The Shadows

The Meeting

Recording Studio, Manila, Philippines

"Em, can you do the chorus a little alluring," my dad requested.

I looked at him from the other side. We were recording my song for Maggie's wedding. She chose the song and "forced" me to sing it. She said it would serve as my participation in her wedding.

"Okay, Dad!" I replied. I placed my headphones back and started to sing the chorus of Obvious by Christina Aguilera.

That I don't know what I'm doing anymore, I'm feeling like a little girl, caught up in emotions, I'm out of control, Isn't it obvious...

"Okay 'nak that was good!" my dad approved, "We have to do the rest tomorrow. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes."

I removed the headphones and headed out. I gave my dad a kiss on the cheek and left the studio. Our driver was waiting outside. I got in the van then we drove out of the parking lot.

Maggie said her wedding would be in Barcelona, Spain. Because it was required by the brotherhood. It could not be held in any other place.

I looked out the window of the van. It would take us an hour to be home. Maybe two because of the traffic. I live in Cavite, one of the provinces here in the Philippines. It's in the southern part of Luzon.

I felt very sleepy. Maybe because it was two in the afternoon, siesta time. I laid down, closed my eyes and decided to sleep all the way home. My phone vibrates but I ignore it. I would read the text later. I drifted to sleep when my ringtone filled my dream; I opened my eyes in annoyance. I got my bag and fished for my phone, international number. Please, not Maggie again!

"Hello?" I answered lazily with my eyes closed.

"It's me," said the voice on the other line. My eyes opened. Gabe?

"Just wanted to know how you're doing?" he said. I sat up. All of a sudden, I was fully alert.

"I'm good," I said. I did not know what to say to him, "Where are you?"

"Washington D.C.," He answered politely.

"Oh! Are you with Jared?" I asked, just wondering.

"Nope! He's with Maggie making preparations," Gabe's reply, his tone changed.

"Wow, they really are getting married, it hasn't sunk into me yet," I stated, while I looked out the window.

"I didn't call to talk about them," Gabe sounded irritated.

"You sound tired," I told him, "Are you okay?"

He exhaled, "It's been a long day. I have to go. I will pick you up at the airport. Take care!" he disconnected.

*****

"Dad, can we take a break?" I asked my dad. I felt really tired. I have been singing for about an hour now. He asked me to repeat everything!

"Okay let's take a fifteen-minute break," said my dad, "Do you want tea Em?"

"Yes please," I replied while I landed on the sofa. My father was a perfectionist! I could not keep up with him. I covered my eyes with my left forearm. I can't do this anymore! I'll call Maggie later.

I heard the booth's door open then close. But I did not bother to look at who it was. Fifteen minutes was precious to me.

"Sleeping on the job?" How can I not know that voice! It's Gabe.

I got up and stared at him; I was totally caught off guard, "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you," he said as if the Philippines were very near wherever he was.

"Did my dad..." he didn't allow me to finish.

"I told him I'm your friend, that's why he let me in," Gabe explained further.

Really? "Are you sure?" I asked doubtfully.

"I can get in here without anyone's permission, you know that." Gabe crossed his arms and gave me a challenging look.

People started to get back in the studio. Gabe glanced at me and went out of the booth. My dad was eyeing him, more like an assessment. Gabe stood beside the water dispenser; he was at the back of everyone. My dad went into the booth and handed me a mug.

"Tea and honey," he said as he eyed me closely. He would bombard me with questions later. You can go out now Dad! He looked like he wanted to stay inside the booth. He went out and talked to the guy in the effects, "from the top! Ready when you are Em."

I sipped my tea and felt it travel down my throat smoothly. I breathed out some air and allowed myself to savor the soothing effect of honey. I placed it on the table near me and started to sing again.

I raised my hair up in a bun while inside the booth. My dad declared that we should call it a day. My flight would be tomorrow and Maggie called him a dozen times already. She was just making sure that I was ready to sing at her wedding.

I picked up my bag from the sofa and went out of the booth. Gabe stood up from the chair he was sitting on. I had been singing for one hour; he was probably bored by now. Dads on the phone when I came near him.

"Dad let's go." I asked him. He covered the mouthpiece.

"Anak, I need to stay for another two hours. We need to review a few songs of this local artist. I'll see you at home," Gabe came near us and stood beside me. This is the awkward moment!

"Um. Dad, this is Gabe. A friend of mine from...Spain," I did not really know what to say. Since I first met him in Madrid, I thought it was appropriate.

My Dad put down his cell phone. "He doesn't look Spanish?"

"I'm not Spanish Sir. I'm half American and my mom is British," he explained. I realized I did not really know Gabe.

"Is Gabe your real name?" My Dad was interrogating him! I raised my hand to stop my dad.

"No Sir, my name is Gabriel James Anderson," Gabe said his full name. The situation was getting embarrassing.

"How did you know my daughter?" My Dad again with his never-ending questions.

Gabe glanced at me and then at my dad, "We met in Madrid Sir,"

"Dad please?" I cut in, "Don't ask him a lot of questions, it might make him uncomfortable."

"Do my questions bother you, Gabriel?" he asked Gabe.

"No Sir," Gabe answered so fast. I rolled my eyes.

"See Em? He's not uncomfortable," my dad said with raised eyebrows. I widened my eyes to signal my dad to stop. He ignored me.

"Where are you staying?" asked my dad again.

"Manila Hotel Sir," Gabe replied. I was not sure if it was true. My Father's phone vibrated and he hesitantly answered it. I kissed him on the cheek and grabbed the left sleeve of Gabe. I dragged him outside the studio.

"What is wrong with you?" I whispered to Gabe when we were in the parking lot, "Do you want to be punished like Jared?"

"Punished for what?" Gabe asked. Like he already forgot what happened.

"Remember? You can't give out information just like that," I reminded him.

"Give information to the father of the girl I like?" Gabe said, as if it was not a big deal, "I'm not breaking the rules, trust me!"

I shook my head and scanned the parking lot for my dad’s van. Where is it anyway?

"Are you looking for your dad’s ride? It's not here you know. I told him I'll take you home," Gabe said smugly.

"What?" This came as a shock to me, "My Dad trusted you? What did you do?"

"Relax, I gave your dad my rigid profile. His questioning earlier was just for verification purposes." Gabe reached for my hand.

"Come on! This way!" he ushered me in front of a silver Nissan Patrol; then opened the passenger door for me.

"Gabe, wait! My Dad's driver will be here any minute. And, besides you don't know the way," I told him.

"I have your dad’s permission, so chill," Gabe uttered as he turned on the ignition.

This was new to me. My Father was very protective of me. And he trusted this guy he barely knew? I buckled my seatbelt and looked straight ahead.

"Thank you for wearing the necklace," he said, softly. Unconsciously, I touched the necklace and turned to him. He was smiling at me.

We made a short stop at a fast-food drive-thru; I bought something for my housekeeper. When I left the house, I made it a habit to buy something for her.

I did not know how Gabe figured the way to our house, but he did. Maybe the car had GPS or something.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to Gabe. He was staring at my chest!

"Gabriel James! Why are you staring at my chest?" I almost yelled at him.

He grinned at me, "I'm checking the stone if it's still there. Just making sure."

"Really? If I knew better you would just be looking at my cleavage!" I pushed the car door. My back was on him. It was hard to contain my smile.

"So, what if I am checking you out? I like you. And I asked you to marry me, remember?" He was back to his smug self again.

"p*****t!" I told him while I shook my head.

"It's part of humanity you know. Being perverted is normal when you like someone," he elaborated.

"Okay, enough human nature! I have to go inside now," I responded while I opened the gate, "Drive safely, thanks for the ride!"

"I'll pick you up tomorrow. Maybe earlier to avoid delays at the airport," he said, sounding like a boss. I waved at him then closed the gate.

I rested my back at the door, I could not believe that he was here in the Philippines! Did the past 4-5 hours really happen? 

"Okay ka lang?" Asked my housekeeper. Are you okay?

"Yeah." I answered. I looked at my chest. I was hugging the paper bag of the takeout food. I composed myself and handed her the food that I bought for her. 

"Thank you!" I went upstairs to my room and got my phone. I scanned my contacts for Maggie, for some reason I just needed to confide with someone. I changed my mind when I realized that Maggie was probably busy by now with her wedding, So I called aunt Marie instead. I put my phone on speaker and removed my footwear. I removed my top and pants and brought them to my laundry basket. Aunt Marie please pick up! 

I wore my spaghetti strap top and shorts and slumped back to bed to stare at the phone screen again, the call got disconnected and a small message of "No answer" popped up. I got a text message from Gabe. 

It was nice seeing you today, thank you.

I smiled at his text; how formal can he get? I bit my lip while I thought of a reply. 

I responded, 

It's not every day that you get a visitor from abroad. And you are not allowed to text and drive. Eyes on the road! 

I placed the phone on the bed, stared at the ceiling and shook my head. This feels so unreal! 

I was surprised when my phone vibrated again for a text message. This time it was aunt Marie. She was asking why I called. I told her about Gabe but she said that she was sorry and that she was busy and she got to go. I just realized that aside from Maggie and aunt Marie there was literally no one that I could talk to about things like these. I started to think of my mom but dismissed the thought immediately. Introvert problems are coming out to get me! I closed my eyes and let sleep take over me.