Chapter 34

Joshua looked at the rear-view mirror and saw Carla. It has been a few minutes now since they left Pure Act Café, and his companion has done nothing but be quiet. His curiosity made him ask her. 'Why so silent?" Carla looked at him. 'Care to share what's on your mind?" Carla did not answer. She just looked back outside the window. 'Are you still thinking about Tats?" It was a wild guess, although Joshua thinks it might really be the reason. Isn't Carla worrying about her friend since earlier at Pure Act? 'I don't think Carlo would do something bad at her," Joshua said. 'I've known Carlo not too long now, but I can say he's a good man. Your friend is in good hands." 'I'm thinking about something else," Carla said. 'About Edmalyn falling in love with him?" Carla did not answer, but Joshua is sure that's what she meant. 'I guess you know that in love, you have to be brave. Not everything is perfect when it comes to love, but if you're scared about getting hurt, then you won't get a chance at all." Carla looked back at Joshua. 'If Tats will prevent herself from falling in love, whether it be with Carlo or with another man, then how can she find true love and happiness?" Carla fell silent again. Joshua has a point. 'Also, you're just there to support Edmalyn. Right, Besh?" Carla smiled. 'Your Besh is so queer." Joshua also smiled. They fell silent again. This time, it was Carla who spoke first. 'Mayor seems to be going through something." Joshua smiled. 'Hers is a different case." 'I'm curious about who she was talking about. I feel like it's not just about the story that she wants Ria to create for her. She seems to be referring to someone that really exists." 'He's a real person," Joshua said. 'Ria said it might be a politician in the Metro Manila area." 'Ah, I see. That's why she's like that." 'He seems to be someone very dedicated to his job that he doesn't have time for Mayor anymore." Carla remembered what Jovie said earlier. 'Maybe it really is hard to love someone who doesn't have time for you." She then remembered her ex-boyfriend once again. 'If you love someone, you will understand." Carla looked at Joshua. 'I mean, when you chose to love that person, you know what you'll get. Does that person need to be the only one who will adjust his or her life, but you don't need to keep up? Like, for example, I fell in love with you." Carla's heart suddenly pounded and she doesn't know why. 'I know you're a resident doctor who spend most of her life in the hospital. Will I get mad if you don't have time for me? If I want to see you, can't I make a way for our schedule to meet? Should you be the only one fixing your schedule? Can't I also adjust my schedule to meet yours?" Carla doesn't know why, but she felt glad with what Joshua said. For the first time, she felt that someone understands her situation. She felt so glad she smiled. 'How about you? What do you think?" Joshua asked her. 'Just like what you think," Carla said. Joshua smiled at her, and Carla felt a lot better after. They talked some more about random things, until they finally arrived at Carla's house. She was about to invite him inside, but Joshua talked before she can even start. 'I'll go ahead," Joshua aid. 'Your father might get mad I won't be able to go here entirely." Carla giggled at what he said. 'Promise, next time, I'll have coffee at your house," Joshua said. Carla smiled. 'Okay." Carla waited for his car to completely disappear before she went inside their house. ******************************************************************** Ria and Jovie are on the backseat together, and they have been silent since they left Pure Act Café. The latter is slouching with her back turned on to Ria. That is why Ria cannot see what Jovie is doing, but she's well aware that her classmate is still awake. She just let her be quiet and didn't bother her. That moment, Jovie is thinking about the reason why she drank a lot tonight. She's not denying the resentment she's feeling for that person. Yes, she's well aware that he's a very dedicated public servant, and she knows its consequence. They are just the same, remember? But even so, she still can't help but feel bad. She knows she can find a way for them to meet or just talk with each other. She can do that, so why can't that person she likes so much do the same? That's what makes her feel bad. Her phone suddenly buzzed. It was a message notification, and the text message came from him. Hi! Jovie felt more annoyed. She wants to throw her cell phone, if only Ria and her driver are not there. Yes, she still can feel humiliation. Her phone buzzed again. Another message came in. Can we talk? And another one. I actually don't know how to do this, so please bear with me. And another one. I know I've hurt you. I'm sorry. The messages arrived continuously. I'm sorry for neglecting you. I'm trying to fix everything, but the more I try to make a space for you, the more things get complicated. But I don't want it to be like this. I really don't know what to do. Sorry, it's my first time to do this. I just want you to know that I miss you. So much. Jovie can't stop herself from giggling. It's like she's reading a poem by Lang Leav. She decided to reply. You're wasting space. The sender immediately replied. Sorry. I write what comes to my mind. And it's like that. Piece by piece. I just can't think straight when I'm thinking of you. Jovie can't help but feel overwhelmed. She wasn't able to reply, until the sender texted her again. Can we talk? I want to hear your voice. If only Ria was not there, Jovie already dialled that person's number and called him. But her good classmate volunteered to take her home, which is something she is thankful for. Anyway, it is also good since she can't text him back if she's the one driving. I'm on my way home. I'm with a friend, but the car's close to our house. Then, let's talk when you get home. Jovie's smile slowly faded. No! She doesn't want their conversation to end now. We can text each other. My friend does not mind. She's busy with her own thoughts. Jovie glanced at Ria. The latter is also busy with her white phone. Okay then. Let's chat like this until you get home. Jovie's mood totally improved. What she doesn't know is that Ria is now looking at her Cupid Phone, and on the screen is she herself and the guy she is currently texting. Ria smiled at what she saw. She then glanced at Jovie beside her. Somehow, Ria can feel that Jovie is talking to the person who's picture is beside hers in her Cupid Phone. Just be patient, Jovie. Just be patient. Ria once again looked at the information on her Cupid Phone, taking note of the red line between Jovie and the guy before returning it in the home screen and putting it down.