Remember Panel 123?
After that Dingalan escapade with Raine, Chase’s heart was full—ready to pop out of her chest at any moment. Maybe it was the beauty of nature she had witnessed, or perhaps the sense of freedom and autonomy she felt since she started living alone in Pampanga. Her nerves were ecstatic; nothing else mattered. From that day forward, all she wanted was to be with Raine.
She packed her bags in a rush, mindlessly shoving in everything she thought she’d need. To her, it was all extras—Raine was all she truly needed. Her phone buzzed nonstop with notifications, but none registered. She defied every ounce of logic within her. Her impulses collided, a permanent smile plastered on her face. Once she had everything, she began loading her car’s trunk.
To: my BB (blood bank) girl 💕
I’ll see you soon?
…and a black Ford Everest sped to a Pampanga subdivision known as Villa Regina, cutting through the evening like a shadow.
She casually strolled through each house in the subdivision, doing her best to remember the specific one where she had dropped off Raine the last time. Raine had always been her guide when it came to directions in Pampanga, so Chase rarely took note of the routes, preferring to live in the moment. Unsurprisingly, her frustration grew more evident as she cleared each block.
First block, negative.
Second block, negative.
Third block, still negative.
Nasaan na ba kasi ‘yun? The ecstasy she had felt earlier was beginning to fade, making her question the impulsive decision she’d made just an hour ago. That was until she made a right turn and spotted a woman wiping dirt off a Cashmere Lexus ES.
Chase slowed down her car, her gaze fixed on the house. She came to a stop and continued to admire the view as she parked near the property, drawing the woman’s attention. Their eyes met, and smiles were exchanged as Chase remained seated in her vehicle, while the woman stood still, patiently waiting for her to step out.
Okay, now what Chase Iris? She stayed inside the car, trying to gather herself up.
In no time, the woman she had been longing for approached the Ford Everest, prompting her to roll down the passenger-side window.
“Good evening, Ma’am Raine,” she greeted, her right hand turning off the car stereo.
“Ms. Chase...” Raine replied, draping the dirty towel over her shoulder as she stood with one hand resting on her waist. “Anong ginagawa mo dito?”
“Haven’t you read my text?” Chase replied raising a brow.
Raine got her phone, resulting for a quick giggle, “This is too soon don’t you think?”
Walang too soon for Chase, her name even signifies it, Chase Iris, pursue adoration. She got off her car and jogged to the back, which Raine quietly followed.
“Hala. Pinalayas ka sa apartment mo?” as soon as the trunk door opened.
“Hindi naman.”
“Oh, eh bakit puro maleta nandito?” she asked, scanning the messy trunk where some clothes were peeking out from one of the suitcases.
Chase began carrying one of the bags. “Sabi mo itatanan mo ‘ko?”
Raine paused, recalling the moments from yesterday when they had immersed themselves in the beauty of Dingalan. She didn’t respond but instead approached the trunk to grab one of the suitcases, smiling like a fool as her grin grew wider.
One suitcase after another, followed by a box of books, Chase’s belongings began to fill Raine’s living room. After taking the last item out of the car, Raine set down an eco-bag.
“So, this is it?” she asked, placing both hands on her waist.
Both of them stood side by side at the front door of the apartment.
“Magkano ibabayad ko sa rent, Ma’am Raine?”
“The moment you stepped inside, rent was already paid.”
Prompting Chase to blush and poke Raine on the side before receiving a side hug from the younger.
They walked simultaneously to rest themselves on the couch, settling down as they marked the beginning of something new for them.
Both of them had dozed off without realizing it. Chase’s phone kept buzzing.
“Babi, someone’s calling you,” Raine being the first one to wake up, with her right arm still wrapped around Chase.
Chase let out a sleepy groan, burying herself deeper into Raine’s shoulder.
“Chasey, bangon na. Baka importante ‘yung call,” she said, gently brushing the younger woman’s shoulder.
“Bahala sila diyan, sleep lang ako dito,” Chase mumbled in a babyish tone, her eyes still closed.
From: celestial 🎀
nasaan ka? bakit walang tao sa apartment mo babaita?
From: rye 💋
did someone raid your house? we’re calling the police right now
From: hannie ❤️
naiiyak na ako bhe huhu nanakawan ka ba? may nangyari ba sayo?
From: celestial 🎀
BAKIT HINDI KA SUMASAGOT CHASE IRIS?!
Raine initially thought it wasn’t her business, but after accidentally reading the notifications on Chase’s phone, she realized that her friends were genuinely worried. She didn’t want the situation to escalate to the point of involving the authorities. Chase was no near on getting a hold of her phone.
The next time this phone rings, I’m answering it. Raine continued trying to wake Chase up but still failed. “Chasey, okay lang ba if I answer their calls? Baka worried na sila kasi wala ka sa apartment mo.”
Chase gently nodded, and her embrace tightened around Raine.
Raine reached for Chase’s phone with her left arm, her right still wrapped around Chase.
celestial 🎀 calling…
Raine swiped right to answer. Bahala na.
“Good evening, Ms. Celeste,” she greeted.
“Ma’am Raine?” the other line replied, with gasps audible in the background.