Chapter 11: Where It All Began

Breakfast is one of the most cherished meals in Filipino culture. For many, it's not just about food but an opportunity to gather, share stories, and enjoy the comfort of home. Filipino breakfasts can be hearty and festive, often consisting of eggs, longganisa, chorizo, hotdogs, or even Spam. The aroma of freshly cooked rice, sizzling meats, and garlic fills the air, bringing a sense of warmth and belonging. This morning was no different for Wes, Diego, and Rich, but there was something unusual about it.

Wes, usually laid-back and calm, was moving with a new energy that morning. His usual slow, deliberate pace had shifted to one of determination. Diego and Rich couldn't help but notice how different he seemed. They exchanged glances, wondering what had brought on this sudden burst of enthusiasm. Wes was the type to stay out of the spotlight, but today, he was acting like someone who had a purpose.

After a filling breakfast, the three of them went their separate ways. Wes was heading to the Corner of Aroma, a small café he worked at. Diego had an early rehearsal for his upcoming bar gig, and Rich was on his way to a reshoot, knowing that Olivia would be there. The three of them had their own paths, but their lives were intertwined in ways they didn't yet fully understand.

Rich arrived at the set earlier than usual. He had hoped to catch Olivia before the work began, but there was no sign of her. He stood by the props, his hands fidgeting with the reflector he was supposed to set up. The quiet on set felt off. Maybe Olivia had decided not to return after the incident on the road. He was worried that the tension between them was too much for her to handle.

His mind raced, wondering if he should have done something different, said something to clear the air. Just as he was about to continue with the setup, he heard a soft voice. Olivia stepped out from behind one of the tents, and for the first time since their confrontation, they were face-to-face.

"I'm sorry for what happened last time," Rich said, his voice low and sincere. Olivia paused for a moment before replying.

"I'm sorry too—for slapping you," she said, her voice softening.

Rich let out a sigh of relief. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. This was the first real conversation they'd had since that night on the road. The tension that had lingered between them seemed to dissolve in that moment. They didn't know what the future held, but for now, there was peace.

Meanwhile, Wes was at work in the café. He greeted Brad, who was in the back, organizing newly delivered beans. Brad returned the greeting, but there was something in his eyes—a flicker of unease—that Wes didn't quite catch. He was too busy with his tasks to notice, but Brad was clearly relieved when Wes left the room to get some work done.

Later, Brad called out to Wes, asking him to join him for a quick trip to the market. They needed to buy some inexpensive sugar and condiments. Wes agreed, and the two of them set out for the bustling streets. As they made their way through the crowded market, Wes couldn't help but notice how quickly Brad moved. His long strides were leaving Wes struggling to keep up.

Wes carried two baskets full of groceries, far more than they had planned to buy. He found himself trailing behind Brad, trying to match his pace, but it was difficult. What Wes didn't know was that the previous night, he and Brad had come close to something neither of them had fully processed yet. They had almost kissed—something neither of them had expected. Brad was still trying to come to terms with it, and Wes remained blissfully unaware.

Back at the bar, Rich had wrapped up the shoot and was preparing to leave. He had invited Olivia to join him for Diego's performance, hoping that the night would help take their minds off the tension. Olivia agreed, and together, they made their way to the bar, where Diego was scheduled to perform.

As they arrived, Wes and Brad were already sitting at their usual spot, chatting quietly. When Rich walked in with Olivia, they were both taken aback. They hadn't expected Olivia to be there, and they were surprised to see how easily she and Rich seemed to be getting along. Rich introduced Olivia to Wes and Brad, and the two men exchanged polite greetings. They hadn't heard of her before, and they couldn't recall ever seeing her at the bar. But tonight, she was here, and it felt like a change in the air.

Before Diego began his set, he stood up to address the small crowd gathered. "This will be my last night playing here," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "The bar will be closing soon. Some rich person bought the place and plans to turn it into something more commercial."

The news hit like a punch to the gut. The bar had been their second home, a place where they could unwind, share stories, and perform for people who appreciated their music. It was where they had made countless memories. For Diego, the bar had been a refuge, and the thought of it closing filled him with a deep sense of sadness.

As he spoke, the room grew quiet, the reality of the situation sinking in. Diego's words seemed to carry a weight that none of them could escape. The laughter, the music, and the moments of connection they had shared in this place would soon be just memories.

The sadness was palpable. Wes, Brad, Rich, and Olivia all understood what the bar had meant to Diego, and they felt the loss in their own way. As the night went on, they sang together, their voices blending in a final tribute to the place that had brought them together.

The bar had been their safe space, a place where they could forget about the outside world for a few hours and simply enjoy each other's company. Now, as they sang one last time, it felt like they were bidding farewell to a part of themselves. The music wasn't just about the notes; it was about the people they had become because of this place.

As the last song came to an end, there was a moment of silence. It was as if time had stopped, allowing everyone to reflect on what the bar had meant to them. For Diego, it was a bittersweet farewell to a chapter in his life. For Wes, Brad, and Rich, it was a reminder of how quickly things could change.

Olivia, who had never been a regular at the bar, felt the weight of the moment too. She had only just started to become part of this group, and already, the place was slipping away. She looked at Rich, who gave her a small, reassuring smile. They didn't know what the future held, but in that moment, they shared something that transcended the sadness. It was the bond of people who had walked through life's ups and downs together, even if only for a short time.

The night ended with hugs and handshakes, promises to stay in touch, and the lingering sense that things were changing. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Wes looked over at Brad, his mind still spinning from everything that had happened. He didn't know what the future held for their friendship, or whatever else might be between them, but for now, he was content to simply be in the moment.

And as they all parted ways, they knew one thing for sure: they would never forget the memories they had made together, and the bar would always hold a special place in their hearts.