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.