SCENE 60
ASIAN MEDICAL AND HEALTH CENTER
Monday
7:45 A.M.
Doreen: Ano ang nangyayari sa inyong dalawa ni Max, Asher? May problema ba kayo?
Doreen bluntly asked Asher as they waited for the elevator in the lobby of AMHC. The hospital was not yet busy of visitors and the two of them were the only ones waiting for the elevator.
Doreen’s question caught Asher off-guard. Asher spared Doreen a wary look before answering…
Asher: Problema? Kaming dalawa ni Max may problema? Wala. Wala kaming problema ni Max, Doreen.
Doreen: Really? Wala talaga kayong problema ni Max? Paki paliwanag mo nga sa akin Asher kung bakit kayo nag-iiwasan sa isa’ isa ni Max.
Kasi nitong mga nga nakaraang araw ay napapansin ko lang naman na kung hindi rin lang talaga kailangan ay hindi ka lalapitan o kakausapin ni Max. Ni ayaw nga niyang mapalapit sa iyo. At kung ganoon si Max sa iyo ay ganoon din ka rin naman sa kanya.
Both of you are giving each other the cold shoulder…to put it bluntly Asher.
An irritated Doreen explained as they entered the elevator.
Asher let out a nervous laugh and said…
Asher: Ano na naman ba ang pumasok diyan sa isipan mo, Doreen? Gumagana na naman ang imagination mo.
Wala talaga kaming problema ni Max. And for your information, hindi kami nag-iiwasan sa isa’t isa. Siguro pareho lang kaming masyadong nag-aalala kay Tito Miguel kaya hindi namin nabibigyan ng pansin ang isa’t isa. Parehong naka-focus ang attention namin kay Tito Miguel.
Doreen: Hmmmph!
Kung talagang nag-aalala lamang kayo kay Tito Miguel, hindi ba mas dapat na kayong dalawa ang mag-damayan sa panahong ito? Mas ngayon ninyo kailangan ang bawat isa.
Pero sa tingin ko at sa paningin na rin ng iba, mas gusto mo pa ang damayan ka ni Lance o kaya ni AZ kaysa ni Max.
At parang balewala lang ito kay Max. Parang walang pakialam si Max kung si Lance o AZ ang mas gusto mo na kasama.
May tanong lang ako Asher. Sino ba talaga ang nobyo mo? Si Max hindi ba? Hindi si Lance. At hindi rin si AZ.
A more annoyed Doreen hissed.
Asher tried to make light of the tensed situation by teasing…
Asher: Alam mo Doreen hindi ko alam kung ano ang mga kinakain mo kung kaya’t napaka-fertile ng imagination mo. Masyado mong binibigyan ng kahulugan ang mga inaakala mong hindi magandang namamagitan sa aming dalawa ni Max maski sa katotohanan ay wala naman.
We are okay Doreen. There’s nothing for you to worry about. I can assure you that everything is totally fine between Max and I.
Doreen: Hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang mga kinakain mo Asher nitong mga nagdaan na araw kung kaya at ganyan kamanhid ang iyong pakiramdam.
Oh! Wait! Nakalimutan ko. Hindi ka nga pala kumakain ng mabuti magmula ng maaksidente si Tito Miguel. Kaya siguro nagiging bato iyang puso at isip mo.
At para sabihin ko sa iyo hindi lang ako ang nakakapuna ng namamagitan sa inyo ni Max. Pati na rin sina Becky, Yaya Anita at Mang Caloy ay nagtatanong na rin.
Bakit nga pala hindi mo tanungin si Yaya Anita kung ano ang mga niluluto at ipinapakain niya sa amin kaya napaka-fertile ng imagination namin.
At bakit hindi mo rin subukan muli na kumain ng mga niluluto niya? Baka kasi sakaling magkaroon ng sustansya iyang nagiging malnourished mong isip at puso. Masyado mo na kasing dina-diet Asher. Hindi na maganda.
A visibly distressed Doreen sarcastically snapped back at Asher as she stepped out of the elevator, walked away, and left behind a stunned but remorseful Asher.
***************************
SCENE 61
ASIAN MEDICAL AND HEALTH CENTER
Monday
8:10 A.M.
Asher gently entered the room and was surprised to see Max already inside.
Earlier that morning, Max dropped her and Doreen in front of the lobby of the hospital before he drove off to park the car.
“He must have used another route to get here. He really could not bear to be with me. How he must hate me,” mused Asher.
The only sounds that could be heard inside the room were the bleeps from the machines attached to her Tito Miguel. Other than these, the room was quiet although the curtains at the windows were drawn back to let the sun’s rays in.
Miguel Costa Blanca’s still unconscious figure was visibly pale under the morning light. Asher felt a tightness in her chest.
Max sat beside the bed, his head bent. He was engrossed in reading and studying some notes in a folder on his lap.
It was during rare moments like this, with Max unaware of her presence, that Asher allowed herself to feast her eyes on the sight of him. She lovingly looked at him and noted how the cream knit polo shirt paired with a well-worn, faded pair of denim pants accentuated his masculinity. She memorized every inch of his handsome face because she knew that these were the only ones she would have of him in the future.
She ached for what could have been between them but steeled herself. She could not afford to be weak at this time. Soon it would be over.
Max lifted his head when he heard the soft click of the door being closed.
The expression on his face drastically changed when he saw Asher. He became cold and remote.
He closed the folder on his lap, stood up, and started to leave the room without even acknowledging the presence of Asher.
Asher: Max, do you have a minute or two so we can talk? There is something that we need to discuss and it won’t take that long.
Asher softly called before Max could open the door.
Max looked back at Asher, his face expressionless and then asked…
Max: What is it that you want to talk about Ms. Tuazon?
Asher felt a twinge of pain because of how Max addressed her. “So we are back from where we started,” Asher thought sadly.
Asher: Kinausap kasi ako ni Doreen kanina. Tinanong niya sa akin kung may problema ba daw sa pagitan nating dalawa. Napapansin daw kasi niya na tila nag-iiwasan tayo sa isa’ isa.
Max: And what did you say?
Inquired Max, his brows knitted.
Asher: Sinabi ko sa kanya na wala tayong problema. Na okay tayong dalawa at we are not avoiding each other’s company. Ipinaliwanag ko rin sa kanya na kung madalang man na tayo ay mag-usap, it is because we are both focused on Tito Miguel.
Max: Ayun naman pala. You explained your reasons to Doreen. So ano ang dapat pa nating pag-usapan?
Asher sensed Max receding patience, and before she lost her nerves Asher answered…
Asher: Can we at least be civil to each other, Max? Especially when other people are around.
Nabanggit din kasi sa akin ni Doreen na hindi lang siya ang nakakapansin ng coldness natin sa isa’t isa. Pati na rin ang ibang mga tao sa paligid natin like Becky, Yaya Anita and Mang Caloy. Even them are asking the same questions.
Max’s lips twisted into a sneer. He said…
Max: We are civil to each other Ms. Tuazon. How much more civil do you want us to get? The lovey-dovey kind of civil? Just like before? Never again Ms. Tuazon!
Actually you could have told Doreen the truth. It would have been easier and liberating for you.
Asher: What truth?
Max: The truth about us. The truth that you were never in loved with me and it is somebody else that you truly love. The truth that it was all an act on your part. The truth that for you I am simply a hired bodyguard.
Doreen would have understood because she is aware from the very beginning of our plans to catch your stalker.
But then on second thought, why am I not surprised by your answer? Because that’s very typical of you…always taking the easy way out. You don’t want to be accountable for your actions and you never want to face the consequences of your decisions. It is easier for you to lie about everything.
Of course, who can blame you? You don’t want your immaculate image…the saintly image of the great Asher Tuazon to be tainted. And that would be the case once the public learns about your deceit. Am I right, Ms. Tuazon?
Asher: I really can’t have a sensible and decent conversation with you Max. I was hoping that you’d be mature and reasonable once you learn about other people’s opinion on us.
Guess what? I was wrong. You’re not only being immature and unreasonable…you are very insulting!
Hindi ka pa rin ba nakaka-move on sa mga nalaman mo? Hanggang ngayon pa rin ba bitter ka pa rin kasi hindi matanggap ng ego mo?
Asher retaliated. She wanted to hurt Max as much as he hurt her with his words.
Max snarled…his upper lips curled…his face ominous.
Max: I am insulting? Really? Oh come on Ms. Tuazon. And what about you? Resorting to name-calling again?
Biiter ako? Yes I am. But not because of the reasons you think…like I haven’t moved on or I am still in love with you. I am bitter because you taught me a very good lesson in love. Never trust a woman with an angelic face. Sometimes they are the ones who will hurt you the most.
And what does your deceit make of you Asher? Shall I say acrid…”mapakla”? Do you know the meaning of the word “mapakla”, Asher? Hinog sa pilit! That’s what you are!
Mapakla ka kasi pilit at panay pagkukunwari lamang ang ipinakita mong pagmamahal sa akin. You made a fool out of me because I believed you.
You must remember too Asher na may mapapait na masarap pa rin na kainin. Pero kapag mapakla, mahirap itong lunukin.
Know what? This conversation is regressing and demeaning. Let’s simply stop. You gave Doreen your reasons. Let’s leave it at that.
By the way, before I forget. I will be gone tomorrow. Don’t worry. I have added security men to look after you and the family. They’ll be discreet so no one will notice. I will be back on Wednesday.
Kung wala ka ng sasabihin I have to leave. I have a job to do.
Asher: There’s no need for that.
Asher replied. Her voice laced with uncertainty and hurt.
Max: No need for what? For me to be gone? Already missing my company? I don’t think so. That’s just boredom on your part. You have plenty of company to keep you entertained.
Asher: Bilib talaga ako sa ego mo Max. Akala mo lahat ay tungkol sa iyo. Pero it’s not about you Mr. Anderson.
It is about the added security men I am talking about. There is no need for them. I can take care of myself. I will be perfectly fine without you.
Max: You totally misunderstood me Miss Tuazon. It is not you that I am concerned about.
You can go to hell for all I care!
I am doing this for my godfather, for Ninong Miguel! I am doing this in deference to his wishes. He trusts me to keep you safe and I’ll be damned if I will let him down.
Alam kong hindi ako mapapatawad ni Ninong kapag may masamang mangyari sa iyo.
Good day Miss Tuazon! See you around.
And with that Max left the room without a backward glance.
Tears welled up in Asher’s eyes. Her vision blurred. She could barely see Max’s departing figure.
Max’s words deeply hurt and cut her to the core. But his apparent indifference to her was far much worse than she could ever bear. It was killing her. Because even if both of them appeared to be indifferent to each other her indifference was only an act while his was real.
Love and hate…such deep twin emotions…each the flipside of the other. Asher rather preferred that Max hated her. At least he felt something for her. But being indifferent to her…there’s nothing at all
*********************************
SCENE 62
Manila Yacht Club
Monday
9:15 A.M.
“What’s up ‘cuz?,” inquired Johannes as he handed AZ a tall cup of steaming coffee.
“The sky,” responded AZ with a sheepish grin on his handsome face. Then he continued “Thanks for the coffee.”
The sky was clear and cloudless, its bright blue color reflected on the calm, salty waters of the Manila Bay. The sun was like a huge fireball in the sky.
A mild breeze was causing the sails of some of the sailboats docked at the marina to flap in mid-air. It was a perfect day for sailing and it looked like that some privileged ones who could afford not to work on a Monday had taken advantage of the situation. A few yachts and sailboats of different shapes and colors had already dotted the bay on the horizon, although there were several of them still tied at the docks.
AZ was lounging on one of the wooden benches that faced the docks. He was also observing the man who was preparing the yacht that he and Johannes would ride that day.
Both he and his cousin were appropriately dressed for such activity. While AZ was clad in mint green, short-sleeved knit polo shirt and camouflaged cargo shorts, Johannes wore a white muslin shirt over a blue and white plaid walking shorts, and a pair of dark grey loafers.
Johannes: He..he..he..he…very funny AZ.
Johannes replied sarcastically as he sat down beside AZ. He then continued…
Johannes: It has to be good AZ. I mean your reason why you want to talk to me today. Today is Monday and Monday is a working day for me.
AZ: Do I really need to give you a valid reason to see you, cousin? What if I simply tell you that I miss you? Will that satisfy you?
Johannes: Miss me? You must be kidding. Why don’t you try telling that to the marines considering we are now here in the marina?
AZ laughed out loud, causing some seagulls that were on the ramps of nearby docks to fly away.
AZ: Iyan na nga ang sinasabi ko. Believe it or not Johannes but I really do miss you…your acerbic sense of humor.
Johannes could not help but smile a little bit because of his cousin’s answer.
Johannes: Papaano ako maniniwala sa iyo that you miss me when in fact it has been more than two weeks since I last saw and talk to you. You have even missed the last two Saturday sessions of our poker group.
Every time I talked to you over the phone and asked you if you were coming, you always gave me the lame excuse that you’re busy…that you had to attend to some very important matters. It was very unlikely of you to miss our poker game twice in a row.
Pati nga sina Phillippe nagtatanong na rin kung bakit they haven’t seen you for a while.
AZ: Sana you explained to them na busy lang talaga ako.
Johannes: Of course I did! Sabi ko sa kanila pagbigyan ka na. Na they need to understand you kasi in love ka and you want to spend as much time as possible with the woman you love.
AZ: ‘Yan ang gusto ko sa iyo pinsan. Always covering my back. Thanks, Johannes. I know I can always rely on you.
Asher really needs me by her side nowadays. Alam naman siguro ng grupo ang nangyari kay Mr. Costa Blanca.
I really don’t want to miss this chance to let Asher know that I’m always there for her anytime she needs me. Ayaw ko ng maulit pa ang nangyari noon na wala ako sa tabi niya ng mamatay ang mga parents niya.
Johannes spared AZ a knowing look, his left eyebrow raised a bit. A mocking smile split his lips.
Johannes: Who told you that it was Asher’s name that I mentioned to the group? You assumed wrong AZ. What I told the group was that you are spending most of your time with Becky Aguilar.
An aghast AZ spurted out the coffee he was about to swallow and chokingly said…
AZ: What!? Sino ang sinabi mo?
Johannes could not contain himself anymore and roared with laughter when he saw the shocked face of AZ. He also noticed a small fear and panic in his cousin’s eyes. Johannes wondered why.
But before they could continue their conversation, the man who was preparing their yacht approached them.
“Good Morning po Sir Johannes. Sir Alejandro, ready na po ang yate, “ the man greeted.
“Good Morning din sa iyo Omar. Salamat ng marami. Oh, ano pa ang hinihintay mo diyan ‘cuz? Let’s go,” replied Johannes.
Johannes casually strolled down the ramp that led to the yacht, leaving behind him the still flabbergasted AZ.
Recovering from his shock, AZ followed Johannes and said…
AZ: Johannes wait! You have a lot of explaining to do because of what you just said.
Johannes: I know. Remind me to do that when we are at sea.
Johannes answered with mirth…not even faltering in his stride as he went towards the yacht.
**************************
Later at sea…
AZ: Don’t even think that I have forgotten our discussion at the dock Johannes. I hope you were only joking when you mentioned that it was Becky and not Asher who I have been spending much of my time with.
AZ said accusingly and with annoyance.
Both men were at the upper level of the yacht, standing beside the railings, savoring the salty taste in the wind, and basking under the sun’s hot rays.
Johannes took his time before answering his cousin.
Johannes: Sino naman ang nagsabi sa iyo na nagbibiro ako? I was only repeating what you told me. I simply told them that you’re spending every single available time you have with Becky. May mali ba doon sa sinabi ko? Hindi ba iyon naman talaga ang lagi mong sagot sa akin everytime I asked you if you’re free to join us or see me? Don’t tell me nagsinungaling ka sa akin when you gave that reason. Or mali lang ba ang pagkaka-intindi ko sa mga sinabi mo sa akin?
AZ: Of course I told you the truth when I gave you the reason that I was with Becky during those times that you wanted to see me. But I am not spending all my free time with Becky because of the reason you implied to the group. Ipinaliwanag ko naman sa iyo na it’s because of the feature interview that Becky is doing about me.
May I remind you my dearest cousin if it has escaped your memory that it has always been and will always be Asher to whom I am in loved. Not Becky.
I hope Phillippe and the rest of the group do not believe you.
Johannes chuckled and smirked.
Johannes: Why are you so defensive AZ? All I ever told the group was that you’re with Becky Aguilar most of the time. It’s you who wrongly concluded that I told the group that you’re in love with Ms. Aguilar.
And why are you panicking?
Anyway, it is your job, not mine, to convince them with sensible reasons why you’ve missed our Saturday’s sessions. And better yet, include yourself in convincing. I think it’s you more than them who need convincing.
By the way, speaking of that feature interview for Becky’s magazine, how is it going?
AZ: Darn it Johannes! I am not joking. Please rectify your mistake. Tell the group that you were only joking. Tell them that it’s Asher and not Becky who I love.
At para sabihin ko sa iyo, it is precisely because of Asher kaya gusto kitang makausap ngayon.
AZ almost shouted…losing his patience with Johannes. On the other hand, Johannes remained composed despite of his cousin’s outburst.
Johannes: We will go to that later. But first tell me your interview. Satisfy my curiosity. You seemed so excited the last time I talked to you over the phone.
That’s probably why I assumed that it’s Beck’s and not Asher’s company that you are enjoying of late.
AZ had no choice but to go along with Johannes’ inquisition.
AZ: Well, you assumed wrong!
The interview is going great. I am actually enjoying it. I knew beforehand that Becky is a good journalist. But I have never realized how great she is. She does her research on her featured interviewee. And maybe that’s the reason why during the actual interview you can sense her sincerity and dedication to her craft that you tend to tell her things about yourself that you won’t normally tell other people.
She is not judgemental. She accords her interviewee respect.
Johannes: What do you mean?
AZ: Like my interest and advocacies…
You and very few of our friends know about them. Kagaya ng involvement ko sa eco-system preservation advocacy. The press have no idea about it but Becky does. She mentioned that we support the same advocacy.
Do you know that she volunteered to accompany me in one of the projects of the group. The week before last, we went up North to help built a community center using environmental friendly materials in one of the indigent villages there. While we were there Becky had no qualms getting her hands dirty. She helped in any way she could. She never complained even if she got dirty or used the nearby river or an outhouse to get clean.
Then last week, she invited me to go trekking and camping. Becky told me that she enjoys nature tripping just like me. We spent most of our days and nights talking and exchanging ideas and opinions, from mundane things such as our favorite comfort food to relieve stress to the more serious topics such as the merits of having a divorce law here in the Philippines. As expected, we disagreed on a lot of things. But it was an eye opener for me. Even though we had different views on things I couldn’t help but understand and respect her views.
Example na lang ng views niya sa marriage and divorce. It’s quite interesting how paradox she can be. Becky believes in the sanctity of marriage that she may never marry. For her divorce is not an option if and when she marries. Divorce goes against what she holds dearest about marriage. For Becky, marriage is a vow of commitment, and a vow is sacred. However, she supports the idea of divorce, particularly for those in abusive relationships and for those whose marriages are not working anymore.
AZ explained to Johannes, his face animated with awe and excitement. On the other hand, Johannes simply listened silently, contented to see the perceptible happiness in his cousin’s face and voice. It had been ages since he last saw AZ this excited and interested in a woman. His cousin could deny his interest on Becky as much as he wanted, and professed his indifference to her charms as a woman but Johannes knew that AZ was in for an awakening in the near future. Johannes could hardly wait for that time.
Then as if making up his mind about something, Johannes suddenly asked…
Johannes: Ano nga ba ang sasabihin mo sa akin tungkol kay Asher?
AZ was momentarily lost by Johannes’ query that that he looked at Johannes blankly and uttered a simple…
AZ: Huh? What?
Johannes: Sabi ko ano ang dapat mong sabihin sa akin tungkol kay Asher? May problema ka na naman ba kay Asher?
That’s what you told me earlier right? You wanted to see me to talk about Asher.
AZ slightly shook his head as if clearing it from thoughts of Becky.
The excitement and happiness previously evident on AZ’s face were replaced by a concerned look.
AZ: I am worried about Asher Johannes. Something is deeply bothering her.
Johannes: Of course bothered si Asher. Kahit sino mag-aalala dahil sa kalagayan ni Mr. Costa Blanca. Lalo na si Asher, considering that Mr. Costa Blanca is like a second father to her. What do you expect AZ?
AZ: Alam ko ‘yan Johannes. Pero hindi iyan ang ibig kong sabihin. I have a feeling that it has something to do more with Max.
Johannes: Hayan ka na naman AZ. Hanggang ngayon ba naman umaasa ka pa?
AZ: I can’t really explain it. Enough for me to say that there could be trouble in paradise.
These past few days that I have been around them I sensed an undercurrent tension between them. They were avoiding each other…particularly Asher. Most of the time, she sought my company or that of Lance’s.
Johannes: And what about Max? Isn’t he supposed to be the one consoling her on these trying times?
AZ: He’s like Asher. He’s always by himself, preoccupied with something else, and indifferent to what’s going on around him. He’s keeping his distance from her. The most that he does is be civil to her.
That bastard! Doesn’t he realize that Asher needs him now more than ever? And I can see that this situation between them is really hurting Asher even though she hides it. She tries to put on a brave front but it is really evident on her demeanor. But Max seems to care less. Parang balewala lang sa kanya kung ano man ang pinagdadaanan ni Asher ngayon. Parang wala silang relasyon na dalawa.
Johannes: Could it be that you’re just reading and putting meaning too much on something kahit wala naman silang problema na dalawa? Baka ikaw lang ang nagbibigay ng malisya kasi iyon ang gusto mong makita? Maybe both Asher and Max are only concerned about Mr. Costa Blanca’s condition at the moment.
And if ever totoo man ‘yang hinala mo na nagkakaproblema sina Asher at Max sa relationship nila eh bakit parang mas nababahala ka? Hindi ba dapat maging masaya ka ng labis kasi may pag-asa ka na?
AZ looked at Johannes with displeasure.
AZ: Alam mo pinsan minsan you make me want to slug you.
Johannes: Why? Is it because I am telling the truth and the truth is hard to accept?
AZ: No…it is because of your arrogance!
Why should I be happy at the expense of Asher’s misery? Hindi naman ako ganoon ka-selfish at kasama.
Johannes: You miss my point AZ. My point is if there is really trouble in Asher and Max’s relationship, why not take advantage of the situation? You have always professed your love for Asher.
Now is the right time for you to show her how much she means to you. Make her feel your presence. Be there for her. Malay mo ma-realize ni Asher na ikaw pala ang mahal niya at talaga ang para sa kanya.
But the way I see it mas concern ka na may problem sina Asher and Max sa relationship nila and you want them to fix it. Mas nag-aalala ka kay Asher kasi nasasaktan siya.
Are you really, really in love with her? Or baka naman naging habit mo na lang ang mahalin siya?
AZ: That’s absurd! How can loving Asher be simply a habit for me? I’ve loved her since we were young.
Johannes: Exactly my point AZ. Nakasanayan mo na lang na mahalin si Asher. But you’re not in love with her anymore and probably were never in love with her. Yes, you love her but not in the romantic way, not in the way you want her and yourself to believe.
Maybe it’s about time you examine your feelings cousin. You may be surprised to realize the truth.
AZ was flustered by Johannes’ statement about his love for Asher. To cover up his discomfiture AZ then asked…
AZ: You and your twisted logic Johannes.
Eh kumusta naman kayo ni Paul?
This time it was Johannes who was temporarily thrown off by AZ’s question and the sudden shift in their conversation.
AZ: Cat got your tongue ‘cuz? Oh ano hindi mo na sinagot ang tanong ko? You think you’re the only one who can interrogate and make assumptions?
It took a long time for Johannes to answer. He stared ahead on the horizon apparently collecting his thoughts before answering…
Johannes: Paul wants us to go to the United Sates next year.
AZ: Every year you and Paul go to the US to visit his parents. So ano ang bago sa isang taon?
Johannes released a nervous laugh before saying in a soft voice …
Johannes: Paul wants us to go to the States to get married and settle there for good.
AZ was temporarily dumbfounded. Then he said with elation…
AZ: That’s great news Johannes! I am so happy for both of you.
So what’s the problem? You look not too happy about it.
Johannes: I am scared ‘cuz. To be honest.
AZ: Ano ang ikinatatakot mo? Everybody knows about you and Paul. Our family loves and accepts Paul as much as his family does when it comes to you.
Johannes: That’s true. But marriage? It’s a big step AZ. Paul and I love each other and we’ve been together for almost 5 years now. We are secured in our feelings.
I am sacred because I don’t know if I will be a good partner to him once we’re married. Hindi ba may kasabihan na hindi mo makikilala ang isang tao hanggang hindi mo ito nakakasama sa iisang bubong, hanggang hindi kayo kasal?
I don’t want to lose him AZ. I don’t know if I can bear it if I lose him.
Johannes confessed in a slightly quivering voice.
AZ: You won’t lose Paul. Trust me. Paul loves you very much. Hindi man ako expert when it comes to relationship because of my past but I can see in you and Paul true love.
Johannes: You really think so AZ?
AZ: Of course I do so. Don’t worry. Kung ako nga nakakapag-tiyaga sa ugali mo si Paul pa kaya ang hindi? Eh Paul thinks the world of you. Mahal na mahal ka ng tao.
Johannes gave AZ a watery smile.
Johannes: Sira ka talaga AZ!
AZ: That’s why you love to talk to me. Because I make sense when needed.
Seriously, I am so happy for both of you. You deserve it.
AZ then gave Johannes a bear hug.
****************************
SCENE 63
ASIAN MEDICAL AND HEALTH CENTER
Visitor’s Lounge
Monday
10:00 A.M.
Asher found Doreen with Yaya Anita, Mang Caloy and Lance in the visitor’s lounge. They appeared to be having a serious conversation.
She tentatively approached them but before she could say anything Mang Caloy saw her. The older man nudged Yaya Anita.
Yaya Anita: Asher, nandito ka na pala. Kumusta na ang lagay ni Miguel?
Asher: Kagaya pa rin po ng dati Yaya Anita…stable pa rin po si Tito Miguel. Pero sabi po ng mga doctors ay huwag po tayong mag-alala dahil any time po ay baka magkamalay si Tito Miguel.
Asher answered as she gave Lance a short smile much to Doreen’s displeasure.
Yaya Anita: Salamat sa Diyos!
Asher: Hello Lance. Mabuti at napadalaw ka.
Lance: Hi Bestfriend Ash!
But before Asher could utter another word, Doreen butted in and called Asher’s attention.
Doreen: Asher, may pinasasabi si Tita Bianca. Live airing daw ang The Best of Asher show mo this coming Sunday. Tuloy rin ang live guesting mo sa The Buzz on the same day.
Nakipag-coordinate na rin si Tita Bianca sa creative team and director ng show mo. Acoustic ang concept so it follows na puro acoustic artists ang guests mo sa show. Kasama si Lance sa mga guests.
Tatlong kanta lang ang gagawin mo. Cancelled muna daw ang dance portion bilang respeto kay Tito Miguel. One song sa opening, then duet with one of your guests, and the last will be your final song.
Ikaw na raw ang bahala na pumili ng mga songs mo. And tulad ng dati sa Thursday ang rehearsal.
Lance: That’s one of the reason why I am here Ash. Tinawagan kasi ako ni Tita Bianca last night to ask if I am available to guest sa show mo this Sunday kahit na short notice lang.
I said any time.
Asher: Ganoon ba? Thanks Lance!
Lance: Okay lang ‘yun. Basta ikaw.
Nag-suggest din ako kay Tita Bianca na tayong dalawa na lang ang mag-duet since na rehearse na natin yung carrier song ng upcoming album mo. Mas madali para sa iyo ito.
What do you think Ash? Okay ba?
Asher: Maganda nga siguro ‘yang suggestion mo Lance. At least hindi na ako mag-iisip pa kung anong song ang kakantahin at sino sa mga guests ko ang pwede kong maka-duet.
Timely rin para mai-promote ang carrier song ng bagong album ko.
Doreen: Maiwan muna naming kayo dito ni Asher, Lance. Bibisitahin lang namin si Tito Miguel. Yaya Anita at Mang Caloy halika na po.
Asher: Teka, sandali lang Doreen. About doon sa nangyari kanina sa loob ng elevator…
Doreen: Saka na Asher. Pag-usapan na muna ninyo ni Lance ang tungkol sa show mo sa Sunday.
Doreen answered in haste. She almost bumped into the solid form of Max when the latter was about to enter the room.
Doreen: Ooops! Sorry Max!
Hindi kita napansin. Pupuntahan lang namin nina Yaya Anita si Tito Miguel.
Max: Samahan ko na kayo.
Max offered when he noticed the other two people in the room. He then led the way for Doreen and company.
Lance: What’s wrong with Max, bestfriend? Bakit bigla na lang umalis at iniwan tayong dalawa. Parang nakakita ng multo. May problema ba kayong dalawa, Ash? Kasi pati ikaw hindi niya ini-acknowledged.
A confused Lance inquired. Asher let out a hollow chuckle.
Asher: Alam mo…you are the second person who me asked the same question today. What’s wrong with you people? Just because Max and I don’t talk to each other that much doesn’t necessarily mean we have problems in our relationship. Could it be that both of us are stressed because of Tito Miguel’s situation?
Lance: Hey, Ash! Hindi ako ang kaaway. Nagtatanong lang ako. Wala nga ba? Bakit parang defensive ka?
Asher: Yes…wala kaming problem ni Max.
Now can we please go back to our discussion about the song we will sing on Sunday? Papaano ang arrangement?
Lance wanted to pursue the conversation regarding Max but deemed it right not to and changed his mind. He saw the firm determination on Asher’s face. Lance had no choice but to respect Asher’s decision and go along.
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Scene 64
Quezon City
Monday
11:00 P.M.
The penthouse suite in an exclusive condominium complex in the heart of the metropolis was brightly lit.
Vases of deep red roses were placed on every table in the living room, the smallest ones on the lower tables while an intricately cut glass vase with long-stemmed red roses in it occupied the center of the huge fireplace’s mantle. The fireplace was lit, rendering warmth to the room. Above it hanged a life-sized charcoal portrait in a gold gilded frame.
A solitary figure dressed in a red shirt of finest silk and well cut woolen trousers, his hair groomed to perfection, stood in front of the fireplace and adoringly stared at the portrait.
“I love you so much! I will do and give anything you ask of me. Everything I am…Everything I have is because of you. I deferred to your wishes once. I gave way…I kept my distance. I tried to be indifferent just as you had asked…I sacrificed. And what did I get? I totally lost you.
But my darling not this time. I am very sorry. Please forgive me. I will never let anyone or anything to come between us. I promise you that we will never be apart again. I will fight for you…for our love. We belong together. Even death will have no power on us,” he said as he raised the glass of wine on his hand to salute the lady in the portrait.
He then closed his eyes as tears streamed down his face, and continued to sway as he hummed along to the melodious strains of the “Amazing Grace” that filled the room.
.