Better as Best of Friends

Our first encounter

Lea's POV

I know that it is unhealthy to think of what could have beens. I can proudly say that I'm happy with what I have and who I am today. But I think anything that involves him can be healthier than what it seemed.

(Flashback muna tayo. Ayy FLASHBACK lang pala, walang TAYO 🙊🙊)

Checking my E-mail has always been part of my morning routine. I always check it to know if a have a meeting, an event to attend or such on a particular day. As I check it, I found a message from STAR CINEMA. I had a hint on what it was all about so I opened it immediately.

Ms. Lea Salonga,
Good day! Star Cinema, in cooperation with ABS-CBN, is very pleased to inform you that you are chosen to be the leading actress of a project, specifically a film under the direction of Malou Santos. Consider this as a welcome back film as we celebrate your home coming this month. Your Filipino fans will surely love to see you on the silver screen after your several years of performing on stage in London.
Further details, including the signing of the contract, will be discussed on a conference meeting which is scheduled fifteen days after this E-mail was sent. Please reply to this message as a confirmation that you are available on the said date or for us to adjust the meeting in your most favorable time. Thank you!

I feel THRILLED at this moment. It has been years since I was casted on a film and I must say that I really missed working on it. This is the first lead I got in terms of movies that makes it even more special. So without hesitation, I replied:

This is for you to know that I received your message. It is a pleasure that you trust me enough to give that role for me. The conference meeting will not make any conflict with my schedule so expect my presence on that day. Thank you!

Then I realized, I just entered a project without even knowing the flow of its story and who my co-workers are. Impulsive Lea driven by her excitement. But it's fine. Think positive, Lea.

So fourteen days passed by quickly and today I'm going to attend the conference for our film. I'm on my way and as ussual TRAFFIC SA PILIPINAS. But it's fine. I prepared earlier 'cause I expected this from the start and I do not want to be late.

After that long ride, I arrived at the venue. It is a conference room ( malamang conference meeting nga di ba?) with a long table at the center. The moment I got there, all of them greeted 'good morning' and 'welcome back' to me. As I take a seat I asked "So what are we waiting for?"

"The right question is 'Who are we waiting for?' As usual, your leading man is late, Lea. I know that you're too professional and you hate late comers so you need to prolong your patience this time. At sana maging komportable kayo sa isa't isa for a better outcome," Tita Malou said.

" I don't know him yet. But I'll try my best to be comfortable with..... whoever he is. And you said as usual, right? Does he arrive late frequently?" I explained to her.

" You don't know him yet? No one introduced him to you?" As I nodded, she continued." But I'm sure you know him naman and you two will meet today. And for you to know, your leading man is Mr. A-"

Before Tita Malou can even finish her sentence, there came a man rushing as he opened the glass door. He's wearing a black shirt under his leather jacket and a black pants. Have I mentioned that we exactly have the same outfit and the only difference is that my pants are ripped on its knee part🙊🙊. What's with the leather jacket? I accidentally stared at his clothes that made him look at it too. He then scratched his head.

" Sorry I'm late. Traffic kasi eh," he apologized as he scraches his head...again. Yung totoo, may dandruff ba s'ya?

" Well immuned na kami sa'yo. But next time please try to arrive earlier. Don't keep your leading lady waiting. Oh by the way, this is Ms. Lea Salonga, your leading lady." She turned her head to me and said "Lea, this is Ariel Mulach," she introduced.

I don't know but I think I saw him glared at Tita Malou when she mentioned his name. But right after, he turned to me, smiled (Ohhhh He has dimples on both cheeks) and said " It's a pleasure meeting you Ms. Salonga." He offered his hand for a handshake so I gladly accepted it and said " It is a pleasure meeting you too, Mr. Mulach." A firm handshake. He's too formal.

"Please drop the Mr. and just call me Aga," he said.

" You started it. And okay just call me Lea. Wait, Aga? As in morning? Bakit ka late ngayon?" I replied and just kept the last sentence hanging. I do not want to look and act intimidating in front of him.

" Yah. I know. My name is Aga but now I'm late. I'm sorry for being the cause of dalay." He apologized again.

"Enough with the introduction. You'll be together in a period of six months so you two really have the time to get to know each other. But for now, let's get started," Tita Malou interjected.

And the meeting goes on. I kind of feel a little bit uncomfortable because I can notice that he's glacing at me from time to time. But my perfect posture remained. Prim and Proper Lea.

After an hour...

"Okay. And now we're done. Thank you all for coming specially Lea and Aga," Tita Malou ended as we shake our hands.

"It's a pleasure to work with you," I gladly told her. After that, I fixed my bag. I went to the restroom to retouch my make up. I washed my hand but there is no hand dryer or blower or whatever you call that. So I searched for my hanky but I can't find it. I went back to the conference room. Surprisingly, Aga and Tita Malou are not yet leaving the room.

"That's all I have to say." Tita Malou said to Aga. " Oh Lea, nandito ka pa pala. Maiwan ko na kayong dalawa. I need to buy something pa. Bye. Ingat kayo ha," she continued then immediately left.

Then I remembered, I have to search for my hanky. I tried to look for it somewhere near my seat a while ago but it's not there.

"Asan na ba yun?" I mumbled.

"Ito ba ang hinahanap mo?," Aga said while holding a purple hanky which is mine.

"Yes. There it is. Thank you!" I told him while wiping my hands which are kind of dry already.

"So?" We said in unison. That made us chuckle but he recovered easily then said

"Ladies first so what were you saying?"

"Why are you still here?" I asked.

"Masama ba?" After he said that, there goes a three-second awkward silence. Yahh Why did I even ask that?

"No. Just kidding. Tita Malou just lectured my about something," he continued.

Lectured talaga? On our first day of meeting? Maybe because he was late. Well, he somehow deserves that lecture-thing. Ang dami agad nasabi, Lea?

"Oh I see." But those are the only words that came out of my mouth. I'm running out of words. If it wasn't the first day we met, I may have said all those thoughts to him. Good for him.

"So do you have anything to do then? I can drive you home." He offered. Ang fc nya. Am I being judgemental?

"No, thank you. I have my own car with me." I told him.

"How about coffee? Let's have coffee. You and me." He then again offered.

Coffee. That sounds interesting. But ang bilis ha.

"That sounds nice. Wala naman na akong gagawin," I told him then smiled. "But, for what? Para saan?" I asked him before I come with him.

"Wala lang. I just wanted to know you, Miss Salonga. I just wanted to know who truly my leading lady is." He answered in a sweet voice.

Talaga lang ha? Men and their words.

"Well then, okay. If you say so," I said unbelievingly. He then offered his hand to me. Ayy fc talaga sya.