Simply The Best

By Emma Belle

May magandang nakaraan sina Ivo at Ember. They had each other at their 'best.' May expiration date sila at malinaw sa kanilang dalawa ang bagay na iyon mula sa simula. Ember wanted the memory. Ivo just couldn't resist loving her.

 

Getting back to each other and ending up together had always been at the back of their heads.

 

Pero ibang-iba na sila ngayon. Ember believed that the 'best version' of herself did not exist anymore. Ivo believed she was even more perfect.

 

Naging tagumpay naman sila sa mga buhay na pinili nila. Masaya naman sila kahit na wala sa buhay nila ang isa't isa.

 

So what's the point of being together again? Could they love each other more than before?

 

• Language: Tagalog
• Publisher: Emma Belle
• Release date: May 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201405670

Book preview

DEDICATION

For Vhim Vhim

xoxo

CONTENTS

DEDICATION

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

EPILOGUE

FROM THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER ONE

I’M NEVER GOING TO forgive you if you don’t come tonight. I swear, Ember. You and Miko are seriously...

Banayad na natawa si Ember. Kasalukuyan niyang kausap si Yael sa phone. She was one of her best friends. Ngayong gabi ang engagement party nito.

Chill ka nga lang. Pauwi na ako. Maliligo at magbibihis nang maganda. Magme-makeup ako. Makikita mo, maganda ako mamaya. Pinaghandaan ko yata `tong engagement party mo. Ginamit ko `yong mask na binigay mo sa `kin kagabi.

Aling mask?

`Yong galing Japan sabi mo.

Napabuntong-hininga si Yael. Last year pa `yon.

Hindi naman ako stupid, ano ka ba? I checked the expiration date. Sa sale mo `yon nabili, `no? Kaunti na lang expired na, eh.

Sometimes, I still can’t believe you’ve become this person.

And I can’t believe you’re marrying Martino.

I know, sabi ni Yael. Nai-imagine ni Ember ang panlalaki ng mga mata nito. I’m not really sure how we got here.

Natawa na naman si Ember. Hindi talaga inasahan ang lalaking makakatuluyan nito pero alam niyang masaya pa rin ang kaibigan at sigurado ito sa naging desisyon. She was in love with the man she was going to marry.

And Ember was happy for her friend. Yael deserved all the happiness.

You know how you got here, sabi niya sa banayad na boses. It’s kind of amazing how a hook up turned into something else, huh?

Natawa si Yael. He was  just supposed to be a hookup.

Life can really surprise you. Who else knew that better than anyone else?

Yeah.

In case you feel any doubt or anything that resembles to that, Martino turned out okay.

More than okay! He’s great.

Natawa si Ember. Yael was a goner. He is. Kailangan niyang sumang-ayon. Martino grew up to be a really great guy. He loved her friend with all of him. Nakita naman niya ang bagay na iyon.

I don’t feel any doubt, sabi ni Yael.

Good. I’m at my door na. Dederetso na ako sa banyo. I won’t be late. I’ll be very pretty and I’ll be the happiest person in there for you. I’ll see you later.

Okay. Wear the gown I sent you, `kay?

Wear the— What gown? Pero hindi na siya narinig ng kaibigan dahil bigla nitong pinutol ang tawag. Sa palagay ni Ember ay sinadya iyon ni Yael para hindi siya makatutol.

Pumasok siya sa loob ng kanyang townhouse. Dumeretso siya sa kanyang kuwarto at nasa kama nga niya ang isang malaking kahon na naglalaman ng gown na gustong ipasuot sa kanya ni Yael. Napansin din niya ang kahon sa ibaba ng kama. Shoes.

Halos wala sa loob na napangiti si Ember. Nilapitan niya ang kanyang kama at binuksan ang kahon. Naroon ang isang itim na silk gown. Sandali niya iyong ininspeksiyon. It was a long gown but it would show a lot of skin. Her back, her boobs and her legs because of the long slit.

It was a beautiful gown. She would look good at it and it had been a while since she really dressed up.

Inilabas ni Ember ang phone at pinadalhan ng text si Yael. Nagpasalamat siya. Aaminin niyang hindi niya gaanong pinaghandaan ang engagement party ng matalik na kaibigan. Hindi naman niya sinasadya. Naging abala lang siya sa trabaho na palaging nawawala sa isip niyang bumili ng magandang damit. Nang maalala ay huli na rin para um-order online.

She had gowns and dresses. May mga natira pa naman sa closet niya na para talaga sa mga ganitong okasyon.

But the new gown was very much appreciated.

Dinampot ni Ember ang kahon ng sapatos bago siya umupo sa kama. Natigilan siya pagbukas niya ng kahon. Dahan-dahan niyang inalis ang sapatos sa kahon. It was a really beautiful pair of shoes. Not very practical but it was a work of art. It looked so elegant and expensive. The heels were high and thin.

It was hot pink with jewels.

Ember loved and hated it.

My God, Em, they’re just a shoes, pagkausap niya sa sarili. Get over it. Tumayo na siya at pumunta ng banyo. She longed for a long hot bath but she didn’t have time to really indulge. She showered and dried her hair.

Pag-upo niya sa harap ng vanity ay saka niya napansin ang isa pang regalo ni Yael para sa kanya. Dinampot niya ang lipstick na may nakadikit na sticky note. Wear Me. Iyon ang nakasulat sa note. Natatawa na binuksan niya iyon. Red. Murderous red.

You always look good in red lipstick...

Iyon ang madalas na sabihin sa kanya ni Yael. She didn’t believe red was her color but they did look good on her.

She fixed her face. Ember was gifted with a good skin. Kahit na noong teenager ay hindi siya gaanong tinutubuan ng tighiyawat. Marami ang nagsasabing flawless siya. Hindi lang siya tisay, makinis din. She didn’t think much about skin care. Noon ay maingat at maalaga talaga siya. Nang magkaedad ay tinamad na.

Sapat na ang moisturizer at hindi na niya kailangan pa ng foundation. Kaunti na lang ang makeup niya at hindi talaga niya sigurado kung alin sa mga iyon ang puwede pa at alin ang expired na, pero wala na siyang gaanong panahon para sa bagong makeup.

Dinampot niyang muli ang lipstick na bigay ni Yael. Napatingin siya sa iba pang lipstick na neutral at safe ang color. Hindi rin naman niya gaanong ginagamit ang mga iyon. Vaseline lip balm ang madalas na nasa kanyang mga labi.

Live a little, Em, sabi ni Ember habang binubuksan ang pulang lipstick. Her hair was a mess so she had it in a bun. It lacked shine and luster. Ni hindi man lang niya napagupitan iyon. She was a horrible best friend and future maid of honor. She had to do so much better on the wedding day.

Isinuot niya ang gown. Binuksan niya ang closet at inilabas ang nag-iisang dressy pumps na mayroon siya. She knew it wouldn’t go well with the gown but she donned them anyway. Tiningnan niya ang sarili sa full-length mirror at kaagad siyang napangiwi. The shoes were so darb and ugly. Why did she had that ugly shoes? She used to have so much pretty shoes.

Bumubuntong-hiningang hinubad niya ang pumps at binalikan ang pink-jeweled shoes. Isinuot niya iyon at ilang sandali na napatitig lang sa kanyang mga paa. They were more beautiful now that they were on her feet. It was like the shoes were made just for her feet.

Pinagmasdan ni Ember ang kabuuan. Sa loob ng ilang sandali ay hindi niya gaanong mapaniwalaan ang nakikita. She looked so different. Well, she still looked like herself. She was just made up. But she felt a little different.

Ember was beautiful. She knew that. She didn’t let herself forget that. But then, she rarely dressed up. She used to. May pagkakataon sa buhay niya na parang walang ibang mahalaga sa buhay niya kung hindi ang magagandang damit, sapatos at makeup.

Marahas siyang bumuntong-hininga. It felt like a lifetime ago. It was a lifetime ago.

There’s no time to reminisce about the past, Em. Move your ass.

She made sure she looked okay. She checked her phone to see how long her ride was going to be. Hindi naman siya gaanong naghintay.

Yael and Martino’s engagement party was held in a swanky place. Hindi na gaanong nakapagtataka. Martino was loaded. He had been loaded since birth.

Ember was born in a what could already considered middle class family. Her parents were obsessed in making money and giving their children the best education. Kaya naman ipinagpilitan ng mga ito na um-attend sila ng Ate Jana niya sa private schools. She went to schools rich kids in the country went to.

Yael used to be a scholar kid. They met in college. Pareho silang nasa pre-law. Both of them entered law school after. Isa lang ang nakatapos sa law school sa kanila at hindi si Ember iyon.

Sa kolehiyo nila nakilala si Martino. He and Yael hooked up then broke up. Life happened after college pero nagkita uli ang dalawa. Old flame rekindled. Then happy ever after.

Kaagad na nahanap ni Ember sina Yael at Martino. They were holding hands and they looked like they belonged together. Lumapit siya sa dalawa. You guys are the biggest cliché ever, sabi niya nang tuluyang makalapit.

Em! masayang bulalas ni Yael. She was kind of loud like when she was a little drunk already. She guessed she was drunk—lasing sa pag-ibig at kaligayahan.

Niyakap at hinalikan niya ang pisngi ng kaibigan. Hey, love. Niyakap at hinalikan din niya ang pisngi ni Martino.

You look great, Em, komento ni Martino.

Thank you. I think you paid for this gown and this really beautiful and expensive shoes, sagot niya sa nagbibirong boses.

His black shiny card totally paid for what we’re wearing, natatawang sabi ni Yael.

Hinalikan ni Martino ang sentido ni Yael. She’s gonna pay it all back. I have a really cute costume and a very intriguing storyline.

Hinampas ni Yael ang dibdib ni Martino.

Eww, sabi ni Ember. Don’t corrupt my innocent mind. Pinagmasdan niya ang dalawa. I’m so happy for the both of you. Congratulations.

Niyakap siya nang mahigpit ni Yael. Thank you.

I’ll mingle and greet guests, sabi ni Martino. You have your girl time for a while. Hinalikan nitong muli ang sentido ni Yael bago sila iniwan.

Yael sighed dreamily. He is the best.

I don’t know about that, she teased.

Okay, there’s something I need to tell you. Kaya rin talaga dumistansiya muna siya. We need to greet guests together later.

Kinawayan ni Ember ang isang waitstaff na may dala-dalang tray ng pagkain. The food looked delicious but they were tiny. She took three. Dahil kilala na siya ni Yael, dumampot ang kaibigan ng tatlo pa.

There would be a lot of food and drinks, she informed her while patiently holding her food for her.

Thanks. You were saying?

Tumikhim si Yael. So you need to know two things, actually. First, Miko had an emergency. A really big one kaya hindi ako magtatampo. Halos kararating lang nila ni Helga nang matanggap niya ang tawag. Helga went with her. They would try to come back kapag naayos nila ang emergency sa work.

Kaagad na naramdaman ni Ember ang dismaya sa kaalamang hindi niya makikita si Miko. She was also her best friend. Matagal-tagal na rin silang hindi nagkikita at nagkakausap. Pareho silang naging abala sa trabaho. Naiintindihan naman niya ang emergency. Masasabi na may pagkakapareho nang kaunti ang trabaho nila. Both of them dealt with cyber security.

And the other one?

Okay, the other one thing you need to know is—

Is that Ivo de Miguel?

Nasamid si Ember. Kaagad siyang dinaluhan ni Yael.

Ivo de Miguel. That was a name she had not heard in a while. Bigla ang pagbilis ng tibok ng kanyang puso. The mere mention of that name did that to her.

Ivo is here, sabi ni Yael. Parang binilisan talaga ng kaibigan para masabing sinabi nito sa kanya.

Napatingin si Ember sa kanyang pinakamatalik na kaibigan, sinusubukang iproseso ang sinabi nito sa kanya. Ivo was there? He was there?

Napangiwi si Yael. Mayamaya ay tinawag ang waitstaff na may dala-dala ng mga champagne. She plucked one and gave it to her. Halos wala sa loob na dinala niya iyon sa bibig at hindi tinigilan hanggang hindi nasasaid.

He’s Marti’s best friend, paalala ni Yael sa kanya.

In college. They lost contact when Ivo went to the States.

Well, they had contact again.

You didn’t tell me this.

"Well... Marti didn’t tell me and he’s really not obliged to tell me everything, you know. He had his friends and I have mine."

Tiningnan nang masama ni Ember si Yael.

I was going to tell you, I swear! Nawala lang talaga sa isip ko dahil busy sa work at sa engagement na ito. Ikaw rin busy. Halos hindi kita nakakausap. It’s not a big deal.

Pinandilatan niya si Yael. Of course it’s not a big deal. He’s not a big deal. Get me another champagne. Ibinaba niya sa pinakamalapit na surface ang hawak na empty flute.

Napapangiti na sumunod si Yael sa utos niya. Pilit na kinalma ni Ember ang sarili. It was not a big deal, muli niyang paalala sa sarili. Ivo was a history. A lifetime ago. Baka hindi na nga siya maalala ng lalaki.

They’re coming here, sabi ni Yael habang inilalagay sa kamay niya ang panibagong flute ng champagne.

Hindi nag-panic si Ember. At least hindi makikita sa panlabas niyang hitsura. Her system was suddenly in chaos but she would never let it show. She took a deep breath then pasted a sweet smile. The kind of smile that would show off her charming deep dimple on the right side of her cheek.

Palapit na nga sa kanila sina Martino at Ivo. May nakaguhit na ngiti sa mga labi ng dalawang lalaki. If they were in a corny TV drama or movie, they would glide in slow motion. Two beautiful men walking like they were God’s gift to women.

Parang nahirapang huminga si Ember habang hindi niya maalis ang tingin kay Ivo. He was already looking at her. Those eyes. They were still so beautiful and they looked like they were happy to see her again.

Hindi na gaanong maalala ni Ember ang unang pagkakataon na nakita niya si Ivo de Miguel. What she remembered so well was that he was that guy. The most popular guy in school. He was wealthy, very good-looking and smart. She knew of him because everyone did. Girls were crazy over him. Guys wanted to be him. Everyone wanted to belong in his crowd.

She didn’t really care about him and she was not on his radar. He didn’t know she even existed. They were in different college departments. She was a sophomore and he was a senior. Their worlds shouldn’t have collided.

But they did.

This beautiful man had been an ex-boyfriend. Maging siya ay hindi iyon gaanong mapaniwalaan.

Tuluyan nang nakalapit ang dalawang lalaki sa kanila ni Yael. Titig na titig pa rin si Ember sa mukha ni Ivo. He was much more beautiful now. Nawala na ang lahat ng bakas ng boyishness pero naroon pa rin ang elegance. His hair wasn’t as neat as Martino’s. She had always loved his curl. She could remember how soft they were. She used to run her fingers through his hair, played with those curls.

Bahagyang ipinilig ni Ember ang ulo nang magsimula ang dagsa ng mga alaala. She didn’t want to indulge herself with those memories. Hindi niya gustong maramdaman ang ilang pakiramdam. Hindi iyon ang panahon.

She just needed to be happy for her friends.

Hi, masigla niyang bati kay Ivo. She thanked the heavens she didn’t lose her smile.

Mas lumapad at mas tumamis ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Ivo. Hi.

It’s like college once more, sabi ni Martino sa magaang na boses habang inaabot si Yael. He kissed her cheek after.

Pinilit ni Ember ang sarili na tumawa. Yeah, it kind of is. She definitely didn’t want to reminisce about college. It was getting hard controlling her emotions. She was so not ready for this reunion.

Banayad na natawa si Ivo. You’re still friends. It looks like nothing much changed from you. It’s good to see you’re still you, Ember.

Nabura na ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Ember sa pagkakataong iyon. Alam niyang hindi na niya kayang kontrolin ang emosyon. Tumalikod siyang bigla at lumayo. Narinig niyang tinawag siya ni Ivo pero hindi siya tumigil o lumingon. Patuloy siya sa paglalakad palayo. While she was doing that, she tried to breath.

Nahanap niya ang banyo nang walang sumusunod sa kanya. Siguro ay pinigilan ni Yael. Nagkulong siya sa isa sa mga cubicle, pilit na kinakalma ang sarili. She focused on her surroundings. Even the bathroom was swanky, there was a chandelier and it smelled so expensive.

Nang sa palagay niya ay mas kalmado na siya ay lumabas na si Ember sa cubicle. Natigilan siya nang madatnan niyang nakaabang sa kanya sa Yael. Natawa siya mayamaya.

I’m so sorry, sabi ng kaibigan sa seryosong boses. Maging ang mga mata ng kaibigan ay humihingi sa kanya ng kapatawaran.

Hindi mo kailangang mag-sorry. It’s your night and you can have anyone you want here. Hindi ko gustong mag-alala ka sa akin dahil walang dapat na ipag-alala.

I’m sorry dahil sadya kong hindi sinabi sa `yo na a-attend si Ivo tonight. I’ve known it for a while. I just made excuses.

I know. Kaya mo rin ako pinadalhan ng damit at sapatos. You wanted me to look good dahil makikita ako ng ex ko. Pinagmasdan ni Ember ang sarili sa salamin. She looked good but she wished she looked a little more better.

You always look good. I just wanted you to look a little extra. Are you okay?

I am, I swear. I don’t mind seeing him again. I like seeing Ivo again. He’s... the best. Banayad siyang natawa. It’s just a little weird, I don’t know. I’m not really sure. Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. "Nahihirapan ako kasi I’m really trying not to think of college. The before."

Oh, honey. Nilapitan siya ni Yael at niyakap. Hinayaan niya ang kaibigan.

I’ve been doing it for a long time. Hindi ko naman malaman kung bakit. College had been the... best. Marahan siyang natawa. I met you and I had my first romantic relationship. Siguro rin kasi, ibang-iba na ako ngayon sa dating Ember. Hindi ko na makapa. Hindi ko na gaanong makita o hindi ko na gustong makita. Hindi ko gustong maalala. Before, I was...

The best, pagtatapos ni Yael. And you’re still the best.

Aww... sabi niya habang natatawa. But enough about me already. This is your night, sabi uli niya. This isn’t about me or the past. This is about you getting engaged to the man you thought would just be a hook up.

Natawa na si Yael. Back then... back in college, I didn’t think I’d love him this much. Kung may magsasabi sa younger self ko na si Marti ang makakatuluyan ko, hindi ko tatanggapin.

I know, sweetheart. I know. And I’m very happy you found him again and things between you worked out.

I want this for you, too, pabulong nitong sabi. I want the before and I want to erase the after. `Yong mga hindi magandang pangyayari.

Hinigpitan ni Ember ang pagkakayakap niya sa kaibigan. Minsan ay `yan din ang gusto ko, Yael. I wish I can go back in time and just do everything right. Pero hindi pa posible ang time travel. And I liked the way I turned out somehow. I wish I didn’t have to get through what I went through to be this person right now, but it’s part of my journey. What didn’t kill me made me stronger. Na-realize niyang mas mahirap balikan at alalahanin ang ilang masasayang alaala.

You are the strongest woman I know.

Tama na ang bola. Let’s get back to your party at baka hinahanap ka na ng fiancé mo.

Okay.

CHAPTER TWO

INUTUSAN NI EMBER SI Yael na asikasuhin ang mga bisita nito at huwag na siyang alalahanin pa. Hinanap niya si Ivo pagkatapos. Nakita naman niya ang lalaki sa bar. Mag-isa ito at alam niyang hindi iyon magtatagal kaya sinamantala niya ang pagkakataon at hindi na nagpatumpik-tumpik pa.

Hey, bati niya.

Nilingon siya ni Ivo at nginitian. Hey.

I’m sorry kanina, sabi niya. I... uhm... had an urgent need for the bathroom.

Banayad na natawa si Ivo. Kuminang ang mga mata nito sa kaaliwan. `That so?

Yes. Hindi ako galit sa `yo or something. Hindi ako caught up in the past o kaya naman overwhelmed sa presence mo. Natiyempuhan lang talaga na kailangan kong magbanyo.

Okay. I was worried for a bit.

No worries. I’m truly happy to see you again, Ivo. Really. Sinalubong niya ang mga mata nito para ipakita na sinsero siya sa sinabi.

Okay, sagot nito. I’m also really happy to see you again.

Inilapag ng bartender ang inumin ni Ivo at tumingin sa kanya, hinihintay ang drink order niya.

Lime soda, please.

Sweet? tanong ng bartender.

Yes. Thank you.

Dinampot ni Ivo ang inumin at dinala sa bibig. `Still not drinking, I see.

I had two flutes of champagne. I just want to be clear-headed to be happy for my—our friends. Naalala nito na mababa ang tolerance niya sa alcohol. She had improved over the years, but she still didn’t let herself indulge too much.

Napansin ni Ember na nakatuon sa kanya ang mga mata ni Ivo. Parang inaalam nito ang mga pagbabago sa kanyang mukha. Sobrang na-conscious si Ember. That look was so familiar and she didn’t really want to remember. The soft eyes. The gentle smile. Iniiwas niya ang paningin.

Ipinagpasalamat niyang hindi nagtagal ay handa na ang kanyang inumin. Pinagpingki niya ang kanilang mga baso bago niya dinala sa bibig ang inumin.

I missed you, sabi ni Ivo habang hindi siya nilulubayan ng tingin.

Awww, sagot ni Ember. Parang nagbibiro lang at hindi talaga sineryoso ang sinabi nito. Pero nagkakagulo na ang sistema niya. She didn’t want to hear him say those words but her heart was undeniably happy.

Natawa si Ivo. God, I really missed you.

I did, too. Come on, let’s roam around and be happy for our friends.

Hindi na niya hinintay ang pagsang-ayon ni Ivo, naglakad na siya papunta sa isang grupo ng mutual friends nila ni Yael. Naramdaman niyang nakasunod sa kanya si Ivo. She was not ready to be alone with him. She was not ready to talk or catch up.

Kaagad na natuon ang pansin ng grupo kay Ivo. They all looked at her expectantly. She introduced him to her friends then she let them all question him. Pagkatapos ay nakihalubilo sila sa ibang grupo. Ipinakilala niyang muli si Ivo sa mga hindi pa nito kilala at kaagad nitong napupukaw ang atensiyon ng sinuman. The focus would immediately shift to him. Mas madalas na nakakalimutan na siya.

Ember didn’t mind a bit. Ang totoo ay alam niyang mangyayari ang ganoon kaya sinadya niyang batiin ang lahat ng mga kakilala roon. Kahit na hindi niya gaanong kilala o ka-close ay nilapitan niya.

She had always been good at that. Ipinagpasalamat niyang hindi na tuluyang nawala ang kakayahan niyang makisalamuha at makipagkaibigan sa halos lahat ng uri ng tao.

They had time with the engaged couple. May kaunting reminiscing sa nakaraan pero hindi naman gaano. Tolerable naman. Dahil na rin sa hindi hinayaan ni Yael si Martino na balikan talaga ang nakaraan.

Then it was time to go. Abala siya sa pagbo-book ng sasakyan nang maramdaman niya ang paglapit sa kanya ni Ivo. Inihanda na niya ang ngiti para sa lalaki.

Marti told me you’re ready to leave.

Tumango si Ember. Yes, I think I did my best friend and maid of honor duty. Very well, if I may say so.

Let me take you home.

Uhm, it’s okay. I just booked a car. It was a lie. She was just about to complete the booking.

Cancel.

It’s gonna affect my rating. Ratings are very important. A good rating is essential. Hindi ka siguro maka-relate pero ganoon talaga rito ngayon. Rating is everything. She was babbling. Hindi na kasi siya makaisip ng mas matino pang dahilan.

Kuminang sa kaaliwan ang mga mata ni Ivo. Iniiwasan mo `ko?

Kumunot ang kanyang noo at nagkunwaring hindi niya naiintindihan ang sinasabi nito. Iniiwasan? Magkadikit nga tayo ngayong gabi.

With so many people around us.

We’re at a party.

You know what I’m talking about. Sinalubong ni Ivo ang kanyang mga mata. Hindi naman ako manhid. And I can understand why. I just want us to have some alone time together. Kahit na sandali lang.

You’d also know where I live now.

That’s a bonus. `Cause this is not going to be the last time we’re seeing each other. Alam mo na I’d be here for a while.

Marami siyang nalaman sa pakikinig sa kuwentuhan kanina. Ivo was the new CEO of his family’s newly acquired media and entertainment company. He was unmarried. One girl boldly asked him if he was in a relationship. He looked at Ember and answered the question. He was single and available.

She needed time to process the fact that he was back. She needed time to decide if she would let him get back in her life.

Inilapit ni Ivo ang sarili sa kanya at yumuko. You’d make yourself more attractive with every ‘no’.

That statement should be a trigger for Ember. It should make her hackles rise up. She should be lecturing him about when a woman said ‘no’, it meant no. It was not a maybe and she was not asking him to convince her otherwise. A no is a no.

Pero banayad na natawa si Ember sa halip. That was how they got into a relationship in the past. She thought she had to stop saying ‘no’ to make him lose interest. Their past had been lovely and sweet.

Okay. Sige, `hatid mo na `ko.

Ivo had a sleek black car with a driver. Pinagbuksan siya ng pinto ng lalaki.

You are such a cliché, tukso niya bago siya sumakay.

Natawa na rin Ivo.

Sinabi ni Ember sa driver ang address niya. Hinarap niya si Ivo habang umaandar na sila. So what do you want to talk about? Nilakipan niya ng sigla ang boses. Ipinakita niya ang interes na malaman ang mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa naging buhay ni Ivo nitong mga nakaraang taon.

Mataman nitong pinagmasdan ang kanyang mukha. His eyes were soft and almost loving. Ember fought the urge to break eye contact. Hindi rin niya hinayaan ang ngiti na mawala.

Inabot siya ni Ivo at halos wala sa loob na inilayo niya ang sarili. Hindi na ito nagpumilit. You can stop smiling now.

Natigilan si Ember. W-what?

The smile you’re wearing all night is fake.

It’s not, tanggi niya.

I can still tell, baby.

Iniiwas ni Ember ang paningin. Don’t call me that, hiling niya sa maliit na boses.

I’m sorry.

It’s okay. I’m just... Hindi siya makaisip ng idadahilan. He had been right. The smile she wore all night was fake. Yael and Martino didn’t deserve that from her but it felt like her world was a little shaken and she couldn’t find her stable ground.

I’m sorry for everything.

Lalong walang maisagot doon si Ember. He was sorry for everything. Naramdaman niya ang pag-ahon ng galit sa kanyang dibdib. Ganoon na lang ba iyon? Sorry lang? Pagkatapos ng lahat ng pinagdaanan niya, sorry na lang ang mapapala niya?

Nang ma-realize ni Ember kung saan papunta ang kanyang isip ay pilit niyang kinalma ang sarili. Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga.

I’m just not ready to see you again, pag-amin niya habang nakatingin sa lalaki. I’m not even sure if I wanna see you ever again, Ivo.

Well, that’s kind of harsh.

Bumuntong-hininga si Ember. It’s not really you, Ivo.

It’s you?

It’s about me.

Look who’s being a cliché now.

Napangiti na si Ember. Clichés are clichés because they are rooted from the truth.

That’s fine. Like I said, I’d be here a while. You have all the time to process. We have time to get to know each other again.

Ilang beses na napalunok si Ember. Get to know each other again. Would she like that? She wanted to get to know the grown-up Ivo de Miguel, but she was not really certain if she wanted to introduce the grown-up Ember Grace Alejandro.

She loved being her. She had worked hard to be this person that she loved and could be really proud of. Alam lang niyang malayo sa inaasahan ni Ivo ang kinahinatnan niya. Hindi na siya ang babaeng pumukaw sa interes nito. Wala na ang kahit na bakas ng babaeng nagustuhan nito noon.

Would he like this grown-up Ember? Or was he just too caught up in their past? Baka nostalgia na lang ang dahilan kung bakit naroon sila ngayon.

Maybe he was hoping for the old her and she couldn’t give him that anymore. The old her was gone.

Nagtagpo ang kanilang mga mata. You are still so beautiful.

Ilang sandali na hinayaan ni Ember ang sarili na manatiling nakatingin sa mga mata ni Ivo. They were sincere. They held warmth, not just admiration. She also saw longing. Siguro ay nahihiling niya kaya parang nakikita niya pero sa loob ng ilang sandali ay hinayaan ni Ember na maligayahan ang kanyang puso. Hinayaan niya ang sarili na umasa sa isang bagay na matagal na niyang sinukuan.

A second chance for them.

Was that possible? Was she allowed to dream of something like that?

Bahagya siyang nahimasmasan nang mapansin na nakatigil na sila. Tumingin siya sa bintana at nalamang nasa harap na siya ng kanyang townhouse. This is me, sabi ni Ember habang hawak-hawak na ang latch ng pinto. Thank you for the ride. Nabuksan na niya ang pinto bago pa man may masabi si Ivo at bago pa man makababa ang driver para pagbuksan siya.

Goodnight, sabi ni Ember pagbaba niya at halos wala sa loob na napatingin sa kalsada. Hindi niya isinara ang pinto dahil may nakapukaw ng kanyang atensiyon.

May narinig siyang malakas na ungol na nililikha ng isang makina. Isang motorsiklo ang humaharurot sa daan. May dalawang taong sakay ng motorsiklo, parehong may suot na helmet. Halos wala sa loob na kinabisa niya ang suot at built ng katawan ng mga ito.

Em.

Narinig ni Ember ang pagtawag sa kanya ni Ivo pero hindi niya maalis ang paningin sa motorsiklo na palapit sa kanya. Naramdaman din niya ang kamay nitong hinawakan ang kanyang kamay.

May parte kay Ember ang nakakaalam ng mga susunod na mangyayari. Instinct o training, kahit na alin pa, alam niyang nasa panganib ang buhay niya bago pa man nakita ang paglabas ng baril ng back rider at itinutok iyon sa kanya. Walang pangingimi na pinaputok ang baril. There was no time to do something, matatamaan siya. The hit was going to be fatal, she just knew.

Naramdaman ni Ember ang banayad na paghila sa kanya ni Ivo bago niya naramdaman ang pagtama ng bala sa kanyang katawan. Oh, God, this would hurt like a bitch.

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Bumagsak ang katawan niya sa aspalto at nagkakagulo ang lahat. Naririnig at nararamdaman niya pero parang hindi siya makagalaw. Parang bigla ay na-detach siya sa kanyang katawan. She was aware she was shot on the chest. Nararamdaman pa rin naman niya. Pero para talagang wala siya sa sariling katawan.

Maybe she was in shock. Siguro ay ganito talaga kapag nasa bingit na ng alanganin.

She could die. It sucked to die this way but this might be her time.

Biglang lumitaw sa line of vision niya si Ivo. He was frantic and terrified. Parang may isinisigaw pero hindi na niya marinig. Halos wala sa loob na ngumiti siya. In her mind, she raised her hand to touch his cheek.

His face might be the last face she would see in this life. Not bad, she thought.

They said your life would flash right in front of you when you’re near death. Ember kind of had that. Her life kind of flashed in front of her. Her life before. Her life when her and Ivo’s world collided.

It started with a chocolate chip cookie.

No, everything really started with a stupid college party...

CHAPTER THREE

BEFORE

GUTOM na gutom na si Ember. Nararamdaman niya ang panginginig ng kamay. Na-late siya ng gising at may maaga siyang klase. Hindi siya nagkaroon ng panahon na makapag-almusal. Sa kamamadali rin ay nakalimutan niyang wala ng snack sa bag na dala-dala niya sa araw na iyon.

Kaya naman pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng klase sa umaga ay nagpunta na siya sa cafeteria at um-order ng mga pagkain. Kasalukuyan siyang naghahanap ng mauupuan. Wala ng bakanteng mesa at okupado na lahat ng estudyante na abalang kumakain. Naghanap siya ng kakilala na puwedeng makasalo.

Napangiti si Ember nang makitang may kumakaway sa kanya. Lumapit siya sa mesa kung saan naroon sina Shay at Yael. Mga kaklase niya ang mga ito sa dalawang subject. Magkakasama sila sa susunod na klase pagkatapos ng kanilang break. Magkaibigan na mula high school sina Shay at Yael. Parehong galing sa probinsiya. They had been so nice and sweet.

Thank you. I’m starving, sabi niya bago umupo sa tabi ni Yael. Kaagad niyang inatake ang kanyang mga pagkain. I’m sorry, sabi niya habang ngumunguya. It was rude but she was really hungry. Galit-galit na muna. I’m really hungry. You can talk to me later.

Natawa ang dalawa pero hinayaan siya ng mga ito sa loob ng ilang sandali. Tinapos din nina Shay at Yael ang pagkain. Kahit nakatuon sa kinakain, hindi pa rin nakaligtas kay Ember ang tinginan nina Shay at Yael.

You must be talking about something private, sabi niya habang inaabot ang inumin. I’m sorry kung nakakaabala. After ko kumain—

No, no! maagap na sabi ni Shay. Hindi ganoon. Hindi naman gaanong private. Hindi secret. Puwede mong malaman. Itong si Yael lang, masyadong killjoy.

Pinandilatan ni Yael si Shay. Killjoy? Ako? Realistic lang ako, grabe `to.

Dahil napawi na ang gutom ni Ember, mas napagtuunan na niya ng pansin ang mga kaibigan. Can you share?

Hinarap siya ni Yael. Gustong um-attend ni Shay sa party ni Ivo de Miguel. Bumili ng bagong damit and everything, sabi nito sa kanya na para bang nagsusumbong.

We’re on our second year in college. Gusto kong ma-experience ang college parties. Kasama `yon sa tinatawag nilang ‘full-college experience’. Ivo’s party is like the biggest and the best and the hottest party of all the college parties. At dahil ito na ang huling taon niya sa college, the parties would be complete blast. Lahat gustong um-attend.

Ember knew what and who they were talking about. Unless freshman ka, alam mo kung sino si Ivo de Miguel. He was the most popular guy in the school. The guy who was almost a cliché. He was wealthy, very good-looking and smart. He threw out the best college parties. He could reserve a club for his friends to party on a snap of a finger.

Everyone wanted to be in those parties but one couldn’t just show up. Kailangan ng invite. Dati ay walang invite-invite. Ang dinig ni Ember, nag-overcapacity minsan ang ni-reserve na club ni de Miguel at nagkaroon ng aksidente. Mini-stampede or something. May mga nasaktan. Kaya naging maingat na ang mga ito. Naging mas strict na. If you received an invite, it meant you’re one of the cool kids.

Personally, Ember thought it was bullshit but it was college. It was a rite of passage or something. And everyone wanted to be cool.

Or maybe, hindi nawawala ang kagustuhan ng tao to belong in a group, to be one of the cool kids.

"Oo nga. Pero hindi