Chapter 17

Through the Nights

It's mystifying how he could calm her fears and stray them away with just a touch, a kiss, and his presence alone. He made their new arrangement sound so easy even though they both know it's the other way around.

But it's okay, her mind whispered. As long as they have each other, everything's going to be all right.

Ms. Marga was able to engulf the issue with regard to her picture at the grocery circulating online. Some were trying to figure out the guy she came with, but it didn't come off as a big deal. Kasi mas matimbang pa rin sa kanila kung bakit hindi siya sumisipot sa interviews at guesting kasama ng ibang cast para sa upcoming movie. They needed to disclose her recent health problem to the public to clear the issue at hand, and the moment her news reached headlines, her mother contacted her immediately.

"Bakit hindi ka nagsasabi sa amin?" Fiorella, her mom, asked worriedly on the other line.

"Busy po kasi kayo nila Papa d'yan sa canning business. Saka para hindi na rin po kayo mag-worry. Kaya ko naman po and okay na rin ako."

"Grabe naman, anak. Sa balita ko pa talaga malalaman kung ano nangyayari sa 'yo? Magsasabi ka sa amin ni Papa mo, ha? Walang kaso kung busy kami dito o hindi. Okay?"

"Opo. Sorry, Mama."

"Maayos na ba pakiramdam mo? Hindi sumasakit opera mo?"

"Okay na po ako. Tinulungan din po ako ni Nicco before and after surgery."

"Ha? Si Nicco?"

"Opo." Francine smiled at the tone of surprise in her mother's voice.

"Maayos na kayo? Kumusta si Nicco?"

"Okay naman po kami. Busy lang din siya sa work."

"Okay na? Paanong okay? Nagkabalikan na ba kayo o magkaibigan? Saka doktor na siya ano? Nakita ko kasi dati 'yong post ni Jasmine ng results sa PLE. Pasado raw si Nicco," sunod-sunod na tanong ng mama niya.

"Yes po, kami na ulit, and first-year resident na rin siya."

Fior let out an audible sigh on the other line. "Mabuti naman at kayo ulit. First-year resident, edi madalas din siyang pagod? Naku, sana nakakapagpahinga siya nang maayos."

"Nakakapagpahinga naman po."

"Magkasama ba kayo?"

"Kanina po pero pumasok na siya. Dito po ako nag-stay sa unit niya after no'ng operation ko," she replied.

"Ay, mabuti naman at may kasama ka. Ikaw talaga, Francine. Sana umuwi ka na lang dito sa bahay para naalagaan din kita."

"Mama, naman. Busy na po kayo d'yan, e. Ang dami n'yo nang inaasikaso saka iniisip ni Papa—"

"Kahit na, aba! Magsasabi ka sa amin, ha? Hindi ko gusto 'yong sa balita ko pa nalalaman kung ano nangyayari sa anak ko. Magsabi ka sa amin sa susunod, ha?"

"Opo."

"Promise mo 'yan."

A smile lingered on her lips. "Yes, Mama. Promise po."

"Sige. Dumaan kayo minsan ni Nicco dito kung hindi kayo busy. Malutuan ko man lang din siya ng favorite niya. Pang-thank you na rin kasi inasikaso ka."

"Okay, Ma. Sabihan ko po siya."

"Mag-message ka na lang kung kailan, ha? Para makadaan din ako sa grocery kung sakali."

"Opo."

"Magpapahinga, okay? Uminom ka rin ng vitamins mo. 'Wag kalimutan."

"Yes, Ma. May doktor din po akong madalas mag-remind niyan."

Her mom laughed. "Bagay talaga kayo, e. Pero 'wag ka naman magpaka-pasiyente ulit, ha? Uminom ka rin ng maraming tubig. Minsan nakakalimutan mo 'yan."

"Opo."

"At kumain ng gulay."

"Yes, Ma."

Their phone call didn't last long. She knew her mom would berate her about it, but thankfully, there wasn't too much probing. Ayaw niya lang naman talagang mag-alala pa sila.

She's also glad about her mom's enthusiasm towards her reconnection with Nicco.

She wasn't expecting it.

Pero until now pala, boto pa rin sila kay Nicco.

She remembered how Florence never left her side before after their split. Francine didn't really talk about what happened between them, but her family was always there to cheer her up, especially her sister.

Mama
Ang daming tanong ni Flor
Punta na raw kayo agad ni nicco dito
Excited siya makita ulit kuya niya

Francine smiled.

And she's happy how her family treats him as if he's already a part of them, too. It was one of the things she found difficult when they broke up because her family loved him, too.

***

She became used to their routine, however short-lived. But she looked forward to cooking breakfasts early in the morning so they could eat and spend a little time together whenever he comes home from work.

She looked forward to their brief chatters in bed just seconds before one of them falls asleep. She looked forward to their snuggles, and kisses, and waking up beside him in the afternoon before he went to work.

If she could stay longer with him, she would. But Francine needed to go back home just in time for her photoshoot for a magazine cover right after her recuperating period. Nasundan na rin 'yon ng ilang interviews at isang guesting para sa afternoon talk show.

Thankfully, hindi naman gano'n kabigat ang schedule niya kahit sunod-sunod ang promotions nila. Hindi gaano napupuno ang isang araw niya kaya balanse ang trabaho at pahinga. Especially with the premiere night fast approaching.

Nicco
Say hi to Hale for me.
Take care and enjoy kayo!
I love you!

Francine
Will do, Doc.
Good luck sa surgery later.
Love you too!

Hale asked her out for a ladies' night because she felt too cramped up from law school. In her own words, nasusulasok na raw siya sa mga binabasa niya.

And as usual, her best friend's punctuality always came at best. Sakto naman siyang dumating sa oras ng usapan nila pero mas maaga pa rin si Hale.

"Lukaret ka! 'Di kayo nagsasabi ni Nicco na kayo na pala ulit! Kung 'di ko pa mahahalata na siya 'yong kasama mo sa grocery do'n sa picture tapos suot mo pa talaga hoodie niya?"

Francine's brow furrowed. "How'd you know na hoodie niya 'yong suot ko?"

"Christmas gift 'yon ni Idriss sa kanya last year. Ako pa nagbalot no'n dahil dakilang tamad 'yong isa. Ano pa ba aasahan mo?"

Natawa si Francine. "Speaking of Idriss pala, kumusta siya? Last time na nakakita ako ng post niya, nasa Singapore siya?"

"Sunod-sunod din kasi flights no'n. Nasa Cambodia naman siya ngayon. Bukas ulit lipad pauwi."

"I see." She nodded. "Punta kayo ulit sa premiere night please? May ticket ako for you as usual."

"Oo naman! Isama namin si Nicco."

Agad na nalungkot si Francine. "I told him about it kaso may duty siya that night, e."

"Ay, ayon lang. Sayang naman."

"Yes. But it's okay. Super busy rin siya lately sa work. Sunod-sunod daw na toxic 'yong duty nila."

"Hala? Nakakapagpahinga pa ba 'yon?"

Francine nodded. "Oo naman so far. Minsan bumibisita ako sa unit niya. Dinadalhan ko siya ng breakfast and baon na dinner."

Hale grinned. A glint also passed through her eyes. "Breakfast at baon lang ba talaga?"

"Hmm . . . maybe?"

"Patolera ka!"

They laughed. Francine and Hale spent the rest of their evening at their exclusive booth in a bar Idriss frequently visits with his co-pilots, leaving his tab open for the both of them.

Francine had the luxury to rest for a day before the premiere night. And like always, everything feels like the first time. Surreal and unnerving.

She woke up the next day feeling cold in her stomach, nervous and hopeful that somehow, their viewership would appreciate the film. Even a little bit.

Francine's proud of it because it's also her first time working on a historical film. But of course, she's expecting different reviews from the audience. Sana lang kahit papaano magustuhan nila.

She took a deep breath. Calm down, so far naman maganda feedback nila sa trailers and teasers, she said to her reflection in the mirror, breathing out her anxiety before getting ready.

Her stylist and hair and makeup team came knocking on her door by 3 p.m. to dress her up. Her hair loose in big waves with the upper part brushed and pinned with three gleaming stars.

She wore a midnight suit with butterfly sleeves, perfectly tailored and hugging her body in the right places. Her shoulders made her look firm, her presence appealing with grace of femininity and command.

She felt different. Especially with her makeup in muted neutral colors, but her lips bleeding in vibrant red.

Camera flashes and personnels from different media outlets welcomed her the moment she arrived at the venue with Hale and Idriss. It's still strange how a lot of people were supporting her and the projects she's in. Her phone kept buzzing with congratulatory posts and messages, too.

"Hi, Francine! Who are you wearing?" tanong ng isang press galing sa kilalang magazine.

"Oh, I'm wearing Alan Abaricia," she answered with a smile.

"Local?"

"Yup. Local!"

"I like the butterfly and open sleeves. Ang ganda!" Sarah, the press, remarked.

"Thank you!"

"Following the recent issue you had online, how are you feeling lately?"

"I'm feeling better naman, thankfully. I'm also learning how to properly approach 'yong work and life balance na sinasabi nila para hindi ko ulit ma-strain sarili ko."

"That's good to know. Kasi it's like you're fully booked din with your projects and brand deals."

Francine smiled at the comment.

"Can you give us a hint towards the film? Like an easter egg or one of your favorite scenes?"

"Oh, one of my favorite scenes is where my character and Galen's were out and playing in the rain. I had fun shooting that scene."

"Francine! Who did come with tonight? Did you bring a date? People were asking if boyfriend mo raw kasama mo do'n sa picture last time." A man from another media outlet intervened.

Francine fought the urge of tugging her brows and creasing her forehead.

"I came with my friends tonight," she said, maintaining her smile. "Sila 'yong date ko."

There. Not denying. Not confirming. And she's glad it was a viable answer.

Francine waved and excused herself for some photo ops with the other cast when they were called by Direk Artie.

"You look stunning," sabi ni Galen bago bumeso sa kanya.

"Thank you! You look good din!"

"How are you? Okay ka lang ba tonight? Walang masakit sa 'yo?" he asked. After knowing what happened to her, Galen frequently checks whether she's feeling okay or not.

"I'm fine na, promise."

"Totoo 'yan, ha?"

"Yup!" She smiled. "Oo naman."

"Good."

The rapid camera flashes were blinding. Hopefully, nakadilat pa rin ako sa mga pictures nila. Ilang beses din kasi siyang napakurap dahil sobrang nakakasilaw 'yong flash ng iba.

The cast were guided inside the cinema after a few photos. Francine looked around for Idriss and Hale. Ang sabi kasi ni Hale kanina nakaupo na raw sila sa loob.

But her eyes marbled when she found them seated in their row with him.

I thought busy siya tonight?

He smiled at her when their gazes met, and she couldn't help smiling back at him, too.

Buti na lang medyo madilim sa sinehan kaya hindi gaano halata kung namumula man siya.

Francine took out her phone when they got settled in their seats.

Nicco
Surprise :)

Francine
I really thought hindi ka makakapunta!

Nicco
I know. Ako rin.
Pero nakipagpalit ako ng duty kay Dr. Bustamante

Francine
Oh... oki.
Kaso paano yun?
Is that going to be a double shift?

Nicco
Depende

Francine
Hopefully not :(
Super pagod ka na rin eh
You didn't have to come
Pero I'm really happy you're here

Nicco
Don't worry about that baby
Gusto ko rin talaga pumunta

Francine
Thank you
I love you!!!

Nicco
You look beautiful.
Bagay sayo yung damit mo

She was about to send a reply when Direk Artie asked her a question if she'd be able to make it later for the after party he was hosting.

"Gusto ko po kasi magpahinga after nito, Direk. Bawi na lang po ako next time," she said.

"It's fine, pero sisingilin kita d'yan sa pa-next time mo ha?"

She smiled. "Sure, Direk! Soon po."

The film started a few minutes after the lights had dimmed. Kabisado naman ni Francine ang sequence ng scenes, pati na rin ang mga linya niya. She knows how the story would unfold, but seeing all of it weaved as a whole with the music scores, editing, and color grading, it felt like it was the first time she knew of it.

And this, the high she feels after weeks and months of hard work reminded her why she fell in love with her job. It's losing herself and living another character, the lines, the storyline, the costume changes that helps in building up a new persona she would embody, having the chance to visit new places for their shooting location, the cinematography, aesthetics, and the wholeness of the art.

She loved all of it.

"Ang galing mo do'n! Ang ganda!" Hale beamed when they met at the parking lot. Hindi na kasi sila nagkita sa loob kanina. Especially when Francine got swept by the press and some fans.

Okay lang naman 'yon kila Hale. Her best friend even said, "palagi ka naman naming nakakausap saka nakikita kaya sige, sa kanila ka na muna."

Her friends usually showed their support to her by attending her premiere night or watching her film or TV series whenever they have the chance to. Even Glory who's in New York streamed her shows online.

"Thank you! Nagulay din ako kanina no'ng credits na, pumalakpak sila."

"Deserve n'yo naman kasi! Nadala ako do'n sa iyak mo tinatawanan pa ako nitong isa."

Idriss laughed. "Oo nga, tulo pa uhog mo kanina."

The smile on her lips immediately vanished when she shot him a brow. "Ah . . . gano'n? Uhog?"

He grinned. "Joke lang, madame!"

While Nicco remained quiet with his arm was wrapped around her waist, keeping her close.

"I'm so proud of you," he whispered, pressing his lips on her hair.

She smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist, too. "Thank you."

They had a little party at Idriss' penthouse, buying wine and some takeout along the way.

But Hale asked to retire first because she needed to wake up early the next morning. Sumunod din si Idriss sa kanya.

"Sige, kami na maglilinis dito," sabi ni Nicco.

Francine changed into her pajamas earlier. Medyo malamig din kaya hiniram niya ulit ang hoodie ni Nicco.

The wind gushed, brushing along her skin and sweeping through her hair when she set foot on the balcony with a glass of their favorite sauvignon blanc.

He followed her there, standing next to her.

The city looked broad and tiny from the balcony, and the gleaming lights looked like tiny flickers and brief moments in time amidst the endless skyline.

"May bakasyon ka ba ulit? Naaalala ko sabi mo noon dapat pupunta ka sa Calayan tapos excited ka sa beach and do'n sa seafood."

"It's fine. P'wede naman ako pumunta next time. And maybe I'll take a short break after ng buzz dito sa recent movie namin."

He smiled. "Okay. P'wede ba akong sumama sa bakasyon mo next time?"

"Oo naman! Basta free ka rin if ever."

"May two-weeks akong bakasyon sa susunod."

Napaharap naman si Francine sa kanya. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yup."

"May place ka nang pupuntahan?"

"Nakapag-book ako last month ng ticket papuntang L.A. sa September."

"Sa states?"

"Oo. Sa states."

"Oh . . . I see." Napatango si Francine. "Anyway, wala kang sinabi kanina about do'n sa movie. Nagustuhan mo ba?"

"Oo naman."

But she wasn't convinced. "Talaga? Or sinasabi mo lang 'yan para hindi ako ma-offend?"

Nicco chuckled, locking her in between his arms. "Nagustuhan ko. Ang galing-galing mo doon pati na rin si Galen. Favorite ko 'yong nagtatampisaw kayo sa ulan."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

"Oo. Bakit?"

"Kasi favorite scene ko rin 'yon!"

"Talaga?"

"Yes! May nagtanong sa akin kanina ano raw favorite scene ko tapos 'yon din sinabi ko."

He smiled. "Ang saya mo kasi tingnan do'n, and you looked really pretty."

Blood rushed to her cheeks. "Super nag-enjoy din kasi ako doon. Ang resourceful kasi ni Direk Artie. Alam mo ba sa hose lang 'yong ulan namin? Tapos ang init kasi that day then ang lamig no'ng tubig. So, ayon. I felt relieved do'n sa rain scene."

"Kaya pala," he said with his lips dropping down on her cheek.

The wind felt so cold against the heat on her cheek. A smile lingered on her face when he kissed her. Francine angled her head, her hand also reached for his cheek, and it was her turn to kiss him this time.

She was really surprised when she saw him earlier sitting with Hale and Idriss at the cinema. She thought he wouldn't make it because he's busy, but of course, Nicco will always be Nicco.

She couldn't help her smile appearing in between their kisses, but she was just so happy.

Content. Fluttering, and happy.

And perhaps, he knew that too with the way she was smiling. His lips left hers so he could rain little kisses all over her face. Francine kept her eyes closed and her smile lingering.

Maybe it's the wind. Maybe it's the clear night sky and glimmering city lights. Maybe it's him and his hugs and his kisses that feel like a break of daylight after a long, long night.

But she was genuinely happy.

THE END

~

#vdttn

~

Hi! Thank you for finishing yet again, another story of Francine and Nicco with me. I hope you enjoyed Through the Nights as much as I did.

To avoid any confusion, this is a sandwich story after the prequel and before their epistolary timeline. Also, if you haven't read (and been wanting to read) their novel, you may join my new telegram channel solely for Franco. It is linked on my Wattpad about me and on my twitter bio (will only be available until May 16, 2023).

Thank you so much!