LOVE CAN CHANGE A PERSON

FORD'S POV

They said, "Love can change a person." It can be good, and it can be bad. But why did love made me turn into a monster? I was an aspiring writer back then and you know what? Romance was my favorite genre. Yes, was. But now I hated it. I've read more pocketbooks and brought them to school instead of bringing the stuff I really need. I even skipped a meal just to buy limited-edition books that I owned. That's how addicted I am with romance.

But everything changed when Jamie came into my life. Jamie is a typical girl that has suitors. She was my college crush and with the help of my classmates, we fortunately became friends. She inspired me to write novels which were not recognized because writers during that time were really good, especially in romance.

Graduation came and this is the day when I did the hardest thing a man can do – to confess to a girl they like. I was so nervous that my sweat became so visible, and I feel like I'm tearing up.

Thousands of students were watching. This is my time! I thought. Before I kneel, I stumbled a bit because some of my classmates pushed me. When I regained my balance, I knelt in front of Jamie with flowers in my hands.

It took quite a long time for Jamie to look at me in the eye. When our eyes met, I said "I like you, Jamie". She moved forward, helped me stand up, and hugged me like a child. With her cold lips on my ear, she answered with a very sweet voice. If you've watched Filipino Movies, you'd know this scene.

"Ford, I only think of you as a friend. I'm sorry if I can't level up our relationship. Friends Ford, FRIENDS..."

My stupid brain stopped working, and the only thing that popped into my mind is this song:

Diba nga ito ang iyong gusto

Oh, ayan wala rin siyang gusto

Wait a minute, this is not the right lyrics. Damn you and your songs, Ben & Ben!

Bawat kilig na nadarama

Sa tuwing hawak ang iyong kamay

Ito'y maling akala,

Isang malaking sablay.

Well, that's life. Don't assume that she also likes you just because of her attitude towards you. She's too friendly that I thought she was the missing cast of Winnie the Pooh.

Tears began to trickle down my eyes. I could see nothing but my tears that I tried to taste. Yes, I know it's salty. Oh well, I'm thirsty anyways.

My aching heart broke when I saw her running towards Oliver, the handsome and rich basketball player. Is it too cliché for me to say that Oliver's a womanizer? Why do women prefer boys with a "bad boy" image than us, loyal men?

Jamie hugged Oliver and kissed him. Good for him. He's feeling Jamie's sweet lips while here I am, tasting my bitter salty tears.

From the corner, I waited for Jamie to part ways with Oliver. When will these two finish eating their faces? My friend beside me went in front of me and tried to kiss me. "HEY!" I shouted and groped his balls "I don't like balls." I told him then walked away. I saw Jamie walking away from Oliver, so I took the chance. I walked over to her and said: "Thank you for being my friend for years, Jamie. I'm sorry but I just can't accept to be your friend. Goodbye.". I walked away from her, and each step makes my heart sink and hurt more.

I went home and stared at the different romance books on my shelf – tips, dos and don'ts of dating, ways on how to get your crush's attention – and many more. The more I stare at these things, the more I think how stupid these are. You lose when you are serious in the realm of love.

I used my mother's backpack and filled it with all the books. I sell these on the streets, and some books were also sold online. We can't afford buying things in one go because we're poor. Underrated books are sold to junk shops with only a small amount of money. I bought a laptop and writing tools with the money I got for selling the books. With my mind set, I started to forget love, stop writing romance novels, and focus on other genres that I can create.

MT Publishing Co., 5th floor

MT Publishing earned a lot of money because of me. Books that were best-selling and won several awards are made by me. MT Pub was known as the best romance novel publishing company, with me as the first author who published a different genre.

I remember the day when the CEO, Johan, came into our house to offer a contract. I passed an entry online and Johan said that the entry I made won. I rejected his offer at first because I won't be writing anymore. He insisted but I stood my ground and rejected it. Johan came the next day, with a different offer this time.

He wants me to write novels under his company. He agreed with the term that I want – which is to write a different genre, and not romance. I accepted the offer and because of that, this company started to shine.

7:00 AM

I was sleeping in my own room in this building when I heard a loud knock. This is probably Ms. Hannah.

"Will you get up on that bed or will you wait for me to break your door?" our secretary, Ms. Hannah is like a lion, ready to bite at any time of the day.

I came out topless. She was used to this look anyways.

"Hi, Ms. Gorgeous!" I teased her even though I knew Johan and Hannah have mutual feelings for each other.

She blankly stared at me. "I know right. 2nd floor and get dressed." She said and walked away.

On the 2nd floor, I saw Johan waiting at his desk, probably counting money again. "You're here..." he said while not looking at me. How did he know that I was the one who entered?

"Sure. I've something to tell you." I told him while sitting casually on his guest chair in front of him. "I know what you're going to say. Hannah told me you wanted a break. What do you think? Can I refuse you?" he stopped with God knows what he's doing on his table and looked at me.

"I just need a few days to be able to think about my next step."

"Okay, it's up to you. But I only have one request from you. At least once. I think this is what everyone is looking forward to."

"Johan don't tell m-"

"Write romance, Ford."

"Johan-"

"I already transferred your money to your mother. The remaining money is for your clubs and girl hunting. Choose wisely though!"

And just like that. He looked down on his table and acted as if I'm invisible. I went upstairs to pack my things. I was the only one who can access the 5th floor of the company's building except for Johan and Hannah.

Besides Johan and Hannah, no one knows what I look like. No one even knows my true identity. The reason Johan gave to the employees why this 5th floor is forbidden is because this is privately owned by him.

With my BMW sports car and my things, I made my way to Tagaytay where my mansion is. I saw a book café while I was on my way. I don't know if it's magic or what, but it is spiking my interest because I just saw it now. Maybe it's because I haven't paid much attention before. I decided to make a stop over here. I went down, locked the door, and walked towards the café.

You can even smell the strong aroma of coffee before going inside.

"Welcome to Lola Igna's Book Cafe!" a man greeted me in front of the door. I ignored him and went inside. "Snob." Says the man who greeted me. I ignored and to my surprise, I saw cabinets containing romance books. At the counter of the cafe, only the books that I wrote were placed there. Wow, my books even own a special place here.

I also noticed that most of the book readers here today are reading my latest work The Night Stalker. I took a copy of my book to pretend that I was reading something. Yes, I have read it because I wrote it myself. Tsk.

"Can I take your order please?" said the cashier.

"What's your best seller besides my book, I mean this book." I pointed to my book. I always order iced americano, but let's ask what is famous here.

"Iced Americano sir!" huh for real?

"All right. Give me one." I looked at their bread and pastry and found suman.

"Give me this too." I pointed at the suman.

"Anything else?"

"That's all."

"Sir, maybe you want to order me. You can take me out." I heard the cashier whisper.

"Huh?" I asked with my resting bitch face, with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh, nothing sir. Please, take a seat first." The cashier suddenly said and went to make the order.

As I sat down at the corner table, a woman entered. In fairness, she is beautiful. She went straight to the bar. Hmm she might be a manager or the boss of this café.

My order arrived shortly after. Wow! It turns out that their coffee here is so delicious. The coffee is not strong nor is it bland. Just right for my taste. Their suman is very different from the suman made in Manila.

At the bottom of my table, I saw an ant. Since I was a lunatic, I put it in my suman. I'm just going to make a scene to get the attention of the woman who just came in earlier.

"Excuse me!" I called the barista. "I'm just concerned because my suman has an ant. Do you guys sell food that has other animals in it? Call your manager."

"I'm sorry, Sir. Let me call Ms. Shaine."

"Hurry up. I don't have all the time in this world." I said. I know I shouldn't do this to the staff because I know their hardships. It just so happened that if it wasn't for their female manager, I wouldn't be making fun of them.

"Yes, Sir? Do you want me to just replace the order, or do you want us to refund your payment? We're sorry for the inconvenience." she arrived and said this in a surprisingly calm tone. I thought she'll be panicking or something. She's something.

"Can you cover my medical expenses when something bad happens to me? Don't you know I'm allergic to ants? Even its bite makes me hard to breathe."

"No, Sir. We don't have that much money to compensate you. That's why we want to settle this right now. If you want, we will give you free coffee every day!"

"I understand. Next time, check the orders you will give."

"Thank you very much!" She smiled at me. This woman is so weird. How much are the medical expenses? It's not that much, right? Maybe they need money? I don't know. But she looks genuinely happy. I smiled to myself.