This Could End

Chapter Seventeen

"Why did you call?" I straightforwardly asked. If I didn't, he'd be beating around the bush for sure.

"Sorry to disturb you. I just want to know if you're available this Friday night?"

"May taping ako. I don't know what time it will wrap up," I opted as an answer. The other option is telling him to not bother asking me out and that I'll never be available for him.

"Oh..." He paused for a while. Mukhang hindi niya alam ang susunod na sasabihin.

I didn't ask why he was asking nor said anything else. I allowed the dead air to prolong and the awkwardness to settle in.

"Uhm... Okay. I'll just tell our parents that you're busy with work."

"Sure. Thank you," simpleng sagot ko. "Is that all?"

"Yes. Uh, goodnight, Kaia."

"Bye." I quickly ended the call.

I don't know what that was about and I don't care. I kept my phone in my pocket and proceeded with leaving my unit.

🍷🍷🍷

"Cut!" Direk announced.

The silence on the set broke and everyone began to hustle. I slumped on the sofa while Rowan sat comfortably beside me.

"It's Friday! Any plans?" he enthusiastically asked.

"Matulog," sagot ko.

He made a face. "Lame!"

Napangisi na lang ako. Naalis ang atensyon ko sa kanya nang mahagip ng mga mata ko si Emma na nagmamadaling pumunta sa pwesto ko. She looked so in distress.

"Kaia, yung Papa mo." She handed her phone. Hindi 'yon sa akin dahil ako lang ang may access sa phones ko. I don't let Emma hold my personal phone anymore. Lalo na ngayon na madalas nagme-message sa akin si Hades.

I frowned at the mention of my father. It's been almost two weeks since I last heard from him. One of the reasons why my life had been calm. Hearing that he called immediately destroyed the momentafy tranquility I had.

Hindi ko pa nakakausap ay alam ko na agad na gulo lang ang dala nito. He needs me to do something. That's the only reason why my father would call me.

I heavily sighed and accepted the phone. I glanced at Rowan. "Excuse me."

"Sure." Tumango lang ito at nakuha pang humiga sa sofa.

I left the main set and went straight to my dressing room. Emma knew what to do. She will inform them that I had an emergency call.

"What is it?" I asked as soon as I was alone.

"You're coming to my foundation's anniversary party with Gio tonight," he immediately commanded. I wasn't surprised anymore. This had always been the way things were between us.

"I'm still at work. Hindi ko alam kung anong oras matatapos-"

"You're the lead star, daughter. You can request to wrap up early."

"It doesn't work like that, father. Sana sinabihan mo ako nang maaga-"

"Your fiancé asked you a few days ago and you told him no."