CHAPTER 13

"You seem to be happy." Tobby entered the bedroom of Jeremy. It's second week of January. The whole Christmas week until New Year both Tobby and Jeremy were not together. It was the first time that they were separated that long since they met each other. Tobby was given a long holiday while Jeremy spent his Christmas and New Year with the Reed Family.

"Am I?" Jeremy looked at him while holding his cellular phone, waiting for a text message. Since they got back from vacation, Tobby observed that Jeremy became more active in using his phone talking with someone either through text messaging or calling.

"Yeah, you are!" he sat on Jeremy's bed, "you didn't celebrate Christmas in this crappy place, right?"

"Hey, for your information, you were the one who found this place. Anyway, how did you know I didn't spend my Christmas here?" Jeremy smiled.

"It's all over the internet. Look…" Tobby threw his tablet near Jeremy, "so… how did it go?" Jeremy's stay at the Reed Mansion did not become private. He was seen with the family during the Christmas Vigil Mass, strolling at the beach shore and visiting some of the historical places. Fans or not, they recognize him wherever they go.

Jeremy smiled. He was too concentrated with his cellular phone waiting for a text message from Kate. They haven't seen each other since their Christmas vacation at Kate's house. Jeremy, on the one hand, was busy with some of his photo shoots for some commercials and album signing events. Kate, on the other hand, was busy enrolling for her second semester. At the same time, she was concentrated with her thesis proposal. Three more semesters then she will be graduating. Though busy with their own schedule, they still keep things balanced. They may not be seeing each other but they are updated through text messages and calls.

"I have to go." Jeremy stood up and started walking out of the bedroom.

"Where?"

Jeremy just smiled, got his car key and continued walking out of the room. He was, actually, going to Kate's university. He had received a reply from her saying that she was done enrolling. It was time to do his boyfriend duty.

After doing her paper works, Kate was waiting for him outside the campus. She instructed him not to go inside the university since people might go crazy over him just like what happened during their university night.

It's been more than four weeks since Christmas but she was still not used being with him and flocked by people. However, she was not jealous of the dozens of ladies getting clingy on him. She was confident that he will remain faithful despite being a celebrity and popular among women.

When Jeremy arrived, Kate stepped in the car, kissed him on the cheek and buckled her seatbelt.

"So… where will we go?" Jeremy smiled.

After reading a text message, "Is it okay if May ride with us?" Kate asked.

"Not at all. Where's she?"

"Are you sure?" Kate tried to confirm.

Jeremy smiled and nodded.

"She's at the condo unit. I also want to change my clothes. We'll be going to Abby's birthday." Kate said.

It's been a while since Jeremy last saw Kate's friends. The Boracay adventure was the last gig that he saw them. Though Kate and her friends where childhood friends, they have separated their ways through time. Only Kate's family remained in the province while the rest went to the metro. That is why, throughout their college years, they decided to stay in one place even though some of them live nearby.

"Oh. It's her birthday today?" Jeremy started driving.

Kate nodded, "Actually, Grace and Mark are already there."

"So aren't we going to buy a gift or something?"

She opened the car storage in front of her, "I already bought something. It will be our gift for her." She browsed through the storage.

"What are you doing?" As he noticed.

"Nothing. I'm just wondering if what you're storing in your car." She closed it and smiled.

"Is that really the reason?"

"Of course! What else would it be?" Kate defensibly said.

"I'm just confirming."

Kate planned to formally introduce Jeremy as her boyfriend to her friends today. Since they haven't seen him since the Boracay adventure, she hasn't told them yet what happened during the Christmas vacation. What they only know is that he stayed at Kate's family house since Jeremy was spotted with her family during the Christmas vigil mass and it went viral in the social media.

As they were traveling together with May, their sweetness could never be overlooked, the stares, the hand gestures and coziness with one another. May was suspicious on the chemistry that they had. She knew something was up. She believed that they are hiding something from her. "What's with both of you?" May asked.

They just smiled. When she was still waiting for their answer, "What do you mean?" Kate asked implying innocence. Kate knew that her friends are already suspicious of them. They have a gut feeling that they are officially going out but Kate hasn't confessed yet.

"Come on. Tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"Jeremy, what happened during the Christmas vacation?"

"Hey, it's not fair. Why would you only ask him?" Kate glanced at her.

"Cause you don't want to tell us." May leaned forward, "We kept on asking you but not a single word did you tell us. So Jeremy, what happened?"

Jeremy glanced at the rear mirror to look at her, "I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to say anything." He explained. Kate and Jeremy just laughed. "It's not fair." May complained. They laughed harder. Throughout their travel, they didn't tell her what happened no matter what she says. Kate actually planned to tell them when they are complete to be fair with others.

When they arrived at Abby's house, they saw that a crowd of guests has already formed. Just like the University night and anywhere else that Jeremy goes to, people had gone crazy over him and wanted to take a picture of him. This time though, he pulled Kate by grabbing her hips gently toward him and said to people, "I'm sorry. I'm with someone special. Can we just enjoy the celebration?" This was not only a reason for people not to bother them. This was shocking and enormous news for many fans who are in attendance at the party. Jeremy knew that this would be plugged everywhere, from television news, to radio stations, and much to the different online social media. This is his moment to reveal to the world that he is already taken. He knew the effect of such revelation especially to the kind of industry that he is into. Yet, he was prepared on whatever that comes his way.

They started walking towards the front door passing people who continued to take a picture of them. Some, instantly, posted in their social media accounts Jeremy and Kate's picture with a caption, "#JMwithnewGF." Instantaneously, people have gone crazy over the posts. It became viral and talked about elsewhere. Some of the fans are appreciative of the beauty of Kate while others are sad due to the fact that Jeremy is now taken.

When they were about to enter the front door, a voice yelled, "Ohhh Myyyyy Godddd! Kate! Kate! Kate! Is it true?" They looked for the voice. It was Grace. She was running down towards them as she continued to ask. When she reached them, "Is it true?" She asked once more. Kate and Jeremy just stared at her. "Hey, tell me! Is it true?"

"True what?" Kate responded acting innocent.

"It's all over the net. Is it true that you're officially together?" She excitedly asked.

Kate and Jeremy looked at each other and then, "I'll tell you later." Kate responded.

"Tell me now. It's just a yes or no!" May was just at their back smiling since she heard what Jeremy said when people flocked them. She already knew the answer.

Kate just smiled at her. She was surveying the area from one corner of the house to the other. She was looking for someone. "Where is Abby?" Kate asked.

"She's upstairs. Mark is there as well. Come on, tell me now."

Kate just dragged Grace by her hands toward the room of Abby and Jeremy and May followed them silently. Grace's excitement was overflowing. The tone of her voice caught many of the visitors' attention but she didn't care. All she was focused on was the truth behind the viral news.

While they were at Abby's room waiting for the start of the party, Grace popped up the question, "So are you going to tell us or not?" It wasn't Grace alone who was curious about Kate and Jeremy. Abby and Mark were silent but were observing the words and actions of both.

Kate held the hand of Jeremy and started narrating what happened during their Christmas vacation. She told them how much her family liked Jeremy and how everything came about between them. They were all attentive all through out the narration. They were all smiles and even asked questions just for Kate to narrate every single detail. Sometimes, Jeremy butts in to add more details. When she was done, "Anymore questions?" She asked and smiled.

Everyone seems to be satisfied with her story telling. Not single information was left untold. They were happy for Kate and Jeremy. Sweetness overflowed the room as the two kept on holding hands, leaning on each other, and has sugary eye contact.

"I'm jealous, but I'm happy for you at least now you're in good hands." May sneered lowly.

"You have a great man. A handsome, popular, and truly an ideal man of many." Abby expressed while looking at both Kate and Jeremy, "I'm happy for both of you."

"Thanks May. Thanks Abby and Happy Birthday!" Kate expressed.

"Ah… I'm also envious!" Grace said.

"Hey…" Mark quickly said while bumping Grace.

"Babe… I'm just happy for them. Of course, you're my only love." Grace explained while leaning on Mark. Everyone laughed and continued to tease Kate for not being to tell them the truth at once. Then, Grace stood up and sat in between Jeremy and May. She tapped Jeremy's shoulder and said, "But Jeremy, from the very beginning, I'm for you. Now that you are officially together, promise us that you will not hurt her like what happened to her in the past. Not a single drop of tear will we see on her face or else you will be liable to us. Okay?" Grace lectured.

"That's right!" Abby and May agreed.

Jeremy nodded showing his sincerity to them that he loves Kate and will always protect her no matter what people say. He knows and they know that Kate's life will change since the public already knew that they're officially dating. Some may bash her but no matter what happens Jeremy promised to protect her from anyone.

The party turned out marvelous. There were plenty of tongue-craving foods and drinks. Many people occupied the house. Most of them are friends and family members of Abby. Most of all, it was filled with laughter and cheers among the guests. Jeremy was even asked to sing one of his songs. It was a truly a majestic banquet. The party lasted until thirty minutes past midnight. Kate and the others were the last to stay. Jeremy drove them back to their condominium.

When they arrived Grace and May went straight to their bedroom, leaving Kate and Jeremy at the living room to have time for each other.

"Are you okay?" Kate asked at the same time she wiped some sweat from Jeremy's forehead.

"I'm good."

Kate leaned on his shoulder. This was the only moment that they had with each other since they arrived in the metro. She switched on the television. Both saw that the banner news was about them. She immediately sat straight and read it twice to confirm the news.

"Don't mind about the news. Okay?" He assured.

Kate just nodded while Jeremy wrapped his arms around her shoulder and kissed her forehead. She as well hugged him. For minutes, pure silence occupied the room. Only the noise coming from the television could be heard. It was a moment of purely cherishing the presence of the other. They knew that they would be busy again tomorrow as classes start for Kate while Jeremy has some appointments.