Back To December (Love Symphony Series #1)

Tiffany

It was in the second semester of our first year in college when I first noticed Travis Jason Vernon. He's the kind of man that every girl in all year levels dreams to be with, and I admit that I'm one of his fangirls too.

Who wouldn't be, anyway?

He has a good voice that you will never tire of hearing, is a good actor when it comes to role-playing and theater activities, and is one of the top students in the College of Mass Communication. He also has a smile that can make you fall for him instantly and a boy-next-door look.

But I'm the type of person who quietly admires him from afar. I'm not like other girls who are bold in seeking attention and expressing their feelings for him.

Maybe it's because I grew up with strict parents. So, I have very little freedom when it comes to many things, including expressing my true feelings.

If there's one thing that I'm happy about in our family, it's the genuine love between my parents. It's just too perfect, and I wish that I could find that kind of love as well.

There have been a few suitors who have shown interest in me. So, I tried diverting my attention to them. I know that it's not easy to reach a man like Travis.

But in the end, he's still the one my eyes continue to search for; his handsome face fills my mind; his sweet voice I continue to hear; and his wide smile and sparkling eyes often appear in my dreams.

At first, I thought he would just remain a dream and a figment of my imagination. Not until that unexpected night happened.

We were in our second year of college, and it was a rainy evening in July when I discovered that my parents were planning to get a divorce out of the blue. I had just come home from school when I overheard them talking about that serious matter.

I was devastated back then. Yes, I had heard and seen them argue many times before. But it never occurred to me that they would actually make that decision, since I believed that fighting is also part of a relationship and is just a normal thing.

I ran away from home that night. I didn't know where to go or who to talk to. I just kept running in the heavy rain. It seemed like even the weather sympathized with how I was feeling.

I didn't mind the weird stares I received from the people I passed by. Luckily, it was raining, so at least I wouldn't look too pitiful.

Eventually, my feet led me to a park next to a hill where there was a river. From where I stood, I could see the flickering lights of houses and towering buildings in the city.

I decided to sit on a bench under a lush tree and continue crying. I hugged myself as I felt the strong, cold breeze. Thankfully, I was wearing a jacket.

How could they make such a decision without even considering my feelings? I know I'm not a kid anymore, but they should still think about how I would feel. After all, I'm their only child.

Apart from that, I used to admire their love story so much. So, I never expected that they would let go of their bond so easily.

I could sense that I was starting to tremble because of the cold that enveloped my entire system, even though I hadn't been exposed to much moisture due to my sheltered position.

If only the cold could also envelop the pain I'm feeling right now.

I am currently hunched over, gazing at the grass, when my vision was suddenly obstructed by a white handkerchief.

I couldn't help but feel anxious. It's only now that I realize there was no one else here besides me when I arrived.

But despite that, I mustered the courage to slowly lift my gaze towards the newcomer, accompanied by the rapid beating of my heart.

All the fear and anxiety I felt suddenly faded when I saw who it was.

He genuinely smiled at me. Suddenly, I forgot the reason why I'm in pain right now.

This is actually the first time that he has noticed me. And to make it worse, he saw me crying in our first official encounter.

I held my breath the moment our eyes met. For a second, it seemed like we were both lost in our own worlds.

I couldn't believe that he was actually standing right in front of me while the rain kept pouring and as he held an umbrella.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry. I noticed you earlier heading towards the park. But it seems you didn't see me because you were lost in thought, so I followed you. There aren't many people here, especially at this time, so I got worried that something would happen to you."

He handed me a white handkerchief. "But I know that despite the heavy downpour, tears are also falling from your eyes."

I gasped at what he said. How could he...

"To be honest, I've wanted to talk to you for a long time. But I felt hesitant to approach you at the university because it seemed like you were avoiding me. That's why I couldn't help but wonder if I did something wrong to make you avoid me." He smiled awkwardly.

I held my breath at his words. He was worried, so he followed me? And he has wanted to talk to me for a long time?

But why?

I was about to ask when lightning flashed, followed by the roar of thunder.

I flinched. I couldn't help but scream and cover both of my ears. I could feel my whole body trembling, and fear was engulfing me.

But I gradually calmed down as he tightly held both of my hands.

It felt as if he'd given me assurance that everything would be alright. That there's nothing to be afraid of, and he's just there for me.

And then I suddenly heard him singing.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze to him. His smiling face greeted me as he sang in earnest. He was now facing my direction and sitting on the bench.

Indeed, he has a soothing voice that can make me feel at ease. And I still can't believe that he's actually singing in front of me right now.

In an instant, the thunder became nothing more than background music. It was the first time I was able to calm down, even amidst its continuous flashes.

Little did I know, that night was just the beginning of finally being able to reach him.

***

I was sitting quietly on the bench in the park near our place when suddenly my cellphone rang. I immediately took it out of my pocket. But when I saw who was calling, my heart suddenly sank. I took a deep breath before finally answering.

"Babe, why did you go ahead of me? Didn't I tell you I'd come to pick you up?" His voice carried a mix of annoyance and disappointment.

I bit my lower lip. "I'm sorry. Just follow me here."

I didn't wait for him to say anything more and quickly ended the call. I glanced at the time on my cellphone. It was already past six in the evening.

A few minutes passed, and I heard the sound of a car coming to a stop. But I didn't look back and kept my gaze fixed on the river in front of me.

I almost flinched when I felt his soft lips touch my cheek. I blinked as my vision was blocked by a bunch of red roses.

"Happy second anniversary and Merry Christmas!" Travis greeted me cheerfully.

That's right. Today is our anniversary, as well as Christmas Day.

They can say it was a bad move on my part to choose to do this on this day. But deep down, I feel that now is the right time to make a decision I've been contemplating for weeks.

After the night of our first encounter, we became good friends. Until he decided to court me, and then we became official.

A dream come true, it is.

Travis has been a good and sweet boyfriend to me. Almost perfect, as they say. Just like what I wished for. Besides that, we are also one of the most admired couples at Hamilton University. He also never fails to surprise me.

He often picks me up and drops me off. He wants us to be together all the time. It has reached a point where I can hardly find time for my friends and the activities I used to enjoy before we became a couple.

Honestly, it felt so wonderful. I didn't even mind the separation from my parents. I felt so loved and special.

But one day, I woke up with a feeling of suffocation. I wanted to break free and explode.

Whenever we go out, I'm not allowed to wear shorts, slightly shorter skirts, or even dresses. If I do wear such clothes, they should at least be knee-length, he says.

At first, I resisted because I was used to wearing those kinds of outfits. I'm not comfortable in pants. But as time went on, I just let it go to avoid any arguments.

Whenever my friends and I have plans, he often joins us. If he can't, he always asks who I'm with. He would even request a picture as proof. And when my best friend Jairus is with me, he will also tail us.

I confronted him once about it because I felt he didn't trust me. But his reason was that he just wanted to make sure I was safe and wouldn't get into any trouble, especially when I wasn't with him.

It's not that he didn't trust me, but rather the people I am with. Again, I let it pass. I love him after all.

During our friends' drinking sessions, even if he's with me, he still prohibits me from drinking. Then, all of a sudden, even before my seat got warm, he would suddenly suggest going home. Honestly, there are times when I don't even want to bring him along because that's my only time with my friends. But he's still with me and always in a hurry to leave.

He wasn't like that before. So, I was surprised by the gradual changes he started showing.

Then one day, the realization hit me. I slowly became distant from him. But I didn't know if he didn't notice or if he was just choosing to ignore it.

Until I completely lost interest. I'm in love with him. There's no question about that. But I was also losing myself in the process of loving him.

Now I fully understand what my mom felt towards my dad back then.

That's why I reached a decision. Where I choose myself and prioritize my own well-being.

"Babe, are you okay?" he asked, his face filled with concern.

I looked up at him and was met with his worried expression. I stood up, and at the right moment, he handed me the bouquet of flowers he was holding. Without hesitation, I took it and placed it on the bench before facing him again. His concerned eyes were now filled with confusion.

"B-Babe?" he stammered.

I took a deep breath before slowly letting it out, and I looked straight into his eyes.

"I'm sorry. Let's break up," I said.

He blinked, then blinked again. I could see tears starting to well up in his eyes.

I looked away. I couldn't bear to see him like this.

I felt his hands gripping my shoulders, trying to turn me to face him.

"Why? Did I do something? Tell me, Babe! We can fix this, r-right?" His voice cracked, accompanied by a soft sob.

I shook my head, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to escape my eyes.

"I'm really sorry," I said.

With a heavy heart, I turned away from him and didn't look back, no matter how many times he called after me. He tried to chase after me, but I ran as fast as I could. I silently thanked him for not following me in his car.

I continued to run, distancing myself from the man I once loved. Along with the tears streaming down my face, the rain poured heavily.

Travis

Tears welled up in my eyes as I slowly knelt before her. I tightly held her hands and pleaded, meeting her gaze.

"Don't leave me, Mara. We don't need to end up like this. I'm begging you. If I have to turn my back on my family, I will. Just tell me," I pleaded with her.

But she abruptly withdrew her hands and averted her gaze from me.

"It's pointless for you to do that, Aljon. I don't love you anymore. Just accept it. So, I'm ending our relationship," she said harshly.

Before I could even speak, she completely turned her back on me. I was about to chase after her when our bodyguards grabbed me by both arms and forcibly dragged me towards the waiting car not far away.

"Mara! I love you so much, Mara! Don't leave me!" I shouted, desperately trying to free myself from their tight grip.

"Let go of me!" I growled at them. But they didn't flinch at all from my outburst.

So, I had no choice but to watch the woman I loved walk away from me. Until she completely disappeared from my sight.

At that moment, it felt like all my strength suddenly drained away, and I just allowed them to take me inside the car, where my cunning mother was waiting, the mastermind behind all of this.

I gave her a resentful look. "Are you happy now, Mom? Are you happy?" I couldn't help raising my voice.

But it seemed like she didn't hear me and simply adjusted her seating position without a care.

"Let's go," she ordered the driver, Mang Oscar.

I was about to step out of the vehicle when she quickly covered my mouth with a handkerchief.

Before I could recover from the shock, I slowly began to feel the weight of my eyelids closing.

"When the right time comes, you'll understand that I just did those things for your own good, son," I heard her say before darkness engulfed me completely.

"Cut!"

My eyes automatically opened upon hearing that familiar word, and I quickly exited the car I was in. I smiled at the approaching director of the TV series I was currently starring in.

"Good work, TJ! I could really feel every scene you were doing." He lightly tapped my shoulder.

"Thank you, Director."

He scanned the surroundings before clapping loudly. "Alright, everyone, let's pack up. See you all tomorrow."

Some of my colleagues cheered, which I just chuckled at.

I headed straight to the dressing room to change my clothes and freshen up. We had been shooting all day, and I could feel the heaviness in my body from exhaustion.

But even though I wanted to go home immediately, there was still something I needed to attend.

After finishing my preparations, I quickly stepped out. However, I nearly jumped in surprise when I saw who was waiting for me by the door, a mischievous grin plastered on her lips.

"I don't like that smile on your face," I teased her as we started walking.

"Why? Is there something wrong with the way I smile?" she asked innocently.

"Just shut it, Jela. What are you doing here? Are you done with your work?"

Well, Janella Elaine Agoncillo-also known as Jela Agoncillo-is one of the most famous models in the country and, unfortunately, my best friend.

She rolled her eyes at me. "Of course. I only had one photoshoot scheduled for today."

She hooked her arm around mine. "I came straight here because I wanted to see you and show my support. And here you are, giving me attitude." She smirked.

I let out a deep sigh. As we passed by some of the staff, crew, and my co-workers from the series, I bid them goodbye. But I couldn't help but notice their teasing glances.

"If you keep on doing that, we will be on a blind item again tomorrow," I whispered to her.

She suddenly let go of my arm and gave me a playful smirk. "That's gross."

I chuckled at her reaction. "It really is."

When we reached the parking lot, I headed straight to where my car was parked. But I raised an eyebrow when I noticed she was following me.

"Where's your car again?" I looked at her suspiciously.

She bit her lower lip. "I let Ian go ahead. I told him that I'd ride with you in case you tried to escape."

"I have no plans to escape and miss Auntie's birthday," I said as we both got into the car. I immediately started the engine and drove off.

"Really? If I know, you already want to lay down on your bed right at this moment," she teased further.

I paused mid-yawn because of what she said.

"Anyway, you were great earlier. It's like you weren't even acting. Is there something personal behind that scene?" she continued to tease.

I kept silent and focused on the road ahead. She didn't have to say it directly, but I knew what she was referring to.

"Give it up already, Jela. No matter what you say, you're not going to get anything from me."

"But you still love her?" she persisted in teasing me.

I remained quiet to avoid prolonging the conversation. Besides, she could be exhausting to talk to sometimes.

After a short while, we arrived at the hotel where her mother, Auntie Julie, would celebrate her birthday. They were going to stay here for a few days, as far as I knew.

I let her go ahead and enter the hotel. It was better that way than being seen arriving together. There were too many gossipmongers around.

I waited for a few minutes before finally following her inside. When I reached their unit, I immediately approached Auntie Julie.

"Happy birthday, Auntie!" I greeted her warmly as I handed her the gift.

She smiled as she accepted it. "Thank you. I'm glad you made it. I thought you wouldn't be able to catch up."

I was about to speak when Jela cut in.

"I even picked him up, Mom, just to make sure." She chuckled.

Aunt Julie shook her head. "Forgive my daughter, dear. Since she doesn't have a love life, she meddles in everything."

"Mom! I heard that," Jela retorted. Her father and cousins, who were also present, just laughed at her.

"No matter how busy I am, I can't miss this day," I said to Aunt Julie.

"Thank you. Come and join us."

I greeted some of their relatives who were here before finally sitting down and starting to eat. Auntie Julie wanted a simple celebration for her birthday, so they decided to have a family staycation at this hotel. They only invited a few guests.

They also invited my family, but unfortunately, my parents and siblings were currently in the province.

The whole night was filled with stories and teasing, particularly aimed at Jela.

"When will you introduce someone to us, dear?" Uncle Ismael asked her.

"I don't know why you're grilling me tonight when it's Mom's birthday, not mine," Jela replied with a frown.

"Why don't you two just get together instead?" teased Kiefer, her cousin who owned a car repair shop. Jela and I winced simultaneously at his suggestion.

"You're giving me the creeps!" We both answered in disgust.

"Kidding aside, I heard you have many suitors who are also celebrities and models. Haven't you developed any feelings for any of them?" asked her stepmom, Aunt Felicity.

Despite her parents being separated and having their own families, they had a good relationship with each other. Except for one person. I clenched my fist as I remembered him.

Jela frowned. "Yeah. But I really don't have a crush on any of them. So please, don't intrigue me. If I ever have someone, you'll be the first to know."

Everyone laughed, and they continued with their conversation. After eating, I chose to hang out in the living room, holding a glass of red wine. I left them still joking around at the dining table.

I sat on the couch and absentmindedly picked up a magazine on a round table. The front cover featured a well-known entrepreneurial couple who had just gotten married. Out of curiosity, I searched for the page that contained an article about them.

Most of the pages were filled with their prenuptial photos and wedding pictures. Until my eyes focused on the bottom, where the name of their photographer for the prenup shoot was also written.

"Do you know that most of her clients are couples getting married?"

I tightened my grip on the magazine and glanced at Jela. "So?"

She shrugged. "Nothing. Just saying." Her face revealed her struggle to hold back laughter.

I closed the magazine and placed it back where I found it before gazing outside and taking a slow sip of wine. No matter what happens, I won't let anything related to her affect me anymore.

I'll make sure of that.

Tiffany

My eyes were fixed on the TV screen. I was currently watching a melodramatic soap opera, which I don't usually do.

Well, this show is the only exception because Travis is the male lead. It's titled "Still Loving You Tomorrow." The story revolves around high school sweethearts who were separated by their families and crossed paths again after ten long years.

I pressed my lips together because the story reminded me of how our relationship was in the past and how I wasted it. The difference is that our families were not against our relationship; in fact, they were very supportive. And Travis' character in the show is too soft and understanding.

I paused midway through taking a bite of my food as Travis, known as TJ Vernon in showbiz, slowly leaned in towards his female co-star. I almost held my breath, waiting for what would happen next.

But I completely let go of the junk food I was holding when their lips met. Until now, I couldn't fully understand why he still hasn't had a real kissing scene in any of the shows he's been in. They can fool the viewers, but not me. It really looked like he was kissing his on-screen partner, but it was only because of the camera angle.

However, I couldn't help but feel hurt and jealous, even though I knew it was just his job. The possibility of him developing feelings for any woman he's paired with couldn't escape my mind.

Though I'm still curious as to why he hasn't been in a real kissing scene yet, I also felt relieved. Amidst all the leading ladies he's had, I remain the only one who has felt the softness of his lips.

As a certified fangirl and his number one fan, I know for sure that since we broke up and he entered the showbiz industry, he hasn't had a girlfriend. It's inevitable that he will be linked to every co-star he works with, but it's all just gossip.

The world seemed to slow down as their lips lingered before the show finally ended. So I reached for the remote control beside me and turned off the TV.

It has been almost four years since I left and turned my back on him that night. After what happened, I deliberately avoided crossing paths with him at the university because I couldn't face him.

But I granted his parents' request to talk to me out of respect for them. They didn't have any intention of meddling; they just genuinely wanted to understand the reasons behind my decision.

And I'm glad they did. Somehow, it gave me peace of mind knowing that they didn't hold any grudges or resentments towards me.

I stood up and walked towards the kitchen. I was drinking water when suddenly my cellphone in my pocket rang.

I put down the glass and picked up my phone. My heart started beating faster when I saw that my best friend, Jairus, was calling. I quickly answered it.

"Just make sure you have good news for me," I sarcastically greeted him before he could say anything. Even though I couldn't see him, I could imagine him shaking his head right now.

"Woah. Good evening to you too, best friend," he sarcastically replied.

I leaned against the sink. "So, did you get it?" I asked, unable to contain my restlessness.

He let out a deep sigh from the other line. "Yeah. Luckily, he's available tomorrow morning, and then he has a photoshoot scheduled after lunch."

I suddenly straightened up upon hearing that. It felt like my heart wanted to burst out of my chest due to the mixture of nervousness and excitement.

I tightened my grip on the cellphone. It seemed like the opportunity was on my side because I didn't have any plans for tomorrow.

"That's good to hear. I'll make sure that this time I can really talk to him," I reassured him.

He fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Are you really sure about your plan? Are you ready?" Concern could be heard in his voice.

I blinked back tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. "Of course. I've been waiting for this chance for years. I can't afford to let it slip away."

He sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'll just send you his number as well."

It made me smile. "Thank you for the support and help. I really appreciate it," I sincerely said.

He chuckled. "Don't mention it. I'll do everything I can to help you, always."

I said goodbye and ended the call. Honestly, until now, I still didn't know who provided Jairus with information about Travis in the showbiz industry. Aside from knowing Travis' schedule, he also managed to obtain his phone number.

I have asked him about that matter before, but he has never spoken about it. So, I didn't bother asking again. I just let him be because he has been a great help to me.

My attention returned to my phone as it made a notification sound. I unlocked it and read the message from Jairus. I immediately saved Travis' number in my contacts and thanked Jairus once again.

I made sure to close and lock the windows and doors before heading to my room. I grabbed my laptop from the desk and sat on the edge of the bed. I opened it and went to a specific folder.

I couldn't help but smile as Travis' pictures appeared on the screen. I looked at each one of them. Whenever I felt sad and missed him, I always looked at these captured moments of him.

All of his photos that I have are candid shots from his mall tours that I attended. I always made sure to be in the front so I could take a picture of him from a good angle without him noticing, amidst the chaos of his fans.

But I haven't posted any of his pictures on any of my social media accounts. These photos are for my eyes only. I also don't want him to think that I'm just trying to get close to him again because he's already known in the industry he belongs to now.

I bit my lower lip before mustering the courage to pick up my phone and type a message.

Hi. I know that it's been a long time already, and I don't have the right to ask for this. But if it's okay with you, hopefully we can meet tomorrow morning. I have something important to tell you.

-Tiff

With trembling hands, I pressed the send button. I stared at the screen of my phone, feeling foolish and hoping for a miracle that I would get a response from him.

But I almost dropped my phone when it made a notification sound and Travis' name appeared on the screen. I held my breath as I slowly opened his message.

However, my jaw dropped open as I read his reply.

Travis:

Okay. Just let me know the time and place.

My eyes widened. I couldn't comprehend what I was feeling right now. My body was trembling due to mixed emotions.

I sat up straight and typed another message to him.

At the usual place. Eight in the morning. Thank you.

I hit send. It didn't take long before the notification tone sounded again.

Travis:

Okay.

I was stunned and tried to process what had just happened. After a moment, I buried my face in the pillow and squealed. It felt like I was transported back to the time when we were in college, and my heart couldn't contain the excitement I felt for him.

Once I regained my composure from the surprise, I quickly called Jairus to share the good news.

"Guess what?" I asked him the moment he picked up.

"What? Did something good happen?" he asked in surprise.

I leaned back against the headboard of the bed. "Yes! So, listen carefully, okay?"

He let out a loud breath. "Fine. I'm all ears. What is it?"

I bit my lower lip to suppress the excited scream that wanted to escape my mouth.

"Travis agreed to meet me tomorrow!" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"Wait. Really? Wow. That's indeed good news," he said, surprised.

I nodded. "Yeah. It is."

If only I had known that it was that easy to talk to Travis despite everything that had happened, I would have mustered up the courage to talk to him a long time ago.

"Well, this is it, Tiff. I wish you luck. Let me know the details tomorrow. I hope that nothing bad will happen," he said, his voice now filled with concern.

I looked at the photo of Travis displayed on my laptop screen. As far as I could remember, I took it during the time when he was promoting a movie and singing its theme song during their mall tour.

"Thanks. But no worries. Because this time, I will make sure to make things right," I said confidently and with finality.