"It looks like we're having a trip to Bukidnon."
My eyes grew bigger at what Kuya said and because I still couldn't believe what I heard, I sharpened my vision from the distance and saw that the last canned coke had not been hit by the bullet on his shooting range. In comparison, at my side, I completely hit them all. It means that I won the match, right?
YES! I WON! I DID IT!
There are no words that came out from my mouth. In a spur of the moment, I jumped like a child who won the Olympics in ecstasy. It's too late to take back what I did when I saw my arms wrapped around Kuya's neck. My toes pointed at the ground to level his height. I felt her hug around my back and we both couldn't hide the smile on our lips.
I immediately separate myself from him when I realized what I've done in front of all my father's staff, including Manong Arthur with a meaningful smile drawn on his lips. Manong Arthur cleared his throat that made me remember my composure and pulled away completely from Kuya.
"I'm sorry," I hid the strands of hair covering my face to my ears and looked down biting my lips in embarrassment.
"All right," Kuya replied, not looking at me, and furtively fixed the strap of my top that fell on my shoulders that transmitted tumbling motility in my stomach. His shadow covered me from being exposed to the men around us then Manong Arthur fled with Chase after leaving some important instructions to the men on the grounds.
Kuya also left to take photos on the training ground and I decided to do two rounds of walking Charlie around just like how Mommy taught me. I closed my eyes smiling as I reminisced the feeling when Mommy was still here guiding me on how to befriend Charlie then I pulled the reins to a complete stop. I gradually lowered my head leaning my head against Charlie's neck and hugged him under the soft rays of the sun in the afternoon. A tear left again from my eyes as I whisper these words to Charlie, hoping he understands who I'm yearning for.
"I love you Mommy and thank you... for treating me like your real daughter."
***
IN 5,4,3,2,1... ACTION!
"Ivy! Hi!" I greeted my favorite treacherous friend who was currently looking at baby clothes at the store next to the spa I was going here at the mall.
"Jessica?" she greeted me in surprise wearing a smile that is reluctant at the same time.
"I see you're very excited for the baby. I mean, that's great!" That's probably the excitement you will feel when you have a baby, but isn't it too early in the morning to go shopping? I slightly pushed her elbow just like how we expressed our awe when we were friends, but honestly, I really wanted to push her with so much force that she would really roll on the floor but of course, I won't do that to a pregnant woman.
"Nah. I just passed by so I bought a little too. How about you? What are you doing here?" She plastered her signature fake smile once she put in the cart the super cute baby blue jumpsuit.
"I'm going to the spa next to this shop you know to relax, then I saw you so I surprised you. Are you surprised?" I plastered a threatening smile that would make all her hair stand straight.
She raised a brow at me then I changed my smile into a charming one as I grabbed the pink baby clothes with a cute gray hoodie and raised it above my nose to cover the moment I rolled my eyes.
"This is also nice." I fake a small smile enough to convince her that I'm not a threat, but a very good friend of hers since day 1.
She took the baby clothes from my hand and get a closer look at the quality of the fabric. When she finds it in good condition, she added it to her cart.
"I'll just pay at the counter," she said before walking to the cashier.
I walked around the shop first while waiting for her to finish paying for what she bought. Later, I approached the cashier when I sensed that there was a problem. Ivy frowned as she spoke to the cashier holding her credit card.
"Is there any problem?"
Concerned, I approached her and quickly looked at the male cashier.
"Your credit card is declined ma'am," the stout cashier replied to Ivy. I doubt if he's really a cashier though. He looks more like a bodybuilder.
"Are you sure? I just used this card yesterday," Ivy answered with a bit of embarrassment because the transaction took a long time and behind her, another mommy followed.
"Use mine instead." I confidently handed the credit card to the cashier and Ivy quickly refused.
Just as I thought.
"Jess, please don't. It's embarrassing." She lowered her voice as if she swallowed thousands of needles in his throat when I offered my card to pay for what she bought.
"Ivy, it's fine. Consider it my gift for your baby. Here." I insisted as I handed the card to the cashier. Ivy has no choice but to accept my gift because the cashier swiped it in a hurry.
"Here's your receipt Ma'am. Thank you for shopping." The cashier gave me a kind smile once he handed over the paper bag to Ivy.
"Jess, I'll just send you the money via online banking. I'm really sorry. I wasn't exp-" Her eyes filled with embarrassment and guilt as she talked while we walked out of the shop.
"Ivy, are you free today?" I cut her off because I don't want to be deaf after hearing in the morning her annoying voice. This witch is the most talkative of all the beings on Earth I've encountered. This is also her weakness that will put me at an advantage.
"Huh, why?" Her reaction quickly changed from shy to curious.
"Because I don't have anyone to relax with at the spa. It's sad. Can you join me?" Her face lit up when I suddenly asked her, obviously surprised because her lips were still open.
Brings back memories right, Ivy? All right, you should be confused and surprised because eventually, I'll be able to play you like at the back of my hand.
"Please?" I pouted like a kid while holding her hand to make myself look more convincing.
"Ok-"
"Let's go!"
I didn't let her finish and dragged her into the spa. I rolled my eyes when she pretended to play hard to get. I know Ivy very well. Everything I have, she also wants it. Everything I give, she accepts so even the man I want, she took it away from me.
What a treacherous friend of mine! I could confer her as the National Artist of Treachery.
I booked a private room last night and we were assisted by one of the spa staff to our room when we arrived at the front desk. I gestured a 'go first sign' to Ivy and she was the first to change robe in the dressing cubicle. She was still looking around at the spa in amazement. I bet it's her first time in a private room.
Because the pregnant woman had been staying in the dressing area for a long time, I scrolled my feed on Instagram and reacted to my friend's stories while waiting. They were having fun on their family vacation while I'm hanging out with my ex-best friend.
I heard the door open and Ivy came out wearing a white robe so I was the next to get dressed. When I came out she was reading magazines and quickly returned them when she felt my presence behind her.
"Brings back memories right? It's a pity Marz isn't here." I slowly sat on the couch while I arranged my hair so that I could really relax properly. But I doubt if I can relax 100% knowing that my mind is dying to punch her so hard in the face.
"Yeah! Where's Marz?" She hesitated but asked anyway. She's very well aware of Marz's anger toward her was greater than mine and that I was the one she hurt and tricked.
"She's enjoying his family vacation," I answered plainly while reading magazines.
Silence pierced the air and I know she was not comfortable with it so she really put an effort to open up a conversation.
"Jess, where did you meet your fiancee?" she asked curiously, but I can sense that she was up to something judging from her fake innocent face.
"We met on the cruise ship last year and you know we fell in love and... we had a one-night stand," I answered straight to the point as if the story I invented was a modern trending phenomenon.
The one-night stand was not part of the plan, but I want to spice it up to trigger her besides what happened between her and Jacob was indeed a one-night stand. Perhaps, she thought I wouldn't know that.
"Re-really?" She coughed as if she swallowed a bolus.
"This charm of mine, who is he to resist right?" I added and glanced at her shortly revealing my threatening look.
"Of course." She shot back a fake smile. Isn't she tired of that?
"You should be careful. Who knows Jacob and I will end up sleeping together." I smirked when her eyes grew bigger and crumpled the magazine in her hand.
Triggered now, Ivy? I'm just warming up. A pregnant woman is more sensitive, so it's easier for me to pinch her hormones but not so fast, I want some challenge.
"What are you trying to insinuate?" She raised a brow at me with those fiery eyes ready to slap my beautiful face but as if she can scare me. She quickly changed her reaction from boiling water to a confused wave, a defeated one when I started laughing in her face.
"Ivy! Oh My! I didn't expect that. You haven't changed at all. I was just kidding! Why so serious?" I pointed at her annoyed face and until now she still hasn't recovered.
I sat properly when the massage therapists arrived and the session started. Silence enveloped us again as the session started. Well, I'm okay with a silent atmosphere, but Ivy is the total opposite. She will never be comfortable if she didn't talk to anyone. Maybe, that made Jacob like her. Maybe she carried him using simple conversations, advice from a friend trying to fix us every time we have a problem, and BOOM! One day something happened to them! Really great! I'm so impressed with her style of SEIZING SOMEONE! Someone who is in a relationship with someone that is her best friend.
"I really missed this Jess."
"Missed what? Relaxing in the spa or the freebies when we go shopping?" I cut her off with a sarcastic smile while my eyes closed.
"All of it. Remember when we were in high school, we had fun walking around the mall. Marz and I. Three of us." She sighed unhappily obviously guilty and regretting our broken friendship.
She deserves that. After all, she was the one who started it all. She's the reason that our friendship was ruined.
"We should do this more often," I suggested and she sighed more heavily.
"If I didn't hurt you... if I chose our friendship over Jacob, maybe we're still friends, right?" I was struck when she looked at me genuinely.
Yes, she hurt me, but she was also my friend. She was with me during the times of my life, I considered a storm. She was there to lead me, but the pain she gave me was unbearable. It was unforgivable and she can't just persuade me with those eyes I once admired. I just can't believe that our friendship turns out to be a tragic piece of craft not worth remembering.
"That was already buried in the past Ivy. You should move on and I'm happy for both of you, especially now that you're going to have a baby... again. You shouldn't be stressed." I plastered her an assuring smile as if I was really concerned for her, but no, she can't fool me twice. NEVER.
"Thanks Jess. Can you be my baby's Ninang?" She gave me a slight tap on the shoulder while we were lying down on our chests.
"Of course." I smiled back at her and closed my eyes and the massage almost ended. At the back of my mind, the audacity of this woman making me her child's Ninang after betraying me in the past. How can I even tell our story to her child, IMAGINE?!
***
AFTER we relaxed, we ordered 1 set of Family Lauriat at Chowking. This is our favorite fast-food chain. The three of us often eat here every Friday after class to have fun and relax because we love the strong AC. I don't have a sibling to spend time with so I really force them to eat with me and wander around the mall.
Surprisingly, Ivy was pigging out and I didn't expect that. I was never with a pregnant friend before, so I was a bit uncomfortable. I gave her a small smile and I gestured her to eat more. She wasn't embarrassed at all and cleanly ate every chicken she consumed. My gosh! Should I advise Jacob that he needs to feed his live-in partner?
Gosh! I can't imagine myself eating a lot like that. According to research, it's natural due to hormonal fluctuations and the baby needs it to be healthy. Anyway, I also have no plans to get pregnant or start a family. My vision is too blurry.
I don't know, but I don't really see things like that yet, or should I say I can't see those things anymore. Maybe it's because I was traumatized in my past relationship with Jacob so I forgot about looking forward or planning about it. I totally lost that in my mind to be precise.
"Ivy, are you going home already? I need to buy a new necklace in a jewelry shop. I'm going to a formal party so... would you mind?" I said cutely to her as we left Chowking.
I clung to her elbow and made puppy eyes just like how we used to be in the past so she wouldn't reject me.
"Promise this will be the last for today and I'll drive you home." I offered with a kind smile at her naturally.
Before she could agree with me, I distanced myself from her when a familiar guy approached our direction.
"Ivan! Hey! Long time no see!" I caught his attention and the man glanced at me.
I greeted him with a tight hug and kissed each other's cheeks. Ivy was left standing there like a statue. For a moment, she absent-mindedly stared at us with surprise when I exposed her lover.
"Hi Jess!" Ivan greeted me, but his eyes were fixed on Ivy.
Tss! I caught you in the act already. The taste of your kiss in the apartment Dad owned was such a beautiful love affair. But of course, I have to pretend that I don't have the slightest clue that something is going on between them.
"Ivan I want you to meet my friend Ivy. Ivy, this is Ivan Concepcion, a close friend of mine." I introduced them to each other.
I feigned ignorance in the presence of the secret lovers. Ivy shook hands with him while Ivan was casual and not nervous at all.
I met Ivan on my Sweet 16. Jacob and I were still together that time. He's one of the 16 roses and it was Mom who invited them since our family is closed. They even teased us sometimes that we have this powerful chemistry, but we remained close friends only. I was the last to see their meaningful look and Ivan's simple smile, but I chose to pretend that I didn't notice.
"Jess, I need to get going. Nice to see you again and... your friend. Send my regards to Tito." He waved a bit and I slightly nod before he left the two of us.
Take note, Ivy was blushing and it's annoying. Ivan looked back for the last time and I caught him wink at Ivy making her more obvious.
"You! Do you like him?! Don't get your hopes too high, he has a girlfriend already and you're also..." I alluded, my eyes pointing at her stomach.
"No!" she confided.
"Jacob is way more handsome, right?" I grinned and she just rolled her eyeballs.
Her undeniable reaction is as clear as the white tiles we're walking on the mall. She was very apparent and how naive of me that I didn't catch those looks she and Jacob had in the past. They stabbed me not only in the back but in the face and that's when I realized that I was smart and a fool at the same time. I chose to go blind even though it was freaking obvious in front of my own eyes. Perhaps the saying is true that when you are academically excellent, you are immensely stupid in love.
"Let's go." I clung my arms again to her elbow wearing a small smile.
As I asked earlier, we went straight to the jewelry shop owned by Mommy's close friend. Ivy's eyes sparkled again with all the shining jewelry around her.
"Ivy, what do you think about this?" I pointed at a diamond necklace with an emerald stone on the pendant that will surely compliment the black gown that I will wear at the opening.
I was enjoying the innocent act I'm playing right now with Ivy. She was unaware that the necklace I would choose today was the necklace I would wear at the opening. And while she helps me choose, I'm convincing her how I love to take back how we used to be. And in return, I will give back to her all the pain she caused me.
"It's perfect. Very elegant. Anything suits you!" She complimented with eyes filled with envy that she was trying to conceal.
I smiled in awe. I even hugged her and then rolled my eyes behind his back because being with her in this state is the most disgusting moment in the world.
Before anyone could steal the necklace I liked, I paid for it immediately. I don't want to be in a position again, especially since my snake friend is here close to me. I smiled at her while she was surveying the store looking for other jewelry designs.
She smiled back, but I was complacent. Ivy is the unpredictable type. She gets things when she really wants them and she will take them from you when you least expect it and I won't let that happen again. I will never allow myself to lose to people like her. The transaction process didn't last long and finally, I drove Ivy to her address because I can't handle her loudness anymore and I can't keep up responding to her naturally. She really talked a lot like an athlete with the highest stamina in the field of talking.
"Thanks for today Jess. You really drove me home." Ivy said a little shy when she got out of my car. I will send this to the car wash service because it's completely contaminated by her.
"Is Jacob there?" I simply asked with my face slightly out the window so I could see their apartment.
"He'll be home later tonight. He's busy with the opening of their new hotel," he said with curiosity as to why I asked.
"I see. I better get going."
"Ahm, wait Jess. About my payment, are you sure? It's really embarrassing," she chased before I closed the window.
"Ivy, don't even think about it. I'll see you around." I held the back of her hand and squeeze it a little like a true friend, but a fake one like she once did.
"Thank you again." She stifled a small smile before stepping back from my car. I blew the horn before leaving and saw her in the side mirror waving.
"Don't thank me Ivy because I'm doing this to get back to you and Jacob." I tightened the grip on the steering wheel showing my veins as I floored the accelerator to reach the mansion in less than 10 minutes. It's a good thing I didn't catch up with the rush hour and before I got out of the car I only had one thing on my mind.
I will make sure that she will fall into my Second sweetest wile.
Ivy Nicole D. Soriano, you're first on my revenge list.
I whistled at one of the security and toss my keys and commanded like a boss in a bad mood, "Please clean this filthy car." He nodded without a word from him even though he knew that I just sent it yesterday for the car wash.
I was about to enter the main door of the mansion when my phone rang, the call that I'm waiting for today. It's been a week since his missed calls are pestering me. Well, I'm enjoying how he's chasing me while I'm playing hard to get. This time, I tap the answer button and directly give him the answer he's dying to hear.
"See you at the opening babe."