"Congratulations, Charles! That was a terrific performance!" I can't express how happy I am for him. The whole circuit is celebrating his win. Kahit anong team ay masaya para kay Charles.
"Thank you, Red."
He's driving me home to my hotel, gamit ang sarili niyang sasakyan. Kinikilig ako sa thought na hinahatid niya ako na parang totoong girlfriend niya. It's really an honor to be his lover, kahit pretend lang 'yon.
"The whole internet is talking about you," Hindi muna ako sumagot at hinintay na lang na tapusin niya ang sasabihin. "Hmm, graduated as Summa Cum Laude..." He looked at me proudly.
"...and also topped the Nursing Board Exam."
"How did you know that?"
"Journalists are very quick in their research. Everyone already knows your academic records, your social media accounts, and where you're from. They also know your full name." He looked at me apologetically.
I already expected that much, nabigla lang ako dahil ang bilis nilang gumalaw. Hindi man lang ako hinintay na makauwi muna ng Pinas.
"I know everything went so fast, but thank you for staying. I really am sorry for dragging you into this."
"Like I said, it's really okay. I had the best days of my life thanks to you. I like being with you, Charles. As a friend of course. I will also try my best to pretend as your girlfriend."
"You don't really have to, but I appreciate you Red. Very much."
We listened to his favorite playlist and kept talking about anything. Hindi ko talaga ide-deny na sobrang nag e-enjoy ako sa company ni Charles. Ever since I agreed to the pretend relationship set up, never ako nag-regret dahil maganda ang trato niya sa akin. Instead of taking the upper hand, he really sees me as his friend. Pantay ang level namin sa friendship na 'to.
"Should I drive you to the airport tomorrow?" He asked before opening my door. He actually went out like a gentleman to open the door for me. Charles Leclerc grabe ka na talaga!
"No need, Alex already told me that your team will celebrate tomorrow. I already booked Grab, so don't worry about me and have fun. You deserve it, really." I went out of his car and hugged him.
"Thank you for the wonderful experience, Charles." Humiwalay na ako sa yakap namin. I smiled genuinely before walking away.
"Red!" He called me. I turned around to see him leaning on his car.
"I'll see you next GP?"
"I'll see. It depends on my schedule, I'm a busy woman after all." I bid my goodbyes to him before I finally entered the hotel lobby. Before ako sumakay ng elevator papunta sa floor ko ay chineck ko muna if nakaalis na ang sasakyan niya.
Thank you, Singapore.
I'm coming home, Philippines.