chapter 4

Danny learned from HR that Jason would be transferring to another department. After the transfer, during breaks Jason would go to Danny’s floor for a short talk and visit. Until one day, Jason had stopped visiting her; there would be times they don’t even talk to each other unless Danny made an effort to IM him. It made her think what was going on with Jason. Finally, she had a meeting on his floor and would be able to see what’s keeping Jason busy lately.

Danny happy to see Jason greeted him excitedly “Hey, how are you?!”

“ok naman! We went out already. FYI”

“that’s good”

“by the way, this is Jane.”

“hi. Sige I’ll go ahead na. I need to process this agad.” Danny bid goodbye and tried show a friendly smile with Jane.

Jason got closed to Jane and was able to confide feelings that she can never really tell to Danny for some reasons.

“Do you like Danny?” Jane asked Jason.

For a second Jason didn’t respond. Then he replied. “She is nice.”

“Nice in what sense? Cause I think she likes you.”

“How would you know? You don’t know her that well.”

“When she saw you, she was excited but you acted like you were busy of some sort, then you mentioned your date worst you introduce me with her!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Jane tried to explain to Jason calmly but was kinda irritated of Jason acting dumb. “She went here after the meeting if you didn’t noticed that, she find time for you but you didn’t value it. Kaya when she left she look a bit disappointed but never showed you. It’s a girl thing. Plus, the most annoying thing you did is introducing me to her… ano ka ba!”

“I never thought of that way. I thought it was natural for her to visit me coz I do visit her before but now not anymore. Things have changed a bit” He was trying to refresh his memory but nothing really sinks in on what Jane told her.

The friendship of Danny and Jason were now starting to fall apart, aside from Jason being transferred to another department. He also had a new set of friends. New set of friends that Danny didn’t really favored but she never really showed it.

Before taking a sip of her coffee Rachel informed Danny. “I heard Jason has a new gal pals, it’s him, Tanya, Cris, Shawn and Jane.”

“I know, good for him, I think he is happy with them. I also know that he and Cris has a special thing.” Danny tried not to be affected at all. Occasionally, she would be bumped into Jason she will just smile and try to act the she had forgotten something and would leave quickly. Jason observed this kind of behavior of Danny. He knew that he needed to confront her when it happens again.

It was during there coffee break that Jason had a chance to ask the question “Why, do you seem to be distant? May ginawa ba ako sayo?”

Danny sounding not to be bothered with the question “What do you mean distant? Besides, I don’t need to tell you anything so why should I talk to you?”

Jason was annoyed with her answer. “Suplada!” and left the pantry.

“Ganon, sinabi nya yun?” Rachel was trying to contemplate while stirring her coffee what had happened to her friend. “Did you know that Crystal wants to meet you before? Cause Jason would always tell stories about you. It’s really odd now that the two of you are not in speaking terms anymore. Kase naman, Jason wasn’t sensitive enough, that’s what Crystal didn’t liked about him maybe Cris flirted too much and gave obvious hints that made him fall for her.”

“Awwwwwww…your such a friend Rachel dear…I just wish Cris will not hurt him cause he is a good guy and he is special to me.” Danny knew that her friendship with Jason would never be the same. It was a painful acceptance that she needs to endure. She will surely miss his company. The laughs, the jokes, the non-sense talks especially the friendship. She thought it will never be the same

“Surely, I was Jason’s meantime girl.” Danny sighed and sipped her coffee.

As months passed by there friendship grew more distant people who were closed to them thought they broke up.

“Naging kayo ba?” Allen asked as he joined them during lunch

“Ha? Kami ni Jason? Hindi not a chance.” Danny felt awkward answering it.

“I just noticed na you don’t hang and talk to each other anymore. Dati kse feeling naming lahat you have this special relationship…We would always see you together tapos may special bond talaga kayo…”

“Really, you’ve noticed that?” Rachel tried to join the conversation

“Sayang wala naman pala but you really looked good together..”

“Ganon…eh Anyway, Rachel I heard Mark the new guy likes you” Danny tried to change the topic and felt a bit sad but she can’t do anything about it since she’s no longer close with Jason anymore.

chapter 3

“Huy, ano na find me a date!” as Jason approached Danny’s workstation.

Danny wasn’t in the mood to joke around with him. “Yeah, I’ll set you up! Don’t you have other friends that can hook you up?”

“Actually I have a friend, he’ll introduce me with someone. I’ll keep you posted about the date but you’ll still find me one. You know what I like not that intimidating, chinita, matalino, funny, at shmpre pretty.”

“Yeah, yeah sabi mo eh. That’s good hope your date turns out great. You know what I think, your just one of the typical guys I’ve known and met. You set up high standards for your future girlfriends to be. Sadly, most of its basis would be physical. Don’t you think its shallow kase its physical muna before character?”

“Sometimes, it can be shallow but when you get to know the person then you’d be able to decide if the relationship would be plain friendship or a prospect for a deeper relationship. Plus, you wouldn’t want to end up with someone you’re not attracted with?”

As she tried to end the conversation. “Its possible, why not? If he’s too charming maybe I’ll fall for him. I’m just saying, its true physical attraction may contribute part of it. But it should not define the basis of a relationship to begin with. It’s not the only thing that would make it work. It’s like saying that ugly people don’t have the right to fall and be in love. Basta, I don’t like that idea. Sige na, I’ll tell you when I find you someone ok.”

Jason was desperate and wanted to get dates, he would bug Danny and she would just say yes. She’ll pretend that she was pairing him with some of her single friends but she really didn’t try at all. Until Jason told Danny that he will be going on a group date. Acting happy and surprise she supported him; she even gave tips and told him to make the conversation flowing because she knew that Jason has the tendency to be boring at times.

Danny was curious how his date went but tried to sound that she wasn’t interrogating at all. “So how was the date?”

“It was ok. She’s nice, has a pretty smile, came from a rich family. I’m just worried baka she’s high maintenance.” Jason was still in his date zone.

“Wag naman sana, but that’s good to know she’s nice. Will you have a second date?”

“Yup, it next weekend. She also likes to watch Grey’s Anatomy. Do you have that series?”

“Nope, I have Scrubs, why you told her you have that series? Hahahahaha”

“sige, tawa pa I need to have it. So I have a reason to call her.”

“grabe, are you that torpe talaga? Just call her, tell her your sister borrowed it” Danny left Jason’s workstation then went to Rachel’s place.

“so kamusta naman date non?”

“he said it was ok. But he made a small lie that he had Grey’s Anatomy series. Umeffort pa wrong hirit naman.”

“Nako Daniella, yan Jason mo ewan ko ba dyan…over sa manhid, can he not appreciate your existence in his life. Di pa ba nya magets why you didn’t accept that position? You want I’ll tell him?”

“Never mind.” Danny felt sad but she can’t do anything about it, she thought that you can never force someone to love you back.

Jason reminded Danny and Rachel before they leave the office. “We’ll see each other 8:00 pm. Rache take care of Danny ok. Danny I’ll call you.”

Around 6:00 pm Jason called Danny. “Good evening, May I please speak with Danielle”

“Hoi! Danielle ka dyan! Is it raining in Makati?”

“Wait I’ll check….Yup, but its not that hard. Why you asked?”

“Cancel na lang natin.”

“Wag naman I don’t have other plans tonight basta 8 pm ha?!” Jason sounding to be desperate.

“Cge na nga, you know naman I can’t say no to you but I might be late.”

“Ok lang. No to canceling lang”

“cge I’ll see you.”

Rachel and Danny decided to go together to meet up with Jason. Rachel knew that it was a big deal for her friend. The three of them went out and eat. After dinner Rachel decided to leave. So the two of them decided to watch movie instead. Their elbows would touch from time to time but the two pretended not to mind at it and focus on the movie instead.

The next morning, Rachel was excited to know what happened after she left. “So ano nangyari?”

“Nothing really. We watched a movie then I went home.” Quietly replied by Danny.

“Ha?! I left the two of you there hoping that you might hold hands man lang. pero hindi pala”

“ I tried to tell him that I was hungry but he never listened, maybe he was just tired and he’ll go home pa in Antipolo, which is far from Quezon City”

“hay nako what’s new with Jason…….kainis!!” Rachel tried to comfort and pity her hopeless friend. Danny did not attempt to comment after that. She was quiet the whole day. Her mind was in a zone of questions. It’s a fact that he doesn’t see me as someone special. Why would a guy tell you his dates? There would be times he would be sweet, but it seldom happens. Eto nanaman ako over analyzing everything which hindi dapat...lech

chapter 2

Danny was applying for a position, getting that promotion would require for relocation. She never thought of getting the position at all. Since, Jason and her were closer than ever. Upon getting the news Danny seemed to be excited.
“Rache!! I got it! I’ll treat you out.” As she cheerfully rely the news to Rachel.

Jason arrived early Danny was surprised to see him there. “Aba, you’re early today! Guess what?! I got the position!! Yey!”

“Congrats! So when are you going to treat us.” Jason kidded and smiled but still in a bit of shock.

Jason didn’t knew what to feel whether he would be happy or sad since the reason he went to work early is to spend time with her. The thought of Danny will soon be relocating really worried Jason.

Danny’s thoughts was also confused she knew that by accepting this position she will have less bonding time with her friends. That means she won’t be seeing Jason often.

Instant Messaging was one of the few things that made them closer. It’s their morning routine. In Danny’s screen to windows are open one for Rachel and one for Jason.

In Jason’s window:

Jason10: balita?
Danniski: im promoted! Aren’t you happy for me?
Jason10: of course, I am. Congrats uli.
Danniski: thanks! But its too far from my place. Travel time will be a hassle.
Danniski: wachathink?
Jason10: then try to weigh things, if your increase kung meron man… would be at par with your gas allowance, go for it girl! Hehehe….. but if its not then stay. Marami pa namang openings….
Danniski: I’ll think about it. Kse naman pabigla bigla announce nila. You know I don’t do quick decisions!!

In Rachel’s window:

Amazing_Rachy: alam ko na sa isip mo…
Danniski: hahahaha you know me that well =) should I accept it?
Amazing_Rachy: I know if Jason didn’t exist without a doubt you’ll accept it even if the increase isn’t that much.
Danniski: I know, one thing Im sure he’ll never ask me not to accept the position
Amazing_Rachy: what if he does?
Danniski: without a doubt di ko tanggapin noh!
Amazing_Rachy: ayan ka nanaman….that’s why you get hurt… but im sure going to miss yah!
Amazing_Rachy: want me to ask him not to let you accept the offer?
Danniski: me too im gonna miss our chit chats pero nothing will change naman eh.
Danniski: sira ka talaga! Wag na.

Rachel IM Jason.

Amazing_Rachy: pssst…..
Jason10: Danny got promoted. Lucky her.
Amazing_Rachy: like her to leave?
Jason10: not really
Amazing_Rachy: then ask her to stay. I’m sure she’ll stay
Amazing_Rachy: promise.
Jason10. hahaha funny.
Jason10. what makes you say that…
Amazing_Rachy: are you really that dense? Manhid or wala lang tlga? Basta ask her! Ok! I’ll work na! bye!

As Jason buzzed Danny’s window.

Jason10: wat you doin?
Danniski: finishing my presentation coz its due this Thursday.
Jason10: Danielle, do you really like the position?
Danniski: ummm.. ok lang I applied for it plus I want challenge yun nga lang ang layo ng challenge. Hahahaha
Jason10: don’t accept it nalang. I think more hassle for you pa.
Danny smiled on her computer then replied.
Danniski: ok I won’t.

chapter 1

At Danny’s Farewell party:

“Wish me luck! I’ll see you guys in 3 or 5 years time? I hope by that time I’m happy na. Hays…” Danny said as she bid good-bye and hugged her friends.

“Nothing to lose…there’s no one to lose.” As she sighed and waved good-bye to her friends.

Flashback:

“Are you free tonight? Tara alis tayo.” Jason asked. “Sure, have you asked Rache?” as Danny smiled as she passed by Jason’s workstation.

“Rache, sige na sama ka na. Please.” Jason insisted and bothered her the whole afternoon.

As Rachel rolled up her eyes and forcefully said. “Oo na, but I can’t stay that long, I have other plans.”

Jason was Danny’s “buddy” in the office. The two met and became close during a 2-month training for advertising management. At first, the two didn’t seem to click Danny thought Jason was arrogant but nonetheless she finds him attractive. Jason was in a relationship at that time and seemed to be distant to everyone except with Danny. He thinks she was harmless and he enjoys her company alongside with her corny jokes and silly games.

The two bonded when Jason broke up with Crystal; “Do you still love her? Talk to her so you two can clear things out. Sayang naman 2 years din yun.” As she comforts Jason.

Jason reasoned out. “ Wala na rin, I don’t think it will still work out. We always fight there would be times there’s no reason to fight but we still end up fighting. I’m getting tired of it. Maybe it’s just right to end the relationship. Besides, she has a new boyfriend already.”

“Ikaw talaga, is it just you or your ego? Maybe there wasn’t too much spark to begin with. Anyway, highway I’ll try to hook you up with some of my friends. There’s someone for you and we know for sure it’s not Crystal. So cheer up” Danny smiled.

Two days after:

“How’s my tuliro friend hay nako, I have a joke for you, anong tawag sa isdang hiphop?” as she sat down beside him.

“Ano?” he lazily answered.

“Eh, di sup sup hahaha” Danny forcefully laugh at her own joke and felt ok when she saw a little glimpse of Jason’s chinky eyes glistened.

“Corny ka talaga, shhh I think we’re going to start with the meeting. But thanks for the effort. I’ll join you at lunch.”

“Sabing shhhh” she kidded.

Rachel was Danny’s confidant she knew that Danny likes Jason ever since.

Rachel pretending to be annoyed said. “Hay nako Daniella, tonight I’ll be your chaperone in short MH a malaking handlang. Why don’t you just go out on a real date without me?”

“Rache, you know naman even if I like Jason I can’t say that to him, Ok lang sya?! But thanks for saying yes. Plus, I’m sure if you’re not coming, this sorta gimmick thing will not push through alam mo na yun he thinks it’s weird na lalabas kami ng kami lang parang heller?! Rapist ba ako?!” As she kidded her current situation with Jason with Rachel.

The friendship of Danny with Rachel started when Danny came to work teary-eyed. “Danny, are you sure you can work today? Halika, let’s get some coffee.”

While they wait for there coffee Rachel asked. “Now, speak up. What happened? You look wasted?”

Tears began to fall on Danny’s face as she tells Rachel what happened to her. “Remember, the guy I’ve been telling you about, my bf which later turned out to be my no commitment boyfriend we finally ended it or I ended it. I am so stupid, so stupid believing that everything will still workout. I know naman na that he was falling with somebody else. Stupid, for allowing this kind of set up in the end I’m the one who is hurting. Girls will always be victims; guys tend to be numb on everything.”

Rachel never imagined her to be so down and distressed. She saw the different side of Danny and it was the fragile Danny.

“Alam mo ba the reason, I wanted to keep the relationship thinking that everything will still be the same pero it will never be the same imagine last Friday evening we went out to celebrate his birthday. Later on I found out that he also went out with his new girl in the afternoon naman, worst he told me that he wanted to have a dinner with me kasi it’s SOP na lalabas kami kasi birthday niya at napilitan lang siya. Ang tanga tanga ko talaga.” as she sobbed and sip a bit of her coffee.

“Danny, don’t say your stupid just because you allowed yourself to be fooled by someone. Loving isn’t stupid. You knew, that in loving there’s a great risk of pain whether you want it or not. I won’t advice you to forget everything and moved on or it his lost not yours. Feel the pain until it last. It will come to a point that everything that happened will be a memory of the past. It will come, but not today.” Two cents from Rachel that she hopes that would have helped Danny to ease her pain.
That day onwards Danny and Rachel shared secrets and bonded like sisters.

prologue

Danielle Patrice M. Valencia is a sure catch. A slight dab of lip-gloss and cheek tint will be fine; her mantra was “Simplicity is elegance at its best”. She wears simple yet trendy outfits; Danny doesn’t need to make any effort because she’s good in mix-n-match and adding on accessories was her forte. As for a friend, she’s one of the best. She’ll support you no matter what, tries to do sweet talks when you need it, give tons of jokes to make you smile and would be there in every occasion for a friend. Qualities that would often make someone think how lucky Danny’s special guy but instead she remains to be single. Odd isn’t it?