The One Who Got Away

Note: this hasn't been proof-read yet. not finished. hehe. just another teaser. i'm also not sure of the title yet.

Date: January 30, 2012

CHAPTER ONE

I left earth not knowing how their story would thrive. It was all of a sudden. It just…happened. Nobody expected it---not even me. That night I died, together buried with me was a love story so great yet unknown to many.

I never thought heaven could be so much like earth. It’s like I’ve never left. The only difference is, everything is just so beautiful and full of love. From up here, I could see how the two of them are doing and it pains me to see that a love potential for a fairytale happily ever after could never be. And somehow, I feel guilty because it was only me who knew what they both felt. I feel like I need to intervene. But what’s a ghost like me to do! Besides, it’s a rule in heaven not to meddle with the lives of whom we left behind.

Being where I am now, I am able to speak with people whom I admire and idolize. Take Shakespeare, for example who’s always asking anyone about tragic love stories they’ve known. Of course many told him about Jack and Rose and Landon and Jaime. Phew! Unreal characters! I’m not saying I don’t like Titanic and a Walk to Remember; it’s just that a lot of tragedies are actually happening for real on earth.

Anyhow, I’m one of those here in Heaven who talks to other spirits and tell them great love stories among my peers back when I was alive still. They love it a lot especially Lean and Bianca’s. It’s that one story which leaves hearts hollow and broken knowing how their love went. Of course, it’s still 2009. They still have years ahead to change the course of fate.

“Can you tell me again what happened to Lean and Bianca?” ,Elizabeth asked, with eyes smiling holding David’s hand. Who would have known that Titanic’s love story was real! Elizabeth was Rose and David was Jack in real life but none knew about them really---at least on earth. There’s just a minute difference with the movie but the love and pain that they experienced was there. Now, they’re happy together in Heaven in their mid-twenties. That’s how it is here. You get to choose which age you’d like to materialize.

“Even if you’ve heard of it a million times?”, I said, kidding.

“Oh, David and I just would like to know if there is any progress. We know you’re still spying on them.”

Another advantage of being here is you can look at the people whose lives you’ve touched somehow or vice-versa.

“Well, alright!”, I would never get tired of telling their love story. Deep inside me, I’m hoping, they’d still end up together.

CHAPTER TWO

Bianca was in her shorts and and dirty sando, just done having her snack with her younger sister Francesca. Francesca was a mischievous little girl who loves to write the Letter A at the age of 3.

Beep. Beep. Who could that be, the two girls wondered. It could be patients or visitors of their famous doctor granddaddy.

They peered at their glass window and saw a red car. It was so red, it looks so new. Their dog, Dixon, who was a Dalmatian, came running towards the strangers.

The door opened, out came the driver and an old man Bianca recognized him. He’s a very famous man in their province. She just forgot the name. That man are very good friends with her grandpa and grandma.

Another door opened and a lanky 12 year old boy came out. He was so fair and handsome even at that age. He was with the old man, his grandfather. The sisters didn’t notice him for their mom already called them to go to bed and have their Saturday afternoon naps.

After complaining of not wanting to sleep, the sisters went back and peered on the window. The card is already parked at their main garage. The visitors are inside their grandpa’s office.

Francesca, who’s very amazed with the color red, took a pencil and went towards the car. With a very cute enthusiastic voice, she said, “This is Letter A” and wrote a big bold letter A scratching the new car.

Nobody saw that except Bianca who was shocked. Bianca being 7 and knowing how much a car repainting values took her sister with her inside their house, intending to keep everything a secret.

A little while later, the two girls were called by their beautiful grandmother with full make-up on. They were told to go with her at their dike. Their house is a pretty unique one. It is attached with a hospital---their hospital---which is very near the sea, that’s why there’s a dike. Whenever there are guests, they would always opt to go to the dike to refresh their selves.

“Oh, here are the pretty ladies!” the visitor said. Their grandpa, grandma and the visitor laughed. They just smiled---Francesca without her two front teeth and Bianca with a shy smile. That boy Lean just looked at both girls and back to the adults, feeling uncomfortable and wanting to play instead.

“You also have a handsome grandson” the girls’ grandma said, patting Lean’s head, in which he smiled.

“Bianca and Lean could be a good pair someday” the adults’ joked while the kids started playing with the dog. Of course, the statement didn’t mean to any of them. In fact, Bianca already forgot about the incident.She forgot about Lean. What was stuck in her mind until she grew up was how her sister wrote the letter A on the car. That she’d never forget.

CHAPTER THREE

He was known for his good looks. Whichever girl he likes, he can have. As a spoiled kid, he just gets everything. And somehow, it made him not so good.

When Lean was in high school, girls swoon for him, much more when he turned college. Girls would always want his attention. He became a heartthrob in their city.

The sad thing is, he got into bad peers and involved himself in drinking liquors, smoking, and even hitting on illegal drugs. This marred his reputation.

Still the good looks wouldn’t change the fact that girls want him. The thing is, gossipers would always talk about him, shooing the good girls away.

Year 2003. It was a year that would typically start everything.

The governor of the province is very busy planning for the upcoming Miss _______ 2003. She was supposed to ask an actor to be the escort for the pageant but time didn’t allow her to.

That same day, Lean arrived from _________ to watch the festivities of the province’s anniversary. He headed directly to the capitol office to say hi to her favorite aunt.

“Oh good God, you’re here! You are just what I need now!” the governor pulled him inside the office.

He laughed, confused.

“What is it Aunt Lourdes?”, the young man asked the governor.

“You will the escort for the next next day’s pageant. Ok? I will tell your mom. And I will take care of the tux.”

“Do I have a choice, aunt?” he kidded her. Of course, who would say no to an amazing governor like her?

“No choice, sweetie! She kidded back, when her phone rang. “let me just take this” She told lean and motioned him to sit on the sofa. “yes, yes, I want that girl Bianca from _____ to join the pageant. Please do contact her. There’s still time. She can still join the practice tonight. Oh, don’t worry about their grandma, we’re good friends, for sure, she’ll say yes”

Lean was just sitting in the sofa waiting for her aunt to finish talking on the phone when a bunch of girls walked inside. By the looks of them, they could be the pageants’ contestants. He just smiled a meek smile. None of them caught his attention. Well, yeah, he could say some are pretty but he isn’t really that much interested. For fun, why not!

“There you are ladies. This is Lean. He will be your escort. This is Jasmne, Kaye…..” the governor droned on with the names but Lean didn’t really try to heartily memorize the name. He just smiled, knowing that the girls are trying to get his attention. Being so good looking just have its perks!

CHAPTER FOUR

Year 2003. It was the first time in her life she’s ever joined a beauty contest. She is a typical shy girl who doesn’t care much how she looks. A loose baby powder or none at all would. She barely even looks at the mirror to see if she’s pretty or not. Her brows are a bit bushy; it’s still a virgin from threading or blade. Her hair is shiny jet black which is a natural even without her frequenting the salon. Her skin’s an exotic light creamy light brown. It looks sun-kissed as that of a Mexican or Brazilian. Her eyes are a beautiful pair of charcoal black which holds a lot of emotion. Her nose isn’t as perfect as those of models of magazines, but it perfectly suits her face. At times, she looks Asian. In other cases, she looks Brazilian. Whichever way, she looks wonderful without her knowing it.

                “I’m nervous. I don’t even know what to do” she told her PE teacher who was accompanying her to the big city for the pageant.

                “You can do it, you know. Besides, it’s the governor who asked for you. She probably sees the potential in you. “she said, smiling.

                She sighed and nodded.

                “Well, what am I to lose, right, Miss? “She said soothing herself.

                She was the last contestant to arrive. She was also the youngest being the only 16 years old. Despite being young, she was able to compete well in terms of looks and intellect with the older girls. In fact, they pretty much appreciate her eloquence.

                Two nights before the pageant, they need to tediously practice for the upcoming big event.  They have to do a sensual dance, practice walking the cat walk and even being with their escort.

                Bianca was very into the practice that she barely notices the boy Lean. Yes, she knows he’s present, but she just doesn’t care. Who would when she’s so in love with her boyfriend?

                Every break time, Bianca would always switch on her phone and send messages to her boyfriend. It seemed like her world revolves around Enzo, her first boyfriend.

                From afar, Lean is always glancing at her, wondering to himself what he has done wrong because he just couldn’t get her attention.

                “Hi”, a woman spoke behind him. It was one of the contestants.

                “Oh hi!” he forgot her name.

                “How’s being an escort?”she smiled, flirting a bit.

                “Fun!”

                “I see. Do you already have a bet among us?”, she flirted some more.

                “Well, you all are…beautiful” he looked at Bianca the moment he said the last word.

                “No one special in particular?”

                “Nah” he lied then suddenly blurted out, “Is she always like that?”

                “Who? What?”, she got confused.

                “Bianca. Does she always just text and not talk to people around?”

                She laughed. “Oh no! She talks to us ofcourse. She’s just a bit shy. She’s probably texting someone special. You know puppy love.”

                “I see. She has a boyfriend.”

                “Well, I’m not sure though. It could be her mom, you know. It’s her first time being away from home. Hmm... Why are you interested?”

                “Nothing. It’s just a bit weird”

                A boyfriend? Tsk! It can’t be. She’s too young. He thought. She can’t have a boyfriend. I’m sure.

While the girls are onstage rehearsing their dance, Lean gets to see how their bodies swayed. But there’s one hip in particular which he just kept on gazing. He seemed entranced with the way she moves---so innocent, so seductive. Bianca. The girl is making him lose his sanity.

Bianca was dancing and walking the whole night using 4-inched-heeled shoes she’s not used to. During another of their respite, she tripped a bit. The pain condensed. She thought nobody saw that and just went to the corner to get her phone and rest her sore feet. She looked at her phone with disappointment. No message from Enzo. She touched her right foot to ease the pain.

He saw the very moment she tripped. Scared as he was, he still approached her.

“Hi. Is your foot okay?” he asked with concern, his eyes boring to hers.

She looked at him and nodded. She noticed how his eyes seem to convey deep emotion. It was ebony black and endless deep, you could drown in it. His face is so fair and smooth; like that of a baby’s. His nose is perfect. His lips without a single crease are baby pink it seems surreal. His cropped black hair makes him look like those perfect men in print. At the age of 21, he still possesses that boyish look.

“Good luck on the pageant.” He said, trying to be casual, not wanting to end the conversation.

                She smiled, said a tiny “thanks”, and looked down on her feet. Bianca realized how handsome the guy is but it doesn’t matter. Enzo is the one who holds her heart, or so she thought.

                The way she looked at him and smiled at him sent nervous flatters to his heart. There goes this weirdly wonderful feeling again, he thought.

                “You’re welcome” he said and made a gesture of permission that he’s leaving. She just nodded with a tight smile this time.

                His charms just don’t work on her. He sighed.

CHAPTER FIVE

                “Lean!” a pretty girl shouted. “There you are, handsome!” She went inside his room directly.

                Shannie. Not his girlfriend, just someone who gives him body heat. She’s a pretty girl. Petite and definitely knows how to glamorize herself through make-up.

                She was wearing a sexy tank top with micro miniskirts. She hugged him tight.

                “I missed you!”

                He just smiled. He was still thinking of Bianca.

                “Don’t you miss me?”

                He didn’t answer. His mind is wandering somewhere else.

                “Hmp! Or you just probably miss this” she kissed him torridly,    her hands all over. As much as he doesn’t want to, he gave in later on.

                After doing the deed, he regretted it so much. He felt dirty! He told Shannie to go home. He then went to their swimming pool to cool himself. He can’t do this! Not again. It’s shameful doing an act like that knowing that he’s inlove with another. It’s also unfair to Bianca.

                Bianca. That girl. He shook his head, confused but happy at the same time.

                “Son”, her mom called him. “It’s 1 o’clock in the morning and you’re still here”

                “Ma.” He slyly smiled. “Do you remember Bianca? Dr.____’ granddaughter?”

                “The little girl?”

                “She isn’t little anymore, Ma. She’s 16.”

                “Oh, of course! How could I forget! You’re 21 but still my baby”

                He laughed. Lean and her mom are the best buddies.

                “She’s grown into a wonderful woman, Ma”

                “Hmmm…and where have you seen her? Isn’t she living at ____?”

                “She’s at our city now. She joined the pageant.”

                “That’s great! Did she remember you?”

                “I don’t think so, ma. It’s been a long time since we last visited. Since grandpa died.”

                “Yeah” she suddenly became sad.

Lean’s grandpa died a few years back. Since then, they no longer go to Bianca’s. Even then, the both families are still friends and gets in touch once in awhile. And by family, we mean, just the oldies. The youngsters just went on living their lives not caring about the connections of the Cardins and _____.

“Why don’t you invite her over, son? I want to see her and ask her about her grandma. It’s been ages.”

He breathed. He’s want to but can he?

“I’ll tray, ma. They’d prolly be busy.”

“Too bad.”

“I’ll really try, ma.”

“That’s fine, sweetie. I think I’ll still be able to see her. I’m gonna be playing a role during the pageant”

Lean wasn’t surprised at all. Her mom is also a known personality in the city. Not only because her husband’s a very sought-after lawyer, but because she also possesses a beauty so rare at the age of 55. She is petite, has the features of a Latina, very caring and sweet.

                “Way to go, mom!” he teased.

                She giggled. “Well, I better go back up. And you, young man, should get to sleep. That’s an order”

                “Yes, ma” allowing himself to act like a child.

                He swam once more, his mind still concentrated on one girl. Lady Bianca _______.

CHAPTER SIX

The night of the pageant came. Thousands of people gathered to watch in the gymnasium. The place was elegantly decorated with white and silver.

The girls were all at the backstage, putting on make-up, adjusting their clothes to look sexier, and trying on different shoes for the night.

                 The key of being a boy and having the advantage of being in the backstage ---which has become the contestants’ dressing room--- is to be an escort or a host.

                Lean, went to the backstage as he was told. He has no intention whatsoever of exploiting any of the ladies. Some were just wearing bra and panty and just don’t mind him being around. They are probably used to being seen like that. But Bianca was all wrapped up. Underneath the baggy jacket, she was wearing a skimpy white dress. She could pass for being a fairy by wearing that.

                As usual, she was holding her phone, sending SMS to somebody. Her make-up artist actually didn’t don so much paint on her face. Her make-up looks just natural. It enhanced her beauty and elegance.

                Everybody was so busy, and Bianca was left alone at the corner having already been prepped up. Lean wanted so much to approach her but the moment he got the courage to do so, they were all called up to get ready as the pageant will start.

                It all started with the production number. Lean peeked at the little hole in the backstage wanting to see how her lady fared. She was so magnificent. Her dancing no longer emanates innocence but that of seduction. And it gave him the jitters.

                “Hi, my name is Lady Bianca ____, 16, representing _____, believing that ‘Love wins, love always wins’” Hers was the shortest but gave a good and non-boring impression to the judges.

                She wasn’t walking. She was gliding like a goddess. Many of the spectators were awed by her but she’s oblivious to these facts. She just did what she’s supposed to do.

                The moment that he’s been waiting for came. The gown competition. This is the moment wherein he gets to be with the girls on stage.

                Each of them he has to guide throughout the stage.

                “Contestant Number 2” the host called.

                He delicately held her hand. He was so nervous. He took care of his every move so as to protect her on stage. She was just casual. For sure, the touching of their hands doesn’t mean anything to her, he thought.

                He didn’t want it to end but she stopped and let go of her hand and contestant number 3 walked towards him and linked her hand with his.

                I wish I could hold your hand longer, Bianca, he thought.

After all the walks the contestants have to make, they are to have their respite at the backstage before the Q and A portion. Again, the make-up artists and contestants became so busy retouching, changing costumes.

                What a hassle, Bianca complained in her mind. I feel so sticky with all these make-up on my face. I wish this night would end. God, I want to go home. I miss Enzo. He’s not even here to watch. How crappy and and un-inspiring!

                Lean was talking to her mom at the backstage, abroad smile on her face. Bianca saw that considering she is facing their way.

                When her make-up artist was done with her, she stood up and wandered at the far side of the backstage to be away from the chaos. She was bringing her phone of course, hoping that Enzo would text.

                Much to her delight, her boyfriend did send her a message.

                “Hi, sweetie. You know how much I want to be there but dad just wouldn’t allow me and I’ve got major exams tomorrow. I know you look dazzling tonight. My aunt told me how beautiful you are out there, making people smile. For sure, a lot of boys envy me knowing that you gave your heart to me. I’m the luckiest guy on earth. I love you so much. Whatever the outcome is, you are the winner in my heart forever.”, that message from Enzo just gave her the strength and inspiration she needed. She then smiled.

                Lean saw her smile. How he wish he was the one who could make her smile like that.

                She looked up and saw Lean staring at her. She got a bit uncomfortable. She knew guys like him are up to no good. They’re the heart-breaker type. Maybe, she thought.

                Caught staring at her, Lean managed to find an excuse by talking to her.

                “You were great!”

                “Thank you”

                There she goes again saying just a few words again. It made him nervous all the more of what he’s about to ask of her.

                “You’re always welcome…mmm…Bianca?”

                “Yeah?”she said, a hint of sweetness in her voice.

                “If ever you’d win the…mmm.. Miss Photogenic award, can I kiss you?” There, he  said it!

                She was shocked and it was shown on her face. She doesn’t know whether to laugh or get angry at the charming lad in front of her.

                He smiled. “Is it ok?”

                She smiled back, thinking how weird the guy was.  For Christ sake, she hasn’t been kissed. Even in the cheek.

                He looked at her, hopeful, waiting for a response.

                She shrugged with amusement in her eyes.

                Lean bit his lower lip looking at her walk towards the stage entrance for the Awarding.

                How stupid of him to ask that! He chastised himself.

                “Everybody, ready! Escorts, presenters, ready! We’re on in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…”

                The contestants gracefully walked towards the stage, posing at their designated places in the ramps.

                “The Best in Production Number goes to” drum rolls. “Contestant Number…” drum rolls again. “Number 2!”

                Bianca breathed. She didn’t expect it. She accepted the sash, bouquet and envelope.

                The next award was Miss Amity which was again awarded to her. Her co-contestants were applauding for her, considering her as their little sister.

                “This next award is unanimously voted by our official photographers. The winner will receive 5000 cash, a trophy, a bouquet and huge portrait. Now, who do you think is the winner? The host tried to get the audience’s participation.

                Drum rolls.

                Lean was smiling so big. Bianca was nervous, as well as the other contestants.

                “Again, it’s contestant Number 2! Wow, this girl is bagging all the awards! And to give the Awards, may we call on Mrs.______ Cardin together with her handsome son, Lean Cardin”

                Bianca became overly nervous. What Lean said to her at the backstage replayed in her mind. The kiss. He’ll kiss me, she thought. She smiled for the audience despite how scared she was inside.

                What if he’ll kiss me? What will Enzo think?

                Mrs. Cardin and Lean approached her. Everything seemed suspended to Lean. He couldn’t help but smile all the way. He wanted so much to kiss her but at the end, his cowardice won. After her mom gave the award, he was hesitant to leave.

                Darn it! I’m such a coward! It could’ve been my moment! But she’s too young. She might not understand.

                Came the Question an Answer portion.

                “Contestant Number 2, how are you feeling?”

                “I’m all good. A lil nervous, though.”

                “That’s alright. That’s normal. Are you ready for your question?”

                She smiled, “Yes, I am”

                “Which would you prefer, beauty or brains?” he cliché question on pageants. Every beauty queen who won via that question has answered Brains. An easy one. She could just easily win.

                “I’d choose beauty.” Bianca started.

                Everybody was shocked. Why did she answer that? Now she can’t win!

                The host seemed ambivalent. ”Are you sure? Why?”

                “Yes, you heard me right. I choose beauty. Ladies and gentlemen, Beauty isn’t something we see on the outside as what everybody thinks. Beauty is something that is found within the depths of a good heart which then radiates outside. It’s about being a good friend, a caretaker of the surroundings, a follower of the ideal, a loving family member, a concerned citizen. Beauty is more than what meets the eyes. It is something that we can all share and beauty is what I feel this evening. Thank you!”

                Everybody was amazed. They just stood up and did a standing ovation. That night, the concept of beauty for those people has changed.

                The rest of the contestants answered in an okay manner but no one has surpassed Bianca’a answer.

                When the winners were called, Bianca didn’t make it to the Top 3. A lot, if not all, were disappointed with the results. But she couldn’t care less. She was happy being able to receive the 3 Awards. She was blessed, she felt.

                The pageant ended.

                Bianca went to the hotel where the contestants stayed.  She happily reported to her family, friends, and boyfriend the good news.

                “Bia!  Let’s go!”, Jasmine, the closest friend she has in the pageant, asked her to go out with them and party.

                “Oh, Jas, I’m so tired. I want to sleep. I have class tomorrow. I’m sorry”

                “Too bad. It’s okay. Next time, ok? You good girl!” Jas teased. “Try to do something risky sometime. Maybe not now but in the future, ok?” she laughed.

                Bianca laughed too. “I will, Jas. I will”

                Jas arrived at the Bar. Lean was their patiently waiting for the contestants to arrive. All 11 were there except for whom he has been waiting for. Bianca, where is she, he thought.

                The girls said hi to her. He smiled, his eyes wandering as to where Bianca is.

                “Are you all here?”, he couldn’t help it anymore. He needed to ask Jas.

                “Nah…Biancs has to ditch this one. She has class! urgh! That girl is way too good! Why don’t we dance, Lean?”

                Lean heaved a sigh. This shouldn’t be the last moment that he should see her. I will find you again, Bianca.

                ***




So much has happened in both their lives after that parting moment. Bianca became famous in her town and even the neighboring cities. She was often invited to pageants once and again. 


She did join another one held in ________. When she walked the stage, she could re....................................

“I dunno. Maybe all I need is this crazy little thing called love.”

“Yeah, all you need is love. Real love, deep-seated, infinite. You just need to find that in the deepest chamber of your whole being.”

“Well, I guess I found love already. Before with Enzo and now I found it again. Honestly, my heart is beating for Lean already. It’s way too different from what I felt for Enzo before. It’s deeper now. I’m inlove, right?”

“You know, Bianca, To love is to expose yourself to be hurt. It’s a risk that we must take if we wanted to find real happiness, for there’s no permanence without commitment, and there’s no lasting love without sacrifice”

“But there are just so many obstacles. So many people are against him. There are lots of thorns on his way to me. Hope things will be brighter soon. The tunnel’s still too dark. Why are there so many people against him for me? Why is the way too steep? Why can’t they give him a chance to prove himself?”

“Why? Because his interest for you never changed after two years. It’s never been like that with him. That’s why it triggered a lot of questions from the people who atleast now that he’s keeping his eyes on you for this long and never went out in the open to express his feelings. Adding to the fact that he’s been single for two years now. Plus, your personalities are way off.”

“Hi, dj! I would like to request the song “somebody” by dépêche mode dedicate to my waterloo, the girl who turned my world upside down, forbidden yet I have every reason on this earth to love her. Because I’m just a boy asking her to love me. She is Lady Bianca ______. Reequest coming from Lean Cardin.”


"Can you see if I can compensate for his love, if ever?"


"Honestly, yes. If you'll be mature and if he can prove himself, it wouldn't be hard to love him back. It's even great if you'll learn to love him because he teaches you to open your heart and let him in. The boy's standing infront of you asking you to love him."


"He's not expecting much from you, he said before"