My Ultimate Chance

by majgonzales9258

Will Joy be able to find her ULTIMATE CHANCE or just let go of everything to continue her life.

Chapter 1

One sunny afternoon, I was at the plaza of Coral Coast Academy, I was in deep thoughts and gathering all my confidence since I will be applying in my alumni school for a P.E. teacher position,

"I can do this! I know I can! It's not that hard right? Just answer all the questions they're going to ask me and be confident."

I murmured to myself when I felt a warm breath near my ear that made me jump from my sit, high enough that my leg hit the table so hard that the impact made a part of my leg bleed because a wood punctured one of my thighs.

"Ouch!"

I said to myself annoyed while holding my thigh where I felt the pain. When I finally looked up to see who it was, I saw this guy standing tall and looking very muscled with matching chiselled abs.

"OMG!"

I said to myself. I saw Sean Garcia staring and smirking at me,

"Hey, Joy! How are you doing? Are you okay? I didn't mean to startle you. I'm sorry about that."

At first, I was just staring at him and the pain in my legs vanished. Sean was just staring at me waiting for me to reply,

"Joy?"

"Oh!" I snapped out my stare "I'm okay. This is nothing. I have been hitting this table ever since I studied here, so I'm already getting used to the pain." I smiled while patting my leg but didn't show how painful my leg was.

He then put his arms around my shoulders and asked,

"So, how's life after college?"

"Life has been treating me well. What about you?" I asked.

"Oh you know. Same, same!" He said while staring up.

I didn't even noticed that a tear fell down my face, Sean then looked at me and saw the tear and wiped the tear off my face,

"Joy, may I know what's bothering you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm being emotional right now. It's nothing. Anyway, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I'm applying for a male P.E. teacher in the school. What about you? I know this is your alumni school but what is your business here? Are you waiting for someone else?"

I smiled at him after knowing his reason, and then I said,

"Actually, I'm also applying for the same subject but for females of course. It's nice to see you again, Sean."

He smiled and again starred up like he was thinking of something, then he asked,

"Joy? Do you know a girl named Maj Gonzales?"

"Yes! I know her! Why do you ask?"

"I want to thank her for taking good care of Joseph when he was really sick a couple of months ago. Joseph got into a car accident and a very bad one too. It happened in The Fort, he was with Daniel and Bryan that time." He continued telling me what happened to Joseph and I felt bad because I was not there for Joseph when he needed me.

"Where was I when all of this happened?" I asked Sean just for me to know that there is a reason why I was not there for Joseph.

"You were in France at that time. Filming for your next movie and Joseph told me not to bother you with it. He even made us all promise not to tell you about what happened to him."

I was speechless. I really didn't know what to say and do. Then he asked me,

"Do you still have feelings for Joseph?"

My eyes widened and looked at him. My heart was racing and I felt an ache in my chest. I touched my heart and held the necklace that Joseph gave me,

"Yes! I still do."

"Wow! Even after all that has happened between you two, you still like, sorry, love Joseph?"

"Yes I do! I know he has already moved on and for sure he already has someone loving him now but every time I close my eyes, I can still see his face, hear his laughs and feel his warm hugs every night before I go to sleep."

"Woah! That is something deep, Joy. Well, I hope you will find that inner peace that you need to get over Joseph. It may be hard but you don't have to worry, I will be here for you."

"Thanks, Sean! That really means a lot to me."

Then Sean hugged me so tight and we didn't even notice that it was a long hug. He then broke the hug and said,

"Maybe we can apply together?"

"What a way to ruin the moment." I murmured loudly

"Sorry, what?"

"Oh, nothing. Let's apply now… together"

As we approached the CASE office he asked me,

"After all this, tell me why you shed a tear a while ago."

"Okay. If I must…" I said

"Oh, and if we see Maj around, would it be okay if you introduce me to her. I want to thank her personally for taking good care of Joseph while he was in the hospital."

"Sure thing! I know Maj is around here somewhere."

While looking for Maj, Sean didn't remove his hands on my shoulders and I felt secured. As we were about to enter the CASE office, I saw three familiar faces,

"Bryan? Daniel?" All three looked at me and when I saw the last familiar face, I started crying and said "Joseph?"

I saw Joseph walk towards me and hugged me tight trying to calm me down by caressing my back. As he was hugging me and caressing my back, I remembered the days that we would be in each other's arms and he would caress my back all the time. After I have calmed down, Joseph looked at me and said,

"I have never forgotten you, Joy."

He then touched my face and dried my tears. He kissed me in the cheeks and said,

"Up until now my feelings for you have been the same and it never changed. I know you have a lot of questions that you want to ask but hear me out first. You see…"

I stopped him by putting my index finger on his lips and said,

"Sean and I need to apply because the office will close around 5pm. This will just be quick."

So, I walked past him and went near Daniel and Bryan and gave both of them a peck on their cheeks.

"Good luck, Joy!" said Daniel and I saw Bryan smile at me. I smiled back at both of them.

As we entered the office, I saw Dean Delariarte talking to Ms. Sarah. I approached them and said,

"Excuse me, we are here to apply for the P.E. teacher position. This is my friend Sean Garcia. Sean, this is the dean of the College of Arts, Science and Education also known as CASE, Dean Clarissa Delariarte."

"Hi, Sean! Hi, Joy! Thank you for the introduction." I smiled "Did you bring your resumes with you?"

"Yes ma'am." We gave our resumes to the dean and she accepted the documents.

"Ms. Sanvictores, I will be talking to Mr. Garcia first. Please wait outside, I will be calling you next."

"Sure thing!" I looked at Sean "Well, Sean, good luck and see you when everything is done."

"Yeah! Thank you." Before I opened the door, Sean grabbed my hands and said "While waiting, talk to Joseph, please?"

I smiled and assured him that I will talk to Joseph. When I stepped out of the CASE office, I was looking for the boys but I wasn't able to find them. I went to the Aurora Benches in front of the clinic since those are the benches near the CASE office so that Ms. Sarah will not have a hard time calling for me. As I sat down on the empty bench, I was very nervous so I took out my earphones from my bag, connected my phone and placed it on. While I was listening to my music, I felt a firm and gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Here goes nothing." I said to myself. "I can do this, I can face him."

As I turned around, I was expecting to see Joseph but I saw Bryan. He smiled, sat beside me and hugged me.

"You were expecting him, right?"

I cried on his shoulders not because of Joseph but because of what happened to them. I felt sorry that I was not there for them. As I was crying, he caressed my back to comfort me. After a few minutes,

"Are you ready to face him?" he asked.

I wiped my tears and nodded. As he was about to stand, I held his hand, he looked at me puzzled.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked

I didn't say anything but I was just staring at his eyes trying to let him know what I wanted to say to him. He smiled and said,

"Okay. No problem. I won't leave your side. I promise."

"Thank you!" I replied

As we are going up the plaza, I texted Sean that when he is done, he needs to text me right away because I will be going up to the plaza because the boys are there. I wasn't expecting a text but he replied 'okay'.

As we approached Joseph and Daniel, Daniel hugged me and said,

"Hey! My birthday is coming up and I was hoping you will be there."

"Are you telling or asking me?"

He smiled and said "Asking. Please? It won't be fun and the same without you there."

"Fine. I will be there. Since you are asking so nicely." I kissed him on the cheeks and smiled and he smiled back.

As we (Bryan and I) approached where Joseph was, I was about to cry again but I held it back just to let Joseph know that I'm already okay. He was busy with his phone probably about work,

"Hey Joe!" said Bryan

He looked up and saw both of us. He placed his phone down and gestured to me to sit beside him. I looked at Bryan and he said,

"Go ahead! You told me you are ready to face him right? Don't worry. I will be around if you need me. Besides, you need to work things out with him." He smiled and let me feel assured that it is okay to talk to him.

As I sat beside Joseph, he looked at me in the eyes and held my hands.

"What were you going to tell me a while ago?" I asked. I had to calm down. I have so many questions in my head that need clarification but if I started talking and asking I might end up crying again. While I was waiting for a reply, I stared at him, he had a look of sorrow, regret and confusion.

"I really don't know where to begin?" he asked as he bowed down and looking at our hands

I removed my right hand from his hands and placed it on his chin, I lifted his face up and smiled,

"Why don't you start from the day you left without any word at all. That way, all my questions from that day will be answered. Please, tell me everything, you know I don't like you hiding things from me, right?"

He nodded and started to talk,

"When I left, I thought that I was doing the right thing for the both of us. Since we are so busy at our jobs and we hardly had time together, I decided on my own and took the job that was offered to me in Australia. With us apart, I thought that it will do us good and I also thought that when I return here in the Philippines…" he got out a small box from his bag and opened it

"I was supposed to ask your hand in marriage but instead of a crying girlfriend waiting for me in the airport, I got an angry best friend (Maj) that told me that you were a total wreck when I left and that the only thing that stopped and get you going was a push from her to get the offer from France for a year." He bowed his head again and lifted my hands to his lips then kissed it.

"I was hurt and I didn't know what to do at that time. Maj was just so mad at me that she almost slapped me when she saw me. I thought about how you felt and I understood what was happening, when it hit me, I cried because I didn't tell you where I was going and if we will ever see each other again. I felt that I would lose the love of my life. If only I had the courage back then to tell you what my plans were before I left." he stopped and sighed.

"That night when I was with Daniel and Bryan, we went drinking in The Fort. I wasn't drunk and I am still able to drive straight but a car bumped into us. It was so hard that the other car spun and tumbled. The car that hit us smashed to where I was. It's a good thing that the three of us were wearing seatbelts and that the cushion from the wheel was working fine. We were just unconscious but the driver of the other car died on the spot. I thought I was going to be charged for what happened but the investigators found out that the driver that died was drunk and overspeeding. When I was in the hospital, Maj and Ram were there taking care of me. They already told my parents about the accident but since both of them are in the States because our business was there they told Maj and Ram to look after me. Maj was about to call you that time but I told her not to because for sure you are busy that time. She said okay and that she told me to tell you personally because you returned to the Philippines just last week. She also told me to never give up on the love that I have for you and that you are just waiting for me. Thanks to your Galaxies and the F10's, I was able to get out of the hospital after a month and here I am, in front of you and telling you how, why, when and what happened."

When I knew he was done talking, I hugged him and said, "Then I should thank all of them for taking good care of you while I was in France. I only wish I knew what happened to you so that I would be able to return here as fast as I could just for me to take care of you."

He broke the hug, looked at me and smiled "Could we have talked properly like this back then?"

I laughed and said "Nah! I believe we would have said something we shouldn't say. I think that talking face to face is best for both of us. I would have been angry at you back then."

He then reached for my face and asked, "So, how do we start building what was once a strong relationship?"

"As of now, I have no clue how to even connect the dots of what happened to us. All of the what ifs and could have been will not erase what we both have done. To tell you the truth, when I saw you this morning, I started being emotional that all my confidence just went down the drain. I was telling myself to not give you the satisfaction of me crumbling right before your very eyes." I didn't realize that I was already ranting.

"When Sean and I entered the office, I calmed down and handed our requirements to Ms. Sarah. When I was told to step out of the office, I sat down on the bench and listened to the music from my phone just for me to build my confidence again. Then Bryan approached me…"

Joseph then kissed me just for me to stop talking. I was surprised but I closed my eyes and kissed him back. He broke the kiss and said,

"I can't change the mistakes I made back then but, I can definitely try and make sure that it won't happen again. I am more mature now and I will be able to understand every situation that is going on with our relationship. Honestly, we didn't really break up, we just didn't find time for each other to tell what was going on between us. When I was in Australia, I was thinking about you everyday. I was missing your hugs, kisses and the massage on my back everytime I got tired from practice. I also miss the times that I would look into your eyes and see the love that is only for me. I also miss the times that I would say 'I love you.' every minute of the day. I also miss the times that you will be going to my house whenever I am sick and you will be taking care of me. You even tried to cook but it didn't turn out well." he smiled and I blushed "I also miss the times that when I go your place, you will be in a rush because you woke up late for our date and that after a few minutes, my jaw drops because you look gorgeous."

He stopped, closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "What I'm trying to say is, I want us to continue our relationship. Not having you around these past years made me realize how miserable my life is. I know for sure that we are destined to be together. That is why we are still here talking to each other because destiny made a way for us to see each other. I hope you can forgive me for what I have done to you and to us."

I was silent at first, thinking if I should continue our relationship. He then stood up and said,

"I will give you time to think. I'm in no rush anyway. I know I was at fault and I understand what you are feeling right now." he smiled "Don't worry, I will wait for your answer even if it will take forever." he then gestured to the two boys that it's time for them to go.

I was alone again on the bench and thought about what he said. Then, Sean texted me that he is done and it was my turn for the interview. I held the necklace that Joseph gave me and stood up, I ran to the direction where the boys went. I saw them walking towards the parking lot and screamed,

"JOSEPH!"

The three boys turned around and saw me running towards them. When I finally reached them I pulled down Joseph's shirt gently just enough for me to reach his lips and kissed him passionately. He was shocked at first but then I felt that he kissed me back. The two boys had to look away just to give us some privacy and they saw Sean approaching us as well and they gestured to him that they would be the one to tell me to go to the office. Sean just gave them a thumbs up and walked away. We broke the kiss and I said to him,

"I hope that answers your question about continuing the relationship and that I have forgiven you already." I smiled at him, turned around and walked away.

As I was walking away, Daniel and Bryan gave Joseph a playful punch on each of his arms and said,

"Good job, bro! We know you had it in you. Now, let's go and celebrate!" said Daniel

While going towards the office, I saw Sean and he smiled at me,

"Good luck! You will need it."

"Thank you!" I replied

When I entered the office, my interview was not that hard. I was able to answer all the questions. After my interview, the dean asked me to wait outside and that they will call us for the results.

While waiting, I told Sean everything that happened between me and Joseph. I saw that Sean was just smiling the whole time.

"It's nice to know that you are both okay and that you agreed to continue the relationship. I'm so happy for you."

"Yeah! At least everything is okay between us now. Wait, is that Maj with Robert, Serge, Rhie and Ram?"

"Where?"

Then I pointed to the direction where the canteen is. I waived at them but the one who saw me was Rhie and screamed that made the others stopped and held their chests,

"OMG! MOMMY JOY!" she ran to me and hugged me so tight "What are you doing here? I thought you were in France filming?"

"Did I not tell you that she already returned last week?" asked Maj "Or were you so busy cuddling Alvin that time?" she looked at me and smiled "Hey girl! Nice to see you again. In one piece and…" she examined me carefully "With a positive aura. Did something happen?"

I smiled at her and she said "I think I already know. Good for you and him because I will really give him a piece of this fist if he still doesn't talk to you." I gave her a 'try it' look "Just kidding girl. Who is with you?"

"Oh!" I gestured to Sean to go near and introduced him "Sean this is Robert, Rhie, Ram, Serge and Maj. They all work here as teachers and Maj is the head of the P.E. department. She will be like our 'boss' if we get accepted of course."

"Hi!" both Maj and Sean shook hands "Thank you for taking good care of Joseph while he was in the hospital. I know I see you everyday when we are in the hospital but we don't talk that much then."

"Oh, that was nothing. I couldn't let the love of my best friend's life die anyway." she looked at me and smiled and I smiled back "So, applying for the P.E. Teacher position? How did it go?"

"Not sure yet! We are actually waiting for the results." I answered

Then the door of the CASE office opened and saw Dean Delariarte with Ms. Sarah approaching us,

"Ah! Ms. Gonzales, I was about to go to your office but since you are here. I want you to meet two new teachers who will be under your department. Christine Joyce Sanvictores and Sean Garcia." the dean looked at us and said "Congratulations! You can start on Monday. Just give your documents to her on Monday, okay?"

"Okay ma'am!" the dean smiled and returned to the CASE office. Ms. Sarah gave our resumes to Maj and returned to the office as well.

"Well, since you will be under my department, Robert and Serge are also part of the department as well so no need for introductions, right?" I nodded "Just don't be late on Monday. I already had enough lates." she looked at Robert and he smiled,

"I promise I won't be late anymore!" said Robert

"So, Mommy Joy." I looked at Ram "Are you going home or are you going somewhere else?"

"Hmm. Well, I had a long and emotional day, so I will go home."

I said goodbye to everyone. While going to my car I messaged Joseph that I got the job and I will start on Monday. He texted congratulations and that he's out celebrating with Daniel and Bryan.

I drove home feeling the weight of my stress, sadness and all the negativity leave my body. When I got home I opened a bottle of my favorite Tanduay Ice and celebrated my new job and renewed relationship. After I drank my bottle, I went straight to my room and slept peacefully.

Chapter 2

The next day I woke up renewed. I woke up, looked at my phone and saw that it was around 1pm.

"Thank God it's Saturday or else I will get it when I get to work at this time." I said to myself. As I was about to order food online, I heard a knock on my door. My house is just a one floor apartment since I live by myself and I rarely have visitors. When I opened the door, I saw Mark and Noehl smiling at me,

"Hey Ate Joy. Sorry about this sudden visit. They can't help it" said Mark while opening a path for me to see what's behind them.

I saw the Galaxies and the F10's trying to stop Maj getting Joseph. I smiled because I miss all my friends but since I'm the leader of the Galaxies, I have to do something.

"Ahem!" They all looked at me and fixed themselves.

"Hey, Joy!" said Reb "We didn't know you were there already." she smiled

"Right? If you don't stop being rough, I might not let you in."

"Sorry, Joy!" said both groups in chorus while bowing their heads like kids when they get scolded. I remembered when we were in college, when I got angry at them, I would see them like this.

"Oh you lot! Come here and let's do a group hug! I miss you all!" They all smiled and made a big circle, me being in the middle and hugging me. "Come on in!"

I let them in first, as I was about to enter, I felt a hug behind me and I smiled because I knew it was Joseph. I turned around and gave him a kiss.

"Thank you for saving me from your best friend. Maj can really be rough at times." I smiled at him

"Of course I will and you know Maj, she is the 'protector' of the group."

"I know." he kissed me again "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Are you both love birds just going to stand there or what?" asked Simon

We both didn't notice that we had been standing in the doorway for that long. We blushed and entered the apartment together.

Glenda, Reb, Joseph and Ralph helped each other in the kitchen. The 'dyosas' (Rhie, Ram and Serge) with Lea, Maffie and Fatima were helping with the tables. Maj, Alvin, Ernest, Kyle, Daniel and Bryan were playing PS4 that they brought and set it up on my TV. Mariel, Abbie, Simon and Susan were helping each other order additional foods online. Paul, CJ, Noehl and Mark helped each other with the drinks. As I was watching them doing their own work, I smiled and a tear fell down my eyes. I miss them and realized the times when I was in France that I will be looking at a group picture of all of us every time I feel lonely. Joan and Rochelle were the ones who saw me crying and went near me,

"Mommy Joy? Are you okay?" asked Joan

I wiped the tears off my face "I'm okay Joan and Rochelle. I'm just happy to see you all here. I did miss you all."

"Oh, Mommy Joy." Rochelle hugged me "We also missed and were worried about you. Reb and Maj did their best to tell all of us that you are okay since they are the only ones you are communicating with."

"I'm sorry if I am not replying to your messages. I just didn't feel like talking to everyone that time. I also want to thank you all for visiting and taking care of Joseph while I was not around."

"It was nothing, Mommy Joy. We don't want our 'daddy' Joseph to feel lonely." said Joan. I smiled and hugged them both.

The foods that were ordered online arrived and also the cooks were done cooking, we all gathered at the dining table, said a short prayer which was led by Mark and ate. After eating, we did karaoke, played a few games and just enjoyed the day.

Maj, Reb, Joseph and I did not drink that much since we had to look after the others. When we saw that the others fell asleep, we helped them to feel comfortable. After that, Maj and Reb did the dishes while Joseph and I fixed the trash in the apartment.

"I hope you don't mind that my group will stay for the night. They really had fun." said Joseph

"It's okay. I don't mind. I miss this."

"Hey, Joy. I won't be staying but I will pass by tomorrow. Robert needs me at home, will that be okay?" asked Maj.

"Sure! I understand. You take care when you get home."

"I will. Thanks. I will also bring Robert with me tomorrow."

"Okay!" As Maj left, Reb told me the same thing that she won't be staying for the night because she needs to go home because her partner is looking for her already. I hugged Reb and said our goodbyes. As I closed the door, Joseph hugged me from behind and kissed my neck that made me close my eyes and want for more. I turned around and we kissed passionately,

"Let's not wake the others. Let's continue in the room, shall we?" I asked in a seductive way. He just smiled and I led him to my room. As I closed the door, we continued where we left off and enjoyed the romantic night.

The next day, I woke up and saw Joseph beside me. I thought I was dreaming last night about what happened to us. I smiled and kissed Joseph on the cheeks that made Joseph wake up he looked at me and gave me a kiss on my forehead,

"Good morning, love." he said

"Good morning too, love." I said and kissed him on the lips "Let's check on them and probably Maj and Reb are here already."

"Do they have keys to your apartment?"

"Yes, since I told them they can use my apartment while I was away."

"Oh okay." We both got out of bed and dressed up. When we went out of my room, I saw Maj and Reb preparing breakfast and the older ones were awake and said 'good morning' to the both of us.

"Oh, great, you both are awake already. Breakfast is almost ready. Would you please wake the younger ones. I tried to wake them up but they just nodded and dozed off again. You do know that they listen more to their mother." said Maj

"Sure!" I went near them and woke them up gently "Guys, wake up. Breakfast is almost ready. If you don't wake up, you might not be able to get any." like what Maj said they all just nodded and dozed off "We are having bacon, eggs, hash brown and fried rice. Maj and Reb are cooking."

I saw them open their eyes and they said "We're awake. We're awake."

"Good. Now get yourselves ready for breakfast."

"What a way to wake them up?" asked Joseph

"The Galaxies can't resist Maj and Reb's cooking and it also worked on your younger ones too."

"Yeah! They also experienced their cooking while you were away."

"No wonder."

When everyone was done and ready to eat, we gathered at the dining table, said a short prayer and ate. After eating, we all said our goodbyes and did a group hug. Joseph also had to go home because his parents were looking for him. I understood and kissed him before he left.

"I had a great night with you. I love you so much." he said and hugged me

"Me too. You're welcome anytime here." I winked at him and he smiled

"Thank you. See you soon, my love." and they left.

I closed the door behind me and smiled,

"What an unforgettable day. Hope we can do this more often." I said to myself.

The next day, I woke up around 5am. Got ready for work since it will be my first day being a P.E. teacher, "I hope everything will go smoothly today" I said to myself. I passed by Mcdonalds to buy my breakfast, since I don't know how to cook and arrived on time. I parked my car, ate my breakfast in the canteen and walked towards where the P.E. department was. I saw Sean and he looks lost so I approached him,

"Are you looking for our department or are you looking for someone else?" I asked

"Oh! Well, both. I was looking for our office and you. I saw your car but not you."

"Ah! Our department is usually near the Gym. Let's go together."

"Thank you, Joy!" as we were walking towards our department he asked "So, how was the celebration last Saturday? They invited me but I didn't go. I had to do something important that day."

"Oh, that's okay. I understand. Well, we ate, drank and had fun. They actually stayed for the night except for Maj and Reb. You too will have fun for sure."

"I know. Oh well, there is always next time, right?" I nodded and he smiled.

As we arrived at the P.E. department, I saw Serge and Robert at their desks getting ready for their classes,

"Hi, Mommy Joy! Hi, Sean!" said Serge "Maj is in her office, she will be giving you your schedule for the week. Don't worry she is in a good mood right now because no one was late, right Robert?"

"You both live together and you're coming to work late?" I asked

"Well, she goes to work earlier than us so…" he smiled while scratching his head

"Right? Anyway, Maj is waiting for you both. Better not ruin the good mood yeah?" I nodded and gestured to Sean to follow me.

As we entered Maj office, she saw us and gave us our schedules for the week,

"Here are your schedules. No need to worry about your time ins and outs for this week. I still need to work on your logins and the IT told me that it will be a week before you get your own logins. Don't worry, I will be teaching you how to login once you get them." we both nodded "Anyway, Joy, I assigned you for swimming and Sean, I assigned you for basketball. So, go now because I have a lot to do now. Oh, and welcome to the P.E. department. Have fun while working and don't stress yourself too much." she smiled at us

"Thank you, Maj or shall we start calling you ma'am?" I asked

"Eh, eh, eh. No Ma'am Maj, please. Maj will be just fine."

We laugh a little and start fixing ourselves for our first classes. The day went according to plan. Sean and I had good classes in the morning but my afternoon class was a disaster because the older kids kept goofing off. Until I devised a plan to make them listen. When it worked I used the plan throughout the day.

After my classes I wanted to just soak up under the shower to soothe my muscles. To my beautiful surprise, as I reached my place, my loving boyfriend was standing beside his car waiting for me where my apartment was.

"What a beautiful surprise to see you after my long day at work, but what are you doing here?"

"Well, you said that I'm welcome here anytime, does the offer still stand?"

"Of course it still stands. Come on in! How long have you been waiting?"

"Don't worry about that, Joy. What matters is that I'm here to spend some time with you. Just like old times." we both smiled and entered my apartment

While inside the apartment, Joseph gave his massages that I love most in the world.

"I'm so thankful that you have those magic hands and this is only day one."

"You will be just fine. Just relax and don't think of anything now. Feel the messages I am doing." Joseph said while massaging my aching back.

To make things more interesting, he straddled a part of my body and started massaging me harder. By this time, I was already making approval noises because his hands really are good. Without me thinking, I started making noises and saying other enticing things that Joseph had to stop because it was affecting him but, the evidence is making it known and so with a final thought he didn't want my want for him hanging, so he just continued and something special happened to the both of us. We both didn't realize that he had spent the night in my house.

When we woke up the next morning, we kissed each other and got ready for work. My work became easier after the first day and because of the plan that I devised during my first day, my classes were smooth.

Chapter 3

My months as a P.E. teacher was fun and not that stressful. With the help of Joseph and my friends, they really helped remove my worries and stress.

"Hey, Love!" I looked at the entrance of our office and I saw Joseph.

"Love? What are you doing here? Don't you have work? And how did you get into the school?" I asked

"Well, didn't I tell you that I'm also teaching here? I'm the head of the Business Administration department."

"No! You forgot to tell me about it, but nonetheless, I'm happy that you are not just working here but you're a teacher too."

Just so he knows that I'm not mad or angry, I kissed him on the cheek so that I could see that smile appear on his face.

"Ahem! You do know that we are in school and that there are students around, right?" Maj said behind us.

We turned around and saw Maj with Robert, "Sorry, Maj."

"Anyway, you two should go home. We don't have classes today because of the sports fest. Robert and I will handle things here. Unless, you want to stay and help out too."

"Of course!" I said with conviction "I'll stay and help. I enjoyed this when we were still students here. It will be my pleasure to help whatever I can."

"Okay then. I suggest going to where the 'dyosas' are. They are assigned in-keeping the athletes in their places. If you know what I mean."

"Of course! Don't I know it?" Maj and I smiled and laughed a little. "It's like a sports fest circa 2009 all over again." and we did a high five.

"Let's get to work!"

The sports fest went without major injuries. All the teams were as rough as expected on their respective sports. All of them had good sportsmanship-like character that even the nun's enjoyed the festivities.

During the sports fest week. I know some of my Galaxies work here in our alumni school but I just knew that all the members of both Galaxies and F10 are working in SPUQC. My life in SPUQC is now complete and I was not anymore asking for more because all my friends are here and of course, Joseph, the love of my life is here with me.

My first year (2020-2021) in SPUQC was a blast. I did have my ups and downs during my first year but it won't stop me from working as a teacher in my alumni school. 2021-2022, Christine Joyce A. Sanvictores is ready for you!

During my summer break, I spent my vacation with Joseph of course and we went to his family rest house in Tagaytay. We stayed there for the whole summer and enjoyed the view during the day and night. We even had special nights and we both made sure that we enjoyed and savored the moment that we were together.

Before our summer break ended, he brought me to Breakfast at Antonio's to have dinner.

"What's the occasion, babe?" I asked

"You will know soon." he smiled and I felt that there was something up his sleeves.

As we entered the restaurant, the waiter escorted us to our table. I was just looking at him waiting for what would happen next. He looked at me and said,

"What?"

"What are you up to?" I asked

"Nothing! Is it bad to go to one of your favorite restaurants here in Tagaytay? You told me when we arrived here that you want to go here right?"

"Yes, but it's like something is about to happen and I might like it or I might not."

"Relax, Love!" he smiled "Let's just enjoy the night, okay?" I nodded and he assured me that nothing bad would happen.

After we ordered and ate our food,

"Let me just go to the restroom and relax. You have been stiff the whole time." he said and smiled. He went near me and kissed me on the forehead and walked towards the restroom.

I was really nervous the whole time, then at the corner of my eyes, I thought I saw Robert behind one of the pillars.

"Nah! Joe said there will be no surprises. But then again he can be sneaky when he wants to be. And he knows how to soothe with words."

After a few minutes, he returned with a smile on his face,

"You're really up to something. If you don't spill, I can make you talk and we don't want to go there right?" I said and he just smiled

"Fine but first, tell me who made a mistake?"

"Wait! Who?" I looked around "How many are here?"

"Oh you know. THE ENTIRE GALAXIES, F10 AND FAMILIES ARE HERE!"

"What? Why?"

"Because I have wanted to do this from the time when I returned here in the Philippines." he stood up, went near me and knelt on one knee "Christine Joyce Sanvictores, with everyone here with us, I would like to ask if…" he took a deep breath "Would you marry me and be with me forever?"

"Are you sure you're ready to uncover all my flaws and still love me after that?" I asked him and he said "I am because that is how much I love you. Always will."

"If you're ready to see and experience what it's really like to be with me then my answer to you Joseph Santiago is… YES! I will marry you and build our future life together."

After Joseph placed the ring on my finger, the lights around us opened and I saw him and my family there. Let's not forget the Galaxies and the F10 of course. All of them congratulated us.

I felt my heart could burst with happiness because I'll be married to the love of my life and I'll be sharing this happiness with our family and friends.

Suddenly I felt him hug me from the back and my smile got even wider. He's the reason why I'm the happiest girl in the world right now. We went back to his, oh wait, OUR "FEEL IT GIRL!" place and continued our romantic night.

After summer break, we had to return to Manila and go back to our normal lives but this time, together.

Chapter 4

I woke up and had the best sleep ever, not only because I had the best summer but Joseph decided to stay with me in the apartment. I got out of bed, stretched and walked towards the door. I saw Joseph cooking us breakfast,

"At long last, real breakfast. No more fast food for me this morning." I said to myself.

We had our breakfast, prepared ourselves for work and went to work together. Since both of us have our own cars, we decided to use my car as a spare during his car's coding day. We reached SPUQC on time, we kissed before going down the car and went to our own offices.

As I was walking towards the P.E. department, someone hugged me from behind. I thought it was Kyle because both them had the same height,

"I missed you, Joy!" my eyes widened because I recognized the voice

"John? John Francesco?"

"The one and only."

I turned around and took two steps back, "What are you doing here? You should be in France right?"

"Well, I'm on vacation. Did you not miss me? I mean, you and I are still in a relationship, right?"

"What relationship are you talking about? Sure we went out a few times, but that doesn't mean we became a couple."

"What? I even asked you if we can be together and you said okay. Are you telling me that the booze was talking to me that time? Something happened to us that night too. Don't you remember?"

"You asked me? And I said okay. That must be the booze that was talking to you because I don't remember anything that happened between you and me."

"Oh come on!" he went near me but Sean went in between us.

"Joy, I have been looking all over for you. We are almost late, come on!" he grabbed my hands "We don't want Maj to be mad at us right?` Then he pulled me gently away from John and walked straight to the P.E. department.

When we reached the office he asked,

"Explain what I just heard and saw. Who is the guy? How did you meet him? And what happened? Please, I need details. It's a good thing Joseph was not there. You know how he is, right?"

"Okay, but this doesn't leave your mouth. Promise me first. I promised to keep this a secret."

"My lips are sealed. Go on before the three go here."

"He is the one that kept me sane while in France. His name is John Francesco. We met because we were officemates and we work at the same movie that we are filming. I don't remember being a couple with him and I definitely don't remember anything happening between the two of us." I stared at my ring "Sean, I'm happy now that Joe and I are moving to the next stage of our lives together. I'm finally happy and this comes along. I'm scared that everything that Joe and I have fixed for the last couple months will be for nothing because of someone from my stay in France."

"You really are something, Joy. A year in France and you already have someone to cover your sadness." he sighed "So, what are you going to do then? How are you going to get rid of Mr. John Francesco who for sure will wait for you." as we were thinking, Maj went in the office and we looked at her and smiled,

"I think I know what to do." I smirked

"Sorry? What? Did I miss something?" Maj asked

"I think I know what you are thinking too, Joy and it might work." Sean agreed

"Might work? Please don't tell me you both are going to drag me into something."

I also told my story to Maj since I trust her too.

"So, you're telling me to get rid of him by scaring him away?" she sighed "You never change. I have been doing this since you were in college." she stood up "Where is he and how do I know if it is him?"

"Don't worry! You will notice him right away. You won't miss him." Sean said

"Joy, I hope this will be your last. You're getting married. Thank God, you're getting married"

I smiled, "Thanks girl. No worries! I promise and I have already changed. Thank you for always having my back. This is one mistake that I want to get rid of. I just wish he stayed away. I was always thinking of Joseph whenever he would talk to me. I just want him gone." Maj smiled and left the office.

"I hope everything will turn out good but, WOW Joy. You sure do know how to pick a guy." Sean laughed

"Sean, do you think I should tell Joe about this? I mean I shouldn't keep a secret like this from him right"

"Before I answer you. Is there something that you are not saying when you are in France?"

"Nope! Just that. I promise."

"Good! Well, since you both are getting married, it's for the best. If he loves you then he will still accept you but if he reacts negatively about it, then you might have a problem."

"I'm prepared for the worst reaction he can have about this. But one thing I know is I will take off my engagement ring when I tell him this. So that if he says it's over I can easily give him back the ring."

My day still continued, I went to my first class but I was not feeling well, Robert was observing my class that time. He approached me and said,

"Do you want me to take over? You're not focused on your class." he looked at me but I did not say a word "Go on and rest in the office. I will tell Maj that you're not feeling well and that I was the one who took over your classes. I also suggest you go home, okay?"

"Thank you so much Robert. I just have a lot of things on my mind. I'll find a way to return the favor someday."

"No need, Joy! I'm just helping out a friend. Go on!" I smiled and returned to the office. I texted Joseph that I will go home and I will be taking a cab and that he doesn't need to worry. He replied okay and that I should get enough rest once I reached home.

I booked a cab and reached our apartment,

"Thank God there was no traffic." I murmured to myself

I went straight to the bathroom and filled the bathtub with warm water. Once it was filled, I soak myself and relax. I didn't even notice that I fell asleep.

"Love?" I opened my eyes and saw Joseph "Looks like you have fallen asleep in the bathtub. Are you okay?"

"Actually I'm not okay. There's something you need to know and I have to tell you before you hear it from someone." my tears started to fall and for Joseph he knows it's something very bad.

"Before telling me that. I suggest that you dry yourself and dress up. I will wait for you in the kitchen."

After I dried and dressed, I collected myself and went to the kitchen and here I am again tearing up and I haven't said anything yet.

I asked him, "Have I ever told you of my life in France?"

"Yes but only bits of piece from your experience in a movie set and being an actress in a foreign country."

"Well, today, after we kissed in the car, someone from my stay in France surprised me and gave me a hug from the back. He said my name and I knew who he was right away." By this time I was already taking off my ring and more tears were falling off my eyes to my face.

"He was the one that kept me sane while we were apart. He said that we became a couple but I don't remember anything because I was heavily intoxicated when he asked me to be his girlfriend." I took a deep breath and continued, "The worst part is that he claims that something happened between us and still I don't remember anything about it. All I know is that whenever we go out, I am always thinking about you. And that is the whole truth."

After I told him everything my tears never stopped falling. I can see the hurt in his eyes and I know I put it there. I placed my ring on the table and waited for Joe to say anything. But there was an endless silence from him.

After a few minutes of silence, he got the ring and looked at it. I thought that it was over for us but he grabbed my hands and he placed back the ring on my finger,

"Joy, Babe, Love and my Future Wife. Whatever happened to you in France is already in the past but thank you for telling me this. Now I know that you really do love me and that you don't want me hurt." he stood in front of me and hugged me "I love you and always will." he kissed me and asked, "So, what would you like for dinner?" I laughed and just kissed him back.

After a few weeks, I did not anymore see John but at the same time, Maj was not in her office also for the past weeks,

"Robert? Where is Maj?" I asked

"Well, she said that she will be staying with her mom for a couple of months. Reb, Alvin and Ernest are with her too."

"Is Tita alright and more importantly is Maj alright?"

"Well, the last time she updated me was last night and she said that they are okay. I even tracked her car and it says that it's in Kapitolyo so I am assuming that she is there but now I'm wondering why Reb, Alvin and Ernest are with her if she is going to her mom's."

"Well, let's just trust her judgment on things. When she returns we can bug her for details." Now we need to go back to work!

After all my classes, there was a knock on our office door,

"Come in!" When the door opened, Maj's mom was there.

"Oh, Joy. I didn't know you work here. Have you seen Maj? I saw her car parked outside our house but it has been a week and she hasn't returned yet. She was with some of her friends and they used a different car and left. Would you know where she is?"

Unfortunately Tita I have not heard from Maj since last week.

"Maj. I swear to God. You will get it once you return. I just told you to get rid of him. What are you up to." I said to myself

"Tita, I will keep you updated. Let me see if I can reach her."

"Thank you, Joy!" After tita left I looked at Robert "Robert, I know you know something. Spill!"

"Joy, I don't know either. Like I said, she said that she will be with her mom and that's it."

I grabbed my phone and tried to call Maj first but I couldn't reach her. I tried Alvin and Reb, same thing but I was able to reach Ernest,

"Yes? Who is this?" Ernest asked

"Ernest, this is Ate Joy. Where are you four? And how come I can't reach Maj, Reb and Alvin?"

"Ate Joy!" Ernest was shocked "Nice to hear from you! We… are… in… well,... you see… uhm…"

"Yes, go on!"

"Well, we... are... in... Reb's place, right. We will… be… uhm… staying here for a while…"

"What about your work? Did you apply for work from home for the time being?"

"We… filed our leaves… yes leaves and we… will… return… next week… yes next week."

"Now can I talk to Maj."

"Sure! MAAAAAAJJJJJJ!" screamed Ernest

"What? Who is this?"

"Ate Joy."

"What? Why did you answer her call?" I heard her take a deep breath "Joy, what's up? I hope everything is okay there."

"Everything is okay here in school. All classes are going smoothly. But what's not okay is your mom showing up in the office worried about. Now, tell-me-where-are-you? I will know if you are lying or just making an excuse."

"I may be your boss but I really can't lie to you." she sighed "We are here in John's place. Remember you told me to get rid of the guy? Well, I didn't because Reb was, you know and I had to explain everything to her but did not tell her about you and him, just some details that you told me to get rid of him."

"Just please make sure I don't ever see him again."

"There is a reason why we are here. Don't worry. We will return next week. Take care of things for me there. Bye!"

Girl, wait, at least tell your mom that you are okay and will return next week. Bye!

"I will. Bye!"

After the call, I told Robert where the guys were and reassured him that they are okay.

Chapter 5

After a week, they did return and the guys told me everything that happened. For the first time in our friendship, they did not use force to scare people but they talked to John about me and Joseph.

"Do you understand, John?" asked Maj "I hope you will stop seeing her and let her be happy. Did you really love her?"

John smiled "I did like her but not to the point of loving her. I knew she was going through a lot but I did not want to control what she was going through."

"So, did something happen between you and Joy?"

"We were drinking heavily that time, so yeah"

"Ah! Say no more. So, will you leave Joy alone?"

"I will but in one condition."

"Yes?"

"Can I talk to Joy, physically of course"

"Well… we will need to ask her if that is possible."

"Okay. Just bring her here in my place anytime she is ready after that, I will leave her be."

After Maj told me everything, I thought about it, and said I will talk to Joe about this and I will make my decision then.

After my day at work I told Joe we need to talk but it's not about us it's about John. I told him everything that Maj told me and that I want his honest opinion on the matter. I told Joe that I'm already happy with him. And I don't need to see John to test my love for him.

"You are my one and only Joseph."

"I know and I trust you. If this will be the only way for him to stop then go besides, I will be outside his place waiting. If it's okay with you for me to go with you."

"That is the best step to take. And I'll feel more at ease if you are there with me. And not just alone with him." he hugged me tight and kissed me.

The next day, while Maj and Ram were discussing about the reports, I knocked at her door and peeked,

"Maj, can I have a word with you?" she looked at me

"Ram, I will just go to your office. This looks important."

"Okay. Remember, Rhie needs those reports and you don't want her waiting." said Ram

"I know." When Ram exited the room, Maj looked at me "Go ahead. What is it?"

"I have decided to go and meet with him, but Joe is coming with me. He will be outside the door of John's place." That is my final answer.

"Alright then. Will tell John that you are ready and that you will be meeting with him on Saturday, okay?"

"Yeah! Saturday will be fine."

Saturday came, we followed Maj going to John's place. With us were all the Galaxies members, Daniel, Bryan and Simon.

As we reached John's place I asked "Now, explain to me why you guys have to go with us?"

"Just in case you need back up. You know when he tries to kidnap you." said Kyle

"Ah! Hahaha! But nonetheless, thank you everyone for coming."

"Well, Joy, we need to go in now. John is waiting. I will escort you to him."

I nodded and looked at Joseph, "I will return. Wait for me and hold on to this." I gave the ring to him and kissed him

"I will. I waited for years and a few hours will not hurt right?" Joseph smiled and kiss me on the cheeks

As we entered the place, Maj and Reb escorted me to where John was. We entered a door that leads to a garden and after a few steps,

"Joy, this is where you need to go alone. Just follow the path, John is waiting for you there." Maj smiled "Goodluck and remember, whatever decision you will make, we will support you. We will be waiting for you here. Go now!"

"Goodluck, Joy!" said Reb

As I entered the garden I saw John waiting indeed for me. "John?"

He turned around and said "Joy you came?"

"John, let's get this over with. What did you want to talk to me face to face?"

"Honestly, I don't need to tell you anything. I just want to see you one last time." he looked around the garden "Do you remember the garden where you usually hang out just to be alone while you were in France? This garden is the same as that garden. Look around."

"Yes I remember the garden I go to to be alone and to think. And yes this garden looks a lot like it. What about that garden?"

He smiled "It's also the garden that I first saw you. The day that I saw you cry but, we didn't know each other then. I wanted to comfort you then but…" he took a deep breath "I saw you were holding a picture of your lover that time that's why I gave you the space." he continued "When I knew you were working in the same movie set, I told myself to try to make you smile that's why I introduced myself to you and our friendship grew. The day that we were drinking, I didn't want that to happen but, our emotions just… Anyway, I'm sorry about that, Joy. I hope our friendship will still stay as is."

"I remember our friendship and that's how it will remain. As of now I'm off limits. I need to focus on my relationship with Joseph. As that is how it should be."

"I know. Your friend told me everything when she visited my place. I have one last favor from you before you go and before I return to France."

"What is it?"

"Can I have one last hug from you? I kinda missed your big hugs." John smiled

"One last hug?" I asked

"Yes. If you don't mind. I might not return here but if it's too much to ask then you can just return to the path behind you."

"I can give you that bear hug that I used to give you when you're upset." And so I gave him a bear hug to remember me by.

"Thank you! Take care of yourself and when you return to France, tell me. Bring your boyfriend along too." he smiled

We said our last goodbyes and I returned to the path I took and reached the door where Maj and Reb left me.

"Reb, leave us first. I have to tell Joy something."

"Sure." As Reb left, Maj gave me a folded paper.

"Read that once you are alone at home. It came from John. He said that I should give you that once you're done talking."

"Okay. I will."

When we returned to our house, I told Joseph about the letter and that I wanted him to read it as well. I opened the letter and it says,

To my friend who was always there for me, if you are reading this letter that means we might not see each other again. I didn't want to tell you in person because I can't tell it in person. I am sick. I have stage 3 cancer. The reason why I went to the Philippines is not because I was on vacation but it was for me to see you again. Honestly, I missed you and did love you but I just kept those feelings to myself. I know you are now happy with the person who is right beside you and I know that he is reading this as well. Thank you for the friendship and always remember that I will be in your heart no matter what.

To the guy who is loving Joy, take care of her. Don't make her cry and never hurt her. If I die and I see you not taking care of her, I will haunt you. Just kidding. Love her with all your heart and soul. Love her for who she is and don't leave her anymore.

Joy, again, thank you. Love, John.

After we read the letter together I curled up beside Joseph and cried for the friend that I might lose to cancer." I said a little prayer for John for his continued comfort while going through his cancer.

After a few months of seeing John, a friend close to both of us, said that John is in a critical situation at the moment and that he was saying his last goodbye to everyone. His last words were to tell Joy she was my light during my darkest days.

I cried myself to sleep that night because I lost a friend and throughout that night Joseph held me close to him while I cried myself to sleep.

When I opened my eyes, I saw myself in the garden where I usually go. I followed the path and I saw John,

"Hey, Joy! Don't worry. You're dreaming and I am just passing by to say my last goodbye. What Marie told you was true that you were my light during my darkest days." he smiled and I cried "Hey, don't cry." he approached me "I am always here" he pointed where my heart was "Don't forget that. Well, time for me to go. Stay strong and stay happy. I love you!" after his last words, I woke up that made Joe wake up too

"Love, you okay?" he asked

"Yeah! Just had a dream about John. He was just saying his last goodbyes to us."

"Oh, okay. Well, come on. Let's go back to sleep, we have work tomorrow."

And so, after that night I never had a dream about John ever again. My relationship with Joseph just grew and became stronger as the months and eventually years go by.

While all of this was happening we didn't know that both my mom and Joe's mom were already starting on plans for our wedding. I had to disagree on some parts but as a whole it was beautiful. All we had to do was the guest list and let me tell you we had about four to six drafts just so we won't look like we are feeding a Batangas of sorts.

Our parents even helped us narrow down our guest list to a total of 1,000 guests. Being in a big family we were torn for not inviting this relative or friend. But we made sure we made it up to them somehow.

Our wedding was a beautiful ceremony that was held in St. Francis of Assisi Parish of Mandaluyong and our reception was held in Shangri La Makati hotel. Our guests had a great time because we had a lot of games and speeches from both dads.

After our wedding ceremony, we planned to have our honeymoon in France so that I will be able to visit where John is buried. After 6 months, we went to France and I asked one of my friends to bring us to where John is. We reached where his grave was and said a little prayer for him. We stayed in France for a month and returned to the Philippines after.

When we got back from our honeymoon all the Galaxies and F10 were full of questions. We gladly answered what we could. And the last question we contemplated is if we will answer or not so we decided to tell.

I said, in 9 months we are expecting little ones. And the entire family went wild!

THE END