The Long Way Home

  Before Serena could say anything, Leah’s boyfriend came by and gave Leah a kiss on the lips.

  “Hi,” The boyfriend then saw Serena. Serena merely waved at him.

  “Oh, Vicente,” Leah said, “This is Serena. Serena, Vicente, my boyfriend.” Leah then turned to Vicente, “I was just telling her to go enjoy the party…and be ready for some surprises.”

  “Oh!” Vicente exclaimed, “Lottie does love surprises, yes.”

  Leah smiled, “Anyway, we have to get going. See you, later, Serena.”

  ***

  Tryke picked Serena up from the party by 11:30pm. She went inside his car and talked for a while.

  “How was it?” He asked, “Did Leah bother you?”

  She shook her head, “Well,” She said, “She told me that…That if you really loved me, you would tell me the truth, whatever that was.”

  Tryke hurriedly parked the car.

  “Tryke?”

  He looked at her, “I love you, okay?”

  “You don’t have to—“

  “I mean it,” He said, “I love you. I do. And…and if there are some things I can’t talk about right now, it’s only because…Because I love you too much to let all these go to waste.”

  She looked at him, “I love you, too.” She said.

  “You do?”

  “Yeah,” She said unsurely, “I…I do. Tryke you are a good guy, I’d be a fool not to give it a go. Not to give us a go.”

  He smiled and kissed her on the forehead, “I love you, Serena,” He said. Seconds later, their lips met. Serena wanted to find that electric feeling, that spark…but there was none. Oh, well, maybe it doesn’t happen anymore, She thought.

  “I love you.” He said again.

  She smiled meekly, “I love you, too.”

  Roll the credits

  Iamblake: hey…it’s late where u are, why are u up?

  Itsmeserena: don’t ask.

  Iamblake: sorry.

  Itsmeserena: read the newest articles about u and paulee…

  Iamblake: serena, it’s not what u think.

  Itsmeserena: I told u u don’t have to explain anything to me, blake.

  Iamblake: but I want to. Serena, she’s jus a friend. I know she seems like this, this total bitch, and yes, that is her exterior, but she is a good person. she’s just…sad. Needing a friend.

  Itsmeserena: well…goodluck, blake.

  Iamblake: how are u?

  Itsmeserena: good. Never been better. Tryke and I are…are a couple now.

  Iamblake: you’re what?

  Itsmeserena: a couple.

  Iamblake: oh.

  Itsmeserena: that’s it? Oh?

  Iamblake: congrats.

  Itsmeserena: thanks.

  Iamblake: are u happy?

  Itsmeserena: of course I am.

  Iamblake: serena

  Itsmeserena: I need to go, blake. Goodnight. Take care and…goodluck to u and paulee. Tell her I said hi.

  Itsmeserena has logged off.

  Jar of hearts

 

  Blake drove and drove. He wanted to get away from it all, wanted to forget that Serena just told him she was with another man, wanted to make himself believe that it was gonna be okay, though honestly, he wasn’t sure how. He then found himself in Paulee’s house, rung the doorbell and had the maid tell him that Paulee was in the den, watching movies. He went to the den and didn’t know what to say until Paulee saw him.

  “Hey,” She greeted, standing up from her chair, “Blake? Were you crying? Are you okay?” She went up to him.

  He wasn’t able to say anything. Instead, he just started sobbing painfully. Sad, painful sobs that shook his whole body. He stood there, in front of her, crying like a child.

  “Hey, hey, hey, sweetie,” Paulee said as she wrapped her arms around him, “What happened?”

  “I love her, P,” He said, “I just love her…so much.”

  Paulee hugged him even more, “Ssh…it’s gonna be okay, Blake, its gonna be okay…”

  ***

  Missg: you silly girl.

  Itsmeserena: oh wow, what a greeting, gina.

  Missg: blake and I had a chat. He told me about u and tryke!

  Itsmeserena: oh the blabbermouth.

  Missg: so, it’s true? U and tryke?

  Itsmeserena: yes.

  Missg: and you’re happy?

  Itsmeserena: of course. Why won’t I be?

  Missg: oh, bloody hell, serena, don’t act as if I don’t know u. I can actually picture u right now, looking drained as if you don’t even wanna talk about this.

  Itsmeserena: psychic much?

  Missg: I’m your friend. I know u.

  Itsmeserena: fine.

  Missg: serena, if you’re not happy, then why’d you say yes to him?

  Itsmeserena: bec he’s a good guy.

  Missg: can u even hear yourself right now?

  Itsmeserena: gina, I don’t wanna talk about this.

  Missg: whatever. Btw, your mom called me.

  Itsmeserena: called u? why?

  Missg: she says…she misses u. and that she wishes u were back home.

  Itsmeserena: whoa.

  Missg: ikr? Weird, but…I think u should call her.

  Itsmeserena: yeah, well…I guess so.

  Missg: oh, and serena?

  Itsmeserena: yeah?

  Missg: pls don’t make yourself more miserable. U know what I mean.

  Itsmeserena: g, tryke and i…it’ll work out.

  Missg: not bec you’re in the same place and he’s a good guy does it mean it’s gonna work out. U love blake, I know.

  Itsmeserena: no u don’t.

  Missg: oh shut it. I should go. Go call your mom. Ttyl.

  Itsmeserena: thanks, g.

  ***

  “Mom?” Serena said as her mother, in the Philippines, picked up her phone.

  “Sweetheart!” Her mom exclaimed. She had never called Serena “Sweetheart” in years. “I’m so glad you called…”

  “Yeah, well, about that…is something goin on? Gina said you wanted to talk to me…”

  “Oh, nothing, Serena,” Her mom answered, “I just…I miss you, sweetie, I wish you were here.”

  She misses me? She never misses me. “Mom,” Serena said, “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, sweetie, I just…I want you to know that I love you. And that... And that…you are the best daughter anyone could ever have, I’m so sorry I never told you that before.”

  What the hell is going on? “Mom, it’s okay, I…love you,too.”

  “Oh, sweetheart!” Her mom sobbed.

  “Mom, are you okay?”

  “Yes, honey,” She said, “How are you?”

  “I’m…good,” Serena answered, “Tryke and I are together now…”

  “The Italian man?”

  “Yes, him.”

  “Oh, dear…”

  “Mom, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, sweetie, it’s just…Blake came over weeks back, before he left for the US…”

  “Blake? Blake Rodriguez? You know Blake?”

  “Not until he came over here, no…”

  “He went there?” Serena asked, shocked, “What did he do?”

  “Oh, nothing, honey, he just returned one of your possessions…” She sobbed again.

  “What? What is it?”

  “It’s this old photo scrapbook you have…You know, the one with your messages and stuff…”

  “Oh, God, no…”

  “…And I didn’t really open it til a few days ago and it just made me cry…Sweetheart, I’m so sorry for everything. We love you, I love you…And now that you’re there, it’s just…I’m sorry we didn’t give you a chance, you know what I mean? Sorry we pushed you too hard, we didn’t see you for you…”

  “It’s okay, mom.”

  “No, sweetie,” Her mom said, “We know it’s not, and w
hen you come home, I promise, things will be different…”

  “Mom, you really don’t have to—“

  “I love you, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “Anyway, I thought you and Blake would find a way to be together…He told me he loves you, you know? The guy is an angel, Serena, but if you’re happy with this Italian guy, then I can’t force you to be with Blake…I just really wish that you are truly happy…”

  “I am, mom, don’t worry…” Serena said, trying to convince her mom and herself, as well. “Mom, I have to go, okay? I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Okay, sweetheart, thanks for the call…Take care, okay?”

  “You too, mom. Say hello to everyone for me.”

  “I will.”

  “Bye, mom.”

  “Bye, sweetheart.”

  Serena couldn’t believe her ears. Blake went to see her mom and told her that he loves Serena? He loves her. It was crazy. No one has ever done that before. Why didn’t anyone tell her? But, well, what difference would it make, right? She wanted to leave. She then got her laptop and started making an e-mail.

 

  To: blake

  From: serena

  Re: old photos

  Hello blake.

  I know this comes as a surprise, but well, I have been surprised just a few minutes ago, too…I had a conversation with my mom and she told me that you went there weeks ago, before you left for the states and gave them my old scrapbook…To be honest, I would’ve been mad, I mean, that is my property but…I can’t be. I mean, it was probably the most decent conversation I’ve had with my mom in…ages. She called me sweetheart and told me that she loved me! I was…in shock. She never said those words in years, and, it’s insane but it’s like, it’s all I ever wanted. You have no idea how those words melted my heart…

  All I’m saying is…Thank you, Blake. I…yeah, it means a lot. Really. I wish I could make it up to you.

  So, yeah. That’s it. Take care, Blake…and…goodluck. With everything.

  Sweet and Low

  Tryke and Serena decided to join Marcela and her fiancé, Anton for Sunday brunch. They were all having an animated discussion, but Serena felt like she didn’t belong there. Like, all she wanted was to be somewhere else.

  “I can’t believe the wedding’s next week!” Marcela blurted out, “It feels surreal…”

  Anton laughed, “Mi amor, you make me love you more.”

  “Aww, amor, you are the best.”

  “Really sorry about these lovebirds here…” Tryke told Serena.

  Serena smiled, “Well, you can’t blame them,” She said, “They’re getting married…”

  “Oh, so you two,” Anton said, “Getting married next year?”

  “Anton, don’t ask them that!” Marcela said and turned to Serena and Tryke, “I’m really sorry, he could get so lovey-dovey at times…”

  “It’s okay…” Serena smiled.

  “You know,” Anton said, “You two look good together. You can actually use the villa for your reception next year…”

  They laughed again.

  “Oh, well, I should go get the Rhubarb pie…” Marcela said.

  “Oh, let me help you…” Serena said and they stood up to go to the kitchen.

  Serena and Marcela were cutting the pie in the kitchen when Serena spoke.

  “Marcie,” She said, “How do you know if someone’s the right one?”

  Marcela looked at her, “Well, it’s different for everybody…but in the end, you just know.” She smiled, “Are you worried about you and Timothy?”

  “Well, I…”

  “Listen, sweetie,” Marcela said, “I’m not entirely sure how things will go for you both. But…I know he loves you. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t…then it just means someone else is meant for you, and for him, as well.”

  “Thanks…”

  Marcela just smiled, “Come on, let’s get out of here, they’re probably starving…”

 

  Dirty Little Secret

  Serena couldn’t help but smile as she saw how happy Anton and Marcela were during their wedding. They were glowing with happiness. They were…undeniably made for each other. Everything was perfect, from the service in the church, to the reception. It was flawless.

  Serena wondered if ever she’d achieve that kind of happiness, or peace. Or how would things be like during her wedding.

  “Wanna go by the seashore?” Tryke asked, disrupting her thoughts.

  “Yeah,” She smiled lightly, “Sure.”

 

  Minutes later, they were talking by the shore when Tryke paused.

  “Tryke? You okay?”

  He looked at her, “Serena, I love you.”

  “I love you, too—“

  “No, wait, I have to tell you something.”

  “What is it?”

  He took a deep breath and then, “Serena, do you know why I got this scar?” He asked, holding up his arm.

  “No, I mean, it did intrigue me, but you don’t have to tell me if…”

  “I want to,” He said, “I have to. It’s the truth.”

  “The…truth?”

  “Serena, that day….Six years ago when…when Ricardo died, I was there.”

  “W-what?”

  “It was an accident,” Tryke recounted, his voice shaking, “Leah and I came to see him because he was preparing a surprise for Minerva…He wanted Leah to create a painting of the vineyard, and me to create a sculpture…We were talking and then…And then he slipped…He stepped on this rock and he was falling down. I tried to save him, I got this scar but…but his hand slipped out of mine and—“

  “I knew it,” Someone cried from behind them. It was Minerva, her eyes full of tears, “I always thought you knew something! It was the reason why you never came by the house again, why you got that mysterious scar, why you went to Wales…I’m so stupid not to have called you on it—“

  “Minnie, listen, it was an accident,” He said, “When…when everybody else came, Leah and I were hiding and she told me to run, go to the car, drive away. She acted like she just came and that we knew nothing. We were…we were very scared, we didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to be in jail, it was an accident, I—“

  “You liar!” Minerva said, pounding him on the chest, “How could you?! Why didn’t you tell me before? You…you and Leah, I trusted both of you and you did this?!”

  “Minnie,” Serena said, her eyes welling up with tears, too.

  “Fuck you, Timothy!” Minerva said, “Fuck you!”

  “Minerva, I’m sorry, I didn’t…I’m sorry, I was a coward…”

  Minerva then ran away.

  “Minnie!” Serena called out then looked at Tryke. “How could you?” She muttered.

  “I’m really sorry…” Tryke said, sobbing, as well.

  Serena then ran away, without knowing where to go.

  Chasing Cars

  Later that evening, a drunk Serena went to Tryke’s house and pounded heavily on the door.

  “Come out, you bastard!” Serena shouted, “Talk to me!”

  Tryke opened the door, looking disturbed, as well, “Serena?” He said, “Come in…” He held her by the arms.

  “Don’t fuckin’ hold me!”

  He led her in and closed the door behind them, “Serena, I’m really…sorry. Please…Please calm down.”

  “You liar!” She screamed, “Do you know how hard it was for me to get my life back, huh? Do you know how I went down the drain, lost everything I ever had, lost myself because of lies? Do you know how I started lying to myself, too? I was gonna be on top, you know? I was gonna rule the world and then things just went downhill…” She was crying, “Then I met you, I went here, things looked better again…I dropped everything I ever had down, just for you. I left Blake, Goddammit! I chose you and now what do I get?!”

  “I’m sorry,
” He said, crying, as well, “Serena, I’m sorry. It was an accident…We should’ve told everyone but…But we were young and stupid, and scared…It haunts me to this day…”

  “I don’t care if it haunts you!” She said, seething with anger, “How could you just sit there all along knowing Minerva’s my cousin? How could you make me fall for you without telling me the truth first? I should’ve listened to Leah when she said you owed me the truth.”

  “Serena, it’s not like that,” He explained, “I was gonna tell you when we were just friends, then I found out she was your cousin and I was already falling for you and…It was complicated, I didn’t know how to—“

  “You’re a coward, that’s what you are!” She shouted, “I can’t believe I chose you over Blake!”

  “Serena,”

  “I love him, hear that?!” She said, through tears, “I love him but I chose you. Stupid me, I always make the wrong decisions.” And then she cried, not knowing if the pain in her heart would ever end. Then he hugged her, knowing he was already losing the girl she loves, one more time, because of the same reason she lost the first girl he ever loved years ago.

  ***

 

  When Serena woke up hours later, it was already 2AM, and she found Tryke looking at her while sitting on the floor. She stood up from the couch.

  “I’ll walk you home,” Tryke said, standing up as well.

  “Don’t,” She said, “I can walk alone.”

  “I’m sorry…”

  “Will you stop saying that?” Serena said, and sighed, “And…please don’t follow me.” She then went out of the house, slamming the door behind him.