"Marc. Call me Marc from now on." He grimly replied, and I looked away instantly.
"Noted," I answered in a low voice.
"Perhaps, you are just afraid that his answer might change your mind. We know each other quite a long time now Jess, long before you and Jacob happened. And what I admired about you is you don't want to lose." I frowned at what he said, and even though I wanted to fight him, I couldn't because I was hurt every time his eyes spoke.
We didn't say a word about the trip until he drove me to the mansion. I was disturbed the whole night, and all I did was stare at the clean white ceiling. I don't like the way he looked at me earlier. Is it possible that his long-dead feelings for me before lived again?
FLASHBACK
4 years ago
"Jess, I need to tell you something." I was intrigued by what Kuya wanted to say, and maybe I could catch some good gossip from him again.
"Me too! I need to tell you something." I answered full of energy.
"You have a new crush? That's easy!" I continued while waiting for him to spill the beans.
We are here in the music room of the house. Mommy invited him to come over because I didn't have anyone with me and Dad said they have four appointments today and I have no one to be with.
"Yes, I have a new crush." I gasped when he admitted, and he offered his hand to me.
I tilted my head a little and reluctantly gave my hand. He held my hand and squeezed it a little, then he gestured me to sit on the piano bench. He sat down next to me, and I shook his shoulder.
"Who? Tell me!" I lightly slapped his hard chest.
He dramatically held his chest as if in pain. I suppressed a laugh and attempted to tickle his ears, but he quickly stood and pinched my cheeks.
"You're really weird." I snorted and he chuckled.
He suddenly let go of my face when we shared a long stare gleaming with affection. I looked away and started to run my fingers on the black and white keys on the piano, playing our favorite piece, Springtime by Yiruma.
"How about you tell me first your good news, then I tell mine after you? Deal?" When he spoke, I stopped playing the piano, and he gave me a cheesy grin.
I lightly slapped his chest again and switched places to play the piece.
"Okay then." I agreed, then raised my hands off the keys.
The side of his lips rose as I let out a deep breath, preparing myself to tell him about the good news.
"Jacob and I are finally official." I plastered a wide smile then he stopped playing the piano. His eyes drifted in my direction, shocked and defeated.
He looked down and finally spoke in melancholy, "My crush was already taken."
END OF FLASHBACK
The next day, Kuya and I met in the mansion's music room, where we practiced the musical pieces. When the music teacher was not there on the weekends, he would teach me. He was sitting on the piano bench, but he was just staring at it. I don't know how to start speaking because of last night. He seems to have no plans to mention the details to me until now.
"Ku- I mean Marc." I'm confused about calling him because it's weird that I don't call him what I'm used to. He turned to me immediately, and I saw his eyes swelling as if he had insomnia.
"What happened to your eyes?" I was about to approach him, but he immediately smiled at me and I knew it wasn't true.
"Ah, I didn't sleep last night because ... I fixed a lot of things at home." I nodded once, sitting on the piano bench next to him. A deafening silence enveloped the two of us, and I felt him sitting next to me. I played Springtime by Yiruma softly. My eyes paid attention to the white and black keys as they released a heavenly melody embracing the two of us.
"I miss this." He eventually placed his fingers on the piano keys, and we played together. As the piece ended, I smiled genuinely, and he returned a faint smile.
"You need more practice," he teased, and I hissed at his remarks.
"I know," I shot back, and silence killed the atmosphere again.
"Are you still mad?" I carefully asked, but instead of answering me, he fumbled something in his pocket that made me worried. Then he showed me a small square box locked in a beautiful crimson red ribbon.
"Here as promised." I tilted my head because I couldn't remember the promise he was pertaining in particular.
"What's this?" I asked, confused. He put the box on my palm and pulled the other end of the ribbon. The inside revealed the signature of our favorite pianist on the CD.
I gasped as soon as I saw the signature, and the moment our eyes met, I wanted to hug him and cry on his shoulder. I wasn't expecting this, and I almost forgot that he promised that because I thought he was just being silly at that time.
"I'm sorry for hurting you last night. I shouldn't have done that."
I couldn't express my feelings as my tongue tied in knots because I was overwhelmed by the promise that became real on my palm. The next thing I knew was him apologizing to me because of what happened last night while I remained speechless and crying on his chest.
"I miss you," he admitted. I nodded.
Tears dried in my eyes, and he kissed the top of my head. I hugged him back, silently thanking him for making me happy. Aside from that, he raised my chin and wiped the tears that wet my cheeks. As I followed his hand directing me to meet his eyes, his glistening eyes were like an ocean of affection. It was deeper and more vivid than last time.
"I won't make you cry again." He smiled and buried my head again back on his chest.
***
"JESSICA, I didn't expect to see you here." Amy warmly greeted me with a beso.
"You know I'm unpredictable," I winked at her and flashed my charming smile when a photographer called our attention and asked us to make a pose.
"Another pose, please," The photographer raised his index as a signal, and the camera fired flashes at us.
"You look dazzling as always and look at your hair. It's perfect!" Amy complimented me as she admired my whole figure.
Tonight, I am wearing an elegant black noir long dress. It's a deep V-neck exposing my proud globes a little and my attractive collarbone. I partnered it with a black strap-heeled sandal that emphasizes my legs when exposed by my high slit. A tight black waistband detail highlighted my waistline flaunting my curves. I wore the diamond necklace that I bought with Ivy, and I let my long silver hair flow down my waist for the final touch.
Yes, I dyed my hair intentionally to flare up the opening night.
"Thanks, Amy, but you're way more gorgeous tonight." I flashed my sweetest smile, and she hugged me with awe.
Amy is half Irish and half Filipino. She's a famous model in Manila, and we were childhood friends. She's wearing a silver sequin one-shoulder long dress that perfectly details her hourglass figure. Her porcelain-like skin was flawless, and she walked like a living replica of a fallen angel.
She accompanied me through the hotel's main door, where the red ribbon was already set. Visitors and photographers were waiting for the hotel owners to arrive, and officially start the opening night of the new branch.
"So how's life, Amy? I'm dying to visit your clothing line again, maybe next month?" I modestly asked while photographers were flocking our way to take a picture of her.
"Still single Jess. Do you have a hottie that you can reto to me?" She stared at me with eagerness, and I chuckled a bit.
"Fervent admirers are already falling in line before you, Amy. No need for reto." I smiled sweetly at Amy, and I was astonished when she hugged me in public.
"I miss you Bee." She giggled like a pure, innocent child. I felt nostalgic about our childhood memories.
"I miss you too Boo." I closed my eyes and felt her warmth. It's been ages since we hugged each other like this.
Amy is a great friend of mine. We grew up together, played together, and fought together when we were kids. However, when we reached adolescence, she migrated to Manila for modeling opportunities. We were carried away, completely ignoring the crowd. Eventually, we unlocked each other's embrace when someone talked from behind.
"Miss Jessica Fortalejo, you are requested to substitute the pianist for tonight." Marc formally approached me, fully dressed in a black tuxedo with a black cloak cape covering his broad shoulders. He eyed me meaningfully, and I nodded in response.
"Amy, I'll see you around." I excused myself, and she swayed her hands dismissively as a sign for me to take my time while she was entertaining a flock of reporters and photographers.
I held my posture properly straightened as I took steps forward on the red carpet. Five guards were lining up at both sides of the hallway, standing like statues while threading my pace to enter the grand hotel.
Two guards opened the exit door, and I entered the hotel, not paying attention to the captivating designs that composed it. I did not come here to adore those intricate designs of the place anyway.
My eyes drifted to the sweet white grand piano standing idly, waiting for me to approach and lure my enemies through my heavenly musical piece. Just as I made a connection to the instrument, I heard the loud applause of the people outside, which is the signal that the ribbon-cutting officially started.
At the same time, I was nervous. I approached the grand piano as if walking on thin ice. I held my breath as soon as I reached the piano bench and opened the fallboard, exposing the classic black and white keys. I can feel Marc's frequent stares lingering at me before he left me alone, hidden in a broad gold drapery.
After a few minutes of waiting, the emcee announced the successful opening of the grand hotel. Sophisticated individuals, including politicians, famous icons, artists, close friends, and humble owners, entered the main hall suiting themselves in their comfortable spots. I heard the owner's brief gratitude speech that stung my ears like raining bullets. After the speech, the emcee finally announced the pianist's name that I substituted, then the golden drapery dropped from above, unveiling me.
I shut my eyes in anguish, and at the perfect timing, my fingers kissed the beautiful piano keys. I began a glissare of divine notes in legierro.
A woeful gaze was reflected in my eyes under the chandelier lights from above as I crossed over my fingers running on the gentle press I laid against the sad piano keys. Every press and run was like a pricking poison I wanted to taste because I discerned it as medicine for my broken history of love.
Evidently, I was telling a story from the past wherein every note I articulated was reviving the missing piece of me.
We found love, but not deep enough to sustain it like how I wish this musical moment won't come to an end. My lips quivered in pain when our gazes met as if reminiscing the long-forgotten history.
Did you look at the stars during the lonely night when I was away?
Do you smile at my memory?
Did you really love me?
Did you really care?
Do you remember your promise?
Those are the things I want to ask him through this piece. Sharp words that impale me until now. All eyes were on me, and the sullen crowd broke into tears secretly when the classical music reached its crescendo profoundly. The story's hidden meaning was more profound than the depths of the vast ocean. Immeasurable that no one could fathom its greatness, and its emotion was powerful that it could move every mountain.
At the perfect momentum, the piece climbed to the peak of its climax. I ran my hands through the lovely keys in forte. When I reached the conclusion of recalling the most painful story, I looked at Jacob, who focused on me. An ample of tears pricked my delicate cheeks. At the same time, my fingers continuously weaved together the ending of the story of us. A warm teardrop left my eyes wetting the white keys when I hit the last note. Suddenly, all the questions urged me to get the answer that I didn't want to hear.
Why do we have to end our story?
I lifted my hands off the piano keys as the piece ended. Just like how the fast-paced music ended, my interpretation of 'Do You' by Yiruma also took peace. A round of applause was showered on me. I bowed to the audience from both sides, then I locked my gaze on Jacob and his family, wearing my crooked charming smile. Jacob was standing on stage beside his parents, then he stepped down to approach me.
He's wearing a slim-fit ash gray tuxedo, and his hair was waxed to the side while some small strands of hair fell on her forehead like a curtain.
"Thank you for coming." He flashed a handsome smile I used to adore but not anymore.
"As promised," I almost whispered as he offered his elbow for me to hook on.
I tangled my arms around him, and he escorted me on stage to meet his proud parents. The crowd applauded again, and Jacob held my hand as we compressed for the picture-taking. The blinding flashes instilled in me to keep my charming smile. The emcee then gave the microphone to Mr. Fuentes, and everyone raised their wine glasses for a toast.
Marc and I exchanged furtive glances as the crew started to roam around serving dinner on the round tables. I'm sitting beside Jacob, and adjacent to us were his parents. Ms. Fuentes flashed a welcoming smile at me while Mr. Fuentes's eyes were filled with shock as if I was a dead person resurrected.
Yes, Mr. Fuentes. I love that shock reflected in your eyes. Do you remember someone else when the drapery unveiled a goddess like me? Maybe, a past lover or a beautiful ghost haunting you from your darkest past.
"I'm so glad you made it tonight, Ms. Fortalejo. I can say that what my son told me exceeded my expectations. Do you know what he always says when we are talking about you? He always described you as a descendant of the moon goddess." Ms. Fuentes curved a warm, delightful smile at me while curling her pasta on the fork.
I was a little fluttered, and our eyes were crossed by his mother's remarks. Jacob smiled at me full of affection, and I looked down when he held my hand.
I can see the resemblance with Jacob being the male version of Ms. Fuentes, and I can't deny how beautiful his mother is... like a soulful deity.
"Jacob never told me that Ms. Fuentes, but your beauty is far more than the moon goddess. Honestly, I'm a fan of your travelogue and aesthetic photos that we both admired." Ms. Fuentes was impressed, and she smiled in awe.
"Really? That's so sweet of you two ha. Ms. Fortalejo, you should call me Tita from now on. You know how I wish to have a lovely daughter, right honey?" Ms. Fuentes dramatically bats her lashes at Mr. Fuentes, whose mind was wandering somewhere else.
I studied Jacob's expression while sipping on his wine, and by the looks of it, he loved the taste of it.
"Ye-yes. May you excuse me, I will just entertain some guests." Mr. Fuentes excused himself and then left the table. That was odd and suspicious, but I didn't mind.
"Nice meeting you dear. Enjoy the night okay? Jacob, take care of your lady." Ms. Fuentes stood, and we also did. She gave us both a beso and a social hug before leaving the table.
"Jess, I re-" I cut him off because the show is over, and it's time to break off the pretenses.
"Jacob, I gotta go now." I grabbed my purse and was about to turn my back on him when he grabbed my wrist.
I bowed to his hand, holding my wrist, and shot him a startled look. Before anyone could capture our attention, I eyed him to put my hands down, which he followed intuitively.
"Can't you stay for a little while?" he asked like a yearning lover.
Suddenly, the lights turned dim, and the guests started to walk into the center bringing their partners for a dance. The music was set in a slow romantic mode, and we were left in an awkward spot. Finally, when he sensed what was happening around us, he cleared his throat and knelt down. He offered his hands to me while fixing eye contact.
"May I have this dance?" He smiled when I accepted his hand, wrapping our warm palms in a chain.
"Yes, I would love to." I customarily answered, then he led me to the dance floor.
He gently placed his hand on my shoulder blades for the social dance position while our opposite free hands were extended to the side at shoulder level. I slowly ran my hands on his chest up to his shoulders. We started to create a graceful square, completely losing ourselves under the control of the romantic rhythm.
"You are immensely gorgeous tonight," he admired me like a goddess, but sad to say that my beauty wasn't enough to stop him from cheating.
For the record, we shared the longest eye contact before he pushed me to make a beautiful turn. Undeniably, this scene brings back a lot of memories. We met at a business event in a social dance like this one. I closed my eyes, and I landed on his chest, so close I could hear his heart thumping inside his ribcage.
"Do you remember how we first met?" I stifled a bitter smile at his question. Why is he bringing that up? He should forget all about the past now.
"I forgot," I lied, and he heaved a heavy sigh.
"You were wearing a royal blue ballgown that time. I mistook you as the princess I have to escort on stage." He chuckled, reminiscing the past but I just scoffed at the idea. I don't want to remember anything that involves him.
Memories hurt, and it's useless.
I looked up to meet his sad eyes beaming with a glint of hope. We were mesmerized for split seconds, then I automatically distanced myself when I sensed familiar emotions building up inside me. So I left him without saying goodbye.
I wanted to breathe and get away from him. But someone stopped me once more as he held my hand and ran away from the crowd. I was confused, something was wrong with me, but I couldn't figure it out. We stopped in front of the elevator and entered as he pressed the floor number in a hurry. I removed his grip on my hand, and he eventually released me. He broke the deafening silence surrounding us.
"Jess, we need to talk." I nodded at what he said and hugged myself when I felt cold.
Later, he took off his tuxedo jacket and placed it on my shoulder.
"You don't have to," I refused, but he held both of my shoulders so I could face him. He slowly reached for my cheek and felt its heat. In shock, I took his hand away and avoided his eyes.
"You better organize all your thoughts because I don't want to waste my time on nonsense," I said hard, straight at the emptiness.
I decided to lead the way heading to the hotel's balcony for a better atmosphere. After stabilizing my breathing, I sat on the white marble chair overlooking the incredible city lights and the spiky black skies, cursing the seas by the hemispheric winds.
I felt him sitting next to me. He stared warmly at me as I sat coldly and focused on the flickering city lights.
"Babe, please let me explain." I let out an exasperated sigh at his cliche request. I scoffed at his audacity of calling me by that endearment. There's still a ring on it but... A ROTTEN ONE!
"I'm sorry." I clenched my fist in the dress as he began to speak.
"I admit it, I was wrong. I hurt you, I made you cry... I cheated on you. That's why, I'm really sorry." My angry eyes squinted on his moistened eyes where the light was reflected on them.
"I have no good reason why I did that. Whatever reason I'll say, I know it's not enough to justify my sin. I am still wrong." My knees trembled when his eyes pooled in tears.
I couldn't stand it, so I stood up and turned my back on him again. I left his side and walked away, but I was only a few steps away when he locked me in his arms. I struggled in his embrace, but he would not let me go. I hate to admit it, but it's all coming back to me now, and I'm scared.
"I'm sorry, but I still love you. I know it's selfish, but I can't do anything about it. I'm already losing my mind the moment we met again, and I'm about to lose my mind all over again if I let you go. I still love you so much, until now." Tears welled up in my eyes as he uttered the infamous line I never expected to hear tonight.
"Let me go." I broke into tears and started punching his chest.
"YOU DON'T LOVE ME! Because if you love me, you shouldn't have thought of cheating on me!" I cried at him. Enough reason for him to let me go.
"Jess, I know everything!"
"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!" My hoarse voice screamed at him to release all the weight inside my chest.
FLASHBACK
3 years ago
It was completely dark when I woke up. I barely managed to move my fingers, and my knee jerked in excruciating pain. I felt extreme pain all over my body, and I touched my head with a thick bandage surrounding it. I groped and tried to undo it, but I stopped when I felt a stinging pain in my head as memories flashed back like fast-paced motion pictures.
I rushed into the car and slammed the steering wheel, crying after I heard it all. I started to turn on the engine and floored the accelerator flying for my life, away from those treacherous persons that caused my broken heart.
Tears overflowed from my eyes, blinding my vision, and before I knew it, a truck was rapidly approaching West. In one blink of an eye, I heard the clattering of metals and the loud crash of the car.
Reluctantly, my trembling hands reached for my eyes, and tears pricked my cheeks when I removed the circular bandage covering my sight.
"Why can't I see anything?"
END OF FLASHBACK
"I'm really sorry." He tried to hold my hand, but I swatted it away instantly.
"YOUR SORRY WILL NOT CHANGE ANYTHING! DON'T TOUCH ME!" I yelled into his face, full of hatred and resentment.
"If not just for the cornea transplant I got-"
"From my cousin."