are some kinda of media.

I don't know what to call them, in Korea they are like sasaengs. But I don't know how to call it in English. Paparazzi? Or just some weird, creepy fans.

"Gagi ang hirap naman nito." Gwen said,

"Oo nga, para tayong may masamang binabalak dito." Tobi said making us laugh.

Gladly we are now at a private room in a restaurant or cafe. This is the same place me and Jiro practiced chess last year. When I suddenly joined chess which is a great experience but I refuse to experience again. 

"Gagi ganito ba ang celebrity life?! Buti nalang echos echos lang yung modeling ng nanay ko." Gwen said before taking a sip from her drink.

"Gaga, kahit ganiyan pinapangarap ko pa rin maging artista." Ali said while literally just staring down on our table.

We all look so lost and out of our minds.

"Tanga ba kapag sinabi ko na may mag panggap sa atin na Laura na pupunta sa ibang lugar tapos yung totoong Laura nasa bahay na nila Lory?" We all slowly look at Tobi. We just stared at him for few seconds and no one is talking.

Until Ali speaks.

"Tapos yung nagpapanggap ba Laura ay papasok sa isang restroom at doon magpapalit ng ibang damit na ibang-iba talaga sa damit na suot niya nung una at tsaka lalabas para akalain ng ibang tao na hindi na siya si Laura." Ali added. We just stare at each other with wide eyes.

Then suddenly..

"Gagi tama tama! 'Yun nga! Pwedeng si Gwen ang mag panggap!" Tobi said,

"Ha!? Anong gagawin ko?! Puta ang hirap nun!" Gwen cursed.

"Yeah I think it's impossible. There's literally eyes all over or house. Chismosa nga kapit bahay namin. Some even follow me specially the creepy guys." I said also doubting the plan.

I'm not over reacting when I say there's eyes in our house. It's literally  almost everyone walking pass by our house are looking. They were expecting to see me. Or whenever I will go out. My neighbors started coming out of their houses. And when my driver look at the rear mirror there are 2-3 motorcycles following us.

It's creepy and disgusting.

"Hindi ah, possible naman. Example, Gwen will go to Laura's house wearing a blue shirt, pants and vans. Then Laura will welcome her while she is on white t-shirt, shorts and slippers. Then they will enter Laura's house. Then, they will swap clothes. This time Gwen wearing a mask and same goes with Laura. Gwen will be the one entering Laura's van while Laura will walk away like a normal person, going directly to my house. While Gwen, she will ahm.. her van.. will- ah shit it's hard!" Lory cursed giving up with the plan.

"Takte.. ang hirap pala talaga." Jax said.

Then suddenly Ali flicked her fingers. "Eh diba kakuntsaba natin yung driver niyo? Ganito, since si Jax-

"Oh bakit ako?" Jax  suddenly cut off.

"Wait kasi, si Jax, nasa malapit na siya sa may restroom na pupuntahan ni Gwen. Kapag nakita na ni Jax na paparating na yung Van ni Laura na sakay si Gwen papasok na siya sa restroom. Maganda sana kung may ibang tao. Then once na nasa restroom an si Gwen, she will change into totally different clothes. Then pag labas niya magkasama sila ni Gwen. And what about your driver? Talk to him, tell him na after he send Gwen to the restroom aalis na agad siya to confuse yung mga susunod. Lagi ba talaga may na sunod?" Ali ask and I immediately nod.

"Yes, kaninang umaga papasok lang ako pero may sumunod na 3 motor until sa gate ng school." I said and I hear Tobi gasp.

"Gagi, nakakatakot." He said and I nod.

"Idemanda niyo kaya?" Ali said,

Lory shake her head, "What case?" Lory ask,

Ali shrug, "Awan, bahala na nga. So.. ano yung plano? Game?" She ask, we all look a each other.

I sigh, "Game."

"Ka-height naman ni Gwen si Laura diba?"

"Gaga siyempre naman, ako pa!"

—

"Hello, Gwen, where are you?" I whispered in my phone. It's now 2:30pm and I already talked to my driver. Everything is clear and we hope nothing mess up.

[Gaga, oo wait, malapit na sa tapat ng bahay niyo.] she replied.

"You're wearing mask right?" I ask,

[Gaga kailangan ba akong magdala?] she ask and I shut my eyes, and took a deep breath.

"Never mind, I'll give you one later. Just.. faster." I said,

[Oo gaga, andito na ako sa tapat.] my eyes widened and I jump out of my bed. I run downstairs and open the door. That's where I saw Gwen on a blue shirt, pants and cap.

"Hi Laura!" She said, like it's an ordinary day.

I rush towards her and open the gates, making sure that the neighbors, who are already outside their house are seeing what we are wearing.

"Let's go inside." I softly said.

We walk normally while entering the house. Went upstairs and that's when the plan starts.

"Kasya kaya sa akin itong pants mo?" I ask while looking at her pants as she change into the clothes I was wearing a while ago inside the bathroom while I'm here just at my bedroom.

"Oo kasya 'yan!" She screamed from the bathroom.

I sigh and put the pants on. Gladly it fits, then I put on the shirt which is a bit baggy to me. Then I put my hair on loose since Gwen arrived here with her hair loose.

I pick up her cap and walk towards the vanity. I put it on and look at myself.

I grab two face mask and put on me.

"This plan isn't that bad." I mumbled before walking towards my bed and putting on her slippers.

It's a bit big.

"Laura, tingnan mo." I look over the bathroom door and that's when I saw her on my clothes. I slightly chuckled before walking towards her and fixing the white shirt.

"Then put your hair on low ponytail." I said and she nods.

Gladly our hair length are almost the same. While she's fixing her hair I went downstairs to inform my driver to prepare the van.

When I went back Gwen is all set up.

"Nice," I mumbled before walking in front of the full body mirror beside her.

And..

"Tangina Kassandra, kahit ako nalilito." She mumbled before slapping my hair making me hiss in pain.

"Basta ganito, I'm not a model talaga so hunchback a bit while you're walking. Okay? Isa 'yan sa characteristics ng Avelline Gwen. Tapos, mabagal ang paglalakad. Pero just like what we planned, sumakay ka ng tricycle, okay?" She said and I nod.

"Now my turn, walk formally or firmly. Yung babaeng babae. Go out the van with your head low. Kasi ganun talaga ako. Then, yon, go directly to the restroom. Jax is probably inside before you even enter the restroom." I said and she nods. Soon we went out my room. Gladly no one from the maids noticed us.

"In character." I mumbled under the mask as I close the door. I slightly hunchback while I saw Gwen stand up properly.

"Enter the van. I'll go to the gate." I said and she nods. Gwen enter the van while I walk towards the gate. When I went out the gates I saw three guys on their motorcycles as if they are ready to drive. I saw the big gates open but I didn't wait for them. Instead I walk normally just like the plan. I was walking slowly but not too slow. Just like Gwen's walk. I hear the sound of the van and it pass by me. Followed by three motorcycles, 2 have 1 men each while the other one has 2 guys on it.

"Goodluck Gwen."

—

"You're here! Jax said nasa restroom na sila ni Gwen." Ali immediately said as I enter Lory's house.

"May 4 guys nga daw na sumunod." Lory said while preparing cookies and cakes.

"Yeah, I hope they doesn't mess up the plan." I said before sitting down beside Tobi.

"Oo nga, sayang brain cells na iilaan natin sa plano na 'to." Ali said before sitting down beside me.

"Si Jiro? Sino nagsabi sa kaniya kung saan pupunta?" I said Ali.

"Ako siyempre, diba hiningi ko number niya sayo kagabi. 3:20pm daw siya makakarating." She said and I nod. We became silent for moments while Lory is still busy with her pastries when Ali suddenly stood up.

"Mission complete na daw, nakasakay na yung dalawa sa tricycle papunta dito." She said and Tobi celebrated.

"Wooh! Feeling ko mga spy tayo hahaha." Tobi said,

"Oo hahah, pangarap ko 'yon nung bata ako." Ali said, after few more minutes of waiting. Around 3:48pm, dumating na sila Gwen.

And we immediately received curses from her.

"Hoy gago! Akala ko susunod yung tatlong lalaki sa banyo ng babae! Hayop 'yan! Tapos labas naman namin ni Jax, hindi manlang nila kami pinansin. Pero hayop talaga, yung stress at kaba ko abot utak ko!" Gwen said before dropping on the couch.

"Ito na yung cookies? Pwede pahingi?" We heard  Jax said who is in front of Lory's pastries. She looks like a little girl asking for treats.

"30 more minutes, kalahating oras pa bago dumating boyfie mo." Ali said and I just nod.

I just hope this conversation goes well. I hope no shit happens.

—

"Shit, fuck, gagi andito na!" Ali entered the house rushing and putting on her shoes.

"Okay, bye bitch." Tobi said while picking up his things. And so is Gwen and Jax.

"What's happening? Bakit kayo aalis?" I confusedly ask.

"To give you two privacy to talk. Sa bakuran lang kami. Call me when you need something." Lory said before closing the door. My eyes widened and realized we will be talking alone. I fix my hair and my sitting position. And few seconds the door opened. And after weeks finally I see him again.

"Hey.." he softly said before walking towards me and giving me a hug.

"Hi," I shortly replied. And coldly as well. Ali told me to act cold, if he notice, means he really cares.

He sat down beside me but I kept a blank face. From my peripheral vision he is looking around and uncomfortable.

'I'm sorry Ali.'

"We need to talk, again." I said this time with emotion. But not so much.

"Mhm? Nope, we're not breaking up." He said and I shake my head.

I sigh, "It's not about that. But I want you to be honest to me." I said and he look at me confused.

"I'm always honest to you." He replied and I slowly nod.

"Okay, so.. my friend, Lory saw you last Sunday. With a girl, clinging on your arm. Mind explaining?" I said feeling a bit worried. What if he really become honest to me? And just.. tell me he found someone new?

His eyes grew wide.

Shit! Don't tell me I caught you!

Fuck Jiro! Don't do this to me! I was just in Manila! Manila lang! I was working! Then you already cheated! Bakit naman ganito?!

Tears started forming in my eyes. I look down and that's when it started flowing.

"Hey, hala, shit, Laura. Hey, listen to me first." He sounded so panic while gently pushing my head up.

"Hala, Hey, don't cry. Wait, shh~ what should I do?!" He asked himself, but all I'm doing right now is cry. Cause he got busted for cheating.

He suddenly pull me onto his chest. I want to push him away but I can't. I feel weak, his warm hug makes me weak.

But I shouldn't let that distract me from the fact that he cheated.

I pull myself away from him, and I saw how shock he is.

"You're cheating on me?! Really Jiro?! Really!? We are just in a relationship for few months! Heck it's almost our anniversary in few weeks! And yet you decided to cheat on-

"She's my friend. My co-player in chess. It's intrams season again Laura. I'm not cheating on you. Please believe me, I'm not. She's no one. It may sound mean but she has nothing against you." He cut me off. I froze and look at him confusedly.

"Really?" I ask and he nods.

He chuckled, "Come here." He said before moving closer to me and pulling me to his chest once again.

"I'm not cheating on you. It's not on my vocabulary. You're my first girlfriend. And I want you to be the last, okay? Why would I cheat? For me, you're the perfect girl, and no one can change that. And I'm not after you because you're a model. I'm with you already before you even became one. I love you, the model you and the normal you." He softly said while slowly caressing  my hair.

"I can never cheat on you. You may be always out of town or at your work. You may be working with another guy but I trust you. I can't blame you if you got jealous though. I must admit I get jealous every time I see you on the posters with guys. Specially in that one brand of shoes. But gladly, it was just that. But.. I saw the teaser of your film, Laura." He said and my eyes widened.

Instead of saying anything I just snuggled on his chest, inhaling his scent. His scent literally, not the scent of whatever soap they are using nor a perfume his scent.

"Why didn't you call me? Anytime this week?" I ask,

I hear him chuckled, "I got a new phone. I finally saved up. It was around 2 thousand pesos, and I have no cellphone load to call you. When your friend texted me, I forced myself to at least load at least 10 pesos. That's why I was able to reply to her." He replied and I just nod while still snuggled on his chest.

"Do you want me to send you a cellphone load?" I ask,

"No.. having you in my arms is enough."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•