It Has Always Been You: Chapter 4- The Conversations

Ivan: Babe, are you alright?

Devon: Yeah, why are you asking?

Ivan: I don’t know, it seems that you’re not happy. (looked at her with a serious expression)

Devon: Ivan, I’m happy. We won the competition earlier, you and the others were there to support us, having friends like them and a boyfriend like you, it’s such a blessing.. (smiled at Ivan)

Ivan: really? Are you happy being with me?. (his face lighten up)

Devon: Yeah, of course, why are you asking such questions? (smiled awkwardly)

Ivan: I love you Devon. I guess I can’t live without you. (clasp her hands and kissed it)

Devon: I love you too Ivan. Thanks for loving me.. (smiled at him and kissed his cheek)

On Bret’s car:

Bret: Hey Fretz, did you notice something between James and Devon?

Fretzie: What do you mean? (looked at Bret suspiciously)

Bret: Come on Fretz, we’re friends since high school, didn’t you noticed something?

Fretzie: All I know is that Devon likes Ivan ever since. But someone’s hurting seeing them like that..

Bret: I knew it! You knew all along that James like Devon since high school and now, he’s miserable.

Fretzie: What?! What are you talking about? I’m referring to Yen!. She loves Ivan ever since. Oh my God! James likes Devon? I can’t believe it! (can’t help but smile)

Bret: Oh no!. What have I done?!. James will kill me!. But are you serious? Yen loved Ivan ever since?

Fretzie: Yeah it’s such a stretch for her now that Ivan and Devon are lovers.. (put a sad face, she pities Yen)

Bret: But didn’t Devon notice it? I mean, you three are best friends, she should’ve known.

Fretzie: That’s what I admire about Yen, she’s the greatest pretender I ever known, she even told Devon to say ‘yes’ to Ivan, she just wanted Ivan to be happy even though she knows that it’s Devon he loves.

Bret: Wow! James and yen are really on the same boat!

Fretzie: I really can’t believe it! James is so silent. I didn’t see through it.

Bret: Yeah, he is good in pretending too.

Fretzie: And to think that those two are together on his car right now. (smiled at Bret)

Bret: Yeah, I wonder what conversation they will have right now. (returned a smile to Fretzie, his secret crush)

On James’ car:

James and Yen are so silent. James is driving seriously and Yen is looking outside. They’ve been friends for years now but on the record, they haven’t had any interaction with each other. James sees Yen as silent and only interacts with Devon and Fretzie all the time, sometimes with Ivan. They would only say their hi’s and hello’s on each other then done! That’s it. They can only hear the radio playing.

DJ: Good evening to our dear listeners out there! DJ Jackie here. Now, I have a situation for you. What if you fell in love with your friend? But, that friend loves somebody else.

             James and Yen both looked at the radio ..then to each other.

DJ: Would you still love him/her? Or worse, that friend of yours doesn’t know that you love him/her! Or really worst, that friend you love has a lover now, who turns out to be your dearest friend! It’s a hard situation, right? Well, that’s the situation of a girl named Yen Basilisco.

                Yen covered her face, feeling so embarrassed. While James gave a glance on her.

Yen: Great! Why now? Why did they mentioned my family name?! I told them not to.

                James was laughing minutely, he can’t help it. He didn’t know Yen was sending such situations on radio.

Yen: Don’t laugh at me, the last time I checked, we’re on the same boat.

                James’ brows met. “How did she know?”

James: What are you talking about?

Yen: Come on James, I know you like Devon ever since. (she poked James on his side)

James: No, I don’t like her. (he frowned but smiling)

Yen: Don’t deny---- (she was cut-off by James)

James: I don’t like her because I already love her. (smiled sadly)

DJ: Just a piece of advice for Yen, and to all those listeners that can relate to her situation, I think you should be happy for them, all along they’re your friends, right? Even though it hurts, soon, you will accept in your heart that you two don’t share the same soul. And maybe someday, you’ll find the man that’s only for you. This song I’m gonna play is for you, Yen. I Love You Goodbye by Nina. And I hope, you can move on and continue with your life.

James: That sucks!

Yen: What sucks? The song? (looked at James)

James: No, her advice, especially on our situation, how can we be happy if we know that the one we love is happy with someone else? And we see them happy in front of us. It damn hurts.

Yen: Yeah, you’re right. The six of us knows each other for almost 6 years. It’s really hard. But how did you know that I like Ivan?

James: I knew it since last year. I saw the pai in your eyes whenever Ivan tries to be always around with Devon. You just smile and bow your head down. That’s what I do too. (laughs)

Yen: And I thought I’m the best pretender. (laughs)

James: Yes you are…we are! (laughs)

Yen: Hey, don’t tell anyone, okay?

James: Sure, don’t tell anyone my secret too.

Yen: You can count on me. (smiled)

James: But Bret knows that I love Devon. He’s my best friend, he comforts me everytime.

Yen: Fretzie knows my secret too. But Devon is happy being with Ivan so I gave way. Ivan loves her so much. (smiled sadly and bowed her head down)

“Leaving someone when you love someone is the hardest thing to do..

When you love someone as much as I love you..

No I don’t wanna leave you, baby it tears me up inside..

But I’ll never be the one you’re needing..

I love you, goodbye…”

                Yen couldn’t help but sob when she heard the bridge of the song playing. She sobbed silently. James parked his car outside their favorite restaurant and rubbed Yen’s back softly.

James: We’re here. Stop crying, fix yourself. They might wonder what I did to you if they saw your puffy eyes. (smiled)

Yen: Yeah. (laughed) Sorry, let me fix myself first before we go out. Wait for me okay? (smiled)

James: Okay. (then they laughed together)

                Then and there, they created a bond that only the both of them know how and why t was built.

It Has Always Been You: Chapter 3- The Competition

Inter-departmental Dance Duo Competition…

Devon: Hey James! Sorry I’m late. I’m going to change first.

James: You got me worried. I thought something wrong came up!

                James hurriedly went to Devon and hugged her tight. He’s just so worried about Devon. He called her so many times but she didn’t answer even one of them. “Just let me hug you. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time..”

                Devon was shocked. Not because James hugged her but because of what she feels when James held her. It gives her sparks of electricity. Unconsciously, she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him back. “Why am I feeling this way? Why didn’t I felt this indescribable feeling when Ivan hugged me back on stage? Wake up, Devon! He’s just worried about you!” She let go, smiled at him awkwardly and turned around to change her clothes. She didn’t realized how stupid she was to give in into his simple hug.  She rushed changing clothes and didn’t mind what happened.

                “You did it, James!”, James said to himself. He complimented his own self for being brave enough to show her how he felt. When was the last time they hugged each other? It was when they won a dance competition month ago, he figured out. He then can’t help but smile because of what happened.

                James and Devon are ready to perform. They look good on their outfit and they look good together. The host of the event called them and they climbed up on stage. Everybody is cheering especially their friends, who are seated on the front row. Then the music played..Crawl by Chris Brown.

                Everyone got carried away. James and Devon really felt the emotions being emphasized by the song. They are dancing gracefully; the way they move really took the audience attention. The way James pulls Devon made the audience think that he really needs Devon’s presence and Devon’s gestures made the audience think that she loves being embrace and caressed by James. Even Ivan, Yen, Fretzie and Bret were amazed by the two of them. They know that the two are dance floor dynamites but they didn’t think that those two can make them drop their jaws like this. James and Devon are standing closely at each other; James’ hands are on Devon’s waist, and Devon’s hand on James’ chest, that was their position when the music ended. Everyone shouted at their loudest and their friends offered them a standing ovation and some followed. James were so happy, they knew they performed so well. Unconsciously, they hugged each other so tight in front of those people. Ivan, Yen, Fretzie and Bret were somewhat surprised. They never saw both them hugged each other so tight, just now.

James: We did well. (with a flashing smile)

Devon: Yeah, I hope we will win.. (returned a smile on him)

James: I’m sure we will..trust me..

                The time has come to announce the winner. Each pair were nervous and anxious about the result.

Host: Ladies and Gentlemen! The champion for the Dance Duo Competition, garnering 96.7 %..The Business Administration Department!..James Burgoyne and Devon Milano!

                James and Devon were so happy when they heard their names. They climbed up on stage and hugged each other again. In front of them are Ivan, Bret, Yen and Fretzie. Yen gave a glance on Ivan whose face is expressionless while clapping his hands. She knows that Ivan is jealous; she knows that he gets jealous easily. And that’s what hurts her more, to see Ivan hurting. “But what can I do? You didn’t even bother to notice me.”

                After the competition, the four went to the backstage to congratulate the two.

Fretzie: Devs! Congratulations! You’re so amazing back there. (hugged Devon)

Yen: Yeah! You two are so great. (hugged Devon and smiled at James)

Bret: Dude! I didn’t expect it! It’s like it’s not you.. (laughed and tapped James’ shoulder)

Ivan: Congratulations James..(tapped James)

James and Devon: Thank you guys.. (they smiled to all of their supportive friends)

Ivan: Hey babe, congratulations. You’re really the best dancer ever! (hugged and kissed Devon on the cheeks)

Devon: Thanks Ivan.. (smiled at Ivan sweetly)

                James saw what Ivan did. He just looked the other way to divert his attention. There he saw Ann and Tricia waving at him. The two girls have a crush on him. Ann Lim is a spoiled brat; she always finds a way to just to get what she wants. She is bossy, and demanding yet one of the boys admire. Tricia Yap, a spoiled brat too, she is Ann’s cousin. She is a spoiled brat too, a little annoying and childish yet she is a sweet girl every boy admires. James waved back at the two, “For a change..” , he told himself. Ann and Tricia were surprised because he never returns their waves. They showed their sweetest smile to James.

                Devon, who happen to saw James waving at Ann & Tricia was somewhat got disappointed. “Why did you wave back? I thought you don’t like the two of them?”  She is staring at James when everyone is busy talking. She is staring at him but he is too busy smiling at the two girls to notice. She just can’t help but frown. Suddenly, James looked at her direction after giving a smile to Ann and Tricia. He then saw Devon frowning, while staring at him.

                Devon now realized that James is looking at her. She looked at Fretzie and pretended to listen to what she is saying. James can’t help but smile and rejoice deep inside. “Oh my baby..are you jealous?..Dont be..coz I’m only yours..”

Fretzie: Come on guys..it’s already lunch time.

Ivan: Yeah, let’s go.

Fretzie: James, is it okay if we’ll join you?..we don’t want to disturb these two..(looked at Ivan and Devon smiling)

Devon: Fretz!. What are you saying?.

James: No, it’s okay. (smiled sadly)

Ivan: Okay. Let’s go. (held Devon’s hand and walked towards his car)

Bret: Fretz! Join me here. I already got my car after sending it for repair.

Fretzie: Okay, what about Yen?

Bret: Dude! Would you mind?

James: Of course not. Let’s go. (smiled at Yen)

Fretzie: Take care of Yen, okay? (smiled at them)

James: Sure!..

It Has Always Been You: Chapter 2- Memories from the Past

Bret saw the pain in his friend’s eyes. He felt pity for him. He walked towards James who now bowed his head down; so that no one can see that he is hurting.

Bret: If only you were brave enough to pursue her, we never know who she will choose from the both of you. But it’s too late now dude..too late.. (he tapped James shoulder)

James: You can’t blame me, he is always with Devon, I didn’t have the time to confess to her. He even drives her home, he visits her every weekend, he sits beside her if there’s a chance..how can I compete?

Fretzie: Hey!..congratulations Ivan!

Yen: Yeah..after one long year..

Ivan: Thank you Devon..you don’t know how you made me happy..

Devon: I guess I have no choice, I don’t want you to be ashamed in front of those people..(gave  a glance on her boyfriend)

Ivan: So, you’re saying you didn’t mean the answer you said?..huh?..(poked Devon)

Devon: haha..no..i’m just kidding..of course it’s true.. (smiled at him)

Fretzie: Ohh..how sweet.. (placing his palms on her face)

Ivan: Let’s eat dinner together guys..my treat!

Bret: That’s what I like about you Ivan!..haha

                Devon is too busy to notice that James never said anything. He just can’t take it. At the car, James and Bret are together while the other four are in Ivan’s car.

Bret: Hey dude..lighten up..I know it’s painful for you, but you have to get used to this. Just pretend they don’t affect you, just like on highchool years.

James: But it’s harder this time dude..she is now is girlfriend. I don’t know how to handle this. I’m afraid I can’t control my feelings.

Bret: Well you should try your best dude; you don’t want to be caught, right?

James: For her peace of mind, I will.

                While on the other car, Devon was still in surprise, she can’t still believe Ivan is his boyfriend now. She loves Ivan, but she can’t understand herself. She feels like something in her system wanted to say “no” to Ivan. She remembered James. She saw his expression when she answered Ivan. “Why is he like that?..It looks like he’s not happy for us…for me!..we are close friends..i thought he will congratulate us but he didn’t. What’s wrong with him?”  She was disturbed by a poke from Fretzie.

Devon: Hey!..

Fretzie: Why are you staring at nowhere outside the window? Aren’t you happy?

                Devon gave a glance on Ivan whose watching her, then she smiled.

Devon: Of course, I’m happy.

Ivan: I guess you just forced yourself to answer me for the sake of my reputation. (he put a sad face)

Devon: Of course not!..don’t say that..

Ivan: Really?..I love you Devon.. (with a smile on his face)

Devon: I love you too Ivan..and thank you.. (smiled in return)

Fretzie & Yen: Ayeeee...haha

Yen: I guess we better transfer to James’ car..

Fretzie: Yeah..so that we won’t disturb these love birds..

Devon: Hey..stop it!.. (and they all laughed)

                On the restaurant, everybody enjoys teasing Ivan and Devon. On the other hand, James is just staring at Devon. The six of them known each other during their high school days. James can still remember how he met Devon. It’s like he met an angel sent from above. He felt something for Devon and he knows..he knows it’s LOVE. But when he introduced Devon to his childhood friends Bret and Ivan, she began to like Ivan. He could also see that Ivan feels the same. And that’s the start of his calvary. But he’s still thankful that he got the chance to be with Devon sometimes. Devon is his partner when it comes to dancing. Their department always chooses their team-up, and he is grateful for that. Sometimes, when they decided to practice over time, he would drive her home, he's grateful for the chance to be solo with Devon. And he can say that those moments are his happiest. When he gets the chance to dance and move with her and touch her. He can also feel that she enjoys being with him. “But why did you said ‘yes’?.it should’ve been me Devon..me!”. After eating, they decided to go home since tomorrow is a big day for James and Devon. They’ll be competing for the Inter-departmental Dance Do Competition.

Fretzie: Devs, you should sleep early for you to have energy for tomorrow’s competition.

Yen: Yeah..Good luck!

Ivan: James, would you mind driving for these girls?

James: No, not at all.

                Devon stared at him. “I miss those nights that he drives me home..hey, what are you saying Devon?!” .

Bret: Then let’s go..

Yen: No, I think we can manage. We’ll just take a cab.

Fretzie: Yeah, it’s still 9 o’clock. I’m sure there are still a lot of cabs around here.

James: You sure?

Yen: Yeah..don’t bother James.. (smiled at them)

Ivan: Okay, see you tomorrow guys..let’s go babe..

                James was astonished upon hearing Ivan’s endearment to Devon. “Stop calling her babe!..She’s mine!”.

Devon: Bye Fretz, bye Yen, bye Bret, by James! Take care!..(and flashed a smile on her face)

Fretzie, Yen & Bret: Bye! Take care too...

                James made sure he gets Devon’s attention.

James: Hey Devon, prepare for tomorrow, okay? Sleep tight! (and smiled widely)

                “What the!”, Devon said to herself upon seeing James’ smile. “How come this guy is getting more & more handsome! Stop it Devon!”

Devon: You too. Good night! (smiled at him and waved, then turned away to catch up with Ivan)

                Ivan could see the joy in Devon’s eyes upon waving goodbye at James. He can’t help to be jealous. “Your eyes are not as happy as that when you talk to me”

                Bret could see James’ happiness upon seeing Devon’s smile. He knows that James really love Devon.

                Fretzie gave a glance on Yen, whose staring at the man she loves, walking with the girl he loves. Ivan with his girl Devon.

It Has Always Been You

Chapter 1-The Confession


Everyone is screaming because the campus crushes James Burgoyne, Bret Foster and Ivan Strutt are playing a song in the stage of Jaevon College Institute. They are the very famous boy band of the said institute. James is the guitarist and the vocals, Bret plays the guitar too and Ivan on the drums. Aside from those heart-warming voices, they also have the most beautiful faces, which made them to be called "Archangels". After their performance, everyone gave their loudest shouts and endless applauses. Suddenly, Ivan begged for silence..


Ivan: Guys..guys..a moment of silence please..


Bret and James are behind Ivan..


Bret:..dude!..hold on..you'll get the shock of your life.. (tapped James Shoulder)
James:..what are you talking about?..




The audience were confused but still gave his request.


Ivan: Since almost all of you are here..I would like to grab this opportunity to prove to the girl i love my true feelings for her. I've been courting her when we were still 3rd year., it's our last year now but she still wont believe me..and i dont know why..


On the right corner of the stage, Devon Milano is standing. She cant believe what Ivan is talking about. She knows, she is the girl Ivan is pertaining to. She attempted to leave but her friends Fretzie Cruspero and Yen Basilisco stopped her. They are holding Devon's arms to make sure she cant run away.


Fretzie: Come on Devs, how long will you keep Ivan waiting?.its been one long year and he is persistent!..i really believe he loves you..
Yen: Yeah, a guy as good as him wont wait that long if he is unsure of his feelings for you..
Devon: I know..im just making sure..i love him too and you both know that..do you think this is the right time to say 'yes'?
Fretzie&Yen:..yes!.


Devon got even more nervous when she saw Ivan walking towards her, smiling. The crowd was really having a blast, except for one guy on the stage..James. He's been keeping his feelings of affection for Devon because of Ivan. His heart is truly aching. He wants to run and escape than to hear Devon's 'yes' to him, but he can't. All along, Ivan thinks that he is supporting him but the truth is, he wants Ivan not to woo around Devon.


Bret: hey dude!..i wish you could see your face in the mirror..its so obvious that you dont like what's happening here..haha
James: why?..im just being myself..


James saw Ivan reaching his hand to Devon, she took it and climbed up to the stage.


Ivan: everyone,.this is Ms. Devon Milano. I know some of you know her, she's the best dancer in the campus, right?.


The crowd yelled 'yeah'!


Ivan: that's what i thought. She is the girl im talking about. Can you convince her to believe me?..(Ivan said with a smile on his face)
Devon: Ivan, what's this?..you dont have to do this. I believe you.
Ivan: i'm just showing you how much i love you.
Devon: No need..you already proved to me that..


Ivan knelt down before Devon. He held his hands and clasp it gently. Still holding a microphone for the world to know what he will say.


Ivan: Devs, after one year of courtship, i've waited for this moment to come. I know this is stupid and corny but i took the risk for you. Please believe me...I love you..i really do..now, in front of all this students and faculty members and all the outsiders out there...im asking you again..will you be my girl?..(with pleading eyes and a heart-melting smile)


The crowd was carried away and some are shouting "DeVan", Devon and Ivan's name combined. Devon,at the moment, didn't notice that Bret was her holding a microphone, directing to her mouth.

Devon: Ivan, one year ago, when you courted me, I didn’t believe you because I was afraid that you’re just playing with my feelings. But now, I guess someone as famous and great as you won’t wait for that long if you weren’t so sure about your love for me. And now, in front of all this people..my answer is “yes!”.

The crowd offered them their endless applauses and shouts. Ivan hugged Devon so tight a d she hugged him in return. All of them are really happy for Ivan and Devon. Except for one guy whose heart has been broken into pieces. He can’t stand seeing Devon happy with someone else’s arms.