Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty Five

"I know all of that kuya. Please just support me. Kapag hindi na maganda ang sitwasyon ako na ang kusang lalayo. Please?"

"Fine. I'll support you. But please be cautious Dan. Huwag na rin kayong magpunta sa masyadong matao na lugar. Huwag mo muna na ring sabihin sa mga kaibigan niyo Dan. Better keep it to yourselves muna. Goodnight. Kung gusto mo kumain, just heat the food in the ref."

Lumabas na si kuya sa kwarto ko. Wala ngayon and on the next days sila Mama and Papa sa bahay. Business matters.

*bzzt*bzzt*

My phone vibrates. Lance's chatted me. I open it and I can't help but to smile

Lance: I can't sleep. What ya' doing?

Dana: Already in bed. Preparing to sleep.

Lance: Can we talk a little?

Dana: Sure.

...

I already dyed my hair back to black nga pala. I remember Papa said that he won't allow me to graduate if my hair is still red. Meanie! Ang ganda kaya ng color ng buhok ko!

"Good Morning, Pres. You're in a good mood huh?"

Mickey greeted me. Napatayo agad ako and hug her.

"OMG! I missed you Mickey! Glad your back again."

Mickey's aura is very different. Her confidence is oozing. Today is the release of E-Levate's single featuring her. They've done a short interview about her and I'm very very proud of her.

"Congratulations Mickey. This will be very successful!"  I happily said to her.

"I hope so too, Pres. Kinakabahan nga ako e."

"It is! Believe in yourself! I believe in you Mickey.. May special premiere kami sa theater later."

"Thank you, Pres. Nandoon ako sa press con mamaya. Dumaan lang ako rito para kamustahin kayo."

"Wow! You look different Mickey."

Ramon interrupted. Kakapasok niya lang dito sa Committe room and he's late.

"Don't worry Mickey. Pres and I are handling everything alright. Goodluck later."

"Thanks Ramon. Mauna na ako Pres."

She said goodbye. Nakaabang sa kanya ang kanyang manager. She's really becoming a star.

*bzzt*bzzt*

Lance: Where are you?

Lance texted me. I hurriedly tap  on the screen and call him.

"Where are you?"

"Committee Room.."

"I'm going there. I need my goodluck charm."

He hang up the call. Ugh! LANCE EMERY REYES. You're making me blush again!

Someon open the sliding door. I thought it's Lance, but he isn't.

"You look disappointed." Ethan said.

"No! Ano bang sinasabi mo Ethan? Goodluck later. The whole band is here ba?"

I shifted our topic. Wala pang nakakaalam sa tungkol sa amin ni Lance except kuya Sev.

"Dana, can we talk privately?"

He look at Ramon. Wala pa ang ibang members ng Committee dahil iyong iba ay nasa club meetings for the foundation day next week. Kami lang ni Ramon ang walang club na sinalihan.

"I'm just going to get a drink, Pres."

Paalam ni Ramon. He knows the situation.

Minutes have passed and Ethan is not talking. The awkwardness and silence is eating me. I still think that we're friends naman. Siya kaya?

"Congratulations on your new single Ethan.." I break the silence between us.

"Thanks Dana.. Pero hindi naman 'yon ang sadya ko sa'yo.."

He looks at me like he is pleading to answer him with the truth. Ang sakit sa pakiramdam na tingnan ang mga mata niya.

"Do you still like me? Not Prince but just as Ethan.."

I look away. I know he's hurting. I am too. I treated him as one of my real friends. What happened to me and him became different when Lance entered the picture. This illusion of mine liking him more than my idol changed.

As soon as I knew him my feelings changes. I've realised that my feelings for him still remain as a fan. That he is the one I look up to. He's kind and caring.

Walang mali kay Ethan. Sa akin lang siguro because I fell inlove with Lance.

"I'm sorry Ethan.. I can't fool myself anymore."

"It's okay Dana. Alam ko naman siya pa lang noong una. Can I request a hug?"

My tears aren't stopping. I nodded. Niyakap niya ako ng sobrang higpit. Like he is saying goodbye to me.

"Stop crying. You're not a baby anymore."

Natawa naman ako. I wiped my tears. Napatingin kami ng biglang nagslide ang pinto. Lance is standing there, looking seriously at us.

to be continued...