Tiffany

I frowned when I reached for the noisy cellphone on top of the dresser. I slightly opened my right eye to see who was disturbing my already insufficient sleep.

Because Travis’ soap opera only had two weeks left, the events in the show were becoming too intense. But the main reason I stayed up late last night was because of the sweet scenes between him and his on-screen partner. Even though I knew it was just acting, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander.

I frowned when I saw my best friend’s name on the screen. Feeling drowsy, I answered the call.

“Hello,” I greeted him without enthusiasm.

“Miss Tiffany Salazar! Don’t tell me you’re still lying down on your precious bed right now. Have you forgotten about our scheduled prenup photoshoot for today?” Jairus shouted from the other line.

What he said made my eyes widen, and I jumped out of bed.

“I’m on my way. But you guys can go ahead to the location.”

It seemed like he had more to say, but I ended the call quickly.

Shit, really!

I hurriedly made my way to the bathroom to take a shower. I almost slipped, but I didn’t pay much attention to it.

I moved quickly, and after a few moments, I was on my way to Nasugbu, Batangas.

Now, I hope our clients arrive late as well. It would be embarrassing if they had to wait for me. It wouldn’t reflect well on Stuff and Glam Photography if that were to happen.

But it seems even fate is not in agreement with my wish. It looks like there’s really no hope for the Philippines when it comes to traffic problems. Just when I’m in a hurry, I’m not given a smooth passage.

“Damn!”

Annoyed, I slammed my hand on the steering wheel, even though it couldn’t do anything about it. While waiting for the cars to move forward, I glanced out of the window.

I was taken aback when my eyes caught sight of a billboard featuring Travis modeling for a well-known clothing line.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, as if he were also staring back at me.

He’s smiling in the picture. But I know better.

Because no matter how beautiful and perfect his shots may be, I can still glimpse the sadness in his eyes. It’s as if, despite the fame he’s experiencing now, it’s still not enough and there’s something missing.

Just like what I’m feeling right now.

I blinked when I heard a series of car horns. I redirected my attention to the front and only then noticed that the traffic light had turned green. I immediately stepped on the gas pedal in my car.

This is not the time for me to think about him. I still have a job to do. That should always come first, or I’ll end up losing my concentration again.

I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Photography because I’m really fond of taking random pictures of things that catch my interest around me. Especially the beauty of nature, which becomes my breath of fresh air during tough times in my life. Its natural beauty never fails to amaze me, and I can’t help but capture it.

An hour passed, and I finally arrived in Batangas. I was now traversing the road towards the exact location for the prenup shoot.

I couldn’t help but glance around. There were hardly any vehicles on the road, and all I passed by were fields and scattered trees. Aside from that, I rarely encountered or crossed paths with other cars.

I winced as I passed through a potholed road. It’s actually my first time going to this place. That’s why, two weeks ago, I even searched for the exact location of the photo shoot on the internet so I could get an idea of what it’s like overall.

I couldn’t help but feel excited when the search results showed images of the actual church and other places that could be visited around it.

But I didn’t even bother to find out that there would be such a challenge I needed to overcome before getting there.

“I’m so sorry, baby Pinky. Please bear with me for a moment. We’ll soon overcome this challenge,” I said to my pink Honda Civic.

I silently prayed that the problem wouldn’t strike today.

It didn’t take long before I spotted a cluster of houses nearby. I stopped in front of a gate, and the two guards stationed outside immediately opened it for me.

Slowly, I made my way inside, and the first thing that caught my attention was the Cenaculum, as I had researched. I gazed at it for a moment before letting my eyes wander around.

There, I saw a familiar gray van where our equipment had been loaded. It was parked near the fountain compass. I drove straight towards it and parked beside it.

I grabbed my black sling bag, which contained my personal camera, and got out of the car. I noticed that our driver, Julio, and Jairus were just finishing unloading the equipment.

My best friend, who also serves as my assistant, seemed to light up when he saw me. His hair was down, not bothered by any gel, and his eyes had a gleam, making him always look like he was smiling. He also had a mole on his face near his left eyebrow.

“Finally! You’re here! The couple just arrived, and they’re currently getting ready in the dressing room.” He hurriedly approached me, his face reflecting impatience.

I bit my lower lip. “I’m really sorry. I completely forgot about our schedule today, and I overslept last night. That’s why I woke up late.”

Suddenly, his expression softened.

“Well, I guess even I would have trouble sleeping if I saw my ex, whom I’ve been avoiding for years. So maybe it’s difficult for you to sleep because of your consecutive encounters.” He sighed deeply.

We started walking towards the shooting location. I carried the tripod and the camera we would be using.

“I’m sorry. I’ve just had a lot on my mind these past few days. And to add to it, there’s his new on-screen love interest in their soap opera.” I grimaced.

“I know Travis doesn’t have any feelings for her. But she’s too sweet and clingy towards him during their interviews.”

He nodded. “Ah, Jessica Dominguez. Well, she’s a newbie. That’s why.” He shrugged. “I understand you. But of course, I can’t help but worry about you too.”

I smiled back at him, but I was surprised when he suddenly put his arm around me.

“But don’t worry about his on-screen love interest anymore. He won’t like that,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow. “How did you say so?”

He smirked. “I just know.”

I rolled my eyes and didn’t comment further.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the surroundings. Now I fully understand why our clients chose this place for the photoshoot and their actual wedding.

Close to nature, Closer to God

That’s the tagline I read about Caleruega Church. True enough, this place is close to both.

The entire area is a sight to behold since it is surrounded by towering trees, plants, and various kinds of flowers. I also noticed the hall accommodations in case the couple decides to have the reception here. We also passed by a Japanese garden, a garden café, koi ponds, and walkways, including a hanging bridge.

I couldn’t help but feel breathless at the sight in front of me. Who would have thought that there was a hidden paradise in this secluded sanctuary in Batangas?

After crossing the hanging bridge, we faced another challenge with the uphill climb. I couldn’t help but feel thirsty when we reached the top. Fortunately, Jairus had brought water and handed it to me right away.

“Thanks.” I quickly accepted and took a sip.

Once we were done, I noticed an outdoor chapel at the end. If I’m not mistaken, this is what they call the Tent Chapel of Transfiguration. The view from here is also beautiful, with a refreshing breeze and a blue sky that seems within reach.

We started setting up. After a while, the soon-to-be bride and groom came out of the dressing room. I approached them and greeted them before positioning myself behind the camera, which was already set up on the tripod.

“Okay, let’s start,” I announced, and they all got ready and positioned themselves.

“Mister Cruz, please step closer to Miss Sanchez and wrap your arms around her waist.” I turned to the bride-to-be. “Miss Sanchez, please do the same.” They immediately followed my instructions.

“Then look directly into each other’s eyes— a kind of look that’s full of love and gives us your sweetest smile,” I added, and they obliged.

When I was finally satisfied with their pose, I started taking their pictures.

But after I clicked the camera, I froze. I don’t know why, but in an instant, I saw our faces, mine and Travis’, in front of the camera.

We were smiling at each other, our eyes filled with love, exchanging promises of secure and genuine love.

My chest tightened, and the corners of my eyes warmed up. It feels like it was just yesterday when we started dreaming about our wedding and building a family together.

But because of one wrong decision, I lost all those dreams. I lost the man I loved.

Yes, I became free. I even distanced myself from my own family. I fulfilled my dream of becoming a professional photographer and having my own photography studio through my own hard work. I can do whatever I want now. Even my closest friend can’t stop me from making decisions in my life.

But despite all of that, I’m still not happy. I haven’t truly been happy.

I know that regret always comes too late. But why did I still continue?

“Is it okay already, Tiffany? Should we go ahead with the next pose?”

I snapped out of my thoughts when Miss Sanchez suddenly spoke. Worry was evident on her face as she looked at me.

“Yes. Now, lean your head on Mister Cruz’s shoulder and intertwine your fingers.” I turned to the groom-to-be. “Mister Cruz, kiss the top of Miss Sanchez's head, then close your eyes and give us your utmost sincere expression.”

Throughout the shoot, I tried to push Travis out of my mind. Even as I took the pictures, I couldn’t escape the sight of Jairus tilting his head and holding a reflector.

“Okay! We’re done!” I announced.

The couple immediately approached me and expressed their gratitude. Jairus and Julio started packing up our equipment.

“Jairus, is it okay if I take a short walk around?” We were both about to leave the set.

He nodded. “Sure, go ahead. We’ll just return the equipment first. We already explored around here earlier.”

“Okay.” I was about to turn away when he called me.

“But don’t go to the actual church just yet. They told us earlier that there’s also a photoshoot happening there.”

Despite Jairus’ warning, I shrugged it off and continued walking. Stubbornness was ingrained in me, and I didn’t pay much attention to his advice. I would just take a quick peek, after all.

As Jairus had mentioned, there was indeed a photoshoot happening in the church. However, it appeared to be coming to an end as they started packing up their equipment.

But as I stood there, my gaze was fixed on the scene. I was taken aback by the sight of the model they were photographing. I hadn’t even had a chance to recover from our recent encounters, and here he was in front of me once again.

I was about to turn and leave when his attention shifted in my direction. I could see the surprise on his handsome face, but he quickly concealed it.

It seemed that fate was now on my side. I realized there was no turning back.