Beauty and the Beast

Chapter 3

Alden's POV

Kasalukuyang nasa isang endorsement shoot si Alden para sa isang sikat na clothing line. Katatapos lang ng first set nila at nagpapahinga siya. He is currently enjoying his food together with his glam team. Sometimes, he checks on his phone: answered some calls, reading comments from his i********: posts, and checks on his Twitter notifications.

Kani-kanila lang pagkatapos ng Eat Bulaga ay pinutakte siya ng biro ng mga co-hosts niya. Alam naman niya ang dahilan kung bakit. It's because of his tweet recently. In just a matter of 30 minutes, it gained 25 thousand favorites and 15 thousand retweets; hindi pa kasama diyan ang mga nag quote.

He knew why. It's because of her: Binibining Marikit. He will always be grateful having a fan like her, who loves him unconditionally. Nagmamahal ng walang kapalit. Nagmamahal ng totoo.

What he tweeted was just a small favor compared to what she has done for him for the past 5 years. As an actor, he is not usually interacting with his fans on social media. He wants to leave a little privacy for him and his family. Minsan kasi, naba- bad vibes siya lalo na kapag may mga lumalabas na mga false accusations tungkol sa kanya.

Pero, sanay naman na siya talaga. Matapos niyang kumain ay naghahanda na siya para sa second, and probably the last set of the photo shoot. Bigla niyang naalala na may dapat siyang tawagan.

He searches from his list of contacts and dialed a certain number. After a few seconds, someone answered his call.

"Hello, kumusta? Are you ready?"

"Hello there! I guess so, RJ. But I'm really nervous. Do you think I can really do this?" sagot ng kausap niya sa kabilang linya.

"Of course, you can. It will be great. I promise. I'm still at the photo shoot but I will do everything para makahabol ako."

"Really? That's so sweet of you. But, no pressures. Kung hindi kaya ng schedule mo, huwag mo nang pilitin. I'll be fine."

"No, a promise is a promise. Kung hindi ko man masimulan, at least I can still watch you. 'Di ba ikaw ang pang finale?"

"Yes, I am. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit eh. But, if you're coming please let my floor director know. Baka hindi ko muna mahawakan ang phone ko later para makapag focus ako. Alam mo na."

"Alam mo ba kung bakit pang finale ka? It's because you're the best and I would agree with the saying, "Save the Best for Last", he said in a sweet way.

"Hay naku, nambola ka pa! But, yeah. I just wish that you were here with me. Ang clingy ko, 'di ba? Hahaha!"

"It's okay. I promise. I'll be there. At hindi kita binobola noh! Totoo lahat ng sinabi ko sa'yo."

"Alright then, Mr. Richard Faulkerson Jr. Take care and I'll wait for you here. Wish me luck."

"Hey, I would rather say...God bless you. Dadating ako. Pagkatapos ng shoot, deretso na ako diyan. Don't worry. You'll do great. I'll be there for you, Rachel."

After 2 hours and the shoot was done. It is already 8:00 o'clock in the evening. He rushes to his car. He can't afford to disappoint her. Buti nalang may driver siya ngayon. Nakasakay na siya sa kotse at papunta na ng Sofitel sa may Pasay City; ang lugar na pagdadausan ng Musical Play ni Rachel de Guzman. It is a Charity Event Musical Play for the benefit of the Operation Blessing Foundation. It is spearheaded by Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF).

He knew Rachel for 2 years now. She became his spiritual mentor, life coach, and most of all...his best friend. Malapit din si Rachel sa family ni Alden at ganun' din naman siya sa pamilya nito. There were moments na nagkakasama ang pamilya nila lalo na kapag may special occassions.

He knows that it's sounds so ironic but he feels comfortable with her. Kapag may problema siya, si Rachel ang madalas niyang pinupuntahan. She is a good person. She is also a child advocate, and most of all an aspiring Broadway singer. He knew that it's really her dream, and this event at Sofitel might be her chance having a break. Balita niya ay may mga producers na manonood. Gusto ni Alden na nandun' siya para sa kanya. He is her number 1 fan.

Sa loob ng dalawang taon na naging magkaibigan sila, ay kailanman hindi siya iniwan nito. There were rumors going on saying that he is dating her. Bakit naman hindi, 'di ba? Mabait siya, maganda, family-oriented, matulungin, thoughtful, masayahin, magalang, at higit sa lahat...maka DIYOS. At saka parehas naman silang single.

Madalang sila nagpo- post sa social media ng pictures nila na magkasama. He wants to protect her. He doesn't want her getting bullied. Rachel is the most kindest, sweetest, and generous person he ever met. At hindi niya deserve na e-bash. Minsan nga, kinukulit na siya ng family niya at tinatanong kung nililigawan ba niya ito. Aaminin niya na she is special to him. But he wants to make sure of his true feelings for her. Kailangan niyang maging sigurado bago siya mag desisyon.

Ayaw na niya manakit at ayaw na din niyang masaktan. At times, he feels that something or someone in the past is holding him back in pursuing her. Pero, alam niya na sa tamang panahon ang lahat ng tanong ay magkakaroon ng kasagutan.

He suddenly remembers the first day that they met. Inimbitahan siya nuon ni Ms. Kuh Ledesma para maging isa sa mga guest performers sa concert niya sa Manila Hotel. He was getting ready at the back stage when suddenly he heard a girl who was talking to herself. Hinanap niya ito at napansin niyang hindi ito mapalagay. She is dressed in a 'Queen Elsa' costume with a beautifully braided hair.

She is currently practicing a line from the song, 'For the First Time in Forever' from the movie; Frozen. Alden watches her from afar.

"Come on Rachel, you can do this... 'Don't let them in. Don't let them see. Be the good girl you always have to be. Conceal. Don't feel. Put on a show. Make one wrong move and everyone will know." , she sings.

Na-impress siya sa boses ng babae. She has the most sweetest voice. Hindi niya namamalayan na unti unti na pala siyang lumalapit sa kinaroroonan nito. It feels as if there is magic that draws him closer to her.

Nagsalita ulit ang babae, "Oh My! I can't do this. I just can't. No, no, no! Nandito na ako. Kaya ko 'to!"

Alden suddenly speaks from her left side, "Hi, Ms. Are you okay?"

She was a bit frightened, "Oh My God! Oh, sorry. Yes, I'm fine. Sorry, nagulat kita."

"Mukhang ako yata ang dapat mag sorry sa'yo. I'm sorry if I scared you.", he apologize.

"No, no, no...hindi naman! Medyo kinakabahan lang ako. Yes, that's it." she said in a shaking voice.

"Are you sure you're okay? Teka lang, I'll get water for you."

"Naku, huwag na. I'm fine."

"I really insist. Teka lang. Ikukuha kita ng tubig. I'll be back in awhile."

A few minutes, and he's back with a glass of water.

"Here, drink this." Alden said as he gave the glass of water to her.

"Oh, thank you. Sorry ha, naabala pa kita. Eh kasi kinakabahan lang ako. May part kasi ako sa concert. I'll be singing as a front liner. Nakita ko kasi kanina na ang daming tao." she said after drinking the water that he gave her.

"Really? Oh, I'm sure you'll do great. Kaya mo 'yan. Huwag kang matakot. Kung sakali man na matakot ka while performing, tumingin ka lang sa right side ng stage. I'll be staying there."

"Thank you ha! It means a lot to me."

Both of them were still talking when someone called the girl's attention.

"Rach, get ready. It's time. Ikaw na ang mag perform. Halika na." the floor director said.

The girl rushes to the stage. Hindi man lang niya naitanong ang pangalan nito. He can't believe what he just said to her. Hindi naman siya dating ganun' sa mga tao na una niyang nakikilala. Maybe because he saw that she's scared. Gusto niya lang siguro na mawala ang takot nito. Ewan ba niya pero pakiramdam niya ay komportable agad siya sa kanya. Then, he went to the right side of the stage...as what he promised her.

Nakita niya na tila may hinahanap ito. Naibaling ng babae ang tingin niya sa right side ng stage. Medyo nakita ulit ang kaba sa mga mata niya. Then, she saw him and their eyes met. She smiles to him. He nods in approval as if saying a word that she can do it. Then, she starts to sing.

The stage suddenly turns into a castle of Arendelle. She became "Queen Elsa", but not scared anymore. She sings with her whole heart. Hindi niya mapigilang mapangiti habang pinapanood siya. The audience gave her a standing ovation. After her performance, she went down the stage. Nagkita ulit sila.

"Oh, sabi ko sa'yo na kaya mo eh! You did great!", he said while clapping his hands.

"Really? Thank you for what you did kanina ha. Effective siya, infairness. Nawala ang kaba ko."

"Wala 'yun. Maliit na bagay lang naman 'yun eh. Ang galing mo kaya kanina."

"Thank you, Mr. Alden Richards!" she exclaims.

"Kilala mo 'ko?" he asked her.

"Oo naman. Sino ba naman ang hindi nakakakilala sa'yo?", she grins.

"Salamat ha, Ms....?"

"It's Rachel de Guzman. But you can call me, Rach. I'm also attending CCF Church Service."

"Really? Wow! Nice meeting you, Rach. You can call me RJ."

"It was nice meeting you too, RJ." the both of them shake hands

and smiled.

Alden was still reminiscing when his driver speaks, "Sir RJ, andito na po tayo."

Hindi na niya namalayan na nakarating na sila ng Sofitel. Kinuha niya ang phone niya at tinawagan si Yoel Pama; ang floor director ng musical play at close friend ni Rachel.

"Hello, Yoel. I'm already here at Sofitel. How's Rachel? Is she okay? Nini- nerbiyos pa ba?", he asked.

"Hello, RJ. Yes, she's okay. Nasa akin ang phone niya. She's getting ready. In a few minutes, she will perform na.", Yoel

answered him.

"Okay, great! I'm coming over.", he said while coming out his

car.

"Sige, I'll wait for you outside the backstage."

Dumaan siya kasama ni Mama Ten at ng driver niya sa isang alley connecting to the backstage. Naririnig niya ang palakpakan ng mga tao. Upon arriving, he saw Rachel getting ready. She is the finale performer. She is dressed as Princess Giselle of the movie, 'Enchanted'.

"Rach! Hi, how are you?" , he exclaims upon seeing her.

"RJ! Oh My God, you're here!"

"Of course! Sabi ko naman sa'yo 'di ba?"

"Wait! How do I look?" she consciously said.

"You look beautiful. Always naman eh."

"Really? Thanks! Oh, I have to go back. Ako na ang susunod."

Aalis na sana siya pero tinawag ulit siya ni RJ.

"Rachel, wait!" he said while moving closer to her.

"Oh, bakit?", naitanong ni Rachel.

"Let me hug you para mawala ang kaba mo."

Then, he hugged her tight while saying this, "You'll do great. Kaya mo 'yan. I'm just here. Wag ka na kabahan, okay?"

"Thanks, RJ! Thanks!" she said in a few seconds while hugging him.

Kumalas na sila sa pagkakayakap. Nasa stage na si Rachel. She is performing the song, 'That's How You Know' from the movie; Enchanted. The stage tranforms into a Kingdom of Andalasia with more than a hundred casts with her. She performs very well just like the first time when he met her.

After the song, the audience gave them a standing ovation. Alden stands at the right side of the stage clapping his hands. He is really proud of her. Bumaba na sa stage si Rachel after the finale song at nagkita sila ulit.

"Hey Rach, congratulations! Ang galing mo!", he said while hugging her.

"Thanks, RJ. Thanks for coming. Salamat talaga!"

"Sus, eto naman! Ikaw pa, malakas ka sa akin eh. Sabi nga pala nila Daddy na sorry daw at hindi sila nakapunta. Gusto sana ni Rizza na pumunta dito kaso may exams siya eh."

"Oh, please tell Tito Richard and Rizza that it's okay. No worries."

"Teka, gusto mo ba na kumain tayo somewhere? My treat! Parang celebrations sa success ng musical niyo." he asked her.

"Hindi na, RJ. You need to go home. Malayo pa ang Laguna and I know pagod ka. It's okay. Maybe next time nalang."

"Are you sure?" he asked her while wiping the sweat on her

forehead.

"Yes, I am. Sige na, alis na para makapaghinga ka na."

"Okay, then. Teka, selfie muna tayo. Dali", he said as he gets his phone.

"Sige, selfie. But, you know the drill. Just like the old times. Remember?"

"Yeah, right. No posting in our Social Media Accounts. Noted, Princess Giselle!", he said while they share laughs.

Nag selfie muna silang dalawa. Si Alden sa phone niya at ganun' din si Rachel. Saglit pa silang nag usap bago siya umalis. Hindi nila namalayan na may kumukuha na pala sa kanila ng litrato ng palihim.

Maine's POV

Kanina pa tinititigan ni Maine ang phone niya. Nasa sala sila ng buong pamilya niya at nag mo- movie marathon. It is a Friday night at kaugalian na sa kanila na gawin 'yun as their way of bonding time. She is currently scrolling on her Twitter timeline. Medyo, nagulat siya sa nakita. Sinigurado niya na hindi edited ang picture na 'yun. Pero, kahit ilang ulit niyang tingnan, totoong totoo talaga. It was a picture of Alden Richards and the girl; Ms. Rachel de Guzman.

Mukhang palihim na kinuhanan ang dalawa kasi nakita niya na it was taken when the two of them did selfies. Nalaman niya tuloy na magkasama ang dalawa sa isang Musical Play event. Matagal na niyang alam ang tungkol kay Rachel de Guzman. Marami ang kumakalat na rumors tungkol sa kanila ni Alden. Sabi ng iba na nililigawan niya daw ito. Some said that she is already his girlfriend. Others said that she is just his best friend.

Pero at the moment, wala pa namang sinasabi si Alden tungkol sa estado ng relasyon nila. But whatever it is, there is one thing that she is sure: NASASAKTAN SIYA. Madalang niya lang makita na may pictures ang dalawa na magkasama. Hindi naman kasi masyadong expressive si Alden lalo na sa mga kaibigan niyang babae ever since.

Minsan lang niya itong makita na ini- expose ang mga friends niya in public. Pero, iba siya kay Rachel. Napabuntong hininga nalang si Maine. Kanina pa tawang-tawa ang mga kasama niya sa pinapanood nila. Pero siya, wala. Nakatunganga at parang wala sa sarili. Napansin siya ng kapatid na si Nico.

"Uy, Meng! Anong nangyari sa'yo? Okay ka lang?", tanong nito sa kanya habang kumakain ng popcorn.

"Oo nga eh. Kanina pa kami tawang tawa dito oh. Buti pa si Matti nakikisali. Ikaw diyan, deadma lang", napansin siya ng Ate Nikki niya.

"Ahhh, wala 'to. Medyo masakit lang ang ulo ko.", pagsisinungaling niya sa mga ito.

"Oh, kanina pag- alis namin ng Tatay mo, okay ka naman. Ang saya saya mo pa nga eh. Anong nangyari? Uminom ka ng gamot. Dean, ikuha mo ng gamot si Menggay." ,sabi naman ng Nanay niya.

Agad namang umalis si Dean at kumuha ng gamot at tubig. Ilang minuto lang at bumalik naman agad ito.

"Meng, eto oh. Inumin mo na para mawala ang sakit ng ulo mo." nasabi ni Dean sa kanya na medyo nag aalala.

Nagi- guilty tuloy siya. Hindi naman talaga masakit ang ulo niya. Sa totoo lang...ang puso niya yata ang masakit, may topak. Agad naman niyang ininom ang gamot na binigay ni Dean. Ipinagdadasal niya nalang na sana hindi nila mahalata. Pero, parang hindi yata siya makakaligtas sa paningin ng kapatid na si Coleen.

Kanina pa siya nito tinitingnan at kasalukuyan ding pasilip silip sa phone niya. Parang alam na ng kapatid ang dahilan. Gusto niya tuloy itong sabunutan sa inis.

"Kaninang umaga ang saya saya mo pa, Meng. Pero ngayon nakabusangot na 'yang mukha mo. Sige ka, maaga kang tatanda niyan." pabirong sabi ng Kuya John niya.

"Masakit nga lang ulo ko, Kuya. 'Yun lang 'yun. Ito naman!"

"Weeeh?! Sigurado ka ba talagang masakit lang ang ulo mo, Meng? Oh, baka 'yung puso mo ang maysakit? 'Yung totoo?" pabirong sabi sa kanya ni Coleen.

Hinampas niya tuloy ito ng unan, "Huy, wag ka nga! Nay oh, si Coleeng nang aasar na naman!"

"Coleen, tigilan mo na 'yang kapatid mo at masakit ang ulo niyan." sabi sa kanila ni Nanay Mary Ann.

"Wow, masakit daw ang ulo niya. Masakit, Meng? Patingin ng sakit?!" , inasar pa siya nito.

Hinampas niya ulit ito ng unan at nagkilitian sila, "Ikaw ha, kainis ka! Gusto mo ng sakit ha, eto oh. Umph!

"Uy, kayong dalawa ha. Ang ingay niyo diyan eh nanonood tayo ng palabas, 'yung boses niyo nalang naririnig ko," napansin sila ni Tatay.

"Sorry po, Tay. Sinigurado ko lang po na ayos lang si Menggay. 'Di ba, Meng?"

"Opo, Tay. Sige po, pupunta na po ako sa kuwarto ko. Matutulog na po ako. Good night po!"

"Oh sige, magpahinga ka na. Wag ka nang mag laptop ha. Baka 'yan ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit sumasakit ang ulo mo dahil sa radiation." paalala ni Nanay sa kanya.

Biniro pa ulit siya ni Coleen, "Meng, gusto mo tabi tayo sa

pagtulog?

"Tse! Wag na, ang likot mo matulog", at tinapon niya dito ang unan.

Agad siyang pumasok sa kuwarto niya. Kanina pa niya gustong gawin 'yun. Humiga siya saglit sa kama at tiningnan ulit ang picture ni Alden at Rachel. Naka akbay si Alden sa balikat nito. At si Rachel naman ay nakahawak sa bewang ni Alden. Ewan ba niya pero nasasaktan siya, and the worse is...nagsi- selos siya. Alam niyang wala naman talaga siyang karapatan na maramdaman 'yun.

Sino ba naman siya, 'di ba?

But it's just that this is the first time that a photo of them in public was seen. Parang pakiramdam niya ay nag level up na ang friendship ng dalawa. Ang tanong...friendship nga lang ba? Gusto niya tuloy parusahan ang sarili niya. Bigla namang pumasok si Coleen sa kuwarto niya habang nagmo-moment siya.

"Uy, Meng! Ano na?", sabay tabi sa kanya sa kama.

"Huy, ikaw ha! Nakakainis ka kanina. Muntik na akong mahalata nila Nanay. Loka ka talaga!" nasabi niya dito at hinampas ng unan.

"Eh, kasi ikaw eh. Masyado kang pabebe. Alam ko naman ang dahilan kung bakit nakasimangot ka."

"Ano naman 'yun, aber?"

"Dahil dito oh!", at pinakita nito sa kanya ang picture ni Alden at Rachel.

"Sus, hindi noh? Wag mo nga ipakita sa 'kin 'yan!"

"Uy, affected! Aminin mo, nagsi-selos ka Menggay. Kilala kita".

"Eh ano ngayon? May magagawa ba ang selos ko? Wala naman eh. Wala."

"Eto naman, masyadong ma drama. Alam mo Meng, libre mag walling dito sa kuwarto mo. Ang lapad ng pader oh. Gusto mo sabayan pa kita eh.", pabiro niya dito.

"Iniinis mo ba talaga ako ha? Lumabas ka na nga ng kuwarto ko kung wala kang sasabihing maganda!" nasabi niya sa kapatid.

Medyo nahalata na ni Coleen na naiiyak ang kapatid kaya tumigil na siya sa pagbibiro dito. Nakita niya kasi na may luha nang pabagsak mula sa mga mata nito. Kaya naisipan niya na aluin na ito at baka pa sila magkatampuhan. Minsan, may mga pagkakataong nagtatampuhan silang dalawa pero hindi rin naman niya ito matiis.

Lumapit siya dito at inakbayan, "Uy, Meng! Huwag ka nang magalit. Eto naman! Pinapatawa lang kita. Sorry na! Alam mo, alam ko namang nasasaktan ka dahil sa nakita mo 'yung picture ni Alden at Rachel. I feel you. Hindi mo ako kaaway, Meng. Kakampi mo 'ko."

"Alam ko naman 'yun eh. Siguro, sobrang possessive ko lang sa kanya. Dapat pa nga maging masaya ako para sa kanya kasi baka si Rachel na ang forever niya. Pero bakit ganun? Bakit parang ang sakit? Bakit parang pakiramdam ko na...he betrayed me." naiiyak niyang sabi sa kapatid.

Agad naman siyang niyakap ni Coleen,"Tsk, Meng! Huwag kana umiyak. Tahan na! Siguro kaya nararamdaman mo 'yan kasi mahal mo na siya. I've seen how you loved him for the past 5 years, Meng. Hindi ako bingi. Hindi ako bulag. Pero ganun' talaga eh. Artista siya at fan ka niya."

"Kasalanan ko din naman eh. Ang duwag ko kasi eh. Tanga. Kung may lakas lang siguro ako ng loob na magpakita sa kanya nuon, siguro ako ang nasa kalagayan ni Rachel sa ngayon. Ako siguro ang naging bestfriend niya. Pero, parang imposible din naman na mangyari 'yun, 'di ba? I mean, sino ba naman ako? He will never like a girl like me, though. Si Nicomaine Mendoza lang naman ako. Siguro, 'yung ginawa niyang pag mention sa akin sa tweet niya...is just for publicity sake. Damn it!" , naiiyak niyang bulalas dito.

"Huy, hindi naman siguro. Bakit? Ganun' ba ang pagkakakilala mo sa kanya sa loob ng limang taon na fan ka niya? Ikaw pa nga ang nagsabi sa akin na Alden Richards is the most kindest person, and has the most genuine and generous heart. Tapos ngayon, huhusgahan mo siya. Wag ganun', Meng. Tagahanga din naman ako and just like you, we just want the best for them. Kung mahal mo siya, eh 'di pakawalan mo. Let him dicover new horizons. Wag mo siyang ikahon sa mundong ginawa mo. Dapat maging masaya ka para sa kanya. Kung si Rachel de Guzman ang forever niya, then so be it. I think she is a good person din naman."

"Yeah, right. I am only a fantasy and will never be his reality. Siguro nga, dapat kontento nalang ako na maging masaya para sa kanya. It's my fault din naman eh. Masyado akong umasa pero ang totoo...wala namang dapat asahan. I can't afford to be a failure again. I don't want to fail myself again. I don't want to fail you all just like what happened before. Pero, natatakot ako. Kasi pakiramdam ko parang papunta na naman ako 'dun. Hindi ko na mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag naulit pa 'yun, Coleen. ", she

sighs.

"Hay naku, Meng. You are not a failure. Siguro, may nagawa kang pagkakamali dati... but it doesn't define you. Ease your mind. Kaya ka nahihirapan kasi you are still dwelling in your past. Let go, Meng. Move forward. Forgive yourself."

"Susubukan ko.", she said.

"Wag mong subukan, Meng. Gawin mo. Take a step. I believe you. I know you can do better than this. Basta, lagi mong tatandaan na nandito lang ako para sa'yo...alam mo 'yan. So, paano? Aalis na ako. Matulog ka na at wag mo nang isipin 'yun. Basta, ayos lang magpahinga pero bawal bumitaw. Mahal ka 'nun. Chos!" , biniro niya nalang ito.

Napangiti nalang siya dahil dito. Nakaalis na si Coleen pero tulala padin siya. Alam niyang mukha na siyang OA, pero that's what she is. Kung may salita pa na mas malala sa 'clingy', siguro siya na 'yun. Palibhasa kasi, lagi siyang naduduwag. Ewan ba niya.

Alam niyang hindi naman agad siya makakatulog, so she decided to update her blog site: THE PESSIMIST OPTIMIST BELLA. She writes whenever she's happy or even, sad. That's her chill pill. Mabuti nalang at hindi siya nagsi-share ng personal information sa blog site niya kaya hindi siya nati- trace ng kahit kanino. She opens her laptop and starts to write...

"Magic? Ganun' ang love sabi nila. Love makes everything come alive. It can turn the ugliest caterpillar into the most beautiful butterfly. It can change the world so that it's never dark or sad. But just when you think you'll never know how that magic feels like, someone unexpectedly comes along. And he's amazing. He makes everything better. He makes you smile again. He makes you believe in the love you always secretly wished were true. But then, it all ends. The magic has run out. Suddenly, you woke up realizing that you were left alone in the world. Magic? Love? Walang totoo diyan. Ang tanga tanga mo. How can you allow yourself to believe when all this time you knew it was just a beautiful lie?"

Hindi napansin ni Maine na umiiyak pala siya habang nagsusulat. She closes her laptop and hugs the pillow on her bed. Hindi niya alam kung paano siya makakatulog. Saglit niyang tiningnan ang picture ni Alden at Rachel. Then, she sighs deeply.

Nilagay niya ang phone sa bedside table. She closes her eyes to sleep. Saglit niyang pinaalala sa sarili niya na isa lang pala siyang tagahanga ni Alden Richards... at hanggang 'dun nalang 'yun.

"Damn it, Alden Richards! Ang lakas mong magpakilig. Pero ang lakas mo 'ding manakit!" , she said while tears fell down from her eyes.