"Associative Looseness"

Victoria, an accountant, is engaged to be married to boyfriend of 4 years Paul. One month before the wedding Paul has to go to Davao for a business conference.

In the airplane, seated beside Paul is Cecille, a freelance Interior Designer. The two struck a conversation immediately for Paul was excited with the wedding and Cecille is nice to converse with. He showed her a picture of Victoria, and even gave her a spare invitation card for the wedding and asked her if she could decorate the apartment where he and Victoria would stay. He said that Victoria likes the color green and she wants something spacious, maybe lots of mirrors or something to that effect. He got carried away describing Victoria that he related to Cecille everything that he and Victoria went through. How he met Victoria in the grocery store in the most awkward of situations (he was buying napkins for his sister). How he met her again in the dentist’s office (they have the same dentist). And how he proposed to her in a church. Cecille, irritated by Paul’s talkativeness, pretended to really listen and nod in agreement while scanning the plane’s safety manual. Paul then asked her to see if Victoria would love their wedding rings. While Cecille was busy playing with the rings, even putting them in her finger – the plane suddenly went berserk and with all of confusion – the plane went down.

Saddened by the tragic news of the plane crash, Victoria was overtaken by grief. She loved Paul very much and for two months she went to and fro asking if they have found Paul’s body, she saw Cecille.

The two looked at each other without knowing why. A feeling of longing overtook them, but was not able to converse or react to that feeling for Cecille was wheeled away to another room.

Victoria, finally giving up, she gave her dress away and burned all the invitations, etc…She retreated into her own world. And for a while, all she did was work and work and work.

Meanwhile, Cecille, recuperating from the plane crash has post-stress-traumatic syndrome that she refuses to remember what happened. In a few months, she’s back in the streets, working her ass up again getting projects.

IN the grocery store, Victoria was buying supplies for herself. When she reached for a napkin, she thought she saw Paul reaching for the same sanitary pad like the first time they met. Only to find out it was Cecille (they don’t remember each other). Cecille smiled and apologized, and got another set of sanitary pads. While Cecille was walking away, Victoria can’t help but look at her with a curious glance. Like there’s something she’s supposed to do but don’t know what. While Cecille was walking away, she looked back at Victoria with curiosity, she felt like she knew her from somewhere but can’t remember. She just shrugged her shoulders and continued shopping.

After doing the grocery, Victoria would usually stop by the shoe store and find out if there’s anything that finds her fancy. She got one slipper and tried it on. As she was looking at her feet in the mirror, another set of feet walked beside her, and asked if she’s buying that pair, coz it’s the only pair left with that size. She looked up to see it was the woman at the grocery store, the same feelings overwhelmed her and she kind of blush. Cecille noticed it and was quick in apologizing, she never meant to upset her or anything. Just that she likes the shoes and it’s the only pair left. She doesn’t want to go to another mall and look for her size. Victoria recovered and said it was ok – she was just shocked that’s all. Then she said she’s not buying it so Cecille can have the shoes. Cecille thought something was off with Victoria when she thanked her and proceeded to buy the shoes.

CECILLE was presenting a design layout to a prospective client. The client liked the design and commissioned Cecille for the job. The client then referred her to another business associate who are in need of additional interior designers for their condo projects.

VICTORIA is busy finishing the monthly financial report of the construction company owned by Paul’s family. Her boss, Mrs. Go, Paul’s mom, told her to keep low since she knows that Victoria is still grieving and she doesn’t have to work that hard. Which Victoria dismissed and said that she’d be better off working than sulking at home. So if there were anything more she can do for the company she’d be willing to work hard. So her boss assigned to her another account – the new condo, to handle the budget and to oversee that the materials used are according to plan and that all additional cost should be approved by her. She gladly accepted the job and said that she’ll get on with it. She then instructed Victoria to get in touch with the department head regarding the project.

CECILLE went to the construction company and presented her portfolio. The head of the department liked her works and hired her for the project. Although she cautioned Cecille that her materials should be within the budget since the company is really in a bad time since the demise of the boss’s son. She agreed and said that the reason why they like her concept is because it is a sophisticated urban look yet easily achieved by cheap materials and carefully chosen furniture. She then said that she’s going to canvass for the materials needed and needs time before she can come up with the financial statement and she needs to see the place of course. The head of the department said that she should talk with their budget officer and asked the secretary to call the budget officer but the secretary said that she already left. So the head of the department asked Cecille to call in the morning so that she’ll know if the budget officer would be available to accompany her to the site. Which she agreed, and bade goodbye for she has another appointment.
As she walked towards the closing elevator she yelled “Please Hold!” but Victoria didn’t hear it.

At the dentist’s clinic, Victoria was waiting for her turn when Cecille came in and said she has an appointment. Victoria froze for she thought that Paul just came in -then Cecille sat beside her. Victoria immediately recovered and was the first to smile, which was received warmly by Cecille. Victoria then said that they have bumped into each other in the most unforeseen of circumstances. It feels like déjà vu, but it’s totally fucked up. Cecille just smiled and shrugged her shoulders and out of nowhere said that Victoria’s face is familiar, and joked that maybe once they shared the same dream. They smiled at each other as one would smile when given chocolates and a dozen roses. They smile with a connection unknown to them both, yet it somehow binds them to meet. Strangers as they are – they don’t even know each other’s names. Huh. Victoria was called in first, and before going in she turned and looked at Cecille once more as if telling her to wait for her, and she would wait for her too. Cecille nodded and smiled. Victoria blushed.

While Victoria was inside, Cecille got a phone call from Dina, her sister asking her where she is, and if she could pick up her kids because she was caught by traffic and the children are already waiting. She said she’s near the school and she would pick the kids up. She had her appointment re-scheduled and hurriedly left. When Victoria came out, she was disappointed to see no one waiting for her. She looked around, even peeked in at the clinic again, but there’s no Cecille. She frowned and walked away.

While driving her nephews home, Cecille got a phone call from the construction company asking if she’s available by 9am tomorrow to meet with the budget officer and visit the site. She said ok and hung up.

Cecille went to the construction office to meet with the budget officer. While she was at the office waiting, Victoria came in and was glad to see Cecille sitting in the room. She smiled shyly as if asking, “how did you find me? Cecille was also shocked to see Victoria and just smiled and gestured her head in “I don’t have an idea” manner. The silence was broken by the head of the department and assumed they know each other already. But both disagreed and said that they don’t, and it’s just a long story. So the head of the department introduced them to one another as Cecille the designer, and Vicky the budget officer. For the first time, Cecille offered her hand in a handshake, and said “So, your name’s Vicky, huh? ”.

Cecille drove going to the site, and while in the car, both were speechless except for the occasional road directions from Victoria. A few glances and warm smiles were shared now and then, as Victoria took the liberty of time to gaze at Cecille, she reminds her someone very special to her. Although it’s weird because Cecille is a woman, and she’s also a woman – but there’s this magnet that draws her to Cecille. She noticed Cecille’s a little chinita, with a tanned skin, her hair in a sexy bob accessorized by black pearl earrings, and her bare back exposed through her spaghetti strapped blouse – her skin, it looks so soft – she was startled back from her gaze when Cecille turned to look at her and asked for more directions. Victoria directed her left to a stop at a building, and to the parking lot.

As the two of them are checking the condo units, and Victoria explaining the vision of the company, Cecille behind her was observing how she moves, her long wavy hair that bounces when she moves, her slim figure and her nice skin. And she wonders why her black-rimmed eyeglass somehow gives more appeal to Victoria instead of making her look conservative. And those lips… she snapped out of her thoughts and looked away. She’s a woman, and so is Victoria, it is NEVER GONNA HAPPEN.

“SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Asked Victoria. “Can you plan the design of the building? Choose one unit to be the model unit.”
“Of course. This is a dream job.” Cecille answered smiling.

“SO, YOU WANNA HAVE LUNCH? I know this good restaurant that serves really good food! It’s my treat so don’t bother saying no.” Asked Cecille.

Victoria was surprised when Cecille brought her to the Korean restaurant she and Paul used to go to. Somehow, she has an inkling what might be her feelings for Cecille. For so short a time, Victoria saw Paul in Cecille - in a very very weird way…how Cecille double checked if the car was locked; how Cecille opened the chopstick pack for her; how Cecille stays away from orange foods, except for the kimchi; and when she laughs… her heart sings. Too much coincidence?

“DO YOU BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION?” Victoria asked her friend Jona. “What if the person you are so in love with died and went to another body? How would you know if it’s him? Would he even recognize you? And what if that body – belongs to a different kind of person?”
Jona was amused by her questions, she asked if she thinks Paul was reincarnated and she’s met the person already. “That’s impossible,” she said. “Once you die, it’s either you go to heaven or you go to hell.”
“But what about unfinished business?”
“What about it? Don’t tell me you believe in that CASPER stuff. You’re too old for that.” “I know, it’s embarrassing but I’ve met someone, and I think she’s Paul.”

“SHE? She’s Paul? What do you mean SHE IS PAUL? As in, girl… Paul became a girl?” Jona laughed. It’s the most hilarious thing she’s ever heard. But when she saw Victoria with a serious face. She mellowed down and confronted her friend.
“Vhic, are you serious? If this is even true – are you going to be a lesbian?”
Victoria shrugged her shoulders and admitted that she doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. She’s just sure that there’s something going on … “BASTA.”

Cecille picked up her nephews once again and brought them home to her sister Dina’s house. She asked the maid to give them a bath and have some rest, their parents are going to be home soon and she would join them for dinner. As the kids went upstairs, Ian the youngest went to his parent’s room as he always does. Cecille heard Ian scream and hurriedly ran upstairs – she saw her sister at the side of the bed, blanket wrapped around her obvious nakedness and a man (not her brother-in-law) on the other side of the bed, hurriedly wearing his pants. She took Ian in her arms and covered his face with her hands and took him away, while staring accusingly at her sister.

During dinner, Cecille hasn’t spoken to her sister yet about what happened. Phillip, Dina’s husband, was just observing the silence when at last he can’t bear it anymore and spoke. He said that he’s glad Cecille decided to join them for dinner. Can’t imagine being alone in her apartment, he offered that Cecille could stay for the night. But Cecille kindly declined the offer, saying she’s still got a job to do. She just got this design account of a new condo building. Phillip asked what company – Cecille said ILC Associates. Then Phillip said that he knows the company and the son of the owner died in an accident, where Cecille was also part of. Cecille just ignored the conversation and continued eating, but Phillip went on and said that the owner’s son is supposedly getting married before that happened. “Poor guy,” he said… “No, poor girl,” Cecille commented.

As Cecille was about to leave, Dina caught up with her and said they needed to talk. Cecille asked, “What is there to talk about? It’s either you tell Phillip or I will.”
Dina said, “It’s not that easy.”
Cecille was furious, “Ian will probably be traumatized by what he saw – God forbids he saw anything – and you’re saying it’s not that easy? How could you do that to a loving husband, to your two adorable kids? I can’t be, I don’t want to be a part of that.”

At the office, Cecille was in a bad mood that she refuses to talk to anyone. Even to her secretary / close friend Myra who was obviously concerned with her. Cecille told Myra to go away, which Myra said ok, then turned around and said that the budget officer from the construction firm called and she wants to know when can she see projected cost for the materials and furniture for the model unit. Cecille said ok she’d call the budget officer herself. When Myra left, she thought for a while and decided to get back to work, to hell with her sister. She dialed the budget officer’s number…

Victoria was researching about reincarnations online. Then she decided to google Cecille Leano – up came her name under the survivor’s list of the plane crash that took Paul away. Cecille’s seat was 24E, Paul’s seat was 24F. They were seated together! She froze - a flashback from that day in the hospital where she went looking for Paul. That was Cecille – she muttered “oh my God” … then startled by the ringing phone. It was Cecille on the other line…

“HELLO VICKY, it’s Cecille, I got your message about the projected cost. I haven’t finished it yet. Would you mind if I give it to you before this week ends?”
No response.
“Hello Vicky? Are you there?”
Victoria, still shocked, was unable to speak.
“Hello?”
Victoria recovered for a while and said, “Yes, it’s ok.”
“All right then… are you, ok?” Asked Cecille with concern.
“I don’t know,” whispered Victoria. “I fucking don’t know!”
Weird, Cecille thought, and then hung up the phone.

Victoria came home very disturbed. She wasn’t able to eat, which made her mother concerned. She went to her room and took out Paul’s picture from her drawer. She was looking at the picture as if looking for some answers.
“Are you trying to tell me something, Paul?” Then she fell asleep hugging Paul’s picture.

IN THE MORNING, Victoria told Jona what she found out about Cecille. Jona was ecstatic, can’t really believe she’s hearing this kind of things from Vicky. But considered the odds and said, “It might be him, it might not be him, the only thing to make sure is let’s summon Paul’s spirit.” Victoria frowned at her friend and told her to take her seriously, she’s really confused.
“I don’t know, Vhic, it sounds really impossible. You know that movie BIRTH with Nicole Kidman thinking that the little boy was her dead husband? It turns out the boy just read their love letters and then pretended to be the husband. What if that is what’s happening now, huh? What if Paul told Cecille everything about you and now she’s setting out to get you, pretending to be Paul. What if it’s like that?” Jona asked.
“But she’s not pretending to be Paul. I don’t think she knows I’m Paul’s fiancée, or I don’t think she knows Paul at all.” Answered Victoria.
“Then only one way to find out… get close.” Jona winked.

CECILLE went to the construction firm’s office to give the projected cost to Victoria. Obviously, Victoria set out a plan – to know the truth. Then she called on to Jona and showed her Cecille from a distance of course.
Jonah said that Victoria was lucky, if she were to be with a woman too, Cecille would be a catch! Victoria pinched Jona to get serious, but agreed that Cecille is really beautiful. Then Jona said Paul has good taste of choosing who to become when reincarnated then chuckled. That comment made Victoria think again – then smiled. An officemate, Ben, passed by and got curious about what the two are looking at, and whispered to them “So, what’s up with her?”
The two were startled and suddenly stopped. Exchanged weird glances and went their way. Leaving Ben to himself admiring Cecille.

BACK at her desk, Victoria with a thundering nervous spirit calmly tried to hide her smile. She reviewed the papers and said that it’s more than their budget allocation. “Could you cut down a bit, maybe with the furniture, canvass for more lower prices or better yet cheaper materials.” She asked.
Cecille was baffled by what she heard and raised her left eyebrow. ”What? You want to change my design?”
“No, not change. Maybe mold it into a cheaper but still as elegant as your design.”
Cecille shook her head.
“You don’t like?” Asked Victoria.
“It would mean more work for me and I haven’t got that time to canvass right now.” Answered Cecille sarcastically.
“It’s okay, I could come with you if you want. So that you won’t have to prepare a draft again. That ok with you?” Victoria asked.
“Are you sure? It doesn’t seem like its part of your job. And I’m not really sure you could help me choose – if you know what I mean?”
“Excuse me. I know enough to say which color goes with what and what style should go with… what…”
Cecille chuckled. “You’re funny. You’re just making it all up.”
Victoria smiled, “Am I? I’m glad I made you laugh.”

Pause.

“You look gloomy today.”
“That obvious, huh? It’s a long story. I don’t want to waste your time.”
“It’s all right.”

Pause.

“You want to have dinner. This time it’s my treat. You free?” Victoria asked.
Both smiled.

They decided to have dinner at a nearby restaurant that serves steaks. Victoria guessed what Cecille wants and true to it, she likes her steak medium rare, just like Paul, Victoria asked why, Cecille said because the meat is more tender and softer – just like what Paul used to say. As for her, she likes her steak fully cooked, the blood grosses her out. Cecille chuckled again and commented that, you can’t taste the richness of the meat anymore. “I don’t care,” said Victoria. “As long as there’s no blood.”

After eating, they decided to stop by for coffee but the coffee shop was full so they ordered the coffee for take out and agreed to drink it at the parking lot.
In the car, Victoria asked about Cecille’s concerns. Cecille relayed the thing with her sister Dina, “It was bad,” she said. Victoria asked, “Is it okay to comment?”
Cecille nodded.
“Have you asked her why she did it?”
Cecille shook her head. “You see, whatever the reason she did it, you should support her, she’s your sister.”
“Even if I think it’s wrong?” Asked Cecille.
“Maybe. But the worst thing that you could do is not accepting her. You may not understand her reasons but she is still your sister. And whatever she decides, you should be by her side. Not by her husband’s side. You never know. It might be your brother in law’s fault or something.”
“I know,” agreed Cecille. “It’s just hard for me right now.”
“Let things cool down a bit.” Victoria said.
“Yeah, that’s probably better.”

Silence.

Then Cecille said, “You have a nice silhouette against the light”.

Silence.

“Take you home?” asked Cecille. “Sure. Thanks”, Answered Victoria.

INFRONT of Victoria’s house, Victoria said her thank yous for having dinner with her and for taking her home. Cecille also thanked her for the dinner and the conversation, she said she really needed that. Then Victoria opened the door, just as she was about to get out, she came back in and planted a warm kiss on Cecille’s cheeks, as she whispered to her ear “thank you for the compliment”. Cecille looked surprised but Victoria’s smile pacified her, “you’re welcome”, she said.
Victoria smiled and closed the door. Then she came back and knocked at the window. Cecille rolled it down; Victoria peeked in and said, “You smell good. Goodnight” then rushed off inside the house. Cecille surprised by Victoria’s attitude, but quite liking it drove away smiling.

IN THE OFFICE, Victoria submitted her financial report of the month. As her boss, Mrs. Go was reviewing the papers, she asked about the condo project. She asked if Victoria already coordinated with the department regarding their constraints on budget. Victoria said, “Yes and I actually already met the new interior designer and I took her to the site already. We’re working the design to fit with the budget, but even though it’s like that I’m not going to compromise the vision of the artist regarding the design.” “That’s good,” Mrs. Go said. “You look better today than the last few months… do you like that kind of work?” Mrs. Go asked again.
“It’s all right,” Victoria said. Mrs. Go smiled and said, “Maybe you should stick with that project for a while. Get some fresh air away from the office, work the fields, huh?”
“Ma’am you don’t need to do that, I’m okay here at the office.”
“So you don’t like my idea?” Mrs. Go seemed hurt.
“It’s not like that.” Victoria sighed, and then smiled. “Okay ma’am, I think it’s a good opportunity for me to…to…grow professionally. Thank you very much, ma’am.”

At her desk, Victoria kept smiling and was approached by Jona.
“Hey! You smiling face, what’s up?”
“I got free time. The condo budget is the only thing I’ll handle now.”
“That’s great. You need some time off anyways.” Supported Jona. Then she whispered, “So, what happened with your Casper?”
“Nothing, we had dinner last night and coffee. She said I have a nice silhouette against the light. Then we went home.”
Jona chuckled. “So you found out nothing?”
“Not really nothing. She likes her steaks with blood, just like Paul.”
“Really? She likes her steaks tender eh? Then Jona got serious and said, “How about me? I like my steaks tender too. Maybe I’m Paul. What about that?”
Then she laughed. Victoria laughed with her too. Then Ben came and asked what the two of them are laughing about. Jona said no one and was about to leave when Ben asked Victoria, “Who was that girl at your table last week, the one you were looking at. What’s her name? Do you have her number?”
Victoria looked at him and sarcastically said, “She’s Cecille, the new interior designer. Why do you want her number?”
Ben just shrugged his shoulders and said, “I want to ask her out.”
Victoria frowned and said, “I don’t have Cecille’s number and even if I have it and gave it to you, Cecille wouldn’t go out with you.”
Ben asked, “Why?” Victoria just seriously said, “I just know. Ok?”
Ben left them mumbling to himself and Jona told Victoria, “You’re mean.”
Victoria said, “Of course I don’t want competition. I don’t want Paul to become gay.” Then they were laughing again. Then Jona got serious and asked Victoria, “What about Cecille? Are you going to be gay?”
Victoria said, “I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there, I just want to be with Paul. Just like that movie with Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan, Prelude to a Kiss” she winked.

CECILLE was at her usual routine of canvassing materials and furniture when she got a call from Victoria. Victoria asked where she was and upon knowing Cecille was out looking for cheap materials, she asked if she could accompany her, just like what she promised last time. Cecille agreed and told her where she was. Victoria immediately left the office and went to where Cecille was. Cecille was with her assistant Myra and when Victoria arrived, Cecille asked Myra to go back to the office for people might be calling them. Myra said the office was too far for her to commute. Then Victoria said if they came there with a car, Myra could take their car for Victoria drove going there and she can give Cecille a lift later. Myra thanked her for her generosity and left them. Cecille smiled at Victoria and the two of them proceeded looking for materials that suit Cecille’s taste and design. After walking around, the two got tired and decided to have a snack. They ate nachos with salsa and jalapenos. And when they passed by the movie house Victoria saw the supposedly Filipino version of her favorite novels of all time, Wuthering Heights. She suggested that they go see it and compare if it stayed true to the story. Cecille laughed at her and told her she’s baduy to which Victoria laughed along to and agreed that it is baduy of her to be suggesting that.

They decided to call it a night. Victoria drove Cecille home. As Cecille gets off from Victoria’s car, she asked Victoria if she wants to come up, even for a while. Victoria smiled and asked Cecille if she’s sure about that. Cecille said why not, she could have some coffee or tea before she goes home, payment for the free ride.

IN CECILLE' S APARTMENT, she told Victoria to make herself at home, nobody would be disturbing them because she doesn’t have a help and not to ridicule the place because it’s been a while since she had the time to fix it. Victoria said it’s ok, she doesn’t mind, and then locked the door behind her. Cecille called out from the kitchen and asked what would she like, coffee or tea, Victoria answered tea. When she was done preparing the tea she went to Victoria and said that she’ll put on some music for them.

Cecille went into her room to get some CDs. Victoria followed her and stood at the doorway while Cecille was choosing from her CD collection which one to get. Victoria eased her way near Cecille until they are just 2 ft away from each other. Cecille turned around and found herself face to face with Victoria. In that instant, their bodies spoke like one as Victoria moved forward and Cecille supported herself against the wall as their lips meet in the most passionate of kisses. They closed their eyes as they savor the softness of each other’s lips. And when Victoria let go to breathe, her eyes transfixed at Cecille’s lips, a small sigh came out from Cecille, then hesitated to Victoria’s another attempt to kiss as she softly said, “I’m not…” Her words are stopped by Victoria kissing her lips again while saying, “I know. I know.” With their lips doing the talking, Victoria trailed her hands from Cecille’s ears to her neck, down her cleavage, and to her waist and then gently unbuttoned Cecille’s pants. This surprised Cecille as Victoria smiled a little at her reaction, and then kissed her again, pinned against the wall, their bodies dancing to a silent music. Victoria slid her hand inside Cecille’s opened pants to feel her butt and took Cecille’s leg up to her waist so their bodies gyrate closer and they can feel their breasts rubbing against each other.
Cecille, getting caught up with Victoria’s intensity wrapped her arms around Victoria’s waist, as she slides her hands upward, slowly feeling her soft skin, as she takes off Victoria’s blouse, and instantly, as soon as Victoria’ face was free from the blouse she kissed her mouth with such gentle ferocity that Victoria just let the blouse fell… then Victoria whispered, “Your tea will get cold.” Cecille answered with a smile and then kissed her again.

VICTORIA woke up an arm’s length from Cecille who was sleeping face down with her bare back exposed. Victoria smiled, she never thought this could happen, it was so easy, it seems like she knew what she was doing but she’s actually never done it before. As she caresses Cecille’ back she noticed three little horizontal marks near her spine. She got curious and looked closer. It’s a scar of some sort. Then she thought it’s probably from the plane crash. She then gently kissed Cecille’s back, careful not to wake her up, and got out of the bed as noiseless as she can. She scanned the room for her clothes and saw them on the floor, she picked them up one by one, and then smelled her blouse. She frowned, it’s a little stinky, and then she saw Cecille’s closet. She tiptoed towards it and gently opened it, she saw a T-shirt and wore it. With only the T-shirt on she then carefully went out of the room.

CECILLE woke up in her own bed. She stretched and yawned as she always does everyday. Then she noticed that she’s not wearing anything under the blanket, and realized what happened last night. She got nervous and with only her eyeballs moving she tried to see if Victoria is still in the bed with her, and when she saw no feet, no figure beside her she fully turned her head, she thought that maybe she already left, then gave out a sigh.

With her white top and string pants Cecille went out of the room and was surprised when she saw Victoria going about in her kitchen. She was cooking. Then Victoria saw her, “Hey! I’m sorry if I woke you up. Come, sit. Sit.” She then served Cecille a cup of coffee, “Careful, it’s hot.” Victoria then proceeded on blabbering while Cecille looked on with a curious face.
“I decided to cook us breakfast, I hope you don’t mind me tinkering in your kitchen.”
She then served the breakfast plate with bacons and scrambled eggs, “You like your eggs scrambled, right?” She then went back to the kitchen to get some fork. “Oh, by the way, I borrowed your shirt, mine’s a little stinky, is that ok?”
Cecille nodded.
“C’mon now, eat. Eat.”
Victoria sat down in the table in front of Cecille ready to watch her eat but then she realized, “Oh, and I have to go now, coz I have to go to work and I need to stop by my house to shower and change. I’ll return this shirt to you. Don’t worry.” Victoria smiled and went to the bedroom to get her pants and other things. She went back to the dining area while buttoning her pants and while she was fixing her sandals, Cecille spoke.
“Vicky, last night, was…”
“Great! I know!” Victoria interrupted, smiling.
“Yes, it’s great, but you know… I’m not, you know.”

Pause.

“A lesbian? I know. Me too.” Victoria answered back and went to where Cecille was standing and wrapped Cecille’s arms around her waist with a smile. Cecille gave out a sigh.
“You want to be one?” asked Victoria rubbing her forehead against Cecille’s forehead with a sly smile.
“Then what are we doing?” asked Cecille completely bewildered by Victoria’s action.
“Right now? Hmmm… I’m about to kiss you.” Victoria then gave Cecille a quick smack on the lips, then stepped back to see Cecille’s reaction for she bowed her head after the kiss. Cecille looked up to Victoria and said with a smile, “You’re really something.”
The she kissed Victoria’s open mouth. Then they giggled after that.
“So, I’ll see you later?” asked Victoria. Cecille nodded.
“Pick you up? Pick me up?” asked Victoria again. “Pick you up.” Answered Cecille.
“Okay, I’ll see you later.”
They kissed again, smiling at each other. Cecille not wanting to let go of Victoria’s arms around her waist, but Victoria pulling it and laughing, and giving Cecille quick kisses as she gestured she’s got to go. Cecille conceded and Victoria left.


AT VICTORIA’S DESK, Jona came by for a small talk. “How are you? You’re mom called me last night. Where were you?” she asked.
“At a friend’s house.” Victoria answered with a smile.
“You have a new friend I don’t know about? Hello? I’m your only friend!” Jona sarcastically commented. “Anyways, none of my business, right?”
“Right!” agreed Victoria. “Hmmm, by the way, I’ve got news about my Casper.”
“You mean Cecille?” Victoria just smiled and whispered, “I saw her scars from the plane crash. Three marks on her back.”
“Really? She showed it to you?” asked Jona.
Victoria shook her head. “Then how did you see it?” asked Jona again.
Victoria just smiled and looked away. “Don’t tell me… hello? Are you serious?” mocked Jona. Victoria shrugged her shoulders and smiled to herself. “I’m happy. Like before with Paul. I’m back.” She muttered to Jona. Then her cell phone beeped. Victoria excitedly jumped out of her chair and told Jona Cecille’s waiting for her downstairs. Jona irked and with sympathy said, “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

VICTORIA gave Cecille a peck on the check when she got into the car. Both of them are smiling like children with secrets. Victoria asked where they are going. Cecille just said anywhere would do as long they are together. Victoria smiled and kissed Cecille.

MONTAGE
They are trying on clothes and Victoria would pull Cecille in the fitting room and make out.
They would walk hand and hand towards their car in the parking lot but would let go when they see other people.
Victoria would visit Cecille at the condo project and steal her away for a couple of minutes to make out in the vacant room. Giggling.
They would take pictures of each other and take weird poses in tagaytay.
While sitting on the beach watching the sunset, their silhouettes blur.

VICTORIA woke up irritated by something scratching her nose, she opened her eyes to see Cecille scratching her nose and smiling at her across the bed. “Good morning.” Cecille greeted Victoria who was yawning and stretching herself. “Good morning” Victoria answered back smiling. They lay there side by side facing each other. Smiling at each other with no apparent reason. Then Cecille said, “I LOVE YOU”.
Victoria smiled and kissed Cecille’s forehead, her nose, then her lips, and whispered, “I love you.”

DINA WAS SITTING in the living room with a stern-faced Phillip, she was sobbing. While Phillip regains his composure by sipping his brandy, he tries to hide his tears by looking at the ceiling and when he’s sure that the tears would not fall, he spoke, “Why?” Dina did not answer but continued crying. To which Phillip stood and faced the wall. “Am I not enough for you?”
Then he turned around and faced Dina as he struggled to stopped the words that are going to come out of his mouth, “PERVERT”
“I’m sorry Phillip. I was lonely. I was stupid. Nothing I say now would make you hate me less” Dina said crying looking at Phillip.
“I don’t hate you” Phillip answered calmly.
Surprised by what Phillip said Dina momentarily stopped crying and looked at Phillip. Phillip then faced her again and in an instant his hand was about to hit Dina’s face but stopped, withdrew his hand and whispered,
“I regret the day I met you. I regret the day I married you. The air that you breathe out is poison to me. You’re the devil incarnate.”
Phillip left Dina in the living room weeping. She never felt so low in her life. To be told that she’s the devil incarnate. She closed her eyes.


AT THE CONDO PROJECT, Victoria came to visit Cecille and just like before she stole her away from what she was doing and they hid in one of the finished rooms. They were giggling as they make out unmindful of the wind that opened the curtains exposing what they were doing to the people who may pass by outside. Mrs. Go at that time was inspecting the progress of the condo project. As she was about to pass through the window and see Cecille and Victoria making out, Jona happened to see the two first and the coming Mrs. Go. Jona rushed towards Mrs. Go and with a loud voice greeted her good morning. Victoria and Cecille were startled, they fixed themselves and went out of the room. Mrs. Go saw Victoria and greeted her and said that she was looking for her. Victoria smiled and answered all of Mrs. Go’s questions until she left.
Then Jona grabbed Victoria’s arm and led her to a corner. With an angry voice she confronted Victoria. “What on earth are you two doing? Playing around? You want to get yourself fired? You want both of your assess fired?”
Victoria struggled to free herself and succeeded and with an accusing tone answered Jona, “What do you care? I’m not doing anything wrong!”
“Wrong!” Jona shouted. ‘You are making out with A GIRL!” she put the emphasis on the girl. “A GIRL Victoria, a girl. And you don’t think that’s wrong? Huh?

Silence.

Then Jona spoke again, “You’re my friend and I want you to open your eyes. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. This has gone too deep. People are going to know.”
“What are you really doing?” Jona calmly asked Victoria.
Victoria faced Jona and with wavering certainty said, “I love… her”
Jona smirked, “HER? Don’t tell me you love her? HER Victoria. HER!”
Victoria fell silent and looked away.
Jona wide-eyed with what she just heard shook her head, “No. You don’t love her, you don’t love Cecille, you loved Paul, and you just think she’s Paul, which was very stupid. Mahal mo siya pero hindi siya ang mahal mo. And don’t you think that’s unfair to her?”
Victoria felt her knees weaken, she searched for a chair and finding none leaned against the wall and slowly sat on the floor. She closed her eyes as if meditating and looking for the answers inside of her. Jona knelt down to level with Victoria, with a calm voice she said, “You have to fix this before it gets worse. Before you hurt anyone else. Before you hurt Cecille.” Like a child, she stroked Victoria’s hair and patted her shoulders. Then Victoria whispered, “Leave me alone please.”
Jona hesitantly got up and left. As she turned around the corner, Cecille was there.

JONA WAS SURPRISED to a halt. Then Cecille asked, “Who’s Paul?”
Jona exhibited no reaction and quietly answered, “Her dead boyfriend.”
Cecille was surprised and chuckled, “Are you kidding?”
“I wish I am”
“How could she think that?”
“You were seated beside Paul in that plane crash.”
“So?”
“And the two of you met again where she and Paul first met. And you and Paul like the same things, and your scars…”
Cecille confused with what Jona was saying shook her head.
Jona then tried to convince Cecille, “Don’t you see? She’s just playing with you. She’s living this fantasy that Paul was still alive, in you. She doesn’t really lo…” Jona caught her tongue and stopped.
“I’m sorry” Jona said guiltily and walked away.

CECILLE went home to her apartment. Opened her drawer and took out a zip plastic bag. Visible inside it were two white gold wedding bands. She took them out and read the inscriptions inside it – VICTORIA + PAUL. As she was reading the inscriptions, realizing what had just happened. Tears fell from her eyes. “So it’s true,” she said. “So it’s true.”
Then her doorbell rang. She wiped her tears placed the plastic bag on her bed and opened the door. Dina was outside with a suitcase. She was sobbing. Cecille understood what happened and with opened arms accepted her sister. They hugged each other as if the world doesn’t care about them anymore. They were the only ones who cared about each other truly. They both cried at the fate that they have. It’s them again. It’s just them sisters again. Cecille wiped the tears from Dina’s eyes and bitterly smiled. Dina smiled back bitterly and wiped the tears from Cecille’s eyes.

VICTORIA went to the condo project again to meet with Cecille. Cecille was avoiding her until Victoria cornered her and with an impatient tone asked, “What’s going on?”
Cecille just looked at her, wrung her arm free and walked a few steps away.
“I heard everything.” She said.
“What everything?” Victoria asked.
“The other day.” Victoria was surprised and bowed her head and placed her face on her palms. She didn’t say anything. Cecille was just observing her, trying to stop her tears.
Victoria looked at her, finding no voice, just mouthed the words I’m SORRY, her face wet from her tears.
Cecille bit her lips and looked away. Tears freely flowing now from her eyes, she didn’t try to stop them anymore. She tried to speak, but no words are coming out. She closed her eyes and said, “I’m not sure what I should feel right now.”
Then she faced Victoria and sneered at her as she says, “I thought you loved me because you love ME, not some dead guy I was with on a plane!”
Then she chuckled. “Don’t you think you’re a bit too old for fantasies?”
Cecille shook her head, “It was all lies. Nothing’s real.”
Then she took out the zip plastic bag with the white gold wedding bands from her pocket and threw them in front of the sobbing Victoria. “There,” she said crying, “DREAM’S OVER” then she left.

DINA OPENED the door of Cecille’s apartment and was surprised by her two children waiting outside, all smiles they both shouted, “MOMMY!” Dina gave them the tightest hug and led them inside, she was teary eyed while talking to them, stroking their hair, their back, and kissing them again and again, as she asked, “Who brought you here?” The children in a chorus said, “DADDY!” Dina was surprised and turned around to see no one at the door. She told the kids to stay put she’s just going to talk to daddy. She went out, down the hall and into the street to find Phillip about to ride his car. Then Phillip felt her presence and turned around. Dina looked at Phillip with questioning eyes, she gestured, “I don’t understand.” Phillip went closer to her and lovingly stroked her face. Then he seemed to have realized something and stopped what he was doing and placed his hands in his pocket. He said, “I need to go away. I can’t stand being this way, with you.” He turned around and walked back to his car. He looked back at Dina and said, “Come back home. The children needs you.” He smiled at her and started the engine. As he drove away, Dina burst into tears as she saw a suitcase at the back seat. Phillip left her the house, and the children.

THE HEAD OF THE CONDO project reported to Mrs. Go that the initial construction was done and it’s ready for occupancy. Among the group gathered to report their progress was Myra, Cecille’s assistant. They are now going through their finances and Mrs. Go was surprised to see Jona reporting instead of Victoria.
“Stop. Stop. Where’s Victoria?” she said.
“Ma’am, she ahh… she, she turned the project over to me.” Jona nervously answered.
“Why would she do that? Why? Where is she now?” Mrs. Go’s tone higher than usual.
“She said she has to do something very important ma’am”, Jona again answered, looking around to see all eyes on her.
“More important than her job? I don’t understand this. When she comes back tell her to see me in my office, okay?” Mrs. Go ordered Jona.
“Ma’am, I don’t think she’s coming back, anymore.” Jona hesitantly answered. Mrs. Go raised her eyebrows in a surprised manner and looking at Jona for more information.
“She resigned.” Jona said.
“I didn’t get any resignation letter.” Mrs. Go said. Then Jona took a sheet of paper from her files and gave it to Mrs. Go, “I was going to give it to you later but I guess that’s too late now.”
Mrs. Go read the letter carefully, calmed down and let out a big sigh.
Myra looked amused with the show and shook her head with disappointment.


AT CECILLE'S OFFICE, Myra was giving her an update about the meeting. Then out of nowhere said, “It was quite a show, you should have been there.”
“Why is that?” Cecille asked.
“Victoria resigned. Jona was the one who reported everything.”
Cecille surprised by what she heard turned around to listen carefully at what Myra was saying. “Mrs. Go doesn’t even know that she resigned. She got angry then calmed down. It was weird. If it were me in Mrs. Go’s shoes, I would have fired her ass in an instant!” Jona chuckled to herself amused by what she just said.
Cecille thought, “Why would she do that? Why would she resign? The project was over; they are not going to see each other anyways. Why did she have to leave her work?” Then she closed her eyes and said to herself, “She really doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

IN HER ROOM, Victoria was sitting on the edge of the bed, contemplating on whether or not to open the drawer of her side table. On top of the table is a picture of Paul and her during happy times. She took the picture and looked at it lovingly, stroking the frame glass. Then she smiled. She opened the drawer and took out the rings.

CECILLE and Dina were sitting in the living room, watching the kids play video games. Cecille then broke the silence and said, “Ate, may I ask you something?”
Dina smiled and nodded, “I’ve been waiting for you to open up actually.”
Cecille gathered up her courage and said, “What would you do, if the person you love doesn’t really loves you – I mean she loves you but not you. She thinks you’re the reincarnation of someone she knew before.”Dina laughed and said, “Phillip said I’m the devil incarnate.”

Pause.

“He did? He was just mad I’m sure.” Cecille comforted.
“Yeah, forget about it. So continue.”
“That’s it.”
“That’s it?”
“Just tell me what would you do if a person loved you because she thought you’re someone else!”
Dina frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Well, it’s like this. I was seated with her boyfriend, who died in the crash. Then we met in circumstances similar to how she met her boyfriend before. And I just found out the reason she came after me was she thought I was her dead boyfriend!”
Dina looked confuse and with wide-open eyes she said, “Boyfriend? RE-incarnation? SHE???”

PAUSE.

Dina recovered and still disbelieving what she just heard clarified, “This person is a GIRL?”
Cecille nodded.
“ARE YOU A LESBIAN?”
“I don’t know. I only felt like this with her.”
“IS SHE A LESBIAN?”
“I don’t think she is… she thinks I’m her dead boyfriend that’s why she liked me!”
“So she seduced you?”
“I can’t really say, seduced. More like… she made me fall for her.”
“She said she loves you?”
Cecille nodded.
“And all the while she thinks you’re her dead boyfriend?”
Cecille nodded.
“IS SHE NUTS???”
Cecille laughed and then realized the silliness of the situation.
Both of them laughed out loud that the children looked at them curiously. Dina waved them to go back to what they were doing.
Then Dina faced Cecille and said, “Do you love her?”
Cecille nodded.
“Seriously?”
Cecille nodded.
“How did you know?”
“I just do.”
“You realize… that, she’s, a girl?” clarified Dina.
“I know. But still, I love her.”
Dina fell silent.
“But this situation you’re in. It’s really weird. How could she think you’re her dead boyfriend? Maybe it’s her only way of getting to you, if you know what I mean.” Dina teased Cecille smiling.
“That you’re so beautiful even girls fall in love with you,” Dina continued with a wink.
Cecille surprised by the sudden change of mood played along with Dina.
“Maybe,” she said. “So you don’t mind if I have a relationship with another girl?” she cautiously asked Dina.
Dina smiled at her and stroked her hair. “You’re my sister, you’re all I have left, now that Phillip left me.””Phillip left you?”
“Yeah, he left me the house. I don’t know where he went. I guess he can’t really stand being with me anymore.”
“I’m sorry, Ate.”
“It’s all for the better, I actually don’t blame him for leaving me. I can’t really force myself to love him… I was unfair.”

Pause.

“At least I got the kids.”
Cecille smiled and looked at the children still playing unmindful of the talks behind them.
“As I was saying, you’re my only family, and I want nothing but your happiness. Kahit kanino mo pa makuha yun basta hindi ka nila masasaktan.”
They hugged each other tightly that the children seeing them hugging came rushing towards them and laughing they had a group hug.

AT THE CEMETERY Victoria placed flowers on Paul’s grave. She then knelt down on the soil and took out the rings from her bag. She then took out a small shovel and started digging a small hole beside the grave. She placed the rings inside the hole and covered it with her hands. She rested a bit and looked at Paul’s gravestone. She spoke to Paul as if he were there, “Paul, I don’t know if you can hear me. I love you very much. I waited for you. And I thought you came back through her.” She chuckled. “And it was really stupid of me to think that, because why would you come back here, you’re happier in heaven. I’m sorry, the thing is, I love her… I love her now… and I don’t want to lose her. That’s why I’m giving you the rings back.” She patted the soil on top of the hole to level it with the ground. “Come to think of it, you might have or you might not have a part in this, I want to thank you. For bringing her to me.”

CECILLE WAS WALKING along the hallway going to her apartment when she noticed someone was waiting for her near her door. She slowed to a halt a few feet away from Victoria and inches from her door. She did not dare look at Victoria. She clutched the keys inside her hand.
Victoria spoke in a low voice, “I’m sorry. What I did was unfair; it was very unfair to you. You don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Finding no response or movement from Cecille, Victoria continued with her litany.
“You are your own person. I made a really big mistake by thinking that you might be someone else. It was very childish of me to be thinking that way while I am with you. You’re right, I’m a bit too old for fantasies. To believe in re-incarnation, to believe that you could be Paul, it was really overboard.”
Cecille still stood there unwavering, not looking back at Victoria but intently listening to what she was saying.
“But don’t you think it was a good thing? That stupid belief, led me to you. That I really found the person that I love most in this world, in you. Because you are the one I love. You Cecille, and not anyone else. So please don’t think that everything that I said, everything that we did were all lies. It was all real, as real as my feelings for you.”
Victoria began to weep. Still, Cecille just stood there facing her door.
“I would understand if you don’t want anything to do with me anymore. I’m just here to tell you, that I will cherish the moments we had. But if you could find it in your heart to give me one more chance, I love you so much Cecille.”
Cecille then inserted her key and opened the latch, she stepped inside the apartment. Victoria then shook her head, crying, waiting for the door to close. But instead, Victoria saw a hand; Cecille’s hand was at the door, palm facing up, she was waiting for Victoria to reach out for her hand.

Victoria wiped her tears and reached for Cecille’s hands. They were standing face to face at the doorway, Cecille holding Victoria’s hand. Cecille then wiped the still flowing tears from Victoria’s eyes, and with such calmness said, “You’re a very silly woman.”
She smiled and gently placed a light peck on Victoria’s lips. Victoria then hugged her while still weeping, and Cecille giggling over the situation. She soothed Victoria and they both started laughing. They finally entered the apartment and Cecille closed the door behind them.

***************
March 6, 2007