Chapter XIV: All Her Tomorrows and Elevators

He came early. When Sarah arrived at the location for their MMK shoot, John Lloyd was already there. He seemed to be in a jovial mood. His eyes lighted up when he saw her. Or was it just her eyes?

“Good morning! “ His eyes did not leave her face. He was smiling.

“Good mood, aren’t you?” She teased him.

“Yes, you’re here.” He teased back with a wink.

“I missed you” He mouthed. She stuck out her tongue at him. Her heart giving a jolt before it did a somersault. Her usual reaction to John Lloyd but one that she could not get used to. She felt her face warmed up.

She missed these moments. She looked forward to these moments.

“Have you had breakfast? I brought food for you.” He signaled to his PA.

“Thank you.” Her smile wide. That was not for the food because she had already eaten.

His smile had the same excitement.

“Let’s eat.”

Just like when they were in China, breakfast was their excuse to be together.

14.2

“Randolph asked me to deliver these for you.” His PA told her. She looked at the coffee and flowers. Then to John Lloyd. He gave a shrug.

They had just finished a scene and were on a break on her tent.

“Thank you.” She said. She almost jumped when her cellphone rang. It was Randolph.

She answered the call. John Lloyd followed Randolph’s PA outside.

It was just a short call. Randolph just asked her about the flowers and coffee. He also invited her and her family for a dinner. She said she would check her schedule, thanked him and they hung up.

Sarah took her time before she went out of the tent. When her coffee was almost half finished, she took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and went out.

John Lloyd was talking to Grace, his ex-girlfriend and their co-star in their MMK episode. She seemed to tell him a joke to which he laughed before his eyes caught Sarah’s. Grace smiled at her but their director called them before they could all say anything.

It was their second day already, and the last day shoot also. Everyone was rushing now. They had no break after that. There was no time to talk. When they finished the last scene, they were almost dead tired that they could only wave goodbye to one another.

“I’ll call you.” John Lloyd mouthed at her before she entered her car.

14. 3

“What is it?” Her dad whispered. She had been quiet on their way home. They came from a dinner with Randolph.

“I’m just tired Daddy, that’s all.” She tried a smile.

Her dad reached out and squeezed her hand. He did not say anything. Her mother just looked at them.

Sarah stayed quiet during the long drive.

The dinner was good. Randolph was a good company. She actually enjoyed it. Yet she felt something was lacking. And she had been wondering about it since they left the restaurant.

Randolph was an ideal boyfriend to have, she told herself. He came from a good family. He had a good career. He was a good person.

Somehow, she was still looking for something more. He did not make her heart jump and do somersaults. Her pulses did not race just by the thought of him.

Are those important? She asked herself.

“We’re home.” Her dad lightly tapped her at the shoulder. Sarah didn’t notice that she had dozed off.

Her mother went ahead of them inside the house, feeling exhausted also.

“Dad, d’you like Randolph? He seems to be a good person.” Sarah hesitantly asked.

Daddy Delfin held her hand.

“Yes, he is. D’you like him?”

“I think so.” Sarah looked at their hands.

Her father tipped her face up, and asked. “You like him, but is it enough?”

“I enjoy his company.”

“Is it enough?”

“He won’t hurt me. He will stay.”

Her dad took his time and chose his next words.

“I want the best for you Sarah. But I don’t want you to be with someone who won’t hurt you. I don’t want you settling with a person who stays. I want you to be with someone who will love you. Someone who will make you happy. Someone who will take care of your heart.”

Several images came to her mind. Of John Lloyd scolding her. Smiling at her. Teasing her. Tolerating her. Loving her.

“How do I know it’s him?”

“ Your heart will tell you. But take your time. True love waits.”

He smiled at her and gave her a quick hug.

“Thanks daddy, you’re really the best.” She teared up.

“Of course, I love you the best.” He was smiling at her. “And I trust your choice.”

14.4

“Hey,what are you doing here?” Sarah’s album producer asked John Lloyd. He just came in the recording studio. Sarah was on a break, they were discussing some changes on her latest song.

She looked up and saw John Lloyd smiling at her.

“I heard Sarah was here, I thought I’d drop by and say hi. We haven’t seen each other for a long time.” He explained while looking at her.

“Finished with your pho—work?” Sarah smiled at him.

They had just talked on the phone that morning. Their morning habit. He didn’t call her at night. She first wondered about it, but she got used to his morning calls that it always slipped her mind to ask him.

“I still have an interview later. Will you be here the whole afternoon?”

She nodded.

“Ok, I’ll go now. Nice seeing you.” With that, he smiled at them and he was gone.

14. 5

“Good morning!” John Lloyd knocked at her dressing room.

She guested for a morning talk show and she was rushing for a presscon scheduled for lunch.

“You’re busy the whole day?” He nodded at her PA and sat down beside Sarah.

“What are you doing here?” She whispered.

“I wanted to see you.” He looked at her in the mirror and smiled. He stood up after a while.

“I’ll be going now. And I brought you your supply.” He winked at her and left.

Sarah looked at the dark chocolate and pack of candies at her hand.

She couldn’t help but smile. John Lloyd had a new habit. He kept showing up in the most unexpected places and time.

14.6

Elevator. 12th floor.

They were going up.

The elevator opened at the 8th floor.

“Hi!” John Lloyd was all smile at her. He went in and stood beside her.

“Rehearsal?”

“Yeah, rehearsal.” Sarah replied. She bit her lower lip to keep herself from smiling, but her eyes betrayed her.

They were with some ABS-CBN staff so they could not really talk.

“12th floor?”

“uhuh, 12th floor. You?’

“11th.. I might go to 12th later.”

“Really? Good. “

“Yeah. Luis is there, right?”

“Yes, Billy too.”

“Ok. Where will you have your dinner? You guys”

“I’m not sure. Why?” She was trying to control herself not to giggle.

“I might have dinner there also. Y’know, see Luis.”

“And billy.”

“Yes, and billy. Vhong also.”

All these, he said with a straight face. He tried to make their conversation sound normal. To those who were listening to them, they would just find it weird but would dismiss it altogether. Until they looked at Sarah and John Lloyd’s eyes. Their eyes would tell a different story.

He got off at 11th floor.

14.7

John Lloyd showed up during their rehearsals.

He showed up during dinner.

He showed up in the most ordinary events. During the most important events. He kept showing up.

On her first concert outside the country after her long break because of her health, in Singapore Sarah saw John Lloyd discretely seated on the front row.

She thought she would not see him after the concert, but when her floor elevator opened John Lloyd was there.

“I’m now leaving the elevator. I think I forgot something. I’ll be looking for that something for a long time, maybe an hour. Now, I’m getting off.” Her PA excused herself.

“Thank you Ate.” John Lloyd was grinning from ear to ear.

“How did you get here?” Sarah asked when the elevator closed on them.

“Airplane.”

“Funny“ She made a face.

“I came here to see you.”

“In Singapore?!”

“Why not? I would often see you in your dressing room or in the studio, so why not in Singapore?”

“What time did you get here and what time are you leaving?”

“I came just in time for your concert, i’ll leave tonight also. I have an early call time tomorrow.”

“See! You have an impossible schedule, you didn’t have to come here.” Sarah argued with him

“Why, you don’t want me here? You don’t want to see me?” He gave a clear-cut question.

“Of course not. I want you here with me.” The words were out before she realized she said them aloud. She felt a blush creeping unto her as his smile slowly widened.

“Really?” His eyes drowning her.

“Really.” She smiled back and let herself be taken by the waves in his eyes.

So this is how it feels to fall in love, while going up. John Lloyd thought as the sound of the elevator dimly registered to his consciousness.

"I could use a lifevest right now." Sarah was not aware she spoke aloud.

“Lifevest?” Before Sarah could think of a reply, the elevator opened and a Chinese couple came in. Sarah got off when she saw it was her floor already. John Lloyd followed her.

14. 8

“I won’t be staying, have to catch the evening flight. I really just wanted to see you.” John Lloyd opened her hotel room, but stayed near the door.

“Have you had dinner?”

“I’ll just eat at the airport.”

“Okay. Call me when you get home.”

“I will call you in the morning, just rest tonight.”

She looked at him and took the chance to ask him.

“I have two questions for you before you leave.”

“Hmmm?”

“First is, why do you not call me at night? Are your evenings busy?”

He playfully tweaked her nose.

“I don’t call you at night because I want you to rest and sleep. That’s all. “

“But---“

“No arguing about it. No calls from me in the evening, you just rest. What’s the second question?” Though Sarah’s health had improved a lot, John Lloyd still found himself worrying about her working herself too much.

“Why do you keep showing up in all my events? I know how busy you are.” Sarah had an amused smile.

John Lloyd gave a smile reserved only for her. A smile that made her knees weak. She felt another somersault inside her chest. Her heart beating fast.

“I love you. I think you love me too, but you still fear taking a chance with me. I don’t know what promise I could give you for you to trust me, but I can promise you one thing. I will keep showing up until you’re ready to trust how you feel about me. I will keep showing up until you tell me to stop.”

John Lloyd kissed her on the cheek and turned the doorknob.

“I’ll see you in Manila. You take care.”

Sarah was rooted at her spot until she heard the click of the closing door. She put her foot forward, then quickened her pace. She opened the door and saw John Lloyd walking away.

“Lloydy”

He looked back when he heard her. He stayed where he was.

Sarah took a tentative step towards him. She looked at his eyes. What she saw there gave her more than enough courage to do what she had always wanted to do. Eversince she met him years ago and said hi to her.

Sarah’s heart was silent. It was calm. Quietly anticipating what Sarah would do next.

“Lloydy” Sarah stood in front of him.

“Sarah?” He was smiling at her, but he was also clearly baffled on what was happening.

Sarah tiptoed and kissed him in the lips. One second. Two seconds. Three. Four. Five.

John Lloyd stood in stunned silence.

Sarah smiled at him.

“I love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. ”

She ran back to her hotel room and closed the door.

Her heart was singing this time.

-----------

Believe in true love. Maniwala sa goodness.

To John Lloyd, just keep doing what you're doing, and keep showing up. :)

Chapter XIII : Trust and Shoelaces

Sarah was fuming mad.

The nerve of that guy! Who the heck does he think he is?

She went straight to her room and pressed John Lloyd’s number.

One ring. Two rings. Three. Four. Five.

He didn’t pick up.

She flopped down on her bed and imagined what she would say and do to him once she saw him.

She had not seen John Lloyd for two days. Their next shoot for MMK was scheduled the following week so there was no chance to talk to him unless he called or she did. But he did not see her nor call her. She was starting to wonder why he had not contacted her, worried that something was wrong despite their last conversation. Then she saw Randolph in their TV commercial presscon.

“John Lloyd and I are okay now.” He began. She was lost.

“We talked last night. He told me I can court you.”

“What?!”

“He said it’s okay if I court you. He’s alright with the competition. We shook hands on it.” He further explained.

Sarah did not hear the rest of what he said. She just nodded and shook her head at the right pauses, she hoped. She was confused. She was hurt. Before she reached her home, she was furious.

Now, she was feeling a mix of everything.

Beep.

A text message. From John Lloyd.

I miss you J

Sarah read it several times before she put down her mobile phone.

Sigh.

***

13.2

Sarah woke up a litte late. It was her free day. Her parents specifically requested to her manager that she be given at least two free days in a week. Her manager agreed, knowing that it was important for her health though her doctors had explained that Sarah was healthy now. Of course, not overdoing it was still important and recommended.

“Good morning.”

Her father was with their dogs. They ran to her when they saw her.

She froze when she saw him. John Lloyd was seated a few feet away from her. While she was still in her pajamas. She remembered. She recovered from the shock of seeing him too early in the morning. It was already 10 o’clock but that was beside the point.

“What are you doing here?” Her hands moved on their own, fixing her hair.

“He’s been here since 7 o’clock waiting for you to wake up.” Her dad explained, a hint of impatience in his voice. “Now I can take a shower and leave for the Resto. Have your breakfast.“ With that, her dad left them.

Silence.

Her dogs barked at them. The youngest went to him and barked at him. He patted it.

“How are you?” He asked.

“Are you asking the dog or me? “

“Both.”

“Ok, let’s wait for him to answer you first.” She was still feeling irritated with him.

He looked at her, studying her reaction.

“Are you mad at me?”

“Do I have any reason to be?”

“I’m sorry if I’ve not called, I wanted to but--- I tried to finish all my commitments so I could be free today.” He gave her an apologetic smile.

“But you had time to talk to Randolph.”

“Oh, he told you?” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Where do you get the nerve to talk to him about me, and you did not even plan to tell me?” She was more hurt than angry now.

“Why do you have to decide about whom I should like or not? Why are you giving me away?”

John Lloyd stood up and went to her, but he did not touch her.

“Of course not. I told you I wanted to give you the freedom to choose.”

“Then why do I feel like you’ve given me up?” Sarah impatiently wiped a tear which managed to escape her.

John Lloyd reached for both her hands.

“I’m not crying because of you.” She denied.

“I know.”

“I’ve hurt my eyes.”

“I know.”

“Let me go.” She tried to pull away but he did not let go of her hands.

“Let me make something clear first. I’ve not given up, nor will I ever. Unless you tell me. I’m all in for the fight. If that’s what it’d take, I’d fight for your love. But you have to decide if I’m the one you really want. I won’t force myself on you. “

Sarah listened to him and made a face before she turned away.

“I’ll make up for it.”

“How?”

“Have your breakfast first. I’m also hungry now. “ He smiled at her and her world became right again.

***

13.3

“What? This is how you plan to make up?” Sarah was looking at a pair of bicycles. The smaller one looked new and obviously for her. It was two in the afternoon but the weather was cold.

“We’ll bike around the village.” He was excited.

“We’re not even leaving our village?”

“ I’ve cleared my schedule so we can spend the whole day. I knew you’d be free today.” John Lloyd looked immensely proud of his plans.

Sarah rolled her eyes at him and got on the bicycle. John Lloyd followed her on his bicycle.

When they reached the third block, he cautioned her to slow down.

“Slowdown. I think this is a bad idea.” A note of worry in his voice.

Sarah stubbornly pedaled for more speed. He became more worried and pedaled after her. He tried to slow her down. She stopped.

“Can’t you stop worrying? I’m okay.”

“Yes, you are. But slow down a bit.” He sensed her irritation, but he coouldn’t help but worry about her.

“Ok, let’s not do this.” She got off her bicycle. She headed back to her house, leaving her bike and John Lloyd in his bicycle in the middle of the road.

“Sars!”

She continued walking. She heard him ran after her. She knew he would. She slowed down a bit. Her smile ready.

John Lloyd reached her.

“Where are you going?"

He looked at her and kneeled down.

"You might trip yourself with your shoelaces.” He told her as he tied her shoelaces that she didn’t notice had become undone.

John Lloyd took his time in fixing her shoes. Sarah tentatively touched his hair. He looked up.

She gave him a quiet smile.

He saw her glowing with the still cold sun and smiled at her.

He savored that moment when everything just felt perfect.

***

13.4

“Good morning!” She could hear his smile on his voice.

“Good morning”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I did. Thank you. Where are you?” She asked.

“House. No work today.”

“Oh, good then. You can rest.”

“Let’s go out later.”

Silence.

“Sarah?”

“I’m here.”

“Did you hear me? It’s still your free day, right?”

“uhuh.”

“Let’s go out.” John Lloyd repeated his invitation.

“Hmmm I can’t.”

“You have plans with your family? Ok.”

“Actually no, not with my family.”

“Then...”

“I already have dinner plans with Randolph.” She closed her eyes and bit her tongue.

Silence.

“Lloydy, you still there?”

“um, yeah. “

“He invited me the other day and I said yes. “ She did not bother to explain to him that she was not aware that she nodded for a dinner date. She was also surprised when Randolph called her the night before to confirm with her about the dinner.

Sarah had second thoughts about it but she figured it would be better if she went. Better for her pride, and much better for John Lloyd’s. He claimed he was okay with it, she’d see if he really was.

“Anything else you want to say? ‘cause I’ll have to finish something first before I leave for my dinner date with Randolph later.” She rubbed it in.

“Ok. Enjoy your dinner.” And he hung up. He still managed to have the last words.

If Sarah was regretting that she agreed with the dinner, she was looking forward to it now. She knew though that she was not going to enjoy the night.

***

13.5

They went to an exclusive hotel-restaurant.

The place looked fantastic. The ambience was solemn and the choice of music great. And there was only one customer aside from them.

“Did you rent the place?” Sarah asked Randolph. She couldn’t help her curiosity.

“um, no. But this is good, don’t you think? It’s only us.” He smiled at her. She smiled back.

Randolph was a nice guy, she realized. He was very respectful with her parents when he came to her house. He even brought them gifts. He was also a gentleman. She decided she would try to enjoy this dinner date.

During dinner, she found herself half focusing only on her conversation with Randolph. There was something familiar with the other customer in the restaurant. He was in the farthest corner, covered in shadows.

“Did you hear what I said?” Randolph asked her suddenly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Wait, I just need to go to the powder room.” She excused herself and took a peek of the lone customer while she walked toward the Restroom.

The customer looked up. It was John Lloyd.

Sarah quickened her pace and signaled him to follow her.

“How did you get here?” She hissed at him when she thought they were already hidden from Randolph’s sight.

“I drove my car.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Having dinner? Why?”

“you’re the one who rented the place, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t want a crowded place. I think I’m starting to be claustrophobic.”

“That’s not funny Lloydy. You leave now.” She insisted.

“I’m serious. This morning, I felt I was going to be sick. I considered going to the hospital.”

“Visit a Shrink instead.”

“Do you think...?” He was still fooling around.

Sarah left him and went back to her table.

“That’s John Lloyd, right?” Randolph asked her.

“Yeah. Don’t mind him.” She did not deny it. They pretended that he was not there the whole time. She tried and she failed. If somebody would ask her what she and Randolph talked about, she wouldn’t know what to answer.

She was more aware of the number of times John Lloyd called the waited and ordered, in his loud voice. She could count how many times he dropped his spoon, or his fork and have it changed.

Sarah was more than ready when Randolph told her that they could leave and go home. It was only 8 o’clock in the evening.

“Wait for me here.” Randolph then went to John Lloyd’s table and said something before he came back for her.

“What did you tell him?”

“Same thing he told me, I’m alright with the competition. I’m prepared to fight for you.” Randolph smiled at her, and led her outside.

Sarah took a quick glance at John Lloyd. He was still sitting in the shadow.

***

13.6

“Good evening.”

“Good evening.” Shock was in her face and her voice.

She and her parents came home from a shoot and found John Lloyd’s parents waiting for them.

“Why....?”

Her mother had the same bewildered look. But not her dad. He didn’t look surprised at all.

“Don’t ask us, we also have no idea why we’re here. Idan just told us it’s important.” John Lloyd’s mom explained. They had a look of excitement with them.

“Hi, I wanted to surprise you.” John Lloyd came from the direction of the kitchen.

“Happy anniversary Tita, Tito.” He greeted Sarah’s parents.

“Happy anniversary!” His parents greeted Sarah’s parents.

“Next week.” Sarah’s mother clarified, still feeling the shock of finding John Lloyd’s parents in their house.

John Lloyd led them to the dining area, telling them he prepared a simple dinner as his surprise.

“You call this simple?” Sarah was stunned with what John Lloyd claimed to be a simple dinner. It was a feast!

The food was great. The conversation was light. It was a fun dinner. Especially when John Lloyd cleared the air that they were there for dinner only. Nothing else. Sarah’s mother seemed to relax after that and just enjoyed the rest of the night.

Before they left, John Lloyd sought Sarah.

“We’re going now.”

“Drive carefully.”

“I’m sorry about last night, it was childish of me.”

“It’s good that you know.” Sarah smiled. She now actually thought what he did funny.

“I can’t promise I won’t do it again.”

Sarah tried to punch him in his arm. He caught her fist.

They just looked at each other.

“Why are your parents here?” She asked.

“I wanted to prove something to myself.”

“To yourself? “

“Yes, because I realized something.”

“What?”

“You fear trusting me. You fear taking a risk with me. But have you ever considered that I’m also taking a risk? That each time I tell you how I feel about you, I’m making myself vulnerable? I also have my fears of getting hurt. So there... ”

John Lloyd gave her hand a squeeze. Kissed her on the cheek, and left.

Sarah wrapped her arms around her. She was familiar with her heartbeat. That night, she felt a different hearbeat. It didn’t seem to be her own heart but she felt it was hers.

-------------

This story is about to have its last chapters... Thank you my loyal readers for inspiring me to write my dream love story of Sarah & John Lloyd.

John Lloyd is right. Most times, we only think of our fears. We forget to consider that the one who chooses to love us, is also taking a risk of getting hurt.

When we love, we open ourselves not only to kilig but often a share a heartaches too.

Chapter XII : Candies and Choices

He stared at it while he cursed his own stupidity for jumping to wrong conclusion.

On his hand was Sarah’s answer to his question.

“You only have two choices. If you choose one, you have to cross out the other. You can’t always stay in the middle. Let me know your choice when you’re ready. I’ll give you time to think about it. I’ll wait.” JohnLloyd handed to Sarah the folded paper when they were in China.

Now, they were back in the philippines. Back to their respective careers. And half of the paper was given back to him. Her choice. Her answer.

He realized that he failed her in so many ways. If she didn’t forgive him this time, he would not be surprised.

He promised he’d wait but he didn’t. He said he was worthy of the risk she would take but he flirted with another woman right before her very eyes. His reason for doing that seemed too childish now. And painful to her, he knew.

John Lloyd was still lost to his thoughts when his director went inside the tent. His personal assistant sensed that the two needed privacy so he went out.

“What’s up?” His director asked. Catherine had been her mentor since he entered showbiz, and she was one of the few people in the industry that he trusted. She knew everything about him from plain mischiefs to serious offenses.

He looked at her. He didn’t know where to start explaining so he just said what she already knew.

“I made a stupid mistake.”

“Sarah?”

He nodded.

She shook her head not anymore giving words to “I told you so” but that was what he obviously got. She had told him many times before to talk with Sarah. They did not really talk, that was John Lloyd and Sarah’s problem eversince, she told him. When things were okay, they just let them. When things became complicated, both of them cowered in the corner, afraid that the complications would be too much for them to handle together. They turned a blind eye to the issue, until things became okay again. It had become a cycle.

Catherine pulled a stool and sat down. John Lloyd sat down again.

“What do you plan to do?”

“Talk to her, of course.”

“What will you tell her?”

“Sorry, I guess.”

“How sorry are you?”

“What do you mean? “ He understood she meant something else with that question.

“Don’t take this the wrong way Lloydy. I believe that our being friends for a long time has earned me the right to tell you in your face what I think about you and your issues.”

John Lloyd could not help but smile. He was used to her frankness.

“You love her. You love Sarah. You want her yes. But have you ever asked if you are ready for her? That’s another commitment. Another relationship. In your record, it’s one relationship after the other.”

He made a sound of protest.

“Hey, no judgement here, my marriage failed after only 5 years. So, no judgement. I’m just telling you what I have observed. We’re friends after all.”

“So, you think something’s wrong with me?”

“Lloydy, you ask yourself instead what’s good with you. What can you offer? What kind of commitment can you offer a girl like Sarah? You think about it, have you ever been without someone?”

The answer was no. Trust Catherine to drive a truth and nail it. As far back as he could remember, eversince he started dating he was always in a relationship. If a relationship ended, a week or a month after a new one would begin.

“You do not rest Lloydy. You don’t give yourself a chance to get to know ‘you’ better. You just jump to the next available relationship. This time, it’s Sarah. And you will hurt her.”

He had no answer to that so he kept quiet.

“Well, this is all talk and just me being an A-hole. You may choose to listen or not, it’s up to you. Anyway, I’m here to discuss the new schedule.”

And just that, she turned 360 degrees ang changed the topic after creating havoc and confusion to his mind and world.

New schedule she said. Conflicts with some of their schedules. Next shooting day would be moved to the following week.

***

12.2

John Lloyd was parked in front of Sarah’s house. He came straight from his talk with his director slash friend slash tormentor.

He rehearsed in his head what he wanted to tell Sarah. How sorry and stupid he was. He chose not to call her on her cellphone. She deserved a good apology and a visit from him. Not an SMS nor a pathetic call from him.

He straightened and gathered his courage. He bit his lower lip. A habit that he acquired and often did when he felt tense. He opened his door and froze.

Randolph just came out of Sarah’s house. He didn’t notice John Lloyd’s car as he passed by, opened his car and drove away.

John Lloyd stayed frozen to his seat.

What was Randolph doing here at this time? He jumped when he heard his own voice. He realized that he spoke his thoughts aloud.

He remembered his PA asking him if he was aware of Randolph’s statement to the media about Sarah. That he missed her. He wanted to work with her again, in a movie this time. And that he wanted to take this chance now that Sarah was back to ask her out on a date.

John Lloyd did not pay attention to it at that time.

But Randolph came from Sarah’s house just now.

John Lloyd frowned. He closed his door. Randolph had probably not left the village yet.

He started the car and drove after him.

***

12.3

He saw Randolph’s car at the village gate.

John Lloyd stepped on his brake and let him leave. He had time to think and process things through while he was driving.

He realized that there was something so obvious that he missed.

Sarah had more than two choices.

He sat in his car as he rode the pain of that realization.

What his director said came to him.

***

12.4

“Is that John Lloyd?” Her mother asked.

Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. John Lloyd was standing by his car door, waiting for them to come out of their house.

“What is he doing outside? “ Her dad opened the car window.

“What’s wrong? Why didn’t you call first?”

John Lloyd still had his clothes he wore the day before, crumpled already. His eyes bloodshot.

“Good morning. I wanted to talk to Sarah, I was driving and I didn’t notice the time so...”

“You two talk. Fifteen minutes only, okay?” His dad turned to her mother.

“ Ma, I think I want to change my shoes. These don’t feel comfortable. Manong Romy...” With that, they both left the car with their driver and went inside the house.

John Lloyd got inside the car and faced Sarah.

“First, let me say I love you and I’m sorry.” John Lloyd told her. He tried a grin, but his lips trembled, giving him away.

***

12.5

Sarah decided not to breathe.

Last night, she was so frustrated with John Lloyd when he did not even call moreso see her after she gave him the locket. She went out of her shell and bared out her feelings for him but he just blew it to her face by his no-show-up, his n0-reaction.

Now, here he was telling he loved her and that he was sorry.

What’s the game anyway? It was starting to feel that way to her. That they were in a game that she was not familiar with, of which rules she was not aware of.

So, she did not breathe.

“I’m sorry for being the biggest fool you’ve ever met in your entire life. I’m sorry for not talking to you. Forgive me for hurting you.” John Lloyd continued.

“I wanted to ask you so badly, but I was afraid that your answer would be ‘NO’. Lame, I know but that’s the truth. I’m sorry, no other excuse except that one.”

“fool.” Sarah whispered.

“Yes, that I am. And you know what else? I’m selfish too. I realized it was unfair of me to give you two choices only. “

John Lloyd held Sarah’s hand.

“Of course, you have more than two choices. It is painful for me to accept that but I realized I cannot love you and box you in my world.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m telling you Sarah that you’re free to fall in love with another guy. I’m not your only choice.”

Sarah felt her heart jumped, fell hard, and hurt like hell. She was ready for anything but not this. Not John Lloyd telling her to go love someone else.

No, her heart was not ready for that.

“Why? Did you realize that you don’t love me enough to be with me?” She managed a croak. Her tears about to fall.

“Oh no, definitely not! I’m sorry, I was not very clear. Sarah, please know this. I love you and I have never loved someone as much. I doubt I ever will.”

“Then, why?---“

“I’m just letting you know that you have other choices. Mine, I’d made since that time that you leaned towards me and fixed my hair. There was no going back for me. But, Sarah, you have your own choices to make. I canot make them for you.”

“So, what will happen now?” She still felt bewildered. He was telling her he loved her but refused to have a relationship with her?

“Wait for me here.” He went out and was back in a couple of seconds with a pack of candies.

John Lloyd looked deep into her eyes.

“I just want you to consider your options first and be sure of your choice. You deserve the right to decide on your own terms, in your own time. Not pressured by anyone else, not even by me.”

He gave her the candies.

“As you are making sure of your choice, these will be your flowers from me.”

John Lloyd touched her face and gave her a tight hug this time.

***

12.6

John Lloyd already left.

They themselves had left their village in their car. Her parents did not ask about what she and John Lloyd talked about.

She was still reeling from it all. John Lloyd’s apology. His profession of love. Him giving her time to think and choose. His tight hug. And the pack of candies in her hand.

She opened it. She started to read the words in each of the candies. One after the other.

“Let’s have a date.”

“I love you.”

“I miss you.”

“Do you like me?”

“You were in my dreams last night.”

“Yes, I do.”

“You are my star.”

She realized each candy had a message in its wrapper.

She read the name of the candy.

CANDY’s Be LOVE

She smiled.

Sarah’s heart righted itself and beat again.

---------------

I've been acquainted to candies of different kinds the past few days, and got inspired by one candy in particular. So I used it in this chapter. :)

I wanted to take a picture but forgot. lol

Tell me what you think. :)

Chapter XI : A Locket and an IQ of a Thirteen Years Old

John Lloyd called her. Once. He asked how she was. Her health. No mention about his question and her decision. Then he said, “Take care.” and he was gone. Like a bubble.

One month. No calls. No visits. It was just her and the time given to her to decide.

One more week. They were going home. Her doctor said she was okay. There were still the medicines she was required to regularly take but those were just supplements. She was advised to take it easy and not overwork, but it was safe now to go back to her career.

Her manager came. He talked to her parents. They were still worried about her despite what the doctor said. But they let Sarah decide. They knew she wanted to go back. Sarah missed performing again. She missed the industry that had been her world for several years. She missed the people. She missed him. More than ever.

The night before they left China, Sarah mustered her courage to talk to her parents. She now understood. She knew what she wanted. Her choice had always been that. He had always been her choice.

“Mommy, Daddy. I wanna say thank you for taking care of me. You’re the best blessings God has given me. I love you both.” She hugged them.

They knew she was just starting. They had noticed how sad and restless she became since John Lloyd left. They also found it strange that each time he called, he asked them to keep it secret. He would just ask about her health, then he would hang up. Not talking to her.

“Thank you for letting me pursue my dreams and now letting me go back to them.” Sarah continued.

She looked at them, and looked away. She took a deep breath before speaking again.

“I love him.” A whisper.

Her mother started to speak but her dad held her hand to stop her.

“What do you want to do?” Her father asked.

She looked at her parents.

“I want to choose him. “

“You’re not ready yet.” Her mother protested.

“You do what you have to do. We’ll just be here to support you. Your mother and I. Right?” Her dad was holding her mother’s hand more tightly now.

“But—“

“Mommy, I know your fears. I know that you just want to protect me. You and dad. I admit, with this choice I’m making, I’m taking a risk. I might get hurt. But this is also the very same thing that will make me happy... If you’re against it though, I’ll do what you want.” Sarah spoke from her heart. Her hands on her lap were shaking.

“Sarah, we just want you to be happy. So whatever makes you happy.” Her dad’s hand left her mother’s hand to touch hers.

Her mother did not say anything. She went to Sarah and hugged her.

***

11.2

“Hi Luis!” She saw his surprised look.

They had been in the Philippines already but they chose to keep it quiet for a week so she could still rest. Today was her first day back in her home station. She was scheduled to have a meeting, a contract signing and a presscon in the afternoon. Sarah purposely came early so she would still have time to catch up with her friends and look for a certain someone.

“ I missed you! I’m glad you’re back and you’re better.” Luis couldn’t contain his happiness. She was one of his most favorite people.

“I was hurt when you just quit and left without telling me. You sure you’re okay?” He asked. He remembered how worried he was when he found out from John Lloyd about her health.

“I’m sorry. My parents panicked. I also thought that it was already goodbye then. But I’m good now. Never been better.” Her bright smile was back.

“You look happy.”

“I am.”

They talked about a lot of things. How he was. His new show. Her plans. Their friends.

“Have you seen Lloydy?” Out of nowhere she asked. She was fidgeting with a piece of paper.

Luis gave her a teasing look.

“Weh? He’s a friend too you know?”

“Sarah, Sarah. It’s me Luis, remember? I’m like the biggest fan of your loveteam, official or unofficial.”

She hit him in his arm playfully.

“How are you guys?” His tone was serious. She knew what he meant.

“I’m not sure. He’s your friend, why don’t you tell me... He hadn’t called me for more than a month now...so, I’m not sure.” Her hand automatically went to the locket she was wearing.

“Why don’t you call him this time.”

“I did! I tried calling him several times today but i think his cellphone is off.”

“He must have a very stupid cellphone. Very very stupid. To be off at this time. Tsk tsk.”

They were laughing when her PA called her. It was almost time for her meeting with the big bosses. She left Luis.

***

11.3

“Luis, any plans for tonight?”

“Lloydy, you have the best timing in the planet! Where have you been?! And what’s the use of your cellphone?”

“Why? I came from a photoshoot, I just dropped by here for something.”

“For something or for someone?”

“What do you mean?” He tried to look like he didn’t know what Luis was saying.

“You’re kidding me right? Sarah was just here. She was looking for you. And please don’t give me that bull that you didn’t know that she’d be here today. That’s the reason you’re here.”

“She was looking for me?” He came in. It was Luis’ dressing room for his show. Luis normally studied his lines here before he headed home. John Lloyd knew Luis would be one of the first people Sarah would come looking for. That was why he was there.

“What did she tell you?”

“She said she was calling you but unfortunately you don’t know how to use a cellphone.”

“She called---“ John Lloyd forgot what he was about to say.

He was now face to face with a piece of paper which looked familiar to him. Suddenly, he could not breathe. When he tried to speak, his voice sounded flat. Lifeless. A voice of a stranger.

“She left this?”

“What? Oh, that paper? That must be hers. I saw her holding that.”

With trembling hands, John Lloyd unfolded the torn paper. Even before he saw what was written there, he knew what he would see. He wrote it. A short word.

NO

This was her answer?

His heart hurt like hell.

***

11.4

Two weeks. Still no calls.

Just when I’m ready --- you are being an idiot. Sarah was worried at first. Now she was angry.

She knew she had to make things happen. It’s her turn now to initiate and confront him. After all, he was patient with her for a long time.

She said yes to an MMK episode. With John Lloyd. This time, there was no way he could avoid her.

Hah! You be ready Mr. John Lloyd Cruz! She fumed. And she bumped into someone’s back.

“Oh! Sorry! I wasn’t looking----“ Her apology was cut short.

There, John Lloyd was.

Time ceased. The surroundings became distant from where they were standing. The noise became an echo from a far distance.

“How are you?” She studied his face.

“I’m okay. You seem to be really better now, I’m glad.” He moved his lips and mimicked a movie scene that he suddenly remembered.

“Why haven’t you called me?” She asked. I missed you.

“I’ve been very busy.” He lied. I missed you a lot.

“We need to talk.” She knew her heart. I love you too.

“I’m not sure ---Let me check my schedule first.” He became a coward. I’m not ready yet to hear you say “No”.

“Listen, I’m running late. I’ll see you in the shoot. Let’s see if we can talk there.” And he was gone.

It became more clear to Sarah that he was avoiding her. But why?

I’m gonna talk to you and kill you afterwards. You just wait! Grrr.

***

11.5

“Have you seen Sarah?”

John Lloyd was in Billy’s condominium. It was one of Billy’s rare visits to the Philippines. He became busy again with his career in Europe.

“Yeah.”

“And?”

“And nothing.”

“What do you mean nothing?” Billy probed. He knew something was wrong when John Lloyd called him for a drink. He just insisted that they drink at his place. With John Lloyd not being okay, he knew the drinking would not be good if done outside.

“That’s it. No. Nothing. None.” It was his fifth glass now.

“So, you two have talked already?”

“No. I don’t want to talk to her.”

“If you haven’t talked, then how did you know ---“ Billy was really confused now. He was just talking to Luis the other day and he mentioned something about the future of these two looking good.

“I know what her answer will be and I don’t want to hear it.” John Lloyd poured himself another drink.

“How will you know for sure? You don’t think it’s better that you ask her?”

“You don’t understand. Askng her, and hearing it from her will just make it real. I’m not ready for that yet. I don’t think my heart is ready for that pain.” He drank from his glass straight.

Billy just watched him. He felt he was missing a part of a puzzle here. He had to talk to Sarah.

***

11.6

First day of their shoot. It was like her first time years ago, when she also faced the same cameras for her first MMK episode.

She felt nervous. She swore if anybody screamed her name now, she was going to faint.

Good thing nobody did. Everyone was excited to see her again.

She went to her tent. And waited. No John Lloyd came.

When the the director called for her, JohnLloyd was there. Ready for their first scene together. Sheena was there. His ex-girlfriend. She was one of the cast in that MMK episode.

Sarah kept her face bereft of any emotion. Inside, she was slowly dying of small heart attacks.

She went through the motions. The scenes they were shooting today required no acting. She just had to act that she was hurt seeing him with another girl. Easy.

“Direk, should I slap him in the face?” Sarah asked. Please say yes. I’m gonna sleep him so hard, he won’t feel his face for a whole week.

“No need Sarah,the slap will come later in the story.”

“Ok Direk. Just tell me when I have to, I’ll willingly do it.” She gritted her teeth and tried to smile.

***

11.7

Break.

She was alone in the tent.

He was outside flirting. With his ex-girlfriend.

Another take.

He just spoke a couple of words to her and paid his full attention to Sheena. Practising their lines.

Sarah walked and suddenly seemed out of balance, almost fell; stepping on his foot purposely.

“Direk, I’m ready to shoot.” She called out. I’m shooting you in the face John Lloyd Cruz once I get the chance.

Pack-up. All the scenes they needed for that day were shot.

Sarah decided she had enough. She went to the other tent. She saw John Lloyd was about to leave.

“Let’s talk.” She crossed her arms and planted herself in his way.

“I’m leaving now. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

“No, Let’s talk now.”

“Lloydy let’s go---Oh, Am I interrupting something?” Sheena appeared with her bag.

“No. Let’s---“

“Yes. So, please if you can spare us a few minutes or leave us.. “ Sarah insisted. She had not moved a fraction.

Sheena left.

“So, you’re leaving with her. I don’t care if you do, but let’s talk first.” Her voice was firm.

“Sarah—“

“Oh so you still remember my name? Surprise!” Sarcastic laugh.

She could feel her tears would fall any minute now. She squared her shoulders. She had to get this over and done with.

“Sarah, we will talk but not now.” John Lloyd continued.

“Why not?”

“Because any second now, this place will be crowded.”

“Then, let’s go some place else.”

“No. I can’t.”

“Why not.”

“Just that.”

“What are you, thirteen years old?” Frustration in her voice.

“ I can’t.” He repeated. He looked away, avoiding Sarah’s intent gaze.

Sarah did not speak for a full minute. She removed the small locket from her neck.

“If you’re not ready to talk to me, I am ready to give this to you.” She put the locket in his hand. Closed his hand around it. Lingered for awhile and left.

***

11.8

A lifetime had passed since Sarah left his tent. It was probably just 30 minutes to an hour but John Lloyd felt like he was sitting on his chair all his life. He felt ancient.

In his hand was the locket that he bought for Sarah when they went to an old market place in Macau. He remembered her looking at it as if she had seen a big diamond for the first time in her life. He teased her about it,and secretly bought the item.

He put his picture inside and gave it to her. It was more of a joke on his part, but when he saw her smile at his picture, he thanked all the gods he knew for making him smart enough to be able to come up with something like that.

Now, the locket was with him again. What was it that she said?

If you’re not ready to talk to me, I’m ready to give this back ---wait, did she say back? He was lost in his thoughts when his PA entered the tent.

“Idan—“

He dropped the locket. It fell open. A piece of paper fell. It was familiar to him.

With trembling hands and his heart lodged somewhere in his throat, he picked up the paper.

Even before he could unfold the paper, he already had an idea of what he would see written on it. Still his mind throbbed. His heart hoped.

He opened it and read.

One word.

JOHNLLOYD

He felt like the biggest heel in the planet. He wanted to punch his own face.

You just made the biggest boohoo in your whole lifetime and back.

------------

*Stupid love playing in the background LOL

Thank you my dear readers.

You inspire and push me to write. Without your words of encouragement and the increase of the number of views ( yun 5 loyal readers kong pabalik-balik hihi), I'd probably be just smiling to myself as I watch these scenes in my head. Thank you for giving me courage to put my dreams to words.

Leave your comments please. :)

Chapter X : Two Words and a Train Ride

John Lloyd did not pursue the conversation. He reasoned to himself that they still had a lot of time. He was more worried about Sarah’s hiccups than he cared to admit. For most people, it was just something that happened on an ordinary day. But Sarah was not most people. She still had her heart condition. True that she seemed to be getting better, however John Lloyd could not just ignore the hiccups. He insisted to Sarah that they go back to Guangzhou and see her doctor.

She shrugged off his fears. She told him the hiccups happened not because of anything else but because she did not drink a glass of water after breakfast.

“ You made me forget. And then you kissed me. Made me forget some more.” She tried to make light of the situation. She knew any minute now, he would start packing their things and book a flight.

“I’m serious here Sarah. Let’s go back and see your doctor. We can always come here again. “ He reasoned with her.

Sarah did the unexpected. She kissed him. It was her first time to initiate the kiss. She took advantage of his shock. She let her lips linger on his for a few seconds before she pulled away.

“Please.” She used her eyes now to plead with him.

There was still the shocked look in his face before he finally recovered himself. He pulled her to his lap and started to kiss her again. Sarah suddenly feeling selfconscious tried to stop him with her hands. But she could not back down now.

“Promise me we’ll stay at least the whole day and go home tomorrow.”

“No, we go home today.” He insisted.

Sarah bit her lips. She seemed to make up her mind.

“Ok, we’ll go but later. Let’s do some sightseeing first. I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.”

He examined her and when he thought she would not budge, he agreed.

“Ok but you have to----”

“Thank you! “ She did not let him finish what he was saying. She kissed him again and quickly jumped off his lap.

“Let’s get ready now.”

She smiled at him and left the room before he could catch her again.

***

10.2

“Yes, Thank you. Yes. That’be great. Thank you. “

John Lloyd caught Sarah’s words before she placed down the receiver. He could see that her things were ready. They would probably just eat lunch in Beijing and would be back in Guangzhou by late afternoon. He went to her room to ask about the flight schedule that she prefered.

“What is it? Anything else, you need?” He inquired about the call she made.

He stayed by the door. He knew he would be forced to sing “I have two hands Baleleng” again to distract himself if he came inside the room and sat beside her.

Sarah was glowing in her blue top and tightfitting jeans while she smiled at him from her bed.

“Come here.” Sarah tapped the space next to her.

“Why? We’re running late.” He tightened his grip on the door handle. Oh no, Baleleng come rescue me again.

“No, we’re not. We have plenty of time. Why don’t you come and sit with me first?" Sarah widened her smile. "Afraid of me?”

Is Sarah flirting with me, dear Lord?

“If I sit there, I can’t promise that I’m not gonna sing again. Either you suffer from that or....” He let his words trail. He was watching Sarah’s reaction.

“What? Kiss me again?” She laughed and decided to come to him.

“I have two hands Baleleng..” He started to tease her by singing.

“You’re crazy. “ She said while she held his hand.

They looked at each other’s eyes. Just smiling. It was the last day of their weekend getaway, they wanted to bottle that moment and bring it home with them.

“Where do you want to go? But first, what time do i book our flight?”

“That’s settled already.”

“What do you mean?”

“Everything’s been handled. Don’t worry about it.”

“Sarah..” John Lloyd started to get suspicious. She must be planning something that’s why she was extra sweet to him.

“I promise, we’ll live for Guangzhou tonight.”

He continued to search her eyes.

She could not anymore delay it. She knew he’d blow off but he’d eventually come around.

“We’ll leave via train.”

“What?! That’s a too long travel for you!”

There it was.

Sarah gave him time to worry and let off steam before she said anything.

“We’ll fly to Guangzhou this afternoon, and see your doctor.”

Everything was all about timing. She put her plan to action.

She touched his arm first.

“Idan..”

He looked at her for a split second and tried to escape her. She blocked his way.

“Idan..Idan...Idan...” She repeatedly called his name while she tried to catch his eyes.

“Bebe..bebe..bebe..”

John Lloyd stood still and looked at her.

“Bebe..bebe..wooo.” She sang the Bieber song while she laughed. He tried to step away again, but she caught his face with both her hands. She knew there was really nothing to worry about. She had never felt better. He was just worrying too much.

“I’m okay, believe me. I should know. I’d tell you if I’m not feeling well, but now I just feel great.”

“But we have to make sure—“

“Ok, we’ll go to my doctor first thing tomorrow. Today, we’ll enjoy our stay here and leave tonight. “

“The train ride from here to Guangzhou is 12 hours!”

“And we’ll have 12 more hours together. Do you not want that? ” She kissed him on the cheek. Her final talisman delivered.

She knew she won the argument.

“You drive me crazy, do you know that?” He pinched her nose.

***

10.3

They spent the whole day visiting the less crowded places in Beijing. By 7 o’clock, they were in the train station. The train would leave at 8:30PM so that gave them time to eat dinner at a nearby restaurant. A couple of Filipino waiters recognized them but they pleaded not to take pictures of them. They understood.

There was already a line in the train station, and fortunately nobody seemed to notice them.

The tickets that Sarah bought were for a cabin. She was told that they would be sharing it with two more passengers.

“Where do you want to sleep?”

“Where do you want me? Here or on yours?” He teased her again.

She stuck out her tongue at him.

“Why? We’re alone in this cabin. No one will bother us if I sleep beside you.”

Sarah frowned and gave him a dagger look.

“I’m just kidding hehe. I bought the other two tickets so you can sleep comfortably. At least now, we don’t have to worry about sharing this with strangers.”

He kissed the top of her head before he busied himself with their bags.

This time, he won.

***

10.3

“Idan?”

“Yes?”

They were both lying on their respective beds. The train had already left Beijing.

“Nevermind.”

“Try to get some sleep. “ He told her.

After awhile she stood up and went to the door.

“Where’re you going?”

“CR”

“I’ll come with you.”

She was about to argue but thought better of it. She didn’t want to try her luck. She knew he would just insist that he accompany her. That had been the case the whole day. He did not allow her to be out of his sight. She complained but he just shrugged it off, denying it.

Good thing she let him come with her to the comfort room.

The words in the train’s comfort room door were in Chinese. She could not distinguish which was closed or opened. She tried the red one. The door still opened. The green one, the same thing.

“Lloydy, just hold the door for me please. I don’t know how to close it.”

“Sure. You okay in there?”

“Yes.” Sarah smiled to herself. An image came to mind.

***

10.4

They both slept late the next day. Contrary to what John Lloyd imagined the train ride to be, it was actually comfortable. The movement of the train lulled them to sleep. From time to time he would sneak a peek at the sleeping Sarah, checking if she was comfortable.

When he opened his eyes next, the sun was up and Sarah was reading from her cellphone. A worried look at her face.

“Something’s wrong?”

“No. Nothing.”

“Sarah”

She took a deep breath before she answered him again.

“Mommy is in the apartment now. She arrived this morning. And..”

John Lloyd didn’t need to hear the rest of it nor read the message her mother sent her. He knew already. He knew that they were both in trouble.

When he asked permission from her father about their trip to Beijing, her father was also hesitant at first. He was worried about what his wife would say. Yet he knew that Sarah needed the trip so he agreed and made John Lloyd promise that he would take care of her, and that it would be a secret to her mother.

They did not expect her to come until the following week.

So, all of them were in trouble now.

There was no cellphone signal anymore so they could not reply and tell her parents that they were on their way to Guangzhou. John Lloyd knew Sarah was worried. She was fidgeting all through out their brunch.

“Don’t worry yourself too much. I’ll explain it to Tita.” She removed her hand when he tried to hold it. He let it pass.

They still had their usual banter but Sarah seemed to be pre-occupied and merely reacting to him to get her mind off the looming scolding from her mother. John Lloyd tried to touch her hand again to comfort her but she took her hand away.

“So, this is how it’s going to be?”

“Huh?”

“When we get off this train, I’m not going to matter again.” He said matter of factly.

“What do you mean?”

“I attempted several times to hold you hand but you avoided it. Why?”

“You must know why.”

“No. I don’t understand it. Explain it to me. What have I done wrong?”

Sarah kept quiet.

“When we get off this train, we’ll both pretend that nothing’s between us? That we have no relationship? That’s what you want, right?”

“There’s still no us. There’s no relationship.” Fear and tears in her voice.

John Lloyd could not speak right way. There was a clog in his throat. They both remained quiet. The train was bringing them closer to their destination while this latest fight was drawing them away from each other.

“So that is your answer..”

When Sarah did not speak, he went out of the cabin.

***

10.5

It was almost 6 o’clock when John Lloyd came back. He was not speaking to her even during dinner.

“Sorry.” Sarah quietly apologized.

“Sorry for what?”

“I’m sorry for hurting. I’m sorry for not being ready yet.... It doesn’t mean that I care less for you. I have my reasons.”

“What reasons? That you don’t trust me enough to risk having a relationship with me?”

“My parents..”

“I get that. I understand that you are worried about your parents, but you know that we can get their permission. You’re of age already. They may not agree at first but if we fight for what we feel for each other, they’d be okay with us.”

“But—“

“What? You've thought of another problem again? You just keep coming up with reasoons not to be with me that sometimes I think between the two of us, it’s only me who’s insisting there’s really love. Am I? Am I just insisting on it when there’s none actually?”

“Of course not. There is. Just give me time.” She finally said.

***

10.6

They reached Guangzhou a little before 9o’clock. They called Sarah’s parents from the taxi and explained why they were not able to reply. Her father told them that Sarah’s mother was worried but was okay now. He had explained the situation to her.

Although both of them knew that they would still hear it from her mother.

John Lloyd handed Sarah a folded piece of paper while they were in the elevator.

“I have two words for you to help you decide. Just choose one. Open it when you’re ready and let me know.”

She kept the paper.

She held on to it while they faced her mother and received her scolding. She held on to it when John Lloyd left for his apartment. She held on to the piece of paper until she went inside her room.

She held on to it when John Lloyd managed to convince her parents that he instead go with Sarah for her check-up. She held on to it when John Lloyd told her the following week that he had to leave and go back to the Philippines to settle some unfinished business that he could not put off any longer.

Sarah held on to the two words that John Lloyd gave her.

One or the other. If she chose one, she’d have to cross out the other.

Two words.

NO JOHNLLOYD.

Those were her two choices.

----------------

And the big conflict has started... this won't be a love story if there's none. :)

And to my 5 loyal readers na pabalik balik lang haha, thank you!