Special Chapter 1

Travis We were just in our first year of college when I first noticed Tiffany. She was so simple that she immediately caught my attention. But for some unknown reason, she seemed to avoid me. Somehow, it made me feel sad and confused at the same time. I tried several times to approach her and introduce myself. But every time the opportunity arose, I was always overcome by nervousness. So, I settled for just observing her from a distance, unnoticed by her. Because of that, I couldn't help but notice the different look that Mike, the stepbrother of my close friend Jela, gave her. Since Jela wasn't close to Mike, I didn't bother asking her about her stepbrother. I just made sure that Tiffany was always in a good state. Even though I started to look like a stalker because I was constantly following her. But that one rainy night changed everything. I saw Tiffany running and crying under the heavy rain. At that moment, I couldn't stop myself from following her. Especially when I noticed Mike not far away, observing her and seemingly planning to follow her too. Little did I know that it would be the night when I would finally reach her. *** We became close friends after that night. I introduced her to my best friend Jela, and I also got to know her best friend Jairus. But for some unknown reason, it seemed that the two of them didn't like each other from the very first time we introduced them to each other. 'I wonder what's with those two; they're like cats and dogs." I paused mid-bite and looked up at Tiffany. She was slumped over the table, furrowing her brow and staring off into the distance. I followed her gaze and sighed as I saw Jela and Jairus seemingly arguing again as they entered the cafeteria. 'I don't really have an idea. I asked Jela about that matter, but she didn't say anything. So, I didn't bother pressing her further." She frowned again. 'Same. I also asked Jairus about it, but he couldn't provide any answers either. I just hope they resolve whatever misunderstandings they have so we can all hang out happily." I nodded in agreement. Although our close friends couldn't get along, it didn't hinder us from becoming even closer to each other. *** I arrived early today because we had a quiz in one of our subjects. I was sitting quietly on the grass, reading one of our handouts, when suddenly a familiar bag fell beside me. I turned to her in surprise. 'Hey, are you alright? Why are you so early?" I asked Tiffany with concern, noticing the beads of sweat on her forehead. As far as I remembered, her class was scheduled for the afternoon. She sighed. 'I'm not! I forgot that we're supposed to submit our portfolio today." She ran her fingers through her hair. 'I'm running out of time. Aside from not being able to find a good location anymore, I also don't have a model." I set aside the handout I was holding and looked at her intently. She really looked worried. She truly loved photography. That's why I have finally decided. I hid the handout inside my bag before standing up. Skipping a day and getting a zero on the quiz probably wouldn't be a big deal. 'Let's go. I know a place and a person that you can use for your portfolio." I reached out my hand to her, which she immediately accepted. 'Where? And who?" she asked, puzzled. I smiled at her. 'Just trust me." *** Since that day, I have often been her model for her portfolio. I wasn't a real celebrity by that time, but somehow, my participation in role-playing activities and the music festival qualified me to become a model. The first location we went to was the place where we first talked. And then I finally gathered the courage to tell her how I felt. 'I love you," I said out of the blue while we were studying under the same tree at the park. 'You w-what?" She stuttered, her eyes widening. She also dropped her pen. I swallowed before slowly reaching out and holding both of her hands. 'I love you. And I will court you whether you like it or not." I looked straight into her eyes, sincere and unwavering. Several moments of awkward silence passed between us. I couldn't even blink, holding my breath as I waited for her response. 'Who said that I didn't like it?" she finally smiled. I couldn't believe what she said, and I ended up staring at her until I couldn't contain my excitement and let out a scream. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. She hadn't given me an answer yet, but the overwhelming joy I felt from her granting me permission to court her was indescribable. *** 'Here. I cooked this." I placed my lunch box on the table as we arrived in the garden area. She took it, and her eyes sparkled as she opened the Tupperware. 'Wow. My favorite. Did you really cook this?" she asked, disbelief evident in her voice. 'Yeah. Let's share it. The food in the cafeteria gets boring, right?" I chuckled. It was just the two of us here. Not many students ventured to this part of the university. Fortunately, there were round tables and chairs available. 'Yeah, I agree. It would be too expensive to eat at fast-food restaurants," she replied, and her smile slowly faded, causing me to feel concerned. 'Why? Is something wrong?" She sighed. 'It's nothing. It's just that I don't know how to cook," she said, biting her lower lip. I reached for her hand and gently squeezed it. 'No worries. I can teach you," I reassured her, giving her a playful wink. I couldn't help but notice the blush on her cheeks. She looked so cute when she blushed, and in that moment, I felt myself falling even more in love with her. *** For several months of courtship, I never missed a chance to pick her up and drop her off, and I found myself cooking for the both of us more often. Because of that, Jela seemed to be holding a grudge against me, claiming that I had never done those things for her. But I knew she was just acting. However, with every passing day, my worry for Tiffany's safety never faded. Especially since I often caught Mike looking at her with desire evident in his eyes. Then one day, Tiffany finally uttered the words I had longed to hear from her. 'You have to stop courting me now." I was taken aback by her words. We were currently at the mall, looking for a place to eat, when she suddenly said those words. 'What? D-Did I do something wrong?" I asked, worriedly. She slowly turned to face me. Her face was devoid of emotion. We had just finished watching a movie, and we were happy as we walked out of the theater. And now, this sudden change. 'Nothing, really." She shrugged. I immediately approached her, my hands trembling, and reached for both of her cold hands. 'Then why?" At that moment, a smile slowly appeared on her lips. 'Because I want us to become official. So, you may stop courting me now." I was momentarily stunned by her words. I tried to process in my mind if I had heard her correctly. Mixed emotions overwhelm me now. But amidst it all, happiness prevailed. I couldn't contain my excitement and shouted and punched the air. 'Yes! We're together! Me and the girl I love!" I yelled loudly for everyone around us to hear before pulling her closer and hugging her tightly. I didn't care about the curious gazes we received from people. I never thought that Christmas could still be merrier than ever. *** Our relationship is going smoothly and is strong. Even most of the students at the university envy the relationship we have. Somehow, the arguments between Jela and Jairus have also lessened since Tiffany and I became a couple. We're really happy about that, because now we can all hang out peacefully. Sometimes, we also get to hang out with our respective groups of friends. 'Thank you for this night and inviting me here once again. This song is meant for the one and only girl that I ever loved. I love you, Tiff!" Loud cheers and applause filled the entire open grounds of the university. The music festival had arrived once again this year, and I was one of the chosen performers for the night. As I sang, I couldn't take my eyes off Tiffany, who was standing in the front row. She clapped her hands and swayed her hips. And by the way her mouth moved, I knew she was jamming along with my song. 'I love you, Travis!" she shouted. Despite the noise of the music and the audience, Tiffany's shout didn't escape my hearing. It didn't take long before she held the camera pointed directly at me until I finished singing. *** Everything about us feels too good to be true. I couldn't ask for more, as I have more than enough. I didn't stop pursuing my dream of entering the showbiz industry as well. But everything has changed since that one unexpected night. Tiffany informed me that they would have a group project held at one of her classmates house. Overnight. I was at ease during those times, especially since I knew that most of her companions would be girls. If I remember correctly, Jairus was the only guy with them during those hours. Not until I received a message request. I frowned when I noticed that it came from Mike. It was already four in the morning. I was still awake at that time because I had a presentation to finish. But I almost dropped my phone when I saw the picture he sent. It's a picture of him with Tiffany. Tiffany was already asleep on the floor while he was beside her. It had only been a few minutes since Tiff bid me goodnight. Even though it was the early hours of the morning, I didn't hesitate to go to Tiffany. Even though I knew she hadn't had much sleep yet, I insisted on taking her home, whether she liked it or not. I also found out that Mike was invited by one of Tiff's classmates. But I knew that even though he didn't do anything wrong to Tiffany, he wanted to convey something else through that picture. Tiffany didn't know about that incident. But I explained it to Jairus so he could be aware as well. So, since that incident, I have become stricter with her. *** 'You really have no idea what I'm capable of, do you? Break up with her or your sister will be in danger," he said in a threatening tone. I stopped walking when Mike said that. I was on my way home from the university when his group blocked my path. His group is part of a notorious fraternity at the university. And as much as possible, I don't want my family to be involved in this matter. 'You don't tell me what to do," I said through clenched teeth. He laughed. But before I could speak again, he quickly struck me with the wooden object he was carrying. 'Learn to answer me properly if you don't want to be crippled, along with your sister," he threatened. I suppressed the grimace as he leaned in to inspect me. 'Just try to report this, and you won't like what will happen to your family." Despite their frequent beatings and threats in the past, I still didn't do what they wanted. I didn't break up with Tiffany while trying to protect my family with the help of Tiffany's friend, Jairus. He also became my ally in coming up with excuses to tell Tiffany whenever I had new bruises on my face and body. To be honest, I don't know why I confided in him. Even though I knew he could also get involved. But I just can't tell it to my family, to Tiffany, or even to Jela. Due to my paranoia, I became even stricter with Tiffany. I felt like I would go crazy every time she wasn't by my side, fearing that something might have happened to her. Then came some good news. I was accepted for a commercial after auditioning. Ever since I was young, it has been my dream to enter the world of showbiz. Especially since I love singing and acting. On the other hand, Jela has long desired to become a professional model. Especially since she was given the opportunity to model clothes for a well-known catalog at a young age. But even so, I couldn't understand why Tiffany didn't choose her for her portfolio back then. Although I had already suggested her to be my proxy in case I wouldn't be available. Nevertheless, I pushed myself even harder because I was confident that I would meet more people there and potentially gain connections. Additionally, I had conversations with other fraternity groups at the university. I felt a sense of relief when I found out that Mike's group had some issues with some of them, and they were willing to help me out. I was ready to tell Tiffany everything. But it was too late. She had already given up. She had given up on me. On us. *** After that painful night when she broke up with me, Mike came. The good thing is that I managed to survive his attack. He was immediately arrested that night, thanks to his own family for doing the right thing. I tried multiple times to approach Tiffany to talk to her and explain everything after that incident. But she always avoided me. Jairus offered to help, but I declined. He also promised not to say anything to Tiffany without informing me. However, even though Tiffany had completely severed our connection, I didn't stop monitoring her. I created a dummy account so I could still get updates about her. As ugly as it sounds, I admit that I became a stalker again. Therefore, I knew where she moved, that she started a business, and other details. Moreover, I made sure that Mike would rot in jail. Aside from his attempt to kill me, we also discovered that he was involved in drug dealing and use. But despite everything that happened, I promised myself that even if Tiffany pushed me away, I would return to her when I became successful. When I can no longer imprison myself and repeat the past where she felt suffocated in our relationship. I didn't want to give her the forgiveness she asked for because I was afraid that she would completely forget me if that happened. Until we were together again in Baguio. Slowly, the wall I built between us was crumbling. I was ready to talk to her and let her know everything that had happened. But then I overheard her conversation with Jairus. It made me jump to the conclusion that there's something going on between her and Jairus. Because of that, the resentment I felt towards her resurfaced, leading me to leave her alone in Baguio. I didn't attempt to talk to Jairus either because I was consumed by jealousy. Until the day for us to talk and clear things out finally came. Despite facing another obstacle, we didn't let go of each other anymore from that day on. *** The news about me and Tiffany getting married spreads like wildfire in the showbiz industry. Everything has been set, including my decision. 'Are you sure?" Miguel asked me seriously, bringing me back to the present. I blinked and smiled at him. Even though he didn't say it explicitly, I knew what he was referring to. I had already mentioned my plan to him before Tiffany and I decided to get married. 'Yeah. I've never been this sure." He nodded approvingly before giving me a gentle pat on the shoulder. 'I understood. Love really changes things. I will not be a victim of it too." He shook his head. I chuckled. 'No worries. You're not safe when it comes to that matter." He winced. 'Spare me, man." We talked about various things before I finally bid him farewell. As I stepped out of the dressing room, I found Jela waiting for me, leaning against the wall. 'So, you will really leave showbiz?" I approached her, and we walked out together. 'Yeah." 'No matter what your decision is, I'll support you." She beamed at me. 'Thank you." 'Your fans will surely miss you," she added. 'Just the fans?" I looked at her meaningfully. She rolled her eyes. 'Fine. I'll miss you too. I won't have anyone to tease once I'm done with work. There won't be any shooting to visit anymore. Besides, you'll also be somewhat far from us." 'How is Tiff's studio, by the way?" she asked as we finally exited the building of the network station we belonged to. 'He will entrust the management to Jairus. But we'll still visit there," I answered. She sighed, then nodded in the direction ahead of us. 'Alright. I wish the two of you the best of luck. The love of your life is already waiting for you." She lightly tapped my back. I smiled before hugging her tightly. Honestly, I will also miss her mischievousness. 'We'll be expecting you, okay?" I confirmed as I released our embrace. 'Of course! I wouldn't miss it!" I bid her farewell before heading straight to my waiting car in the parking lot. As I entered, Tiffany's smiling face greeted me. 'Are you ready?" I winked at her. 'Always ready!" she answered cheerfully. With that, I closed the gap between us and kissed her passionately. This is just the beginning of our journey towards eternity, and I am filled with anticipation to spend the rest of my life with the only woman I have ever loved.