My Journey to Your's

Chapter 5: She's Mine

Everyone treated Mira well, except for Jade, who was secretly smitten but too stubborn to admit it. He was determined to remain aloof, much to his own detriment.

“Hey, you! What did I tell you about my stuff?!” Jade snapped at Mira, his voice sharper than he intended.

"Ay kalabaw!” Mira retorted, equally surprised and a little amused by his outburst.

“Don’t I have to repeat myself? Keep your hands off my things!” Jade growled, his irritation bubbling over.

“Wow, just wow! I’m helping you out, and you’re giving me attitude? If you keep acting like this, you’re gonna drive everyone crazy!” Mira shot back, a playful smirk on her face.

“You…” Jade started, his temper flaring.

“Be calm sir, anger will give you wrinkles. My bad, hmmm,” Mira said with a teasing wink before sauntering off.

Mira had no idea how much that little exchange had rattled Jade.

He stood there, stunned, mouth slightly open.

“Mr. Alejandro, congratulations!” Carlo chuckled, watching the scene unfold.

“Carlo?…You’ve been watching this?” Jade blurted, startled.

“What’s gotten into you, Alex? You’re not yourself. But hey, it’s kinda entertaining. Looks like you’ve finally met your match!” Carlo grinned happily.

“Looks like someone’s about to lose a bet, and…”

“Bro, what do I do?…I’m head over heels for her. I think I’m in love,” Jade confessed, his voice serious.

“What did you say, You’re falling for her!?” Carlo asked, eyes wide.

“But why are you being such a jerk to her?”

“You’re my best friend, I’m serious, bro…Laugh at me, call me crazy.I don’t even know how to talk to her normally. I’m terrified, bro.” Jade admitted

“Oh my God! I can’t believe you just said that!” Carlo replied, equally serious.

“I’m serious! What do I do?!” Jade pleaded, sinking to the floor.

“You’re completely smitten. I’ve never seen you like this. Just follow your heart bro.” Carlo advised.

Two weeks later…

“Alex changed, He’s not the same guy anymore,” Jiro observed.

“Seriously, the spoiled brat guy becomes all quiet and thoughtful. No more Mr. Grumpy-pants,” Jay added.

“I know why. Wanna hear it?” Cj said mysteriously.

“Dr. Phil, we forgot you were here!” Brix laughed.

Cj is a Psychologist,he graduated as a cumlaude in UP Diliman.

“I’ve noticed you staring at Alex, and I know you’ve figured it out, so spill it,” Brix added.

“Iron melts even the hardest." Cj began, dramatically.

“Cj, get to the point! We’re not following your cryptic pronouncements,” Jay interrupted.

“He’s in love,” Cj stated.

“What?! The great Alejandro is in love!?…Who? With whom?!” Jiro gasp.

“Awesome news indeed! And he’ll finally understand what love is …” Brix said.

“You guys are deep in conversation. What’s the big deal?” Carlo asked, approaching unnoticed.

“We’re talking about Alex’s, he changed. You know what’s up, Carlo?” Jiro asked.

Carlo was stumped, but thankfully Clarence arrived just in time.

“Guys, eating time! Mira and I made a feast.” Clarence announced.

“Okay, let’s eat. I’m starving!” Brix said, jumping up.

“I’ll call Alex. Where is he?” Carlo asked.

“View deck,” Jay replied.

“Bro Carlo, if you're not here in five minutes, we're eating without you!” Brix called out.

Jiro was shocked by the food on the table.

“What’s the occasion? A food fest?” Jiro asked, bewildered.

“This smells amazing!” Brix exclaimed.

“It’s Mira’s mom’s birthday,” Clarence explained.

On the view deck, Jade sat alone, lost in thought.

FLASH BACK…

...a week earlier…

“Who’s in on my bet with Brix?” Cj asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“What’s the bet, and what’s the prize?” Jay asked, intrigued.

“Cj and I bet that whoever falls for the ‘yacht princess’ first has to pay. The penalty? If they get married, the loser finds the best wedding planner,” Brix explained.

“Wow, you guys are betting on our princess. I’m out. I love my girlfriend,” Jay said, smiling.

“You guys are crazy! I’m out too. Much more fun to watch,” Jiro laughed.

“Alex, wanna join the fun?” he added.

“Deal. I said I’m changing, but... But I’m sure she’ll be the one falling, not me,” Jade said confidently.

“I’m betting on Alex. If Mira falls for him, I’ll become a monk!” Jiro declared, laughing.

“What? You’ll become a monk?!” they all exclaimed, erupting in laughter.

“I’m serious!” Jiro insisted.

“Okay, we’ll be the judges,” Carlo said, still laughing.

******

Lost in thought about the bet, Jade didn’t notice Carlo's approach.

“Alex,” Carlo called, but Jade didn’t react, staring out at the ocean.

“Alex,” Carlo tried again. Still nothing.

“Alex. What’s wrong with him?” Carlo worried, watching his friend.

“Mr. Jaiden Alexis Alejandro!” Carlo called out loudly.

“A..what?…Bro Carlo, you scared me! You’ve been here for a while?” Jade said, startled.

“Alex, tell me the truth. Are you sick?” Carlo asked, concerned.

“No, I’m not sick, bro,” Jade replied.

“But you’ve been acting…off. We’re worried about you,” Carlo said seriously.

“Carlo, I completely lost that bet. I’m in love with Mira, and I’ve never felt this way before,” Jade confessed.

“Seriously?” Carlo asked, stunned.

“Yes, bro. I’m ready to change, and if I lose her…my life is meaningless. But right now, I don’t deserve her…

I’ve decided, I’m going to become a better person, someone worthy of her,” Jade said, his voice resolute.

“Wow!…I think you’re truly in love,” Carlo said, a huge grin spreading across his face.

“Someday, if God permits , I’ll tell the whole world that I love her. That she’s mine, and she’s my girl,” Jade said, a genuine smile finally gracing his lips.

“Oh let's see, right, we’re supposed to eat,” Carlo reminded him.

Silence descended as they entered the kitchen.

“I thought you guys already ate?” Carlo asked, breaking the quiet.

“Why so much food?” Jade asked, looking at the spread.

“Ah…well, sir…sorry, I made a lot. I’ll pay you back when we get off,” Mira stammered.

“Sinabi ko bang bayaran mo?” Jade said, a soft smile playing on his lips as he took a seat.

“It’s her mom’s birthday, and she always cooks a huge feast,” Jiro explained.

They all sat down. Carlo led the prayer.

“Alright, dig in,” Jade said, a hint of something new in his voice – warmth.

“From now on, the kitchen is yours. Cook whatever you want. Just don’t waste any food…” he added, his gaze lingering on Mira for a moment longer than necessary.

“Happy birthday pala sa mama mo,” Jade said, the smile this time fully visible.