Shawn and I are on our way to his dad's office. He wanted to talk to me and Kyle about an urgent matter. dad will be there too. It must be regarding the engagement scheme.
"Tomorrow is the press conference. I have nothing to wear yet. You wanna go with me later?" I wanted to buy a new dress for tomorrow. I need a presentable one. I don't want to look ugly on the TV you know.
"I can't later, love. I have a date with my boyfriend" oh yes. One of the secrets we hold onto each other is this. Shawn has a boyfriend. They are both bisexual, that is why there's no way he could fall in love with me. Shawn and his boyfriend have been together for about a year now, but I never met the guy.
"When can I meet the lucky guy?" I asked teasingly at him. He just laughed and said they're not ready yet. I actually feel bad at them. They have to keep their relationship from people's judging eyes. Shawn's father doesn't know about so they always need to be careful because there are paparazzis everywhere.
As we rode the elevator to his dad's office, the employees are greeting us endlessly. We just greeted them back with a smile and continued heading to the office.
"Mr. Miller! You look younger, yes?" pagpuri ko sa matanda. Daddy's not here yet.
"You look gorgeous as ever, darling" we he kissed both of my cheeks and motioned me to seat.
Habang hinihintay si daddy, we just chatted a little. Mr miller really likes pressuring Shawn on pursuing me. Sabi pa niya na baka raw matuloy talaga ang engagement kapang nahulog kami sa isa't-isa. Well, sorry to pop you bubble Mr. Miller, your son loves someone else, and I'm still hoping for my loved one.
"Tito! you look exhausted" mukha ngang pagod si daddy, hula koy kagagaling lang niya sa isang meeting.
"I just came back from a 3 hour conference. Looking good, Shawn" dad patted Shawn's back and took a seat on the couch.
"Ofcourse! My son got his looks from me" banat pa ni Mr. Miller. Nagtawanan lang kami ni Daddy at napangiwi nalang si Shawn. We all know kasi na mas nagmana talaga si Shawn sa mama niya. Mukhang ang kutis nga lang ang namana niya sa daddy niya.
"Anyway, Raymond and I wanted to talk to you about something. Since Raymond still have some business branches in the Philippines, and I jave mine too, no one will take care about business matters there for a while because of the merger. It'll also need some assistance since changes might be necessary." Mr Miller stopped talking and he and my dad stared at each other as if battling who will finish his statements.
"So? You're point is?" Shawn interrupted because of impatience. Medyo kinakabahan rin ako. Why do we have to be here if it's all about business matters? I would understand if it's only shawn, but me? Nah.
Tumikhim muna si daddy bago nagpatuloy.
"So, uhm. We were thinking about sending you to the Philippines right after the press conference" I think my brain just stopped working. Shawn immediately agreed. Ofcourse, it's nothing to him. But, me?! I have to go back to the Philippines and what? It's not impossible for me to meet people from my past. Napabuntong hininga nalang ako at napipilitang pumayag. Para namang nakahinga si daddy at Mr. Miller sa pagsang ayon namin ni Shawn. Imbes na mag-alala para sa press conference bukas, mas nag-aalala pa 'ko sa mangyayati sa Pilipinas. Bahala na nga.
"Anak, are you sure it's fine for you? You're last memories there wasn't really pleasant----
"Dad, I already said yes. I'm fine, really. Kasama ko naman si Shawn kaya wag ka nang mag-alala hmm?" after our talk inside Mr. Miller's office, he brought me outside to talk. Alam kong nagi-guilty pa rin siya sa nangyari, and he's worried about me. I'm worried too, but Shawn is with me. What could go worse, right?
"You okay?" tanong ni Shawn. Halata siguro talagang kinakabahan ako. This would be my first time facing a lot of media people. I never tried this press conference thingy so I'm beyond nervous.
"Relax, love. Breathe in, then breathe out." hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. Somehow, I felt a little relief. Napatingin naman ako sa mga tao mula ritonsa back stage. Maraming mga reporter ang nandito, and flashes of cameras are blinding. Sila daddy and Mr. Miller naman ay nasa harapan na at nagsasalita tungkol sa merger ng kumpanya. Naghihintay nalang kaming tawagin at ipakilala.
"Let us all welcome, Ms. Brianna Enrique and Mr. Shawn Miller!" that's our cue. Shawn held my hand and guided me. I can feel my hand sweating, and lips trembling. Naramdaman kong humigpit ang hawak si Shawn sakin. He smiled at me, and I felt comfort. Naramdaman ko nalang na parang gumaan ang pakiramdam ko at nawala na ang kaba.
The press conference started smoothly. We started talking about our participation in the merger and the topic went to the engagement.
"When and how did your "love story" started?" tanong ng isang reporter. Nagkatinginan pa kami ni Shawn, pero ayaw talagang humawak ng mic ang loko.
"Ah -uhm. W-well" tumikhim muna ako at huminga ng malalim bago sagutin ang tanong.
"Well, it started around 3 years ago, I think? I was in comatose state when I was transferred here in the US. Shawn helped my dad take care of me. He was there when I woke up, until I recovered. We ended up building a strong bond and went closer with each other." abala naman sa pagsulat ang mga reporters, may iba pa ngang kinikilig. Wala naman akong sinabing naging "kami" ah, pero kung kiligin, wagas.
"Mr. Enrique, what do you think about your daughters fiance? I heard he's a little possessive. You're daughter never had any suitors with Mr. Shawn around" everyone laughed at his last statement. Even though alam naman ng lahat na this is all just for convenience, some really think that everything is real, maybe because of Shawn and I's closeness.
"Shawn is a great guy. My daughter never felt pain with him, and he takes care of her. There's nothing else I can ask for" I can feel dad's honesty towards his answer. He really is fond with Shawn. But I'm happy because he now let's me decide for my own.
The press conference ended with some congratulations and picture taking. Others asked us to do some kissing pose but we refused. Instead, we fed them with our sweetness. Shawn kissed my forehead and everyone was very busy taking photos. And we headed to a restaurant to eat dinner together. We occupied a VIP closed cottage for privacy.
"The flight has been arranged. You'll leave around 3pm tomorrow" Mr. Miller said. Tumango tango lang din kami ni Shawn. It will be a long night. Ayaw ko pa namang sumasakay ng eroplano, I can feel the worst jet lag.
"Where will we stay there?" Shawn asked. Did he forget about there business?
"Come on, Shawn. You own hotels there! You don't need to worry about a place to crash!" I even laughed on my own. Nagkatinginan lang ulit si daddy at Mr Miller, habang palingo-lingo lang si Shawn.
"Ok, not funny. Am I missing something?" I composed myself. Nakakahiya, ako lang ang tumawa.
"Princess, Shawn and you will stay in our house." I was shocked. I thought the house was sold or demolished or something. The heck.
"The house has been taken care of. Your ate melai lived there since we left. So, you're good to go" my goodness. How can this get even worse?!
YOU ARE READING
EVER SINCE WE WERE TEN
Teen FictionKyle and Brianna are childhood bestfriends. They grew up in the same street, went to the same school, and shared the same experiences. Bcause of their friendship, they developed something more than a friend can have. But, because of the friendship t...
