2 WHEN WE MET
"Andrea your next"
I tap the hand of my make up artist and stand up straight. As I look in the mirror, I smiled. Perfect! I got out from my dressing room and stand on the platform and did every pose facing the camera.
...
"That's all for today, thank you everyone"
After the photoshoot I drove my car to the hotel where I stay. After entering the room, my phone suddenly rang. When I looked at my phone it was mother and so I answered it immediately.
"Hey mo-"
"Andrea! Your Dad!" I freeze at where I stand
"Mom? What happened to Dad? Mom!" I can hear Moms' heavy breath
"Andrea, your Dad is in the hospital right now. He got into an accident " After hearing those words I was panicking and I don't know what to do. I can't even say a word.
"Mom I will let my manager to book me a ticket righ-" before I can finish my sentence Mom already cut me off
"No Andrea. Stay there in New york, Mommy is here I can handle your Dad" No, I know Mom is already old and I have to go back in the Philippines.
"Mom I can go home right now, I know Dad needs you but he also needs me, Mom" I pleaded
"Daughter, I can handle this, ok?" Mom is strong but emotionally she isn't
"Mom.. How about the Costa?" after saying those words a moment of silence came by
"Andrea, I know you are worried but Mommy can handle this things here in Philippines" I can feel the sadness in her tone
"Mom, please. I know you are keeping secrets from me. Please spill it out" I approach the sofa near me and rest my body against it
Before Mom started to talk she let go a heavy breath.
"Andrea, your Dad and I is old enough to handle our business" before she can continue her sentence I already insert
"Mom are you telling me that you are going to give up your business?" Mom didn't answer and remained silent
"Mom I can go back there in the Philippines and handle the La Costa" but can I give up my modeling career? It's been a dream for me
"Andrea, I told you Mom can handle this and I know you already got your dream, I don't want you to give it up. I think it's better to give up the La Costa instead of your dream" after Mom say those words my tears started to fall down, I cried silently. Mom's right I really can't give up my modeling career, this been my dream and I can't give it up.
"Andrea, I have to go the doctor is already out. Take care there honey. I'll call you back" before I can answer Mom already hang up.
...
After talking with Mom, I don't know if I can still sleep. La Costa is our families business. My great grandfather owns it, passed it to his son and passed it to Dad. And now, I'm the only one who can handle it, I'm the heiress. I'm the only daughter and I don't have any brother who can handle La Coast. I can't let them give what great grandfather build just because I can't handle it. But modeling has been my dream, since I was a child Mom trained and let me join into the pageants. This would be a hard decision and I really need to think about it. And I think, I really need to give up my modeling career since i've been in this industry for 15 years. I wont let my family give up the precious La Costa. I reach for my phone in my side table and called Henry, my manager. I know this would be hard for him but this will be more hard for me especially to my family. After three rings he answered.
"Hey Andrea, you called? It's already midnight and your still not sleeping? This will affect your health" he started
"Henry, I have something very important to say" I got up on my bed
"Oh I see. What is it?" before telling him my decision I let go a heavy breath
"Henry, I quit. I will no longer be your model and ambassadress. I'm sorry for making such a fuse decision, it's just, something came up between me and my family and they are the most important for me. I know this would be hard for you but please don't get mad" saying those words I can feel my heart grip tightly
I was waiting for Henry's response when I heard my doorbell rang. Who may it be?
"I'll be right back, Henry. Hold on" I go outside my room and rush to the door
I opened the door and I was totally in shock seeing Henry in front of me wearing his pajamas and shirt.
"Henry?" after saying those words he hugged me
"Hey" I tap his back and comfort him when I felt a hot liquid on my shoulder
"I will miss you, Andrea" I smiled hearing those words
"Your not mad?" I asked
"Girl, why would I? When will you go home? Did you pack your things already?" my tears fall down seeing him so concerned about me
"Hey, Hey, Henry. I'm good ok. I can handle those things. But how about you? Medias will ran into you and ask you about me, would you handle it?" I asked while giving him a cup of water
"Gosh Andrea, we've been together for almost decades, of course I can handle all of them" we both laugh in chorus
Henry did not leave my hotel room. He helped me from everything, I'm very thankful for having this kind of manager and I would really miss her. Yes, Henry is not a guy, he is a gay. He helped me book my flight, everything, even my baggages, and files to handle. I did not tell Mom that I'm going home first thing tomorrow. I don't want her to stop me to go home. She's been there since I was a kid to support me from everything and now I want to pay it all. Every support, hard work and love they gave to me.
...
"Are you ready?" Before I can go out to Henry's car he asked me
"Yes" I smiled
"Luis, I will miss you so much" and then she hugged me and I hugged her back tightly
"I'll see you soon, Henry. Take care and thank you for everything" I saw her wiped the tears fall down to her cheeks
"Oh my gosh you're ruining my make up, go now" I burst to laugh and bid my goodbye before going out to his car
...
"Ladies & Gentlemen, now We're approaching NAIA Airport where the local time is 09:00am. At this stage you should be in your seat with your seatbelt firmly, fastened. Personal television screens, footrests and seat tables must be stowed away and all hand luggage stored either in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front. Please ensure all electronic devices including laptop computers and computer games are turned off."
...
Stepping outside the airport and inhaling the air of manila. I can feel that i'm back. Rather than going home I called for a taxi and drove to Veronica's Restaurant. After arriving outside of the restaurant I told the driver to wait for me and I promised to pay times three of my original payment. Before going out I put on my Sun Glasses. As I walk inside the restaurant all eyes are on me and I'm used to it. I know some people do recognize me but not totally.
"Yes Ma'am? Table for one?"
I looked at the waitress in front of me offering for a table. I just roam my eyes around, looking for someone.
"I'm looking for Ms. Veronica Lim" I said
"Ms. Lim? I..ah.." I looked at her straight into the eyes
"What's the matter?" I asked
"May I know Ma'am, why are you looking for Ms. Lim?" My right eyebrow arose as I look at the waitress
"Can you just tell me where can I find her if she's not here" this waitress is wasting my time
"I'm sorry ma'am-" someone cut her off
"What is happening here Gina?" when I here that voice coming from my back I turn around and face the woman standing behind me
Before she can utter a word, she looked at me with a shock reaction.
"Andrea!?" she shouted
Yes, Veronica Lim, the one standing in front of me right now. She owns this restaurant and not to mention that, she's my best friend.
"The one and only" I proudly said
"Oh? What happened to my oh-so-famous model best friend? You've been in New York for almost 16 years without going home and now you are here standing in front me" I smiled at her reaction
"Hey slowdown your voice we're in front of your customers" I said
"No I wont. How would I lower down my voice? Seeing you here unexpectedly in front of me" I don't know if the customers here in restaurant is already used to her loud voice or they just don't pay attention about it.
"So are you gonna teach me lessons or let me eat?"
I interrupt her from her moment
"Gaston!" she called out one of her waiter
"Please bring us what I have prepared earlier in the rooftop" the waiter just bowed and go
"Let's go?"
"Wait I almost forgot. I just came here riding taxi"
"What? You came here riding a taxi? How come?" she burst
"I'll explain later but now I have a favor to you" I told her
"What is it?"
"My luggages are in the taxi and I need a car to-"
"What? Don't tell me you just came back?!" and again she asked another question
"I told you, I'll explain later. Just do me a favor" and there after that she asked two of her stuffs to get my luggages in the taxi and put it inside her car and she was also the one who pay, lucky me.
...
We started walking going the elevator.
"Did you came home because of Tito?" she asked
"Yes, part of it. Dad is the reason" I answered
"So what is the main reason?" I turn to her
"They're business" I sid
"You mean La Costa?"
"Why is there any business Mom and Dad build when I'm not here?" I answered sarcastic
"Just answer my question, okay?"
"Obviously it's a yes"
"How about your Job-" I cut her off
"It's done. I'm no longer a model and ambassadress" I looked at the door of the elevator when it started to open
"Hey are you serious?"
"so you think that I'm kidding?" sarcastic, again
"Did Tito and Tita know about it?"
We already reached the rooftop and the view here is so beautiful. We seat beside the big tree here in the middle of the rooftop.
"Not yet" I answered shortly
"I know if Tita would know about it she would literally force you to go back to New York" yes she's stating the fact Mom would really do that
"But I wont, Veronica. They are my first priority and I wont let them give up La Costa"
After talking about it we decided to eat and after that we will go home. I will stay at her house right now and tomorrow in the afternoon I'll go straight to the mansion.
...
"How's the food. Did you miss my cook?" she asked while driving her car
"Of course I did. It has been a decade since I last eat your cook"
"Oh no, are you complementing me? I'm flattered" I laughed
Before I can speak my phone rang and it was Mom. I looked first Veronica before answering my phone.
"Mom?"
"Hey honey, don't worry anymore. Dad is already in good condition" I was relieved with what she said
"That's a good information Mom" I smiled
"So honey, just stay there in the New york and continue your dream" after hearing what Mom told me, my smile fade away
"Mom? Why?" I can't keep it, I don't know why Mom doesn't want me to go back in Philippines
"What do you mean, honey?" I can feel my eyes are holding back my tears
"Nothing. I have to go Mom, I have things to settle" I didn't wait her to answer me
"Hey what happened?" Veronica's eyes are on the road but I can see the sadness in her eyes
"Why Mom doesn't want me to go back here? It's like she wants me to stay in New york FOREVER. Doesn't she miss me?" I didn't hold back my tears and I just felt the hot liquid on my cheeks
"Andrea, she just want you to accomplish your dream, to live with your dream, I know Tita also misses you so much" she hold my hand and smiled at me
"Thanks, nica" I wiped my tears and smiled at her
...
After the long drive we arrived at Veronica's town house. She want me to refresh my mind and thoughts.
"You know Andrea, Just rest. I don't want you to go home at the mansion with that heavy heart and stressed mind" I walked outside the balcony, All I can see here is the trees and not so far there's an ocean
"Are you always here, nica?" I questioned
"Not always but sometimes, when I feel what you feel right now"
I looked at her intently in the eyes and hugged her tightly.
"I missed you so much, I'm sorry for not coming back here for 16 years" I felt my shirt wet and it's because of her cry
"Andrea, I do too. I thought you would never come back but now your here" she smiled at me
...
We had so much fan after our drama scene in the balcony so she decided to tour me around the place even at the beach. She told me there are lots of handsome and hot foreigners going there, I just laughed on what she said.
...
After touring around the place our last destination is the beach and here's my tour guide drooling around the handsome and hot foreigners she can see.
"Veronica you creeps me out, stop it" I tokd her while giggling
"Andrea bare with me, I just came back here and I would not let this moment pass" I found my self laughing at what she said
...
We came back in her house around 6:04 in the evening. We done some chit chats while eating our dinner cooked by my chef best friend, of course.
"Next time you will be the one who's gonna serve me. I know you know how to cook" I laughed at her
"Hey I'm lazy to do such things" she given me a death glare and I just giggle
After those moments we stayed at our own rooms. Yes separate rooms. She's in her own room and I'm in the guest room. What's nice here is the beach is clear her and I can still see there are lots of people since it happened that they held a program. Even this week has been tough for me there are still people that I know that wont leave my side. While inhaling the natures breeze, I can feel someone's staring at me. I opened my eyes and looked around the particular places near this window. After a minute, I can not feel that strange feeling anymore. I decided to sleep and so I got up from the sofa and go to bed.
...
Minutes had past but I can't still sleep. I wonder if Veronica is already sleeping. I got up to bed and silently open the door and walked going to the kitchen. I drink a cup of water and stayed there for a minute. I go outside the house. I never thought that this would be so cold outside and I'm just using a silk night dress. Never minding the cold touches my skin I walk outside the house and found my self walking beside the shore. There's still people around but I'm too far for them to notice. I stand up for a while and looked up the moon. It's so nice to stay in this place. I really miss this kind of ambiance and not full of people, bars, lights, programs. I decided to go back the house, when I felt that eyes staring at me once again and it nervous me. Not looking around, I started walking fast. Seconds later, I can hear Footsteps walking. I can feel my heart pump fast and so I covered my chest with my hands across. I can already see, Veronica's gate and I can feel my heart pumps faster, I can also here the footsteps at my back running. Nothing comes in my mind and so I run faster to reach, Veronica's house. Before I can reach to her house someone grab me from behind and carried me like a sack of rice.
"HEY PUT ME DOWN!" I shouted while I'm punching his back, yes it's a guy
"I SAID PUT ME DOWN!"
The guy stopped walking and I felt my butt on the floor. Ouch!
"HOW DARE YOU! WHO ARE YOU! I WILL SUE YO-" I felt my cheeks got numb and I can taste the rust on my mouth
"I've been watching for you since you came here, miss" When I looked at the guy who kidnapped me
He was one of the guy Veronica drool on. He seat in front of me and looked me in the eyes with... lust
"Why are you doing this, please let me go" I pleaded
"You think, I would do that?" he suddenly stand up and unbuckled his belt
"No please. NO! DON'T DO THIS PLEASE" I think it's too late, he wont listen, I should've listen to Mom, I should've stayed at New york... I'm sorry
I closed my eyes and prayed. I'm hoping that someone will come and sees us. Please someone help me.
"HEEEELLP! PLEASE HELP ME!" I shouted with all I might that I can feel the rust in my Throat
"SHUT UP YO-" I thought he might slap me again and so I closed my eyes
I can hear something in the background and when I opened my eyes, I saw the guy lying on the floor and not responsing.
"Is he dead?" I asked out of nowhere while standing up
"He's not" I jumped into shock when I heard someone
I looked at my right side and there stands a tall guy with his white shirt and shorts with his messy hair. The post lamp was facing him and all I can see is his body and messy hair. As I looked to him, I saw his fist with blood and I thought that there might someone see us here and so I grab his wrist and run out there.
...
"Come, I'll heal your wound" I face him when we reach the house
"No I can handle this, miss" I look at his eyes and smiled at him
"Thank you. Thank you for helping me out there but please let's heal those wounds in your fist" He also looked me intently in the eyes
After a few second he spoke "Miss thank you for the offer but I need to go" I think I should let him go
He turn around and ready to go but suddenly he turn to face me.
"Next time don't go outside using those kind of clothes and don't go outside without any company" after that he walked away
He even didn't wait for my response. I entered the gate after that I go to the kitchen to make a cold compress and ran inside my room. I closed the door silently and looked my self in the mirror. My right cheek is swollen and my lips has a blood stain. I hate this. My face is ruined and I can still feel the pain of my butt.
...
After that doing those things, I go to bed for me to rest. I think I can already sleep now but before I close my eyes I remember those eyes that saved me from that dangeroys guy. I can still see his face vividly, especially his hazel brown eyes.
....
"ANDREAAA" I opened my eyes slowly hearing after that shout
"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? YOUR CHEEKS IS SWOLLEN AND YOUR LIPS HAS A SCAR! DID YOU FIGHT WITH YOURSELF LAST NIGHT?" Ugh! my head hurts
"Nica, early in the morning you make my head hurts" she then seat beside me
"Hey are you ok? You look tired. What happened" and there I told her everything
...
"ANDREA WHY DID YOU GO OUT WITHOUT ME, YOU KNOW IT'S DANGEROUS, BE THANKFUL AND SOMEONE SAVE YOU" she's no longer shouting, she's screaming
"Hey stop screaming, you are overreacting" I said while trying to stand up becuase I feel my hips are dislocated
"OVERREACTING? SO WHAT ARE YOU GONNA EXPECT ME TO DO? GOSH ANDREA! Can you just sit down, it's so obvious you are hurt. Look at yourself, you look wasted." I just gave her a laugh
"What? So you will just laugh from everything I said? Andrea I got worried about you. What happen if something happens? What if Mr. Stranger didn't come? What would I do?" I looked at her
"Stop worrying, I'm already here" and I gave her a smile
"Really Andrea you really ruined my morning"
"I'm sorry then. Just prepare me a food" becuase I know she would feel better after cooking, that's her comfort zone
...
After a week, we are going to the mansion which means I will face my family now and within the week I never contact Mom or Dad. I'm so worried and I missed the both of them.
...
We entered the big and tall gate that has the initials of L&G, which is Luis & Gonzales. The guard was shock seeing me in front of the seat. Veronica parked the car and we both got out of the car. The guards was assisting me from my luggages. We entered the main door and I never thought that even this house has been a decade it's still beautiful as it be.
"Bring my luggages inside my room" I told the guard
"Where are they?" Veronica asked one of the mansions maid
"Nasa pool po, Ma'am Veronica, Ipinapasyal si Sir James" (translate: They are in the pool, Ma'am Veronica, letting Sir James stroll)
After hearing that, We go straight to the garden where the pool is also near there. I can see the other guards and maid looking at me and I can that some of them was amazed. From afar I can already see Mom and Dad talking and they are both laughing. Dad is on the wheel chair and Mom's on the bench they face each other and they can't see us.
"Tita, Tito!" Veronica shouted when we are near
They look at us happily and when they seen me the smile on their faces fades. I can see Mom's tears falling down and Dad's shock reaction. I can also feel my tears are coming out. I run towards them and gave them a very tight hug. I can hear Mom's cry. I loosen my hug and face them "I'm back" While tears keeps to fall down through my cheeks.
"Honey you're back" Mom smiled and can't hold back her tears
"Andrea you are grown up now" I laughed at Dad while crying
"I'm sorry for leaving the both of you without thinking what might happen" I said
"Honey don't be sorry, actually me and your Dad also had mistakes. We missed you a lot our baby" and then they hug me once again
...
I feel happy right now even the week has been tough to me, just wait for the perfect time don't be in rush. We may experience tough decision making and mistakes but through this we may learn lessons from it.