Chapter 16 "Savanna"

"Here come our stars, Addie Driftwood and Tony Larkin," Cheska reported.

I smiled at Tony whole heartedly as we strutted down the aisle arm in arm, both of us in exclusive GS designs. We walked down the red carpet and waved to the crowd before we went in.

Yes, five years ago, I never would have thought I'd be standing side by side with Tony for a movie premiere. I gave myself a satisfied I looked up at the movie poster. It was my first movie where I got the chance for the lead, "The Life of a Teenage Super-Villain."

"Ed!" I called out to him at the lobby.

He turned from the counter and looked at me. He stood seemingly speechless, as he began to turn red.

"Ed, are you okay?" I said as I moved towards him.

"I... I... You... You look absolutely stunning.

"Thank you," I wryly replied trying not to let too much blood flow through my cheeks, "You look wonderful."

He took my arm and led me into the theater. I looked back at Gen who was having a fun lips to lips routine with Tony. They've been going out for quite some time now, longest I've seen with Tony. I was quite surprised much chemistry they had. It weirded me out when Tony turned out to be a total gentleman when Gen was around; but I never mentioned it to Gen.

The theater was packed, but we were given V.I.P. seats up-front. Gigi, Terence, Steven and Abby all waved at us as we went down. I saw mom and dad just right behind where we were to sit but Ed's was nowhere to be found. I tried to ask Ed, trying to make myself audible amongst the screams. Tony and Genevieve were now on our tails. "Hates Cinemas," Ed shouted back.

We all took our respective seats. As the movie was about to start, one last person came inside. He passed my seat, leaned closer to my ear and whispered, "I just couldn't miss it." He wryly stood up and headed to the empty seat between Trina and Bea. I couldn't concentrate on the movie at all. Tears suddenly flooded my eyes.

My heart was beating loudly. Ed, who sensed that I was tensed, gripped my hand and gave me a peck on the cheek.

I was able to keep my composure until the end of the movie. Ed readily gave me permission to talk to Ralph saying, “You’ve been waiting for this for almost a decade, I can’t see why not.

At that, I went out of the theatre and scanned the lobby, searching for a sign that he was around.

"Excuse me," I said all too formally as I spotted him.

He turned and smiled, "Yes? Oh, Addie! It's you! I've missed you. Great movie, by the way."

I smiled back at him but hastily wiped away that smile to set a serious mood, "Can I talk to you?"

"What about?"

"Us."

"Not us, Addie. You and me," he sternly corrected.

"Yeah, you and me."

"Sure," he beamed at me.

"But not here, there's too much media. Let's go back to the theater," I pulled him across the lobby and we both sat down at the center part of the very last row.

"I'd like to say that I'm real sorry for breaking up with you without giving you a reason. Well, to tell you honestly: I never really loved you. I did, but that was before us."

"It's okay. I-- I think I deserved it," he replied.

"That's an interesting theory," I said, curious of what he meant.

"Promise me that you won't get angry."

I looked at him suspiciously and considered what he said. "I'll try my best not to." I said.

"I knew you were Lin long before you moved away from L.A. You see, I saw you once, changing back into Addie. I mean, I didn't see you changing, but I was outside your dressing room. I've been a big fan from the start, y'know? You came in, Lin came out: Lin came back in, you came out. I waited for Lin to come out, but she never did. I never told anyone but my sister, I believe you've met her. Being a fame-seeker, I tried to woo you, hearing from my friends that you had it big for me. But I never really had the guts to talk to you back in L.A., I really didn't know what to say. When you moved to New York, it made me feel stupid: I never had the guts to say hi. A grand gesture of love was all it would take for you believe that I really liked you. I hadn't considered one part of the plan, you. I hadn't expected competition of course, but I thought of it as a fun challenge. I watched you so carefully so that I could find the right timing to make you fall for me. But it ended up the other way around: I fell for you. Wonderful feeling, ain't it? The hang-over stings though. Too bad I was too late. If I just took the chance before you left..." he paused and took a long good look at me.

"Addie?" Ed called, "it's time for us to go. Party's about to start."

"Coming!" I shouted back. I gave Ralph a hug and a peck on the cheek. "You'll always be the first guy I ever loved," I whispered. He stood up, took my hand and led me to Ed. Ed, in turn, took me with a warm smile and contentedly put his arm around my shoulders.

"You take care of her, or else. One false move, I won't hesitate to take her away," I heard Ralph whisper to him before he left the room.

"What was that?" I asked, as if Ralph were speaking in an alien language that was barely audible.

"Guy stuff," he grinned as he led me through the front door, "did I ever tell you that I love you?"

"Just enough times to keep my blood running," I sighed.

"Mommy!" a little girl barely a year old shrieked in my dad's arms.

"Hey there Savanna," I smiled gently as I took her into my arms.

"Let's go Mrs. Ramos," Ed grinned.

"Stop calling your mom," I said sternly.

"Sorry, I got carried away," he said as he cooed over Savanna. We laughed heartily as we all walked out of the theater.

Chapter 15 "Face the Fear"

"Are you sure about this?" dad asked as he straightened off my ruffled sleeve.

"I need to stop running away," I said taking a peak outside the drapes, waving at Gen.

"Excuse me," mom announced before she continued to relay the reason why I called a press conference to the media, but very carefully, not giving off important details.

It's been a week since my meltdown, but not until now have I ever felt so shaky in my life. I've already told Gen about the big secret. I was honestly scared of losing her, and being stranded in the war alone, but she gave me a warm hug and a nice assuring smile.

She convinced me to face the reality that I've always refused to see, and start facing what I fear. I was hesitant at first, but her assurance that she would still be there no matter what happened seemed to have given me extra guts. Then and there, I was sure, I've found myself a best friend.

And now I’m back in L.A. to face the challenge she gave me. But much more than that, to solve the problem that I had created

"Lin, it's time," Bea's whisper led me back to the present. I gave her a light nod before I stepped into the limelight. The cameras flashed their blinding lights and the crowd's murmur became louder as I elegantly placed myself on my seat. The entire room hushed as mom cued me onto the podium. I went on to the stage and gave out a loud huff.

"Good morning," I started. "First, I would like to thank all of you for being present tonight. I would like to tell you a story I have been too familiar with, and I think it is time to tell you. On the rainy morning of May 13, 1995, a certain girl was able to breathe her very first breath. She was born to the most popular couple in Hollywood and went about by the name of ‘Addie.’ She was born in a world full of fame and limelight and she reluctantly let it into her life. But the life of luxury and popularity was the reason why people rejected her. She was emotionally abused and bullied as she never did fulfill other people's expectations, the only one different, the only one who was so simple. Desperate to find a way out, she pretended to be someone else, someone that everyone would love, someone who was totally not her. From then on she had to live two separate lives. From then on, I came to be. From then on, Addie became me," I solemnly turned around and removed my identity as Lin, I was once again the plain Addie, red-haired, green-eyed and simple. "To Los Angeles, and to the world," I continued as my voice reigned over the crowd's hustle, "I am Adeline Driftwood. You are welcome to critic me or you may allow me to be. Either way, I am no longer afraid to show who I am." And with that, I moved down from the stage.

The interviewers raised their pens in hopes in being called so that I may answer their questions. My mom called out the reporter in a plaid dress and a perfectly cut bob, whom she seemed to know.

The media hushed as she stood up.

"Miss Lin," she started.

"Please, call me Addie," I politely corrected.

"Miss Addie," she continued, "does Mr. Ramos have anything to do with this?"

"Ed has nothing to do with this," I said struggling to stay in an upright position, "Ed being my boyfriend? Never happened. It almost did though, but I screwed it up. The truth is I only made it look like we were going out to keep Tony Larkin away. I realize that that was an unnecessary thing to do, selfish if I may."

"Miss Addie," a voice unmistakably from Cheska called from the crowd, "are you going to have to leave show business?"

"I will have to wait until my contracts end before I decide on that. If there are good offers proposed, I may continue."

"What will you do from now on?" a guy in his mid-fifties asked from the left-wing.

"I don't know really. I have no idea what to do. I'll have to start from scratch, I guess."

"What would you like to say to your fans?" A wimpy red-headed male squeaked.

"To my dearest fans who have always and always supported me, and who have been with me through thick and thin: I ask of your forgiveness. I am willing to receive all your comments and violent reactions. I'm sorry for hiding the truth from you. I'm sorry for being so selfish. I resolve to always be truthful from now on."

"Miss Addie!" the reporters all shouted inharmoniously competing for my attention, trying to get the best scoop.

At exactly 1:00 the last reporter left the conference room. My family left me with Gen at the front desk.

"Congratulations Addie, I'm so proud to you," Gen said giving me a tight hug, "no more secrets."

"Yeah... There is one thing that I haven't told you though," I mumbled.

"You're not Hannah Montana are you?" she said playfully.

"No," I laughed. "But seriously, there's one thing I have to ask you."

"Of course. Shoot it out," she said straightening up.

"Do you happen to know a guy named Ralph? Ralph Riggs?"

"S'matter of fact I do. He's my...-"

"-boyfriend?" I finished for her.

"Golly, no!" she said in disgust, "he's my brother from another dad. He's been living with his dad ever since mom got married to my dad. But he moved to Norwich to... what was that? Oh it doesn't really matter. Wait. Oh my gosh, he went after some girl. That was about almost the same time you moved."

I shrugged. "Well, he and I got together."

"And you didn't tell me?" she said failing to hide the smile on her face.

"But that's all over. I... um... broke up with him"

"What?" she said as her smile turned into a blank expression.

"I tried to love him. No, I did. But that was before I left, before my life was changed by Ed. And then I saw him with you, and totally got the wrong idea. But since I didn't know that, I took it as a chance to end our emotionless relationship," I looked at her, "you understand, right?"

"How did he deal with it?" she said ignoring my question.

"He was quite confused at first, but then he got his revenge because by the next day everyone was looking at me as if I convicted a heinous crime. And then he tried to bring Ed on his side, too."

"Was Ed-- you know-- 'brought to his side'?" she asked.

"I don't know. That was the very same day I left for London."

"I wasn't," Ed said as he entered the hall, catching his breath,

"How did you..." I said, unsure of what to say, "I mean, from NY to LA?"

"Jet. Contacted. Sylvester," he gasped as he got nearer to the desk. I stood up and ran to him to give him a tight hug.

"I hope you forgive me for not telling you," I said as I pulled back. He playfully punched my left shoulder.

"I already knew," he smiled.

"Ralph?" I guessed.

"What he said to me just assured me that I was still sane. I figured out most of it."

"You knew, and you didn't tell me." I said.

"You had a secret identity and didn't tell him," Gen said enjoying our conversation from the background.

"Point," Ed and I chorused. We both laughed.

"I suspected, the first day I met you, but I wasn't that sure. Then there was my first time at your place where I thought I saw Lin. Then at times when Lin calls, your voices aren't distinct at all, you should have worked on that. And then that interview, and the date with Ralph, where you were weirdly wearing the same bracelet, and make-up, you don't wear make-up."

Only I guy that interested would notice the bracelet. I smiled inevitably, and rewarded him with a kiss.

"Get a room," Gen teased.

"Get a boyfriend," I teased back.

"You ready for what's to come?" Ed said looking deeply into my eyes.

"I've learned to face my fear," I shrugged.

"That's my girl," Gen beamed.

Chapter 14 "Tag"

"Hey Addie," Ralph greeted me.

"You seem cheerful," I said gloomily.

"I have my reasons," he smiled as he sat down on the swing next to mine, "so, what do you want to talk about?"

"You and me," I slumped.

"Us?" he asked, slightly leaning towards my direction.

"Just, just you and me... No us... No we... Just you and me," I sighed. His cheery expression was now replaced with confusion.

"Are you... breaking up with me?" his eyebrows met at the center of his forehead.

I nodded silently allowing a fake tear run down my cheek.

"Could you at least tell me why?" he got off from his swing and stood in front of me. I stared at him without a sound. My tears were the only channel of emotion. He took me and put his arms around my shivering body.

"I know you've been keeping something from me," I said in a very weak voice pushing him away, "I just can't stand it. How could you?"

"But..." he attempted to explain himself.

"There's no need to explain. I'm happy for you." I sobbed loudly, comparable to a baby who dropped his pacifier as I walked away. As soon as I got inside the school building, I easily wiped off my tears and pulled myself together.

I paused before I continued to the hall, I sounded too much like Lin back there. Danger. Oh, what a mess I got myself into. I sighed and tried to catch my breath as I walked my way to the class room.

There were a few of my classmates chitchatting by the window who greeted me pleasantly. The school was still a ghost town. I greeted my classmates with a smile and excused myself.

I sat down on my seat and suddenly felt woozy.

The next thing I knew I wasn't in my classroom anymore. It didn't look like anywhere I've been. "Addie! Addie!" a crowd of paparazzi called out. They buzzed questions and took pictures as they devilishly looked at me. It went pitch dark and suddenly there was a dim light high above me that seemed to only light up a meter's radius at most. I struggled to get out but I was stuck on my chair, my hands tied behind me. "Why, Addie? Why? Or should I say Lin?" Ed said as he came stepped into the light.


"Ed... Ed..." I tried to answer him back but the only sound that my mouth was able to produce was inaudible mumbles. I heard a laugh from behind him. "It's a good thing you broke up with me. I wouldn't want to have anything to do with you." Ralph said as he came into view. I screamed, or at least I tried. Suddenly I fell into a hole and found myself in the middle of a crowd. "Addie?! Addie?!" I heard Gen's voice booming over the crowd's busy buzz. I looked around to try to catch a glimpse of her. Right now, I really needed someone to talk to. "Addie?!" her voice continued to call, "Addie!" her voice started changing "Addie." until now it was all husky and masculine.


I opened my eyes and found that I was lying on a lumpy bed. "You passed out in your classroom this morning. Too much stress won't do you any good y'know?" Terence said as soon as he noticed that I was already conscious.

"Where am I?" I said trying to restore a steady vision.

"School clinic. I'm glad you're okay," he said gripping my hand.

"Where's Ed?" I asked feebly.

"I have no idea. But I'm sure he'll be here soon," he excused himself and went to get the nurse. She checked my reflexes and allowed me to go as soon as she finished. I stood up but my feet were too heavy to hold my weight. Terence quickly broke my fall by catching me with his bulky arms. "Careful there," he flashed a jerky smile.

"Thanks, but I can do it myself." I said stepping away from his protective arms. I took three wobbly steps and managed to keep myself upright. I turned and beamed at him, and he beamed back in a brotherly way. But it didn't last more than that. My body toppled as I tried to take the fourth step, luckily, someone broke my fall. But it wasn't Terence's strong arms. I looked up and found Ed looking down at me. He helped me up and guided me to the parking lot.

"Where are we going?" I said breaking the long silence between us.

"I'm going to have to bring you home," he said as he helped me down the stairs.

"I don't want to. There's still three quarters of the class to go through," I muttered struggling my way off his grip. Stubborn as I am, I got away. My wobbly feet tried to step a stair higher. One at a time, I thought.

Ed looked at me from the bottom of the staircase with a hint of worry in his eyes. He didn't argue because he always knew I'd still win.

It took me forever to reach the top of the staircase. I looked back at him and gave him a triumphant smirk. I stepped away from the stairs but I lost my balance. Gravity pulled me back.

"Eddie!" I shrieked as I lost control. With a thud, Ed broke my fall. He groaned in agony. I quickly stood up, asked for forgiveness and said a feeble thank you.

The next thing he did took me by surprise. He threw his arms around me, I could feel him shiver. "I love you," he whispered. I put my dizzy head against his chest and smiled at the sound of his heartbeat.

"Your heart is beating abnormally fast," I mentioned.

"Happens every time I see you," he said brushing his hand through my hair.

"And now I can feel mine beat a bit more harder too," I looked up to him, leaning in for a kiss. It was deep, warm, passionate kiss. He backed off gently.

"I should probably get you home now," he said all flushed. This time, I simply looked at the building and nodded. He opened the door of his Corolla and led me in.

"Don't you have a class?" I asked as soon as he started the engine.

"Free period," he casually replied as he backed up the car.

"Oh," I said, followed by a long period of silence. But it wasn't at all awkward; it was weirdly warm and lovely.

"Is Ralph going to be okay with this? With us?" he suddenly asks.

"I don't know. But he has to be," I said looking through the window, "I... I broke up with him just this morning."

"Really?" he said with an intrigued smile.

"How about you and Lin? I mean, are you two doing fine? I mean, it's taboo to cheat on someone with her own cousin," I said, wanting to get a view of his part of the story.

"Well, that's something I've been meaning to tell you," he said in an awkward tone. I looked at him with an uncertainty.

"Lin and I…-" he started.

"-Are still together, huh?" I finished with a hint of a heavy load in my voice.

"No, no, that's not it. It's just that Lin and I were never an item. All that hullabaloo was fake."

"Wha... Wha... Really?" I stuttered, thinking ahead of my reaction, wryly trying not to act too much like Lin.

"She hired me as a dietitian, a personal assistant and a stage boyfriend," he shrugged.

"So I guess we're free from anxiety," I said leaning a bit closer to him.

"Yeah," he said releasing one hand from the wheel and grabbing onto mine, "and no secrets in between. Just like before, but better," he said looking straight at where we were heading, unconsciously stabbing a sword of guilt onto my chest. And all I did was smile.

I could barely sleep that night. Aside from the high fever I just got that evening, my conscience couldn't seem to take a rest. My brain kept on replaying the words, "I love you" and "no secrets" in an alternate pattern. I promised myself to tell Ed as soon as I see him. My eyes soon gave in to the powers of Mr. Sandman, my brain tired from riding the roller coaster of thoughts.

I woke up to birds starting their morning with a happy tune. I've overslept. As soon as I realized the time, I didn't waste a second longer I got ready in 10 minutes. I grabbed a sandwich and chomped it down as I rode down in my bike. Luckily, I got inside the classroom in time.

When I arrived, my classmates all stared as I passed. They glanced menacingly at me, then at Ralph. For the rest of the morning, the whole class acted as if I wasn't there.

My heart seemed to be dragged down into the core of the earth. As soon as the bell for the lunch break rung, I took long strides, wanting to get out of my classmates' range.

I was the first to reach the cafeteria, so lunch was an easy grab. I saw Gigi entering at the corner of my eye, but I kept walking. I settled down at the OB. I remember when I last visited the place, the time when my life got so complicated I didn't think it through of what was the best way out, and instead I used the easiest one.

Some paper hearts were still hanging from the ceiling, a few lay messily on the floor; their colors faded to scarlet.

I ate in the deafening silence. Two pairs of footsteps started to echo down the hall.

"What did you want to talk about?" I heard Ed's voice as soon as the tapping footsteps stopped. Too much loneliness can make you hear weird stuff, I said to myself as I stared at the ceiling inside an abandoned classroom.

"It's about Addie," Ralph said in a gruff voice that told me that I wasn't at all imagining Ed's voice.

"You can't have her back," Ed said defensively.

"Oh, I don't want to have her back," Ralph laughed, "I don't want a cheat and a liar hanging around me."

"How dare you call Addie a liar?" Ed said as I heard a loud thump against the rusty lockers.

He laughed even louder, "She's a fraud. You? One of her victims. In fact, her entire being is a lie. Listen, she's Adeline Driftwood. Addie-Lin Driftwood." I could imagine Ed's angry and confused face by now. I couldn't stand listening anymore. I ran outside through an emergency door. I went straight home, and didn't even have time to think of my afternoon classes.

Maybe, Ralph's told my classmates of my double identity, too. How did he find out? How long did he know?

"Addie?" Gen's accent never failed to lighten me up.

"Hey Gen, mind if I visit?" I said as I looked out of the window.

"Dear Golly! Here? In London? Now?" she said sounding unsure.

"If it's okay. My life's kind of a mess here," I sighed.

"I don't really approve of it, but I can't deny that it would be a ton of fun to have you around. You can't keep running off to somewhere when you get caught in a mess," she said sternly.

"I know... I'm just trying to cool off..."

"Promise you're coming back to the U.S. to fix whatever mess that is right after you've cooled off," her voice instructed.

"I promise," I assured her before I dropped off the line.

I nodded at Sylvester, who in turn instructed the pilot to start the ignition. In a few a minutes, the view outside the window was all blue, the sea and the sky separated by a horizontal border.

Gen was right, I do run away from my problems, I always have. I've been playing tag with the speed of light, and it's wearing me off. I'm tired of playing hide and go seek. I'm tired of this kind of life. Tag. I'm it.

Chapter 13 "Out of the Blue"

I want to end my life, I thought as I woke up one Saturday morning. But of course I won't, because I'm not that stupid. I've been going steady with Ralph for a month now. Without Ed, I had no one to hang with except Ralph. I've been avoiding the gang if I could; it would only mean a chance that we talk about Ed.

I was the only one left inside the house, aside from the staff. Bea's back at Los Angeles because of a big project where she gets to play the lead. Mom and dad aren't home as usual.

Nothing at all felt right; the house felt like it was deserted, I had a boyfriend who I didn't feel anything toward to, I've been pretending to be someone I'm not (and introduced her to the world as Lin), I've brought my alter -ego to a world she shouldn't step in, and the guy I like is going out with my alter-ego.

The past month I've been busy switching places from time to time; Ed at 1, Ralph at 5. I never thought I'd get a break. I never thought I'd have a day like today.

This was the day that I was to rest from all the mess. Ed was invited to Ellen, and for some reason, Ralph wasn't available too.

The weather was getting hotter as summer was only at the corner. Everyone was studying for the finals, everyone but the exception of me. I didn't find the will to bury my nose into my textbooks.

I got up and dragged myself to the shower. I decided to bring my study materials with me as I got ready; you never know I might decide to flicker among the pages. Sylvester drove me to the local cafe and I ordered myself an Oreo shake frappe. I sat down at the nearest table by the window as soon as the waiter returned with my order.

"Excuse me," a female voice called as she gave a few light taps on my shoulders. She was likely a tourist, probably from Europe, at around my age. She was wearing a black halter-top, a vintage necklace, and a cute pink light flowing above-the-knee skirt. "I'm using this table; I don't mean to be rude. But I just left to take a minute at the loo. I left my books to indicate that I won't be long gone."

"Awfully sorry about that," I said, immediately standing up as I snatched up my frappe and my books and made my way to the next table, but as soon as I turned ‘Ms. London’ called me up and offered to sit with her instead. She introduced herself as Genevieve Summers, an aspiring fashion designer.

"But why Norwich?" I asked the moment we started talking about my country, "There's not much to see here. There are plenty of other 'must-watch' spots in our country. I could take you for a tour if you want," I said already comfortable with her.

"You make it sound quite easy," she smirked as she raised her left eye-brow ever so slightly.

"Well, it's not bragging. But I got my connections."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" I said setting out a serious expression.

"How much?" she asked digging into her pouch. She looked up back at me and looked unsure. “Uh, how about this necklace?” she offered as she displayed her necklace as if it were for sale.

"Oh no, no. Please, forget about the payment. You'll probably think it's weird, but I'm thankful that you're here. I mean, the past months. This is but a chance to get myself some time off.”

"Surely, I could give you something," she said her look indicating that she was determined to repay me in some way, "how about if you have the time to visit London, I give you a tour ‘round the place. It's not really of the same expense but I'd still be helping you with whatever's bothering you.

I took this into consideration. I couldn't see why not; After all, it was almost summer. It was an opportunity to detach myself from my situation for a while. She was delighted to hear that I agreed.

We chit-chatted for the rest of the morning. I've never spilled so much about me in one blow. A warm feeling of being safe wafted around. And I told myself, I've found a friend. We talked about our dream jobs, our friends, our family, our likes, our dislikes, our hobbies, our preferences, our schools, and we couldn't leave out our boyfriends. I found out that she was staying in Norwich for a week with her parents and her brother to visit her cousin, who died of cancer. All of a sudden, I heard a growl. I turned around and looked for the source of the sound but saw nothing.

"Sorry," Gen said as her face changed to a bright shade of scarlet, "I haven't had my breakfast yet. I kinda spent my last dime in this place, and now I'm stranded in this cafe. I have no idea where to go."

"You should have said so," I grinned. I picked up my phone and signaled Sylvester to come pick me up. It didn't take long for me to spot mom's blue BMW convertible speeding around the corner. I saw Gen's jaw drop from the corner of my eye. My inner Lin beamed with pride while Addie's heart sunk into a feeling of guilt. "She's beautiful," she said as her eyes sparkled, "yours?"

"My m... aunt's," I almost slipped, "hop in."

"Surely, now I owe you tons of money," she said as we got in the car.

"Why don't we talk about that later? Right now, just do what I do, and enjoy the ride," I smiled.

"Take us for a spin, Sylvester!" I called out. Sylvester didn't waste a second and soon enough we sped around the town. "Woooooh!" I shouted as I raised my arms up high, feeling the warm breeze whip my hair in every direction. Gen just reluctantly looked at me at first, but joined the fun any way. As soon as we got home, the guards and the gardeners all stared at our hair as we both looked like we were mobbed though smiles were practically glued to our faces. I fixed my hair into a pony tail as Gen combed her hair back to the pale blonde wavy hair I'd seen that morning. She blankly looked at our mansion, not seeming to react at all. She probably got over the gasping, oohing, and staring at the expensive stuff and seeped in the fact that we weren't just people from the country side. --

"Golly, I couldn't possibly go inside. It's too... too posh," she said.

-- or so I thought.

"Of course you can. You're a guest to my country, and now you're a guest to my home," I beamed slightly pushing her in.

"Your neck’s gonna hurt if you don't look straight," I said tilting her head away from the ceiling and the high walls.

She came with me inside the kitchen (though I did insist that she stay at the living room) as we made Hawaiian Tacos and Skillet Chicken Chervil. After the scrumptious meal, we watched movies at the guest room and I could see that she was easily at home. It was fun to have someone to talk to.

It was already sundown when I dropped her off at the hotel that she and the rest of her family were staying. I did offer her to stay at my place instead but she said that a week's worth of the bill was already paid for.

We exchanged contact numbers and email adds before she went down the car. She flipped her long blonde hair as she walked into the hotel; she was met by a male figure. I scooted to the window to get a closer view.

I was stunned, then angry, and what became of my rage was happiness. Gen gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he in turn put his hand around her protectively. Tall, blonde and well-built, just as she described. "Let's go home Sylvester."

I smiled to myself thinking that I finally found a reason to break up with Ralph. But I still felt weird. I didn't love him, but somehow, in some way, I got hurt. I dug into my bag and grabbed my phone.

I stared at it for a few moments before I dialed his number. I crossed my fingers when I heard his voice, "Hello. You have reached Ralph Riggs, I can't answer my phone right now. Please leave a message after the tone."

"Uh... Hey Ralph," I started with a hint of sadness in my voice, "I need to tell you something. Can we, like, talk?" Hmm, yeah... PM me back as soon as you get this. I love you," I gave out every bit of non-existent emotion in the last three words.

Lucky that Gen came out at Cafe Blues. Now I owe her much more than a trip around the country, I owe her much more than that.

Chapter 12 "Another Lie"

My life's getting messier by the minute. I quickly changed into the Addie clothes I had been wearing that afternoon and sprinted my way to school. I had the feeling that I had forgotten something, but I couldn't quite figure out what it was. But it didn't matter. Ed's out there searching his head off. As soon as I reached school, (and thankfully the guards bought my story that I left my school work and desperately had to finish it tonight) I made things look like I was there for the whole evening. I took out my sketch pad and looked at the dimly lit playground. I immersed myself into sketching.

"Addie?" called out a voice. I turned around to see Ralph crouching down, "what are you doing here at this time of the night?"

"Long story," I sighed.

"I've got time," he said sympathetically as he sat beside me.

"I... I can't tell you."

"Okay. Then, I'll just have to respect that," he said giving me a peck on the cheek, "do you need anything?"

"Some spaghetti would do," I said, forcing out a smile, "I haven't had my dinner."

"If that would buy me your forgiveness for my insecurity this afternoon, then up you go!" he pulled me off my feet and we rode off in his pick-up truck and drove out to McDonald's.

I sat down at the table right at the corner of the store as Ralph went to the counter to place our order. He came back with a tray containing large fries, a McSpaghetti, a BigMac, two regular cokes and for dessert, a McFlurry and a Choco-Fudge Sundae.

We started talking, and I found myself immensely having fun with him. That is, until Eddie busted in.

"Addie," his voice quivered as he picked me up from my seat and hugged me tightly, "I was super worried about you." I caught a glance at Ralph's face, and he didn't seem to like the show.

"I'm in the middle of something here Ed. There's no need to worry, I'm being taken care of by someone who happens to prioritize me over all the fuss in the world," I said pulling back, "now, if you don't mind, I'll finish off my dinner with my boyfriend."

Eddie looked at me; I could practically see his heart being shattered as he walked out. He was probably worried to death but the treatment I gave him was just cruel. I sat back down and forced a smile at Ralph. "I'm sorry about that."

"Not really your fault is it?" he said grabbing my hand from across the table.

Beep!

"Ugh," Ralph complained, "can't a guy get some peace while eating dinner?"

"It's Ed," I said.

"He just wrecks each moment that I get to be with you," he scoffed.

"Could I just have this minute? I just want to read his text them I'm going to turn off my phone, I promise," I said. I didn't wait for his approval; I read Ed's text before he could even say a word.

I'm sry 4 ruining yer nyt. I didnt know u were... uh... busy. U must b wondering y I was so worried, y wouldnt I b? I just came frm yer place & I was kinda worried wen I found out dt u wer stil out. Wel, hav fun w/ d  rest of yer nyt. Btw, 1571|||0\/3j0o.

I was sorta curious what the last set of characters meant. My curiosity told me to pursue what it means, but I've already made a promise to Ralph. Who knows? I thought, it might have been just a typo. When I finished reading, I looked up at Ralph and slid my phone to his hands. "You turn it off."

"I trust you," he said shoving it back into my hand. I smiled and stood up, approached him and willed him to stand up, too. "You should stop that," I mumbled almost inaudibly as I laid my head gently on his shoulders, "you're making me fall for you." I tried not to shudder at the words, another set of words that weren't at all true.

"Is that a bad thing?" he said pulling me closer. I stood silent, but let out a single smile. I looked up, but it just so happened he was leaning too close. His lips brushed on mine. But I felt statuesque, cold and monumental.

 I pulled back and tried to put out a shy smile, "I guess not." There was a moment of silence as I was in a swirl of deep thought.

"What?" Ralph asked when I suddenly laughed.

"Oh, nothing," I smiled as I took a seat, "would you mind if I ask you something?"

"Technically, you're already asking. But I'm giving you a chance to ask me one more," he said as he took the seat across the table.

"I've been wondering. What is it in me that you see? I mean, why do you love me?" I said as I leaned across the table for a closer view at his reaction.

"Why do I love you?" he said, looking slightly taken aback, "I... I don't know really, you don't have to be pretty, smart, tall, rich, creative, or fun. You just need to be who you are. I honestly don't think I need a reason to love you. 'Cause love just happens, you know?"

"I just so happen to know," I said, remembering Ed.

"By the way, nice bracelet," he said suddenly, "but I don't think it's your style."

"B... Bracelet?" I said, puzzled.

He took my hand and lifted it to my eye level. Big OOPS. It was Lin's bracelet.

"Oh, you think so? It's not mine any way, I might as well remove it." I said quickly snatching the bracelet off my wrist and sinking it into my backpack. I just hope Ed didn't notice. We were the last people left, except for some strange looking middle age guy staring blankly outside the window and the staff who were half-way through their nightly clean-up. So we set for home.

"I had a wonderful time," I said to Ralph giving him a peck on the cheek. For the most unusual thought; I didn't feel anything at all that night with Ralph. I felt nothing but the tingly feeling which felt very similar to an adrenaline rush when Ed's arms were around me. That's when I realized, my boyfriend is just another lie.

Chapter 11 "What's she to you?"

"Iha! You're here!" greeted Tita Inday, one of Trina's aunts, "It's great to see you! Come in! Come in!"
They all welcomed me with their famous Filipino hospitality. Soon enough, I started enjoying myself.

"Kuya Edgar!" Trina suddenly called out, "'andito si Addie o! (look, Addie’s here) "

"Edgar, hali ka muna dito't samahan mo ang bisita mo. (come here and join your guest)" Tita Inday said to Eddie. Ed on the other hand turned snobbishly to me and asked, "Did you really come here for me?"

"No," I said. "Your titas, titos and pinsans invited me here. It's rude to refuse an invitation."

"Kita n'yo? Di naman sa akin bumibistita 'yan eh! (You see? I'm not the one she intends to visit anyway!)" he said going up the stairs.

"Forgive my nephew," Tito Bong said as we heard Ed slam the door behind him.

"No worries," I smiled as we continued talking.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rang. Tito Boy stood up to see who it was and called my name saying a person intended to see me.

"Sylvester? What a pleasant surprise, what are you doing here?"

"Madame Sierra wishes to see you," he said stretching his arms towards the limo.

"Addie, why didn't you tell me you had a limo?" Trina said with glimmering eyes.

"That's not mine, it's my aunt's. I think I have to go. But hey, thanks so much for having me here and spending some time with me. Do visit me before you guys leave for the Philippines, titos, titas and pinsans," I said before Sylvester escorted me to the limo.

Sylvester sped home. Expecting my mother to come, I dove into the Addie closet and tried to find me a decent dress. I took out my red Sunday's Best and quickly changed into it. Just as I was able to put it on, dad knocked on the door. "Addie?" he called out from the hall, "Code Lin."

"Why?" I asked sorta confused.

"The Daily 10's doing a special. Call Edward, too," he answered.

"It's Edgar, dad," I briefly corrected him.

"Right, right... Sorry dear. The crew will be over here in a while" he said as I heard heavy footsteps going down the stairs.

I quickly dialed the phone as I scanned the Lin closet. "Hello. This is Ramos' residence, Ed speaking."

"Hey Ed."

"Addie?" he said with a hint of enthusiasm in his voice.

"This is Lin."

"Oh," he said, his voice suddenly becoming bleak.

"Look, sorry for calling you at such a short notice, but I need you here right now."

"Why? Is anything wrong?" he said worriedly.

"Don't worry, there's nothing wrong. It's just that the daily 10's coming for an interview, dad said you're gonna be needed here. Up to it?" I said crossing my fingers, hoping he'd come.

"I'll be right over."

"That's a relief. By the way, do be sure to wear something presentable on national TV."

"Yeah, sure. I think I got just the thing," he said as he dropped the line.

I got in my pink mini skirt and white tank top slipped into my white doll shoes, put on my baby-blue contact lenses and Blondie wig. I quickly applied a touch of make-up, accessorized with a pink bracelet with a butterfly trinket and quickly ran down the stairs and sat down on the couch. It was quite weird for Lin to finish preparing this fast but I couldn't afford to be late this time.

‘Ding dong!’ went the doorbell. I made a quick visit to the mirror and then scurried to the front door. Just as I was about to open the door Sylvester blocked my way and insisted that I stay at the living room. "Sorry we're late," I heard the interviewer say as they came in, "I'm Cheska and this is Hal. I'm an intern at the Daily 10; my boss is out sick so I'll fill in for a while," her chitterish voice filled the hall, "where do we set up?"

"Come this way Madame." Sylvester said as he led them to the living room. I, on the other hand pretended to be busy by reading a book from dad's rack. "Oh you're here!" I smiled at them as I stood up to recognize their presence, "I'll go upstairs and call mom and dad. Please, do sit down."

"Oh, no, no!" she reacted almost instantly, "I came here for an exclusive on you and Mr. Ramos."

"Oh. Of course!" I smiled and sat back down; trying not to look worried as I gestured for her to take the seat next to mine.

"Where is this controversial boy?" she nudged me with her elbow.

"Oh, well... He's not here yet..." I said moving a bit further from her.

"Who's not here?" Ed said coming in with a fresh batch of brownies.

"Eddie!" I ran to him.

"Where's my hug?" he said with open arms. As soon as he got his arms around me, we devised a plan, under our breaths, then and there. Sure, Addie was the best friend but Lin was the partner-in-crime.

"Nice bracelet by the way," he said as I pulled away.

"You just love to surprise me, don't you?" I said as I my cheeks went wildly into a shade of pink.

"So, when do we start?" he said turning to Cheska. She, on the other hand, looked at the cameraman who gave her a nod.

"Now's a good time," she smiled at Eddie.

"Let's start then!" I said as I held Ed's hand. He led me to the couch and soon enough the interview started and went through smoothly, before I knew it, we were done.

"Thank you so much. You don't know how much this could help me," Cheska said gripping my hand with a smile.

"Glad to have helped," I smiled back at her.

I closed the door behind me as soon as they sped off. "Here," I said, handing Ed a hundred dollar bill.

"Thanks," he said looking bemused, "but that really isn't what I came here for. I just want to talk to Addie, say sorry. I'd like to tell her the truth about you and me."

"Addie's not here." I said, hoping he'd drop the subject and find another time to talk about it.

He looked alarmed. "But the limo she was on is already parked outside, how come she's not here?"

"We dropped her off at their school..." I said.

"What the she hell would she be doing there? It's past 8."

"Oh, for heaven's sake, she's no child! I have full confidence that she can handle herself. I can assure you that you don't have to worry," I said in a confident tone, "Come on, I'll sure she'll be home soon. Why don't we have dinner while waiting?"

"Dinner? How am I supposed to have dinner when my mind's off to her safety? No, I can't stay any longer. I'm going to have to look for her."

"What's she to you anyway?" I said, trying to suppress my blood from flowing to my face.

"She's someone I just can't afford to lose," he finally said, closing the door behind him.