Chapter 67

Because they were not able to celebrate during his actual birthday, Joshua decided to have a late celebration with Carla even though it has been a week since that candlelit dinner at the rooftop of TGH. Although the dinner went well, and he actually became Carla's boyfriend officially, he still wanted to celebrate properly for his birthday. That also means that she will be with the woman he loves. He decided to bring Carla to Daebak Park again. She also liked that because she really enjoyed their first trip there. He just promised to not do the zip line again, provided they also skip the horror train this time. Past 2 PM when he picked up Carla from their house. This time, he went inside, and he gathered up the courage to meet her family. Well, the Labaos are a nice bunch of people. It's just that Joshua has a previous reputation that makes him feel embarrassed. He could not look straight into Carla's father's eyes, because he feels like he's examining him. Of all the years he had been an actor whose primary occupation is performing in front of people, this is the first time he felt that anxious. This is more intense than that time he auditioned for an international movie produced by a Japanese movie company. "You're too quiet," Carla's father suddenly asked Joshua. The latter looked at him. "Relax," he said. "Carla already told us what's going on between you two. And don't worry. Everything is okay for us." Joshua felt so much better because of that, especially after what he said next. "What's important is that our youngest is happy. So I hope, you always make her happy." Joshua was able to smile finally. "You can count on me on that." It didn't take long before Carla went out to the living room, and the two said their goodbyes. That's when Joshua totally felt relieved. "You seem stressed," Carla noticed. They are now inside Joshua's car. "That was the first time I talked to your father," Joshua said. "You act as if this is the first time you met them." "Yeah, this is not the first time. But, this is different. You're my girlfriend now. And aside from that, my image to them before is unfavorable..." Joshua remembered Carla's father almost calling the police just to have him picked up and leave their residence. He winced at the memory. "Don't worry about the past. What's important is now," Carla said. Joshua nodded in agreement. He then took the baseball cap from the backseat and gave it to Carla. "Wear that." Carla gave him a questioning frown. "I know how precious your privacy is. So wear that, so that you won't get exploited." "But before, it's just okay, right?" Carla asked. Still she wore the cap given to her. "It's different now." How can he convince her without mentioning anything about him being a Cupid? Before, they were not yet official although since that time they were already destined for each other. But now, people might start recognizing them as couple because they already gave in to the power of the red threads. Luckily, Carla agreed to put on a disguise. "Will you also give me sunglasses?" she even asked. "Actually, that might be too obvious." Joshua took out a clear aviator eyeglass. "Wear this instead." Carla took the eyeglasses and wore it. "It's not graded, but the lenses are photochromic. So when you're under the sun, the lenses will darken so you don't have to worry that they will see your face under the glaring light." "You really thought this through, huh?" Carla is really impressed. "Seven years in the industry thought me how to do things, you know," Joshua said while wearing the baseball cap. But aside from the disguises, Joshua also made sure that he and Carla will be discreet in public. They were able to succeed because no one approached them for a picture or autograph. That's why they were able to enjoy their date. But unbeknownst to them, there were fans who were able to take pictures of them secretly. Good thing is the photos are not that clear, especially those that include Carla. Most of her shots are on her back, or on side view. Her face could not be seen clearly, and she could not be recognized unless you look at the picture for a long time. Carla found out what happened a few days after her date with Joshua. Even the ER staff are talking about the viral photos of Joshua Socorro. "Is that really Joshua Socorro?" "Yes! Look at the picture carefully." "The face is unclear. And those shots that are clearer, they are all side view or his back." "It's him! I have a fan for five years that's why I know his entire being." "That is exaggerated." "It's not! I'm very sure. That is Papa Joshy." "But who is the girl?" "Yeah. I haven't heard anything about his love life lately." "The last thing I heard about his love life what when he broke up with Caitlyn Soriano." "He also hasn't mentioned anything on his Youtube." "Wo who's the girl?" "She better be good, Sis. She should be good for my Papa Joshy." "Triggered?" "Of course! Her boyfie is Papa Joshy. She should be deserving." That's when Carla realized what she has gotten herself into. She's the girlfriend of one of the Philippine show business' heartthrob. A lot of girls swoon over Joshua, and she will definitely be the most hated girl in the Philippines once they found out about her relationship with him. She doesn't know if she can take that pressure. She already feels stressed just by thinking about it. She thought about the bashers that might attack her once her relationship with Joshua was revealed. Those blissful days that she had with Joshua are now replaced by depression. Or maybe, it's not yet that intense. Anxiety, maybe. But that's just the same, right? She's always sad because the happy ever after she was thinking was not totally happy. One afternoon, someone visited her while on duty. She actually thought that her visitor is one of Joshua's fans and that die-hard fan already discovered her secret relationship with her idol. She was worried her agony with bashers had already started. It turns out she was wrong. She was quite reluctant to face the ‘visitor' she had outside the ER. But she later realized that there's nothing she needs to worry about. She felt like crying because of relief upon realizing that her visitor was Ria. 'Doctor!" Her greeting is jolly as usual. 'How are you?" Carla secretly calmed herself. 'Fine..." She smiled at her. 'My cousin gave birth, and I visited her. Since I'm here already, I thought I might say hi to you," Ria explained. Carla just smiled again. 'So, how are you? Are you busy? Did I bother you?" Ria asked. 'No, it's okay! Actually… I appreciate you coming here." Maybe she wasn't able to hide the sadness in her smile that Ria noticed her problem. 'Is there something wrong?" Ria asked. Maybe she's really too stressed that she wasn't able to prevent herself from sharing what she feels. 'I'm just… worried…" 'About what?" Carla looked at the ER door. There are but a few people at the ER that time, but she's still worried someone might hear them. 'Well, if you want, we can meet after your shift." Carla looked back at Ria. The latter smiled at her, and Carla felt she immediately need to talk to her. At least, to someone about her worries, and Ria is the most available friend right now. They went to the gang chairs on the waiting area outside the ER. Carla sat down, and Ria followed beside her. 'Ri, how was it growing up having a famous mother and grandfather?" Ria frowned. 'I just thought, if you were affected by your old people's fame… know what I mean?" 'Is this about Joshua?" Carla nodded. 'First of all, my case is different from yours because, even before I was born, my grandfather and mother are already famous. So, let's just say that I kind of grew into it." Carla understood that. Ria does not need to get used to it because from the beginning, that's how her life is. She doesn't need to adjust. 'What exactly are you worrying about?" Carla sighed. 'I don't know… I guess I'm just afraid that people might think I don't deserve Joshua." 'Oh come on!" Carla felt the sarcasm on Ria's tone. 'Even before you became Joshua's girlfriend… well, you might not be that famous, but you are already known. And besides, you're a doctor. And a good one. What is there to be insecure about?" 'I don't know…" That is the truth. She's beginning to think that maybe, there's nothing she should be worried about. Maybe she was just scared to know how her boyfriend's die-hard fans would react. 'And Carla, the most important thing is that Joshua loves you. You were chosen for him to love. They have no right to meddle with that. You were chosen by Destiny, because she knows you're the best for that jerk." Carla smiled. 'How sure are you that Destiny is a girl?" 'Well, he can be a guy sometimes." They both giggled. 'So, don't get stressed, okay? And don't worry, because if you would be bashed in socmed, I will defend you. My millions of followers will defend you… Okay, let's just say thousands for it to sound more humble." Carla completely felt better. So what if she's the girlfriend of Joshua Socorro? The mere fact that his heart fell in love with her, that means she's deserving for his love. And she should be proud of that. Since she talked to Ria earlier that afternoon, her mood lightened up again. She was actually thinking of calling Joshua, but she knows he's busy making contents for his Youtube channel. Maybe she'll just call him later. But the happiness she felt was short lived when he heard some news concerning Joshua that evening. 'Have you seen Caitlyn Soriano's post on IG?" 'Yes! And girl, that post is just too painful!" 'I think it's about Papa Joshy. Who else will she direct that post to, right?" 'You're right." Carla is not active on Instagram, though she also has an account. That moment, she decided to open the app and look for the post that everyone is talking about. And whatever happiness she was feeling all turned to perturbation. "I guess it wasn't meant to be. I guess you weren't made for me. I guess I couldn't ever be The one you want your love to be." It was a picture quote posted on her status and Instagram wall. It didn't mention any name, but based on the comments on the post, and based on Carla's perception, no doubt those words are directed towards Joshua Socorro.