Jay's POV
I arrived home, my steps heavy.
Every thought of the morning—the slap, the chaos at school, Keifer's teasing—pressed down on me.
By the time I reached the living room, my eyes were swollen and red from crying.
I didn't stop.
I went straight to Kuya Angelo's room.
"Kuya…" my voice trembled.
"I'm going abroad."
He looked up immediately, concern sharp in his eyes.
"Abroad? Jay… why?"
"For… business," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tears that threatened to spill.
"Business?" he repeated, frowning.
"And school? What about that? You can't just leave everything," he asked, clearly worried.
"I'll find a way," I said firmly, shaking my head.
"I need to go now. Please… just trust me."
He studied me, brow furrowed.
"Trust me? Jay, you're acting… differently. I can tell something's off. Please, tell me the truth."
I shook my head again.
"I told you—it's for business. That's all you need to know!"
"Business?" he pressed, frustration creeping into his voice.
"You're not just leaving for business, Jay. I can feel it—something's wrong!"
"I'm telling the truth!" I snapped, my hands trembling.
"I just… I need a break, Kuya. Please, I need you to understand. I need to leave!"
He stepped closer.
"Jay, listen—"
"No!" I shouted, my voice breaking.
"Just let me go! I can't stay here right now. I need space. I need to… breathe!"
We argued back and forth.
He pressed for answers I couldn't give.
I dodged every question, holding onto my secret.
"Jay, you're being stubborn," he said finally, voice rising slightly.
"I'm not!" I yelled, my chest heaving.
"I need this! I need a break from everything!"
Tears streamed down my face.
I finally collapsed onto a chair, voice trembling.
"Kuya… I just… I just need a break. I need to leave. Please… understand me," I whispered.
He didn't argue further.
He just watched, realizing there was nothing more to say.
I wiped my face roughly, grabbed my bag, and walked to my room.
Locked the door.
Pulled out my phone.
"Alen… book the earliest flight to LA," I said, voice shaking but firm.
"Are you sure?" he asked over the line.
"Yes. No questions," I whispered.
I ended the call and collapsed onto my bed, shaking, exhausted, and crying.
I had to leave.
And this time, I needed Kuya Angelo—
and everyone else—to respect that.
Even after the call ended, I couldn't stop crying.
My pillow was soaked.
The night dragged on endlessly.
Section E kept messaging me.
"Where are you?"
"Jay, answer!"
"Why are you ignoring us?"
I ignored every single message.
Keifer tried calling.
Ignored.
Keifer tried texting.
Ignored.
I couldn't.
Not tonight.
I just cried… all night, letting everything out, alone.
Keifer pov:
I rushed to her house right after school.
I had to see her.
I had to make sure she was okay.
But the moment I reached the door…
"Mam said not to let you in," the staff said firmly.
"What? No, I need to see her," I said, panic rising.
"She's my… I just need to talk to her!"
"She's resting, sir. Please go home," they replied, unmoving.
I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up.
I didn't understand.
She didn't answer her phone.
She didn't reply to my messages.
She wasn't coming out.
So I stayed.
Hours passed.
Night fell.
The street was quiet except for the occasional passing car.
I stayed in front of her house, refusing to leave.
I tried calling her again.
No answer.
I tried texting.
No reply.
I shouted her name quietly, almost pleading, "Jay… Jay, please… I need to talk to you!"
Nothing.
The cold air bit at my skin, but I didn't care.
I just… waited.
Every message I sent was ignored.
Every call went unanswered.
I didn't know what was happening.
I didn't know why she was avoiding me.
All I knew was that something was wrong… and I couldn't do anything about it.
I stayed there all night.
My mind racing, my heart thudding.
I had no idea what she was thinking, no idea what she was feeling…
And that terrified me.