Chapter Text
Day 1: Where Cassiopeia Lives
“Sorry talaga, Sie,” Janella said on the other end of the line, breathless, like she’d been speed-walking. “Last minute kasi rin nagsabi ’tong head namin. Kaya sorry.”
For a moment, Sienna pressed her eyes shut.
Beyond the glass walls reflected a deep indigo sky outside, runway lights blinking like distant stars beyond the terminal.
She stood still near one of the structural pillars in the airside departure area, phone pressed to her ear, the noise of the airport rushing around her like water—rolling suitcases, hurried footsteps, voices layered over voices. Somewhere overhead, a cheerful holiday jingle chimed, absurdly festive for how heavy her chest suddenly felt.
“Baka naman pwede pa natin mapilit ’yan?” she said at last, already knowing the answer.
She loosened her grip on the handle of her cabin-sized carry-on, a baby-pink hard case with corners grazed from use, as if the fight had finally slipped from her fingers. With a quick motion, she slid her ID badge into the pocket of her jacket.
SIENNA AMETHYST SELVITELLE
Senior Writer/Creative Producer
The lanyard was pink too—of course it was—her fingers returning to the handle a moment later.
“’Di na talaga keri, baks,” Janella replied. “Kung pwede lang eh, pero alam mo naman…”
Sienna exhaled through her nose and leaned back against a pillar, cool metal seeping through her blouse. She wore a simple white top beneath a cropped light khaki leather racer jacket—paired with baggy, light-wash denim jeans that made her look taller than she already was. At five-six, she blended easily into a crowd—except for the way she was softly distinctive, even without trying, her cat-like monolid eyes peeking from behind black hush shades, giving her an air of quiet curiosity.
Her gaze drifted, unavoidably, to the seating area a few meters away.
Alicia was there.
She sat slightly apart from the rest, posture composed even while seated, long legs crossed neatly. She was dressed almost entirely in black—a workwear jacket, dark trousers, loafers polished enough to catch the overhead lights—broken only by the light top beneath and the hint of mid-calf socks visible above her shoes. A sleek black carry-on tote rested on her lap. A cap was pulled low over her black hair, a face mask covering the lower half of her face, her statement glasses perched neatly above it, but her almond-shaped eyes, defined brows, and warm tan skin were unmistakable.
“Eh paano na ’to,” Sienna murmured into the phone, gaze fixed on her. “Kami lang dalawa magkasama sa New York? For three days tapos Pasko pa?”
“Kaya mo ’yan!” Janella said, too brightly. “Saka okay naman kasama si Ate Ace. ’Di ko nga alam bakit ’di na kayo nag-uusap eh. Parang close naman ata kayo dati?”
Sienna let out a short, humorless laugh. “Parang? Never talaga kami nag-usap, teh.”
“OA sa never. I mean at least casual convo? Mas lumala lang ata yung silent rivalry niyo nung nakita kitang lumabas sa room niya dati after nung night out. Ano ba kasi nangyari?”
Sienna’s fingers tightened around her phone. She shifted, turning her body slightly away from Alicia, as if that could put more distance between them.
“Hindi ko alam, okay?” she said. “Wala akong maalala. Mukhang ’di niya na rin maalala kasi lasing kami pareho.”
There was a pause on the line.
“Weh?” Janella said slowly. “Ba’t nagmamadali ka umalis? At ang dami mong kagat ng lamok no’n sa leeg?”
“Ewan ko sa bahay niyo!” Sienna snapped, cheeks warming. “’Di ata kayo naglilinis!”
Janella laughed, but it cut off abruptly, replaced by muffled office noise—voices, footsteps, an echoing hallway.
“Sige na,” Janella said. “Sa office na ang punta ko ngayon. Ingat kayo!”
Sienna softly pouted. “Ingat…”
The call ended.
She lowered her phone, staring at the darkened screen for a second longer than necessary.
A vibration followed almost immediately.
From: Direk R
Safe flight! Please keep close to the talent and ensure full coverage. Excited to see what you come up with.
Sienna sighed, a small, helpless sound she didn’t bother holding back.
“Excited ka. Ako hindi,” she whispered, slipping her phone into her pocket as she tugged her carry-on along beside her.
“Bakit naman kasi sa dinadami ng tao,” she muttered, “yung may secret animosity pa ata talaga sa'kin…”
“What did Jea say?”
“—Ay kabayo!”
Sienna nearly jumped out of her skin.
Alicia was beside her now, close enough that Sienna could smell her—clean, faintly expensive, painfully familiar. Alicia’s face was still unreadable above the mask.
No apology. No reaction.
Sienna cleared her throat, straightening. “’Di na raw siya makakasama.”
“Figures,” Alicia said.
Before Sienna could respond, a chime rang out overhead.
“Final call for Flight 217 to New York, now boarding at Gate 34.”
They both looked up.
As if on cue, Sienna’s gaze drifted past the gate entrance—to the massive backlit poster mounted beside it.
Alicia’s face stared back at them.
Barefaced, unmasked. Black hair loose around her shoulders. Eyes soft, almost kind… and just out of reach.
Her name printed in clean, bold letters beneath the image:
ALICIA CELESTINE ALMODOVAR
Asia’s Pop Superstar
World Tour 2026
Sienna swallowed.
She tightened her grip on her suitcase, heart quietly starting to race.
“Let’s go,” Alicia said beside her, voice low.
Sienna’s gaze snapped to her—and froze. The mask was already halfway down Alicia’s face.
Before she could think, her hand moved on its own, resting briefly against Alicia’s cheek to help adjust the mask.
Alicia glanced at her hand, eyes narrowing slightly, but made no move to pull away.
Sienna yanked her hand back, holding up a peace sign with an awkward laugh.
“Sorry…” Her cheeks flamed. "Baka kasi may makakilala sa'yo, tapos dumugin tayo ng mga fans mo."
Alicia rolled her eyes, readjusted the mask herself, and stepped forward, adjusting the strap of her carry-on as she went.
“Sungit,” Sienna muttered under her breath, shaking her head.
The holiday jingle still chimed overhead, rolling suitcases clattering past, voices layered over voices.
Sienna sighed deeply, glancing at the gate.
Then, in a whisper:
“Gabayan Niyo na lang po ako, Lord… para ma-survive ’tong masungit na ’to. Para lang po sa promotion at sa Mommy ko.”
She exhaled, shoulders dropping a fraction. "Three days lang 'to self," she whispered again. "Tiis ganda na lang muna."
And then she followed Alicia, stepping into the stream of passengers moving toward the gate.
The cabin was quiet, a soft hum of engines and hushed conversations filling the spacious business class. Plush seats stretched in neat rows, each with generous legroom and glossy tray tables.
Sienna’s heart skipped as she reached their row.
She stopped short.
Three seats along the window. A narrow aisle beside them.
She glanced at the seat Janella would have taken—19A—but a passenger was already settled there, quietly reading, the seatbelt fastened.
Her fingers tightened around the handle of her bag as she glanced down at the boarding passes in her hand, like they might suddenly tell her something else.
19B. 19C.
Her heart sank.
“Great,” she muttered under her breath. “Magkatabi pala kami dito…”
Footsteps paused behind her.
Sienna looked back. Alicia stood there, expression unreadable, mask still on, one hand resting on the strap of her carry-on.
Clearing her throat, Sienna gestured weakly toward the seats.
“Uh… middle or aisle?” she asked.
Alicia didn’t answer.
She simply stepped forward and took 19C—the aisle seat—settling in with quiet efficiency. Her sleek black tote rested lightly on her lap, and as she moved, the faint scent of something minty lingered in the air.
“Okay,” Sienna said softly, forcing a breath. “Middle seat it is, then.”
She lifted her cabin-sized carry-on into the overhead bin with a small grunt, nudging it into place before closing the latch.
Only then did she slide into 19B, careful not to brush against the polished leather armrest beside her, her heart still racing as the space between them disappeared entirely.
Shortly after, the overhead bins thudded shut one by one, the cabin settling into a low, anticipatory hush. A flight attendant’s voice flowed smoothly over the speakers, welcoming them aboard, outlining safety procedures Sienna had heard too many times to count—and still never really listened to.
She fastened her seatbelt, fingers fumbling slightly as the click echoed louder than it should have.
"Breathe," she murmured to herself. "Nagawa mo na 'to dati."
The plane began to push back from the gate, the movement slow but unmistakable. The faint tug of motion pulled at her stomach, subtle and wrong.
Sienna swallowed.
Her leg bounced despite her efforts to keep it still. She pressed her palms flat against her thighs, grounding herself, but the tightness in her chest only grew as the engines hummed louder—deeper.
She hated this part.
“First time flying?” the passenger in 19A asked kindly, glancing over his book.
Sienna forced a smile. “No. Just… not a fan.”
The engines roared to life.
Her breath caught.
The vibration traveled through the seat, up her spine, into her bones. Sienna’s fingers curled inward, nails pressing lightly into her palms as the plane picked up speed, runway lights blurring outside the window.
Too fast. Too loud.
Her chest tightened, breaths turning shallow.
Then—without fully realizing it—her hand moved.
Her fingers latched onto fabric.
Alicia stiffened slightly at the sudden contact.
Sienna froze, mortified, but she couldn’t let go. Her hand was wrapped around Alicia’s sleeve now, knuckles pale, trembling.
“I—sorry,” she whispered, voice barely audible over the engines. “Takot lang talaga ako sa—”
The plane lifted.
Sienna’s breath broke completely as gravity seemed to slip away. Her grip tightened instinctively.
Alicia glanced down at her hand.
For a split, terrifying second, Sienna braced herself at the thought she’d pull away.
Instead, Alicia shifted—not away, but closer. She lifted her arm just enough to let Sienna’s hand rest more securely against her forearm.
“It’s okay,” Alicia said quietly, her voice steady and calming. “Breathe.”
Sienna tried.
Failed.
Alicia reached over then, deliberate. Warm fingers settled over Sienna’s clenched hand—firm and reassuring.
She eased Sienna’s hand down, slow and careful—until their palms aligned.
Without fully realizing it, Sienna’s fingers curled back.
They fit.
“Inhale,” Alicia murmured. “Dahan-dahan.”
Sienna followed, breath shaking as it filled her lungs.
“Exhale.”
Again.
The engines leveled out. The pressure eased as the plane climbed higher, city lights shrinking into something distant and unreal.
Sienna’s shaking slowly subsided.
She didn’t realize her eyes had closed until a single tear slipped free, trailing down the side of her cheek. She wiped at it clumsily, embarrassed, but Alicia didn’t say anything—just stayed where she was.
At some point, Sienna felt her head tip sideways, settling against something warm and solid.
Mint.
A familiar, calming scent.
“You’re fine,” Alicia whispered, so softly it almost blended with the hum of the cabin. “You’re going to be fine.”
Sienna breathed again.
Once. Twice.
For the first time since arriving at the airport, her body finally let go.
She didn’t notice when sleep took her. Hours passed, the hum of the cabin steady around her. Her breathing evened out, everything else falling away.
A soft pressure against her cheek pulled Sienna back into consciousness.
She stirred, her brow creasing as a small, confused sound slipped from her throat. She shifted slowly, disoriented. Her neck ached faintly, stiff from the angle she’d fallen into.
Her eyes fluttered open.
For a moment, she didn’t understand where she was. The cabin lights were dimmed, the world washed in muted blues and grays. Outside the window, only darkness and cloud stretched on, endless and unreal.
Then she felt it.
Warmth.
Her hand.
Still holding onto something.
Sienna’s breath hitched as awareness rushed back all at once. She tried to pull away—
—and failed.
Alicia’s fingers tightened around hers, gentle but firm.
“We’re still in the air,” she murmured. Just stating a fact.
The understanding settled slowly—and Sienna’s fingers tightened.
“You’re okay,” Alicia reassured.
Sienna swallowed hard.
“Sorry,” she whispered, embarrassed, voice thick with sleep. “Akala ko—”
“It's okay,” Alicia said, already turning slightly in her seat to give her space without breaking contact. “Meal service.”
As if on cue, a flight attendant paused beside them, tray in hand.
Sienna nodded mutely, still not fully trusting her body to let go. Alicia accepted the trays with her other hand, balancing them with practiced ease.
They ate quietly.
Their hands never separated—not because either of them said so, but because neither of them moved. Cutlery scraped softly against ceramic, the hum of the engines steady beneath it all.
By the time the trays were cleared, Sienna focused on breathing—in and out.
She told herself she was fine. That the worst part was over.
But Alicia felt it anyway.
The slight shake running through Sienna’s fingers, subtle but persistent.
She glanced sideways.
“You’re still shaking,” she said under her breath.
“Hindi naman, I’m—” Sienna started, then stopped. The lie didn’t land even to her own ears.
Alicia exhaled, slow.
“Come here,” she said, already shifting.
She lifted her arm, guiding Sienna’s head gently—not forcefully—until she was back against her.
Sienna hesitated for only a second before leaning in, her temple brushing Alicia’s collarbone as she let herself settle.
Mint... that same grounding scent.
“Just sleep,” Alicia murmured. “I’ll wake you.”
Sienna nodded, eyes already closing.
Her grip loosened this time—not in fear, but in trust.
The trembling faded gradually, her breathing evening out as exhaustion claimed her again. Alicia stayed still, gaze forward, fingers entwined with her.
The cabin hummed on.
Somewhere between cloud and sleep, Sienna slept.
Time passed in the gentle hum of the cabin. Shadows shifted subtly across the seats, and the faint pressure of Alicia’s presence beside her reminded Sienna, even unconsciously, that she wasn’t alone.
Then soft, deliberate taps to her cheek nudged her awake again.
She shifted with a soft groan, her body lagging behind the pull of waking. She lifted her head—and immediately hissed, one hand going to the side of her neck.
“Ouch—” she muttered, barely awake. Everything felt stiff, like she’d been folded wrong for hours.
Around her, the cabin was no longer quiet. Sunlight spilled through the windows, muted by the thin layer of clouds, turning the space a soft, silvery glow.
Overhead bins stood open now. Passengers reached up, tugging down bags, the low shuffle of movement filling the air. The man from 19A was already standing, backpack slung over one shoulder, waiting his turn to step into the aisle.
Sienna blinked, trying to piece things together.
Then—
A squeeze.
Not hard. Just enough.
Her gaze dropped—and froze. Her hand was still intertwined with someone else’s.
Alicia’s.
Sienna sucked in a sharp breath and yanked her hand back as if burned, eyes snapping up in panic.
Alicia was already moving, absentmindedly brushing her shoulder clean—right where Sienna’s head had rested for hours. As if it were nothing. As if none of it had happened.
Sienna stared, mortified.
She gasped softly, heat rushing to her face. She instinctively covered her mouth, horrified. Her fingers pressed against her lips as she checked, panicked.
“…Wait,” she muttered. “Naglaway ba ako...?”
Silence.
Alicia stood, slipping the strap of her bag over her shoulder, eyes forward, already halfway into departure mode.
Before she could step into the aisle, Sienna reached out again, fingers brushing her hand just enough to stop her.
“Ali… cia.”
Alicia paused.
Didn’t turn.
Sienna immediately let go, cheeks burning as she pulled her hand back to herself.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “Sa… kanina.”
Alicia didn’t reply.
She simply stepped forward with the flow of passengers and disappeared down the aisle without looking back.
Sienna stayed seated for a moment longer, heart doing something strange in her chest, her hand resting limply on her lap—still warm where Alicia’s had been.
Outside the jet bridge, New York greeted them with glass and steel, washed in soft midday December light—cool, pale, awake. There was no snow, but both of them pulled on their coats—Sienna in a long beige coat over her cropped leather jacket, Alicia in a sleek black wool coat—just enough to ward off the December chill. Sienna tucked her sunglasses into the neckline of her white top, letting the pale light hit her features. Alicia finally removed her mask, though a black cap still shaded her hair, preserving a touch of anonymity.
By the time the Waldorf Astoria rose into view just as the car slowed to a stop, the city had fully come alive.
Sienna leaned forward slightly, peering out the window as if seeing it for the first time—even though she already knew. Of course she did. She always knew.
Evergreen wreaths framed the grand entrance. White lights traced the columns in neat, restrained lines—old-money Christmas, elegant and deliberate.
Alicia followed her gaze.
The moment she recognized the place, she gave a small shake of her head.
“Waldorf,” she said flatly, more observation than question.
Sienna didn’t look at her. “Mm.”
“You picked it,” Alicia added.
“Company did,” Sienna corrected lightly, already unbuckling her seatbelt. “Hindi lang ako nagreklamo.”
That earned her a quiet scoff.
The ride from the airport had passed in near silence—no acknowledgment of what had happened between them on the plane. Just the hum of traffic, the city fully awake around them. Sienna hadn’t known whether to be relieved or unsettled by it.
Inside, the lobby was everything Sienna expected—high ceilings, polished marble floors, towering Christmas trees dressed in white lights and crystal ornaments, placed neatly around the space. Soft instrumental carols floated through the air, elegant and restrained.
Alicia paused for half a second.
Not impressed.
Just… aware.
At the front desk, the confirmation was swift.
“One-bedroom suite,” the receptionist said pleasantly. “That’s the reservation.”
Sienna’s stomach dropped.
Alicia’s head snapped up. “One?”
“Holiday week,” the receptionist continued apologetically. “We’re fully booked. That’s all your company managed to secure.”
“No,” Alicia said immediately. “That won’t work.”
Sienna stepped in fast. “It’s fine,” she said, reaching out and taking the key card before Alicia could argue. “We’ll figure it out.”
Alicia turned to her, incredulous. “Figure it out—how?”
“May sofa naman,” Sienna said, gently steering them toward a pair of velvet chairs beneath a towering Christmas tree, her hand light at Alicia’s elbow.
Alicia let herself be led a few steps before stopping. She folded her arms. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not.”
They stared at each other—too close again, tension threading tight between them.
Then Sienna sighed, fingers brushing against the keycard. She glanced at it—just once—before looking back up.
“Okay. Fine.”
She tilted her head slightly.
“Naniniwala ka ba sa destiny?”
Alicia frowned. “What does that have to do with this?”
Sienna leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “You get into the elevator opposite of me,” she said. “Tapos hulaan mo kung anong floor ako bababa.”
Alicia blinked. “…What?”
“Pag tama ka,” Sienna continued, calm now, “I’ll take the sofa. Walang reklamo.”
“And if I got it wrong?”
“Then ikaw ang sa sofa. I’ll text you once I’m in the room—so you’ll know if you guessed wrong.”
Silence stretched.
“I don’t gamble,” Alicia said flatly.
“Hindi 'to sugal,” Sienna replied. “It’s… probability.”
Alicia scoffed. “I shouldn’t even have to compromise. I’m the artist here.”
Sienna smiled softly, a knowing curve to her lips. “And I promise you na hindi mo 'ko makikita. Not unless you want to.”
That did it.
Alicia studied her for a long moment, something unreadable flickering behind her eyes.
“…Fine,” she said at last. “But don’t cheat.”
“I won’t,” Sienna said easily.
They walked toward the elevators together, the silence settling back in—denser now, charged with something unspoken.
Elevator banks stood side by side, identical, festive garlands draped neatly across their tops. Their doors gleamed under the soft glow of a small Christmas tree on a table placed at the center, its light reflecting faintly against the polished marble floor.
Sienna stopped.
“Dito ako,” she said, nodding toward the first one on the right.
Alicia arched a brow. “Already decided?”
Sienna shrugged. “I told you. Ikaw ang manghuhula.”
Alicia stepped into the opposite elevator, turned just before the doors closed. “Which floor?”
Sienna smiled. “Nice try.”
The doors slid shut.
A moment of quiet.
Inside her elevator, Sienna leaned back against the wall, exhaling slowly. She glanced again at the key card in her hand before looking up at the panel. Her finger hovered.
“Okay,” she murmured under her breath.
She pressed their floor number—
23.
The doors closed fully, the elevator beginning its smooth ascent.
Across the lobby, Alicia stood alone in the opposite elevator, arms folded, jaw tight.
She stared at the buttons like they’d personally offended her.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered, fingers hovering above several floors—almost brushing them before retreating, deliberate hesitation in each movement.
She closed her eyes.
Then, almost defiantly, she reached out and pressed—
23.
The elevator hummed upward.
Alicia didn’t smile.
She just waited.
While on the other side, Sienna’s elevator slowed.
Ding.
12.
She frowned. “Huh?”
The doors slid open.
“And here it is,” the man said, crouching slightly beside the boy gripping his hand. “See? Right on cue.”
The boy beamed, eyes wide with curiosity—small horns perched crookedly on his head, a red cape dragging just a little too long behind him.
Sienna smiled despite herself.
The man straightened and glanced at her. “Going up?”
“Yes,” Sienna replied, stepping aside.
The doors began to close—
Tap.
The boy slipped free and slammed his palm against the panel.
Once.
Twice.
Then—rapid-fire.
“Hey—!” the father reached for him.
Too late.
The panel lit up like a Christmas tree.
Sienna stared in horror.
“…Nice.”
“I’m so sorry,” the father said, flustered.
“Josh—stop—”
The boy grinned. “I like buttons.”
Sienna let out a weak laugh. “Same,” she said, then immediately regretted it.
The doors closed.
The elevator lurched upward.
Ding.
13.
Ding.
14.
Sienna groaned quietly, tipping her head back against the wall. “Awa na lang talaga.”
Meanwhile—
Ding.
Alicia stepped out onto floor 23.
The hallway was hushed, plush carpet swallowing the sound of her shoe. Warm light glowed from the chandelier, muted, intimate.
She glanced around once.
No Sienna.
Alicia frowned.
She checked the elevator panel.
23.
Correct.
She waited.
A few seconds passed.
Then a minute.
She folded her arms again, irritation creeping in. “Unbelievable.”
Pulling out her phone—no message. Nothing.
She paced once. Then stopped herself.
Her gaze flicked back to the elevator doors.
Inside Sienna’s elevator—
Ding.
15.
The boy clapped. “Yey!”
The father buried his face in his hand. “I am so sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Sienna said through gritted teeth. “It’s really—”
The elevator jolted.
Then—
Stopped.
The lights flickered once.
Twice.
Then steadied.
Silence.
The boy looked up. “Are we stuck?”
Sienna’s stomach dropped.
“…Maybe just a pause,” she said lightly.
Nothing moved.
No ding.
No hum.
The father pressed the emergency button.
“Hello?” he said. “I think we’re stuck between floors.”
Sienna closed her eyes.
“Destiny pa nga,” she muttered.
Back on floor 23, Alicia checked her phone.
Still no text from Sienna.
She stared at the closed doors, jaw tightening—not with anger now, but something sharper. Something like unease.
Ding.
She stepped closer.
15… 16...
“Don’t tell me,” she murmured. “This better not be a prank—”
The display stalled.
Alicia’s breath hitched.
She stared at the unmoving number.
“…Selvitelle?”
The hallway remained silent.
And for the first time since making the bet, Alicia felt something twist uncomfortably in her chest—not annoyance.
Concern.
She exhaled sharply, annoyed at herself, and glanced toward the elevator panel—then away.
Waiting had never been her strength.
The display flickered.
17… 18… 19… 20…
Alicia straightened instinctively, eyes fixed on the doors.
21… 22…
23.
The doors slid open.
Sienna stepped out, coat slightly rumpled, hair no longer perfectly in place.
Her eyes lifted—
And met Alicia’s.
Something eased in Alicia’s chest so abruptly it almost irritated her.
“You’re definitely taking the sofa,” Alicia said instead.
Sienna blinked. Her gaze flicked to the elevator panel on Alicia’s side.
“…Nakuha mo,” Sienna said quietly, then narrowed her eyes back at her. “Nakita mo ata yung key card eh.”
Alicia tilted her head. "Why would I?
“You were standing close kanina.”
“I don't even want to stay in the same room as you,” Alicia shot back.
Sienna opened her mouth—then closed it.
Alicia turned, already heading down the hall. “Congratulations,” she added over her shoulder. “I hope you still believe in destiny.”
A few moments later, the door clicked open.
The suite unfolded in muted elegance. Winter daylight settled across polished floors, cream walls, and muted gold accents. A spacious living area stretched out first—an L-shaped sectional sofa arranged neatly beside the tall windows—while beyond it, a partial divider and open doorway gently marked the transition to the bedroom. The bed lay beyond, immaculately made, visible but not exposed.
Their luggage had already arrived. Alicia’s single large black hard case and Sienna’s two baby-pink cases—one full-sized, one cabin carry-on—stood near the living room entrance, neatly lined up side by side—pink against black.
Sienna shrugged out of her coat and draped it over the sofa, movements cautious, as if any sudden motion might escalate things.
“Uh… I guess,” she said lightly, “ito na ang kapalaran ko.”
Alicia hummed, noncommittal, pulling her suitcase further inside. “Obviously,” she said simply.
“Right,” Sienna muttered, lips quirking despite herself.
Before she could say more, her phone buzzed.
She pulled it out.
From: Direk R
Are you checked in? We’ll need Alicia briefed first thing tomorrow. Editorial would like tone approval before noon. Just send your notes and outline tonight. Also, don’t forget the revised figures.
Sienna exhaled, thumbs moving fast.
To: Direk R
Checked in safely. I’ll handle the briefing in the morning and will send an outline by tonight. Noted on the revised figures.
Send.
She lingered on her screen, scrolling through unread messages. The first that caught her eye was the latest one…
From: Janella Pap4nsin 💀
Musta beh?
Nakarating na kayo?
‘Di naman ba kayo naging awkward ni Ate Ace?
Sienna snorted quietly and typed back.
To: Janella Pap4nsin 💀
i guess di naman kami awkward,,, medyo lang 😭
but yup, we’re actually checked in na
hbu?
how’s the last-minute assignment?
She switched to her inbox. Another unopened message—
From: Momzilla 💗
Myth nakarating na ba kayo?
Ingat ka jan ha
Don’t skip meals princess 😘
Her thumb paused.
She softened instantly, typing slower this time.
To: Momzilla 💗
nakarating na kami, mommyy
don’t worry about me, i’m okay ☺️
focus ka lang sa dialysis mo mamaya, okay?
love youu 💖
She stared at her message for a second longer before slipping the phone back into her pocket.
Only then did she look up.
Alicia was already standing by the window, New York stretching before her—pale winter light, distant and unreal. She’d removed her cap now, hair falling loose over her shoulders. Her hand tugged the handle of her suitcase closer to her side.
But Sienna could still see it.
The stiffness in the way Alicia held herself. The tight grip on her suitcase handle, just enough to show she wasn’t relaxed.
“Okay ka lang?” Sienna asked before she could stop herself.
Alicia glanced back. “I’m fine.”
Sienna shifted, suddenly unsure what to do with her hands.
“Uh—lunch?” she offered. “Do you want to eat? Hindi pa tayo nag-lunch.”
Alicia hesitated for a second. Then she shook her head. “Later.”
“Sure?”
“Yes. I just want to sleep,” Alicia said, already tugging her suitcase toward the bedroom.
“Oh—okay.” Sienna nodded, guilt curling quietly in her chest. “I’ll just… work na lang muna.”
Alicia gestured vaguely toward the walk-in closet as she walked toward the bed, shrugging off her coat. “You can put your things in the walk-in closet if you want.”
Sienna shook her head almost immediately. “It’s okay, sa maleta na lang ako. We’re not staying long anyway. And…” she hesitated, then added lightly, “part of the deal, ‘di ba? I won’t be in your way.”
Alicia’s mouth twitched as she set her coat down at the bed bench. “Right. Invisible roommate.”
“Pero gagamit pa rin ako ng bathroom,” Sienna added quickly, like an afterthought. “CR lang. Connected kasi sa kwarto eh.”
Alicia paused, turning toward her, studying her for a brief second, unreadable. “Suit yourself.”
She closed the bedroom doors, leaving one slightly ajar.
That was it.
No argument. No retort.
Sienna lingered for a moment, then gave an awkward smile to no one in particular before retreating to her suitcase to grab her laptop.
Minutes passed.
Then more.
She worked at the center table in the living room, the city humming softly beyond the window. Emails, notes, and outlines bloomed across her screen.
But her eyes kept drifting to the bedroom door.
There was no sound.
When she finally stood and glanced inside the small space, Alicia was asleep—one arm flung over a pillow, hair loosened, defenses dropped in a way that felt almost unfair to witness.
Sienna sighed and quietly pulled the door shut.
She went back to work.
It was dark by the time hunger nudged her again. She ordered room service and asked guest services for extra pillows and a blanket.
Everything arrived quietly soon after. She set the pillows and blanket on the sofa, leaving them untouched, and placed the steaming dinner on the table.
She hesitated as she sat—then pulled out her phone.
To: ❄️
hii! i ordered room service. 😁
it’s on the table lang. u can eat it when u wake up.
pretty sure hungry ka na, we didn’t get to eat lunch kasi eh. 😅
She started typing another message, then paused.
Sienna’s thumb hovered, then fell still. She clicked her phone shut and set it aside.
When she finished, she moved carefully through the suite, like she was afraid of waking a skittish animal, tidying her things as she went.
Moments later, she leaned against the bathroom counter, letting out the breath she’d been holding all evening, before finally starting her night routine.
Sienna didn’t lie down right away.
She drifted toward the window instead, barefoot on the carpet, wearing her soft pink nightwear layered for winter warmth. The city stretching below like something alive—headlights threading through streets, buildings glowing in patient rows. New York at night felt less like a place and more like a witness.
She leaned closer, forehead nearly touching the glass.
Her gaze lifted.
Above the city’s glow, the sky surprised her—darker than she expected. Stars were faint but there, scattered across the night.
“Wow,” she murmured. “May stars pala.”
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Her thoughts drifted to her mom at this hour. If the dialysis had gone smoothly. If she was tired. If she’d looked up at the same sky, even if at a different time.
Unconsciously, Sienna reached for the small necklace resting against her collarbone, fingers rubbing the small pendant as she kept her eyes on the stars.
“That’s Cassiopeia.”
Sienna startled, spinning halfway around.
Alicia stood a few steps away, hair loose on her shoulder, sleep-softened but alert. She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed loosely, eyes tipped upward toward the glass.
“OMG ka,” Sienna said, hand slipping to her chest like it might somehow steady itself. “Magkakasakit talaga ako sa puso dahil sa’yo.”
Alicia lifted her chin, nodding toward the window. “The crooked W is Cassiopeia.”
Sienna blinked, glancing back at the sky. For a second, she saw nothing but scattered points of light—random and distant.
Her brow furrowed.
Then, slowly, the shape emerged.
Her finger lifted almost without thought, tracing the pattern Alicia had pointed out.
“Paano mo nasabi na siya ‘to?” she asked, almost absentmindedly.
Alicia shifted her weight and moved closer, uncrossing her arms. Her hand hovering near Sienna’s as if to guide it—but she stopped, letting it drop and stepping slightly to the side instead.
“Long time ago,” she said, matter-of-factly, “there was a queen in Ethiopia. Cassiopeia. She thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world—like, no one even came close.”
Her mouth twitched as she tilted her head. “Naturally, everyone got offended. Especially the gods.”
She paused, gaze still fixed on the sky.
“One day she crossed the line. I forgot who exactly she pissed off—pero bad. Like, really bad.”
Alicia side-glanced at Sienna, watching her continue tracing the stars, before returning her gaze to the sky.
“So Poseidon punished her. He put her up there and strapped to her throne, upside down. Forever. Skirt over her shoulders. Blood rushing to her head.”
A soft sigh escaped Alicia’s lips as she straightened.
“And now,” she finished quietly, “she’s just a constellation. Stuck in the sky, paying for her vanity.”
Sienna smiled despite herself, lowering her hand. “Hindi ko in-expect na you're a constellation person pala.”
“I’m not,” Alicia replied. “Just remember things.”
“Kahit na,” Sienna said softly. “For someone who doesn’t believe in destiny, you know a lot about stars.”
Alicia huffed, already turning away. “Knowing about it isn’t the same as believing in them.”
Sienna watched her walk toward the dining area. The suite was quiet, except for the faint hum of the city beyond the windows and the muted tick of a wall clock somewhere in the living room. Night pressed gently against the glass.
She cleared her throat. “I’m… really sorry. About sa kanina, sa plane.”
Alicia stopped, hand resting on the back of a chair. “Why does that matter now?”
“Kasi… it’s my fault,” Sienna said honestly. “You got tired. You didn’t get to sleep.”
Alicia didn’t answer. She simply lifted the lid of the dish on the table.
Silence settled between them.
“You can heat it up,” Sienna added, filling it quickly. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, kaya I asked Janella.”
Alicia exhaled softly and sat down to eat, wordless.
Sienna took that as permission to retreat.
She turned to the sofa and began fixing it into a makeshift bed—pulling the sheets free, spreading them carefully, fluffing the pillows into place with slow, deliberate movements.
When she was done, she lay down, drew the blanket up to her chest, and made the sign of the cross.
Only then did she fold her hands together, eyes closing.
“Lord, hi…” she smiled, whispering her prayer.
“I pray po na everything goes well. For my Mommy—sana her dialysis went well and please… let this project go well din para sana…” she paused, tugging the blanket closer.
“...matuloy na yung promotion ko.”
“Amen,” she breathed, almost a sigh, as she made the sign of the cross.
From the dining table, cutlery clinked softly.
“I’ll sleep first,” she said quietly, glancing back toward Alicia. “Good night.”
There was no reply.
Alicia kept eating, eyes fixed on the food, taking a bite mid-chew.
Sienna smiled faintly to herself.
She turned her back, and let the city lights blur.
Sleep came easily this time.