Mi Amore: Tiffie

Lazily, Tiffie wakes from her long sleep when her phone rings twice. She kept on rolling onto her bed in order to go back to sleep. Because of the several beeps coming from her phone, she was not able to go back to her magical dreamland where she could touch the innocent face of her boyfriend.

    Well, she’s so lucky that she’s the one who caught Jake Cooper’s heart. The famous Jake Cooper was the vocalist of the band “Utopia” where many girls like her can be easily swooned. Not just his voice that Tiffie loved, she loved to run her fingers inside his shirt whenever they had that kind of sneaky and intimate moments together. However, they decided to give each other some space for quite some time. Jake needed to join his band for a world tour while Tiffie needed to assist her big brother in their father’s software company.

        At the age of twelve, Tiffie, her twin sister Atalia, and their big brother Levi lost their parents because of the airplane crash. Luckily, their grandmother from their father’s side gave them the financial support that they needed. She even let Levi took over her position as the CEO in their software company when she retired while her twin sister Atalia was an                 obstetrician in a prestigious private hospital in Makati.  Because she inherited her mother’s beautiful genes, she chose to be a model as her career until she rose into a social media influencer. During her travel vlogs, Cupid made his way to let her meet her male counterpart that could swoon her feminine side. That’s her Jake Wilson. Good thing, Jake loved her back.

She checked up her phone. Just a few notifications from her U-tube account, she reads some of the comments from her recent food vlog. Most of the comments are in a positive side. Her smile doesn’t last long when a mean comment catches her eye. Her eye brow raised.

‘I have the clue to screw you and your dull-witted vlogs. I have my ways and means to get you out of the limelight. Just wait and see.’ ~Sweet pancakes.

  Although his/her ‘Sweet pancakes’ is his/her account name, well, the comment doesn’t sound kind of sweet. Maybe, it’s from her bashers or critics. It may sound like a death threat, however, Tiffie is used to that kind of person. She rather goes with the flow without wasting her time in such useless comment. Her mind only focused in the ones who gave her the positive vibe.

  Carefully, she pulls off the curtain blinds before taking a sip from her cold coffee. The sun is already setting down. She glanced at the mirror and took a glimpse of herself. She admired her shoulder-length coffee-brown hair. Atalia had the same hair color with Tiffie. The only thing was Atalia loved short-hair. Her eyes carefully looked at her to-do-list before sipping all of her coffee. Well, she just finished her editing videos. And, it was the perfect time to call it a day-off after three days of sleepless nights.

   Watching the sun down, she’s about to turn off her phone when ladies’ video pop out from her screen. Those ladies were her best friends since college. Although, some of them studied in a different school. They still manage to have time for each other that made their friendship grew stronger and stronger.

  “We missed you so much, Tiffie.” Pollyie grabs a cocktail glass from a silver tray. She loved to dyed her wavy hair with purple. Plus, her white skin tone matched to her purple laced bikini. She blew her a kiss and winked.

It made Tiffie got a little bit jealous. She wished to be with them but it was not a perfect timing. Pollyie is one of her colleagues plus members of the board in Las Cases de Amore. In comes to fashion, Pollyie usually sew her clothes and she even sew their dresses. Tiffie’s favorite was the gold glittery bodycon dress which was hand-sewn by Pollyie. 

  Tiffie blew a flying kiss to Pollyie as a sign of her reply. Then, another girl wearing eyeglasses snatches the phone from Pollyie. It’s her first-cousin, Elaine. They’re in the same age and the same friend circle. Upon looking at the side was the table full of cakes, Tiffie knew that Elaine baked them. It’s tempting and delicious looking made Tiffie grew a little bit hungry.

“Honey, you look skinny and pale. Do you stay late often?” Elaine looked worried while holding her cocktail glass.

“Not always.” She bit her lip. Tiffie could sense that Elaine knew that she’s not telling the truth.

 Someone pushed Elaine away from the screen. This time, it’s their president of the club. The mighty and the richest of them all, Eriana Gopez. She’s the owner of the Las Casas de Amore. The Las Casas de Amore was built for women to get off the stressful work. Only from the A-list posh girls like her can afford the shares to visit such paradise. Her number one rule, no boys allowed.

“Listen, tomorrow morning. I have contacted a chauffeur to take you to Las Casas de Amore. You better pack your things.” She said with an authoritative voice.

“But… I have an important event to attend to.”

   Tonight, will be the best night for her. She assumed that Jake might propose to her after his concert. Even though, it just a woman instinct because they’re already together for four years. Even though, there were ups and downs. Still, they were able to manage their relationship well. Plus, Jake sent her a picture of red velvet box bought in the Tiffany’s through Pic-gram. She sat at the bean bag near her bed and tried to recall the best memorable four years of her life together with her Jake. She realized that it’s the right time to settle down. Tiffie’s will be 24 next month while Jake is already 28.  Plus, she’s not getting any younger.

“I know.” Eriana lowered the tone of her voice and glanced at the girls behind her. “You don’t have any excuse not to be present tomorrow.”

“Ok…” She nodded.

  Eriana did not have a chance to utter another word when another incoming call pop-up from Tiffie’s cell phone. When she clicked the call button, Jake’s handsome face popped from her screen. His blue eyes made her star-struck that could let her swept from feet. Her heart can beat a bit faster because of excitement coming through her nerves.

“Hi babe!” Jake winked at her and showed a long-stemmed red rose. “Are you ready for tonight revelation?”

“Yes, I am!” Her eyes sparkled. “I have already picked the best dress to show the crowd. I can’t wait to be with you later.”

“Well…” He scratches his head. “The first half of my concert has already started. I’m sorry, babe. We cannot walk to the red carpet together.”

“What!” Her eyes went bigger. “Too bad, I’m late… How about in the Awards Night? There’s still a chance to let the world see the most beautiful girlfriend that you have.”

Jake chuckled. “I know, Babe. That’s why, I am so lucky to have you. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Her cheeks flustered to red.

  Because of excitement, Tiffie quickly ran to her two-door antique wardrobe. Her mind took a few minutes to grab the best dress for the concert.  Her shoulders had gone down after realizing that she missed walking to the red carpet. Maybe, the next red carpet was her wedding day.

  Even though, her Dolce Gabbanna floral puffed-sleeve Cami dress didn’t have a chance to take off the red carpet. Maybe, her dress will have another chance to set off the crowd.

“By the way, I have to go.” Jake glanced somewhere. Tiffie could hear the manager shouting in the background.

“W-why?” She raised her eye brow.

“I have a big mess to take care of, Babe. Why don’t you take a rest for the of the night?”

‘And what, miss the most important event to me? No way! Nothing can stop me…’ Tiffie whispered in her head.

 “Sorry, but I have to go. We can talk after the concert, Babe.”

  The video ended without giving Jake a chance to give his reasons. Tiffie sensed something fishy. Big mess? She knew that Jake had a lot of fans because they’re so popular in the whole country and in the whole world. Because she loved him, she put a hundred percent trust to him that he will always stay loyal to her. Plus, he never gave her any headache since they began their relationship. Maybe, it’s a chance for her find out that kind of big revelation. It might hurt her but she hoped that it will not break her heart. Quickly, she rushed to the bathroom to take a shower.

----~~~---

  She switched her floral puffed-sleeve Cami dress with a provocative style of dress. This time, she wore a gold glittery bodycon dress that Pollyie gave her. She took a glimpse at the mirror and saw her cleavage got almost revealed. And, she doesn’t even care.

 At least, it was a perfectly fit with her curvy body. Her butt was her greatest asset. It doesn’t matter anymore if more eyes will be glancing at her. The most important thing to her that Jake will be all eyes to her when she’ll standing at the VIP area.  Plus, it will be a great advantage for her to be noticed by her boyfriend.

  Even though, she caught into a huge traffic. She manages to get in the Music Museum for about thirty minutes. The first half of the concert was almost over. It’s a perfect time for her to meet Jake at the Dressing Room. She’s excited to give her surprise inside the small paper bag- a Gucci wallet that he ever wanted.

  Tiffie pulls off the secret drawer of her BMW Gran Coupe. Without further ado, she takes the bottle of Estee Lauder’s White Linen. She sprays from the sides of her neck to her both wrists. It leaves a flowery fragrance inside her car. If Jake and her have a chance to get near at each other, then he couldn’t resist but to kiss her with or without the crowd. It let her feels more excited as well as getting a little bit nervous in what will be going to happen later. Quickly, she applied her natural-look make-up. Of course, she could not forget to apply her secret weapon- her Lancôme red lipstick before heading to the lobby of the Music Museum.

   Carefully, she gets off her BMW Gran Coupe. Then, the valet driver rushes to meet her. Her heart beats faster than before. The cameras flashed to her eyes. Well, she gave them a wave as she walked along.  It’s kind of an unusual feeling. Maybe, Jake prepared something grand for her. Many boys glance at her side. She gives them a half-smile and makes her way to the dressing room. Then, she makes her way to the Dressing Room. She can’t wait to meet and to kiss Jake.

Jake’s manager stops her in her way and warns her not to go inside. The anxiety is already eating her inside. But it doesn’t stop her to know something. After a few talks, Jake’s manager finally gives in to enter.

    It’s only few blocks away. Her legs are trembling when she hears something. Odd. She could hear Jake’s voice. And, she could also hear another voice. This time, it’s a woman. It made her hand shake as she carefully turned the knob. Slowly, she walked in. Her two brown eyes saw Jake’s presence. She could even smell his strong and pleasant perfume. Then, her world sank when she saw a woman shorter than her cuddling her boyfriend.

    Plus, she’s wearing a maternity dress. The baby bump was already visible inside her dress. Her eyes widened and became a little bit misty when she saw them kissing passionately without noticing her presence. It’s a kiss of death for Tiffie. More tears fell from her eyes. Well, she didn’t care if it will mess her makeup. For her, it’s important to cry her heart away and to know what’s the main reason why Jake cheated on her. Poor heart, she gave out her heart to someone who couldn’t cherish it.

  Jake and the woman sensed her presence when her paper bag fell at the floor. They’re a bit of shock especially Jake. The woman held Jake’s arm as if she’s the one who owned him. Tiffie was a bit of confused on what’s really happening. She hoped that it was just a nightmare.

 “Jake, who’s that lady? Can you tell me who is she” She glanced at Jake with her innocent look.

Anger rose from Tiffie’s eyes. ‘How dare you ruin my night…’ Tiffie knelt down at the floor as she cried her heart out. ‘How dare you, Jake…’

Jake brushed off his arm from the woman and ran towards Tiffie. “Tiffie, can you please go for a while?” He gently lifted her up. “I will meet you at your pad later for I will tell you all the details.”

“Oh please, tell her about us.” Tiffie begged. “Don’t tell me that you cheated on me!” Jake tried to touch her for once. She didn’t give him any chance. “Don’t dare to touch me! Tell me who is that woman! Why did you share a kiss? I thought that you love me…”

Jake shoulders fell down. “Sorry, Tiffie…” He walked back to his woman. “This lady was my secret fiancée.”

“W-what?” Her body began to shake because of anger. “I can’t believe this!” Her hand hit his left cheek. She’s about to hit him again but Jake caught her in no time.

“Enough, Tiffie.” His face became darkened. “We’re over.”

  Tiffie’s eyes widened as her heart shattered into pieces. She couldn’t believe what she had heard. Their four years together were already gone. Tiffie’s shoulders fell down as more hot tears fell from her angelic face.

“You will never be happy, Jake.” She pushed him away. “Never.” She ran to the door and slammed it with all her might.

    How could he have done this to her. She gave her all. Her trust. Her heart. With just one snap, Jake cheated on her. She maybe had normal looks. But she’s already carrying Jake’s baby. Well, Tiffie dreamed that she’ll be the one who’s carrying her not that woman. Maybe, it’s already too late. It will only remain as a dream. She stopped and glanced at the dressing room in a few blocks away. Then, she blew a kiss. The last kiss that meant goodbye. Jake finally chose someone to be his future. Unluckily, it was not Tiffie.

   When Tiffie arrived into her condo, all she had to do but to cry.  Then, a text popped out from her phone. This time, it was from her twin sister, Atalia. Maybe, she sensed something wrong happened to her.

“Tiffie, are you still wake? If you are, then you better watch the news. It could be a heartbreaking one.”

  Curiosity might kill the cat. She didn’t care if it will be a double blow. Tiffie reached out for the remote control. A news flashed to her television. There was the picture of her and Jake on last year’s Award Night when Utopia was nominated for Himig ng Pag-ibig. She was not surprised when she read the news.

  ‘Tiffie O’ Hara, the popular social media influencer and the main vocalist of Utopia, Jake Cooper broke up during the Utopia’s All the Love in the World concert tour.’ The news also flashed the picture of the pregnant woman followed by another Headline. ‘Did Jake cheat on Tiffie O’ Hara?’ Another picture flashed. The camera focused on the diamond ring that the pregnant woman’s wearing. ‘Lucky woman who stole Tiffie’s man.’

   That made sense. Jake cheated on her which she will never forget. That big revelation really hurt her so much. Another text message popped to her phone. This time, it was from Eriana.

‘Tiffie, better pack your things now. My chauffeur will be arriving in three hours.’

  Tiffie didn’t have some energy to stand up. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her look was kind of a disaster. Her mascara ran through her cheeks. Her red hair was already messy. Her stomach grew hungrier than before. She missed out dinner. Probably, Jake was already celebrating his success to his new love. His new love had already worn the ring inside the red velvet box. Tiffie doesn’t care anymore but to run out of the nightmare.

  Quickly, she took her luggage out of the cabinet. Then, she tossed all of her dresses, a pair of swimsuits, and sleep wears inside of it. After that, she decided to go to a nearby café to help her ease the pain.

---~~~---

  Bobby was helping his assistants in cleaning the kitchen counters when they heard the bell rang from their front door. Because of panic, one of his assistants slipped a teacup from his hands. It broke into pieces.

“Boss, can you please tell the customer that it’s our closing time already?” His assistant asked while getting his phone from his pocket.

“Yes, Sir Bobby!”

   Vinci told him that Las Casas de Amore was finding eligible bachelors to match one of the bachelorettes from the Las Casas. It meant that the eligible bachelor will spending at least 2 months to take a risk in having a whirlwind romance. It’s once a blue moon opportunity since Las Casas de Amore was only opened for women. Maybe, it’s already a great opportunity to find what was his looking for--- a wife!

“If you want sir, I can give you my slot for it.” Vinci said with excitement. “Boss Bobby, I know that you will not resist my offer because you’re a bachelor for almost 3 years.”

  Bobby folded his arms. “I guess…” Their conversation was interrupted when they heard a loud cry from the customer’s lounge. “Just continue in washing the dishes, I’ll be the one to check the customer.” His two assistants did a high-five, hoping that their boss will accept the challenge.

---~~~---

  Bobby took a glance from the café lounge. There was a lady wearing in her gray rib-knit cropped top sitting near the window. She playfully twirled the tangles of her coffee-brown hair while staring at the window. Her eyes were quite sad and puffed. Then, he heard her cries getting louder and louder. She kept on mentioning the name of Jake Cooper. Maybe, she was broken-hearted, he presumed. She hid her pretty face at the table. After a few seconds, she lifted her head and glanced at his direction. Hurriedly, Bobby hid at the counter. His heart raced a little. There’s a loud chuckle coming from the kitchen.

“Sir, do you think white cream sauce alfredo linguine can comfort her?” Vinci whispered.

Bobby took the apron from him. “Please tell the others that you may go now. I’ll take care of the last customer.”

“Ok.” He gently tapped his shoulder. “Good luck, Sir Bobby.” Then, he handed the plate of white cream sauce alfredo to Bobby. “Wish that you won’t get dump this time around.”

   Bobby had already experienced being broken-hearted for 2 consecutive years. His latest heartbreak was when his ex-girlfriend went to America to pursue her dreams to become a model. Samantha Krauss was his dreamboat because she can be labeled as his perfect wife material. Later on, he realized that she married a white guy without letting him know. Now, he devoted the most of his time in maintaining in his café. Good thing, his sister, Elaine helped him in managing it.

Bobby took the plate of white cream sauce alfredo linguine and a slice of strawberry shortcake which made by his sister, Elaine. Gently, he put the linguine and the slice of strawberry shortcake at the table of the crying lady.

“I didn’t order anything.” She glanced at him. Her mascara was almost worn out.

Bobby warned himself not to laugh at her appearance. “Well, a strawberry shortcake can ease your sadness.” He gave her a warm smile while watching her eating a spoonful of cake. “Why don’t you try our best-seller pasta dish. It’s my specialty.”

“O-ok.” She mumbled. After few minutes, she felt that she’s about to choke.

  Carefully, Bobby poured the glass with cold water from the stainless pitcher and gave it to her. However, Tiffie stepped at his foot. Then, she heard a loud cry coming from Bobby. It made her nervous as the silver fork slipped from her hand. Both of them knelt down at the floor to reach the silver fork. Accidentally, Bobby held Tiffie’s right hand. Her hand was softer than Samantha’s. There’s an electrical connection flowed between them that urged them to push each other away. It made them bumped at each other heads. Both of them stared at each other for a while touching their foreheads. After that, they laughed at their catastrophe.

“Without your makeup…” He took a tissue from the table and gave it to her. “You’re so beautiful that you made me forget my pick-up line.”

Tiffie’s cheeks turned red and tried to look away. Then, her phone vibrated inside her pocket. “H-how much is my bill?”

“Your food is in the house.” It made Tiffie flustered. “I mean that it’s free.”

“I won’t buy your joke, Mister.” Tiffie hurriedly took three pieces of hundred pesos from her wallet. “I don’t know how much is the real price of this proper meal.” She placed the bills on top of the table. “But I really need to go.”

“Wait.” Bobby held her arm to stop her for a while. “Can you visit the Café Amore again?”

“I don’t know…” Carefully, she detached herself from him.