She was Tamed

• Jada •

"Byotchhhhhhhhhh!!!"

I just stepped out of the airport and an ear-piercing shriek welcomed me. As usual, they were late again.

"Shut up!" I snapped. "I've been waiting inside for thirty minutes already. Why are you guys late again? Did you just spat or swallowed?" pretending to be really irritated at the familiar faces that came to pick me up.

Two people came to fetch me from the airport. One is Bambi, my gay manager/confidante/gbf (gay best friend)/mother/father, older sister, and older brother, all in one.

Bambi is also twenty-five years old, the same age as me. He likes younger men though he would always complain when he runs out of money and none of his boys would show up.

"Fck! Are you mocking me? I'm parched! No one wants to water me since I'm penniless," he snapped, rolling his eyes before pouting at me.

I tugged at my earlobe, rolling my eyes at him too. I'm really tired of his drama, it's the same old story.

Following Bambi out of the van was Honey, Honreta Perez in real life. We're used to calling her Honey and even our fellow models address her by that name.

She was smiling brightly as she approached me, showing the small dimples on each end of her lips. This girl is my best friend forever. She's like my sister from another mother.

Driving the van is Edward, Honey's older brother, and my number one fan. He always follows her sister in every local gig, hoping to see me.

"Hi, sis!" Honey greeted me as she walks closer. I immediately hugged and kissed her before frowning as I let her go.

"Where have you guys been? It took you a while to get here, I almost hailed a cab and go home by myself!" scolding both of them. "I'm so tired from my flight and you guys even made me wait," I continued while helping Edward load my luggage to the van.

"Don't ask, I'm pissed too," Honey rolled her eyes at me. "Bambi went out on a date with one of his boys, that's why we're late!"

"Date? Where?" I asked Honey, creasing my forehead before turning to my pink friend, "Don't tell me you did it in my condo?" pretending to be mad at Bambi.

I went inside the van as I can't stand the heat anymore. I've been sweating all over and I'm already feeling uncomfortable.

"Byotch! Stop pretending to be holy! Don't make me want to punch you!" he snapped at me as he enters the vehicle. However, he was quick to retract his statement and even gave me a peace sign as soon as he saw me raise an eyebrow at him.

"You're disgusting! Now I know why you smell like hospital disinfectant!" I can't help but laugh. "Shoo! You're nasty, stay away from me!"

People listening to our conversation will think that we have no breeding. But this is us. This is how we interact with each other.

We don't really care who can hear us and we can't be bothered with their reactions. We don't care if they're disgusted.

In all honesty, I wasn't like this before. Even Honey doesn't talk like us even now. She maintains her prim and proper image, unlike me, unlike us.

Among all our friends, I was the only one who really changed. The reason behind that is something I never want to look back to.

Aside from that, I also believe in the saying, "It's better to be hated for who you are than to be liked for who you're not" or something among those lines. I now live by that.

But despite my friends being like this, I love them. They are my lifelines whenever I go astray.

Not in a life-ruining way, but they're the lights at the end of my tunnel. Especially in times when I'm about to go crazy not knowing what to do with my life.

Bambi Aure told us that he was born gay. That is why his family can't accept him and his father would always beat him up.

He grew up in a family dominated by the male species. All his siblings are male and his mother passed away after giving birth to him.

That is another reason why his father, a retired police officer, can't accept him. Mister Aure can't accept the fact that his son ended up like this.

He can't accept the fact that although Bambi's a man physically, he likes men too. His mind and heart think and beat for the same sex.

Honey, on the other hand, comes from a prominent family in the Province of Quezon. They used to own a popular resort and were considered the richest family in the province.

But that was before their family went thru something rather difficult. Fortunately, they were able to survive it.

His father was an Engineer and her mother was a Fashion Designer. The resort they own was passed on to his father by his parents.

They were able to succeed in running the resort business and that added to their fortune. Unfortunately, they weren't aware of her father's illness.

They didn't know that her father's been going back to the States for his heart treatment. They only found out about it when he had another attack.

That was also when they found out that their resort was already mortgaged to her father's greedy stepbrother. Sadly, they have no way of taking it back.

Honey helped her parents put up a small business. Her mom thought of designing wedding gowns and Honey came up with the funds for it.

Their business quickly became popular as it was a first in the province. Aside from that, her mother's designs are all unique and beautiful.

Other than Honey and Bambi, our circle of friends also includes Ada or Adamson Flores, Jenny Cruz, and Lowela Suarez. I've been friends with them since I was in college.

It was Honey who introduced me to the world of ramp modeling. Bambi volunteered to be my makeup artist, while Ada's in charge of Honey. Take note, they did it for free.

We also hired them to become our personal assistants when we start earning from our gigs. And now, they are our managers.

Bambi and Ada are now in charge of meeting the clients who want to hire our services, as Honey and I hate attending meetings. It's tedious. It's boring.

Both Bambi and Ada finished Physical Therapy. However, Honey and I believe that they should have opted for Cosmetology instead, as that is where their talent is.

Honey and I took a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and we both graduated with flying colors. Unfortunately, we weren't able to apply what we studied.

We started modeling back in college. We both liked the job and we enjoyed traveling so we decided to stick with it.

Honey is gorgeous. She's like a real-life Barbie doll. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, her body proportion is out of this world.

I'm 5'8 too, but I'm thicker than her. She's got milk skin and is almost always mistaken to be a foreigner.

She had her share of boyfriends back in college. He got into a relationship with a school varsity, student council president, law student, restaurant manager, co-model, and even a politician's son.

However, all her relationships lasted for only six months. It never went beyond that even for just a minute or even a second.

I, on the other hand, only had one boyfriend. And unfortunately, it was a heartbreaking story. One I wouldn't want to tell anyone.

• Jada •

I was born in the States. My Nanay was seven months pregnant when they had to travel to the US. It was because my Tatay's parents died due to a car accident.

Yes, I call my parents Nanay and Tatay for an unknown reason. I just want to address them like that. It's humbling, maybe.

They were the ones in charge to take care of my Tatay's parents' wake because they were the ones available at that time.

The funeral service lasted longer than normal, something not usual in the States. That's because they had to wait for my father's siblings who were scattered in different parts of the earth.

My Nanay is an only daughter. Her father was the former Governor of the Province of Laguna.

My Tatay, on the other hand, has eight siblings. All of them are just a year apart and their parents got married at a young age, that's why they became eight.

My parents married at a young age too. This is why I don't understand why I never had a sibling. Maybe because they both got busy with their careers.

My Tatay is a businessman. I won't say we're rich but we have restaurant chains in Manila and one in the US.

My Nanay was a teacher when they got married. Tatay wanted her to stop teaching after giving birth to me. But she firmly refused.

She said she'll take a leave while having me but she will go back to teaching once I reach the age of two. Tatay had no choice but to agree.

Since my Tatay has lots of siblings, I got tons of cousins as well. Unfortunately, I'm not close with most of them, except for Faith.

Faith stayed with us while completing her OJT in one of the famous hotels in Quezon City. The rest of our cousins are all in the States so I never had the chance to hang out with them or even meet some of them.

Back to me, I studied in the US as requested by Tatay's eldest sibling. It was because their second eldest suffered from depression and she has no one to look after her.

My aunt is an old maid that's why she's alone in life. So after leaving New York, we moved to National City, California.

I attended Ira Harbison in grade school and transferred to National City Middle School. I studied here in the Philippines for college.

We had to go back after three of my father's restaurants encountered a problem. They then decided to stay for good.

I met Honey at the university I attended. Since wearing a uniform is not a requirement at Saint Mary's University, we can dress up whenever we want.

I don't doll up though, not like Honey. Most of the time, I don simple clothes like fitted jeans, sneakers, and tees.

Honey, on the other hand, prepare her outfit the night before. She always looks good, she has to. The same goes for the pinks.

My friends are all fun to be with. During our break time, we will hang out under the biggest mango tree on the campus, the one closest to the gym.

Bambi and Ada treated that spot as their own, because why not? Hanging out there lets them see the sweaty abs of our gorgeous varsities, daily.

Who won't drool?!

Well, it's not like I drool over hot bods. I'm used to seeing those back in the States. High schoolers there are comparable to college students here, in terms of height and built.

I can only shake my head whenever I hear the pinks shriek. Especially when Lyken and Kobe pass us by. Both are considered as the hottest varsities in our university.

Well, they are all good-looking. You'd think it's one of the qualifications to become a varsity. Whoever you pick, you win.

What I don't understand is why Ada and Bambi are obsessed with Lyken and Kobe. Especially with Lyken who won't even pay an inch of attention to them. He won't even spare a glance. But my pink friends would faint for them.

We are freshmen while both lads are in their sophomore year. That is why Ada and Bambi are melancholic whenever they recall that the duo will leave the university ahead of us.

"Sheesh! I hope they fail all their subjects so they'd have to stay for another year," they would even pray.

One day, the most sought-after varsities approached us. I was laying down on one of the benches, with my head on Honey's lap, stopping her skirt from being blown by the wind.

We were busy stalking Kobe's Facebook account when we suddenly heard someone speak from behind us. It was a voice we're so familiar with, we both froze.

"Hi girls!" the handsome voice greeted us. "Oh! You're looking at my account!" he added.

I suddenly felt the urge to stand up and check if I was right as I can't see him clearly. Even Honey suddenly lifted her gaze in shock.

When he realized that it was indeed Kobe, her face flushed. She was caught red-handed by her crush, stalking his account. Trailing behind Kobe was Lyken with his usual poker face.

'Thank God we're done checking Lyken's account.'

Because not one of us responded to his greeting, he continued to introduce himself. "I'm Kobe Quintana by the way and this is my best friend, Lyken Fontanilla," he said.

In trance, Honey extended her hand to return the handshake. "Honey Perez," she replied, introducing herself.

I almost laugh out loud as she didn't dare mention her real name. Well, with a name like hers, even I wouldn't want her to introduce herself like that.

"This is Jada, by the way," she added, introducing me to the handsome lad in front of her.

I nodded at Kobe in acknowledgment. Smiling at him timidly before turning my attention to the first book I grabbed from the table, pretending to be reading it.

"Jada..." I heard someone whisper my name, not sure though which of the two guys did it. I chose to dismiss the thought, as my hands alone feel sweaty because of their presence.

"Shitttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!"

We all turned around to see who shrieked. It was none other than Bambi. "Hi baby Kobe," he greeted the man who was smiling at them, almost ready to drool because of the overflowing hotness of the men in front of him.

Kobe didn't call him off for how he addressed him. Instead, he just smiled sweetly at our friend.

Together with Bambi was Ada, rooted at his place behind Bambi's back. He looked like he was bitten by a snake, with eyes widened and mouth open.

Both pinks didn't expect that such hotness will grace our hangout spot with their presence. Both were literally surprised but with different reactions displayed.

"Hey, byotch! What do you want me to feed you?" Bambi said as he try to get Ada's attention. We laughed at their antics, even Kobe did, but Lyken remained quiet.

He is now sitting on the bench in front of me. However, his attention is not on us. He doesn't even care why we're laughing. It's as if he's looking at something, somewhere far.

"By the way Honey, can we invite you tonight? We're planning a small outing with some of our teammates and it would be great if you could join us," Kobe told my friend when the laughter calmed down.

"Sure!" she quickly responded, not even giving it any second thoughts.

'Huh! She doesn't even play hard to get.'

"So no one will mind? Your partner won't get mad?" Kobe asked as he points at me with his pouted lips.

I clearly saw the gesture so I looked at him with my forehead creased. Kobe, on the other hand, looked shocked. He seemed like he wanted to take back what he said.

I also noticed Lyken looking at me. But just like as he was since earlier, he didn't speak. He just stayed mum.

"My partner? Jada?" Honey chuckled as she clarify what Kobe said. Even both pinks started laughing.

"What the fuck Jada, I didn't know you're a tomboy!" Bambi teased and I suddenly want to hit him.

But because the situation was already awkward, I chose to smile it off. I can feel the flushing of my face so I returned my attention to the book I'm not really reading.

"Dude you're out of your mind," Lyken called Kobe off. Even if my head was bowed down, I can still sense the seriousness in his voice.

"Shoot! I'm so sorry! I don't mean to offend you, Jada," Kobe looked really embarrassed, his face turned red down to his neck.

"No, it's fine," I replied to clear the air.

"No, I'm really very sorry," he insisted. "I usually see you pass by the gym. You always have your arm around her shoulder, plus you look a little boyish, so I sort of assumed that you guys are lovers," he shamefully explained.

"No really, it's fine. It's not the first time," trying to end the conversation. Honey even looked at me, confused at what I said.

I'm not surprised as to why she was confused. I did lie in front of everyone when I said it wasn't the first time.

It's not the first time someone approached us in our hangout spot. But it's the first time for someone to mistook me as a tomboy. Worst, that I'm in a relationship with my best friend.

I saw Kobe let out a sigh after what I said but his eyes are still apologetic. It seems like he regrets what he said, big time.

That's why I smiled at him when he looked at me again. I was trying to send a message that it's all good and there's nothing for him to worry about.

"So! See you tonight?" turning his attention to Honey after seeing me smile. My friend quickly nodded as she steal a glance at me.

"Jada, can you come too?" Kobe asked sweetly. Lyken's eyes flicked to him, for I don't know what reason.

But with regards to their mini outing, I wasn't interested. Besides, I know he's only inviting me to make up for his mistake earlier.

I scratched the back of my head, quickly thinking of an excuse to reject his invitation, "I'm not sure I can make it. We might have lots of schoolwork to do," I spouted.

"Please..." Kobe even knelt on the bench, putting his hands together as if begging for me to agree.

I looked at Honey as she lightly pinched my leg. She too is trying to convince me to join them tonight.

"Ok," I simply answered. There's no harm in going out anyway. Besides, this is something big for my best friend, so why not?

"Yes!" Kobe exclaimed. We were even startled as his voice was way louder than we expected.

"What about us?" Bambi butted in, pouting.

"You guys can come too! The more the merrier!" Kobe stated before facing Honey again. "So, we'll see you guys tonight?" Honey nodded and smiled.

Before both men left, Kobe handed his phone over to my friend. Honey quickly jotted her number down, returning the phone to its owner with an awfully sweet smile.

When Kobe and Lyken left, the pinks were anxious. They started planning their outfits for tonight as if they were the ones who were initially invited.

I, on the other hand, feel a bit excited. It's been a while since the last time I went out to have fun anyway.

It may be different from what I and my cousin usually do when we're in the US but the thought still excites me. What doesn't excite me is the fact that I was mistaken for a tomboy.

'Like seriously?'

• Jada •

"So! We'll just drop by your place later," Bambi told me, as he wave at us frantically while walking backward. "Ta-ta!"

Honey and I nodded at him then they both run towards the stairs. Both Bambi and Ada are excited about tonight's event.

They were in a hurry to leave because they still need to fetch their clothes from their apartment. After that, they'll go straight to my condo.

"Let's go?" Honey asked me. She too is excited, she can't even get rid of the smile on her face.

Even if we still have two more subjects to attend, she can't help but imagine what it will be like later. She keeps talking about it in class.

Good thing there's not much going on in the last two subjects so we won't miss anything. Even if we're busy chatting.

After our last subject, Honey and I immediately left the classroom. We live in the same building. She was the first one to have a unit there, but she moved to the one next to me when I moved.

Our family house is within Quezon City too. However, it will take me an hour to reach SMU, even two hours if there's heavy traffic.

As I know how toxic traffic is in the city, I decided to ask my father for my condo unit. I pick near the university. Fortunately, he agreed.

I don't often ask anything from my parents. If I can take the expenses from my allowance, I just do that. But for expenses such as the condo, I ask them for help.

"Ouch!"

A strong force hit me and I wasn't able to keep my balance. My phone flew across the corridor as I topple on the floor.

"You shouldn't be texting while walking you know?" an intimidating voice scolded me. the owner of the voice was bent down, picking my phone from the floor.

I quickly stood up to confront whoever the culprit is that caused me to fall, but I wasn't able to do it when he faced me. It was Lyken.

He was frowning while handing over my phone to me, brows shot up. I snatched it from him as I roll my eyes, holding my arm as it was still painful from the bump.

"Careful next time," he even said before turning on his heel.

'Wait a second. Wasn't it him who bumped into me? I was the one who got hurt. Why does it seem like I was the one at fault? That jerk didn't even apologize!"

After Lyken left, I looked around for Honey. I saw her talking to Kobe near the stairs. It looks like they're already discussing tonight's outing.

Kobe smiled when he saw me, but I wasn't able to return it. My arm still hurts because of the incident with Lyken.

When the man left, Honey and I went downstairs, heading for the parking lot. "He said they'll pick us up later," she informed me while we're walking.

"I have my car, we can just go to the venue on our own," lightly refusing the idea of the men picking us up.

"Sis, isn't that sweet? Imagine, those hotties are coming to our place!" she exclaimed.

I just shrugged at her. I'm really not interested in those kinds of men. I prefer the studious guys. Not nerdy but definitely not someone who attracts so much attention.

I'm the jealous type, I must admit. Probably because I'm an only child and I'm used to having attention to myself.

An hour after we got home, Bambi and Ada arrived. We've decided to meet in my unit to prepare for the event.

It was only four in the afternoon when they started getting ready. Both pinks laid down their clothes on my couch, undecided what to wear.

I rested for a bit before grabbing my towel and heading for the bathroom. As soon as I stepped out, Bambi blocked my way to the bedroom.

"What are you going to wear byotch?"

"Jeans, shirt, the usual!" I answered casually.

I saw his facial expression changed several times. He looked shocked, irritated then disgusted. He even eyed me from head to toe.

"Wow Jada, why are you so boring?!" Bambi exclaimed, obviously irritated. "Get yourself out of your jeans and tees, and try something else before I burn all your clothes!"

"Yeah, that's why you're being mistaken for a tomboy!" Ada seconded.

"Wear something girly this time. Look at Honey, she flaunts what she has!" Ada stated, pointing at Honey while eyeing her from head to toe. Again, I shrugged.

I went inside my room and opened my closet. Sitting on my bed, I stared at my clothes, trying to find something suitable to wear.

'Will these still fit me?'

Although I have "girly" outfits, I don't really find them comfortable so I rarely wear them. Back in the US, I only wear dresses and such when we're going out and my crush is coming with us.

Of course, I had to dress to impress. But here in the Philippines, I don't think I've ever dressed up at all.

I let out a sigh when I've finally decided what to wear. I picked a purple racerback paired with ripped shorts.

I grabbed my favorite sneakers from the rack and put them on. 'There! All set!' When I stepped out of my room, the pinks turned their heads to me.

"Damn byotch! Flaunt it!" Ada exclaimed, exaggeratedly while doing a slow clap.

Bambi circled me, "Those legs are winners!" he praised.

I got long legs, that's a fact. I'm as tall as Honey but I'm thicker than her. I'm not milk-skinned like her but I like my color.

My skin's light brown but I easily blush when it's hot. I have long, straight dark brown hair but no one will notice as I always tie it in a messy bun, especially when in school.

"Come here, Jada! Let's enrich that beauty!" Bambi giggled as he points at the stool facing the mirror.

He grabbed the hairbrush and run it thru my hair several times before he tied it into a half ponytail. However, I quickly dodged when he picked his makeup brush.

Crossing my arms on my chest, I quickly stood up and walked backward, "No, thanks!"

Ada laughed at my reaction, "Why? You don't want to look like a clown?" he asked, teasing our friend.

"Definitely not! I'm fine with face powder and lipgloss."

I rarely wear makeup, I don't find it comfortable. When I do, I feel like my face itches and I can't stop myself from scratching it.

When Bambi didn't force me, I head back to my bedroom. Picking the hoop earrings I left on my dresser, I quickly put them on and take a good look at myself in the mirror.

'Not bad!'

Four minutes before the clock strikes six, the doorbell of my unit rang. I went ahead to open the door while my friends are busy with their final touches.

"Jada?" Kobe's forehead was creased while eyeing me from head to toe.

I smiled at him awkwardly, "Hi, good eve! Come in!"

"Wow! Damn, you look different!" he exclaimed, raising both hands in praise.

"I don't look like a tomboy anymore?" I jest. His face immediately turned red before shaking his head.

I chose to ignore the embarrassment he displayed to not put him in a tough spot. I even regretted teasing him about it.

"Hon! Kobe's here!" I called my friend though I know she was aware of the man's arrival.

All three of them popped their heads out of my room in unison. They're all trying their best to hide the excitement in their faces.

"You guys ready?" Kobe asked without taking his eyes off of my best friend.

Honey's wearing a peach, off-shoulder dress, paired with wedges in a darker shade of peach. Bambi curled her hair, leaving it down.

She's gorgeous and the appreciation's evident on Kobe's face. Honey's like a goddess who's about to go out and party.

When they nodded at Kobe, he gestured for the door and the three of them quickly followed. "You guys go ahead, I'll just check on something," I called after them.

Before leaving, it's become my habit to check on the sliding door of my terrace to make sure it's locked. I also check on the appliances to make sure everything that needs to be unplugged was unplugged.

When I came down, I saw a car parked right in front of our building. Peeking inside, I saw Kobe on the passenger side, Lyken on the driver's seat, and my friends sitting comfortably at the back.

Lyken's car is a blue metallic BMW Coupé so if you're to look at it, it looks crowded. Behind his car is a silver Mazda with three guys onboard, probably their teammates.

"Let's go Ja!" Ada called excitedly.

"Where are we going?"

"Malate!" Kobe answered.

"I'll just convoy, is that okay?" I asked while eyeing them one by one, weighing their reactions.

"Get in, I'll transfer to Steve's car," Kobe offered.

I raised my hand to stop him from opening the door of Lyken's car, "No, it's fine. I'll just take my car with me."

I don't want them to think that I'm being choosy or anything, but even if it's just the four of us in the car, it still looks crowded. It feels suffocating.

"Let her go if she doesn't want to ride with us," Lyken told Kobe, obviously irritated. I was even surprised that he talked all of a sudden.

"Ok, I'll just follow you guys," then I turned around to get to my car. It wasn't that far from where they are parked, so I easily got there.

I didn't wait for Lyken to say anything more or I might snap at him. I think he forgot that he still owe me an apology for bumping at me earlier.

I quickly turned my car engine on and followed them. I don't want to act like someone important but I also feel like I offended Lyken because of what I did.