Chapter Seven:Part Four

Aldo rented Louie’s beach resort for Dana’s birthday. Up to this point, she doesn’t have

an idea on what the group has prepared for her.

They arrived in the afternoon on that day.

While everyone was enjoying themselves in the beach, Leni stayed on the tent preparing the food.

Dana approached her and asked

“Leni, why don’t you join us?”

“I don’t want to get darker. Sayang naman yung mga glutathione capsules na ininom ko ng apat na buwan.”

“Hello?! It’s five o’clock in the afternoon. Hindi na nakaka-itim yung araw.”

Leni joined the group playing patintero. It was girls versus guys.

She was always the’ it’ because she was running slowly. Leni came up with a strategy.

As she invaded her opponents, she paused for a while. Aldo smiled, winked at her, and said.

“O lumapit ka.”

Leni smiled back, moved forward, and stepped on his feet.

Aldo got hurt and grabbed his left foot.

“Aray! Ang sakit nun!May bakal ka ba sa paa?”

“Aldo, style mo bulok. Hindi ako nakukuha na ngiti. Alam mo naman na ayokong kinikindatan ako.”

“Leni, pilya ka pa rin pala.” Mong added.

Everyone laughed.

After eating dinner, Leni approached Aldo who sat one corner, trying to put a bag of ice on his left foot. She approached him and said.

“Aldo, ako na. Sorry pala kanina.Hindi ko talaga sinasadya na apakan ka. Dapat kasi, hindi mo na ako kinindatan.Alam mo naman na ayokong kinikindatan ako.Nakaka-irita. ”

“Hayaan mo na yun Leni. Wag mo na lang uulitin kasi hindi ka na bata para umasal ng ganun.”

“Okay, sige. Kailangan mo na bang tumayo?”

Aldo nodded as she helped him to stand up.

“Aldo, how’s the cottage? Would you know if they placed all the balloons there? Nandoon na ba sila lahat?”

“Yes, they were already there so were the balloons. You don’t have to worry about it; everything has been taken care of.”

Leni asked Dana to change into her white dress, the one that the two of them bought from the town. She asked her to close her eyes until they reached the cottage.

When Dana opened her eyes, she was serenaded by her cousin and the rest of the guys there. Out of joy, she broke into tears.

“Sino ang may pasimuno nito?”

“Si Leni!” All of them said as they pointed her.

She blew the candles and opened her presents. The last one that she opened was from Leni. It was a charm bracelet made out of clay beads and crystals that was similar from the one that Red gave her. Dana wore it and embraced her.

“Thanks, this is the best birthday I ever had. I never thought that this would happen, mahirap lang kasi kami.” She said to Leni.

“You’re welcome. I’m so grateful to have you as my friend even if we just met this summer. I would never forget that time when you shared your baon with me. Not all people would be sincere enough to do that. By the way, you should also thank your cousin because he’s the one who was able to get our reservation here for free.”

Afterwards, the group had their ‘videoke’ session. It was Aldo’s turn to sing and he picked “Please be careful with my heart” by Regine Velasquez and Jose Mari Chan.

“Dapat may ka-duet si Kuya Aldo” Dana said.

“Sino?”

“Siyempre, si Leni.” One of them said

“Ay, ako ba? Bakit ako?” Leni asked them chuckling.

“Siyempre, kayo ang love team dun sa play.”

To stop the people from teasing, Leni sang with Aldo. She used to love this song while she was still a kid. While they were singing, everyone was saying,

“Uy, parang totoo.”

Leni just laughed.

After the celebration, they went inside their rooms. The girls were separated from the guys.

“I heard that you’re going back to Manila. Is it true?” One of them asked Leni.

“Yes, I’ll be leaving next week.” Leni replied as she told them how much, she’s going to miss them. Then, someone brought up about her dance with Aldo during Louie’s wedding.

“Leni, let me ask you something?” Dana asked.

“Kahit ano ha, wag lang Math.”

“Did you ever felt attracted from my cousin? Kahit konti lang? Kasi lagi kayong magkasama dahil sa practice dahil palagi kayong magka-eksena.”

“Tayo-tayo lang, hindi ito makaka-labas.” One of them added.

Leni’s eyes popped as soon as she realized that she was on the hot seat.

“Wait, Dana should be the one who should be asked with questions like this, not me. Besides, it’s her birthday.”

“Eh, gusto namin ikaw. Malapit ka na kasi umuwi eh.”

“Honestly speaking, I never felt attracted to Aldo because he’s Ate Agatha’s boyfriend.Lahat ng type ng pinsan ko, ayaw ko.”

“But, you’re cousin is out of the picture. Kuya Aldo, already moved on. I’m sure; Agatha would like him to be happy.”

“I know, but I haven’t gotten over my ex. That’s why I don’t see myself getting attached to someone else. Aldo is just like my best friend Adam.Ganon lang ang tingin ko sa kanya.Kaya kahit ilang beses niyo ako tuksuhin sa kanya, dedma lang ako.”

“Talaga lang ah, tignan natin sa future.” Dana replied.

After having chatting with them, Leni excused herself and stepped outside the cottage to breathe some fresh air.

Chapter Seven: Part Three

Aside from the orphans residing there, the venue was also filled with residents and some of the local officials. All of them were excited to watch the play.

Leni looked for her Aunt Juana.

“What time will you get back?”
“Probably by eleven, we’re going to have dinner at Mong’s house after.”
“Okay, magpa-hatid ka na lang kay Aldo mamaya.”

She rushed herself backstage when her aunt said,

“Leni, galingan mo.”

After putting on her costume and make-up, Leni suddenly felt sad. While everyone was busy preparing themselves for the presentation, she sat on a corner and embraced a pillow.
A few seconds later, Mong approached her.

“Leni, what’s wrong?”
“I miss my best friends. Sa mga ganitong pagkaka-taon, palagi ko silang kasama.Naalala ko lang sila bigla.”
“ O,bakit wala sila? Hindi mo ba sila inimbita?”
“Inimbita ko sila kaso lang, pumunta sila sa Boracay. Dapat kasama ako, kaso lang nandito ako.”
“Ah, ganun ba? Okay lang yan, Nandito naman kami eh, at saka yung Darling Aldo mo.”
“Mong, isa ka pa. Ayoko ng ganyan, kadiri talaga.” Leni replied as she laughed.
“Ayan, naka-ngiti ka na. Hindi bagay sa’yo naka-simangot eh.”

A few minutes later, Aldo came with a can of coke and a bag of chips.
“Baby ko, kumain ka muna.”
“Aldo tumigil ka nga, nakita mo nang kabado na ako. Mang-aasar ka pa.”
“Pasensya ka na. Pinapa-kalma lang kita, kasi alam ko na nerbyosa ka. Ang hilig mo kasi sa kape.”
“Oo nga eh, naka-apat na cups nga ako. Teka, si Carol ba pupunta?”
“Hindi nga eh. Nag-away na naman kami.”
“Sayang naman.”
Leni got happy that she won’t be there.

“Yes! Walang bruha.” She whispered to herself.
“Are you saying something?”Aldo asked.
“Nope.”

“Guys, you’re next!” Ma’am Ella called them.

Entering the stage was pretty nerve-wracking for her. She moved back, but Aldo grabbed her hand and said.

“Let’s do this together Leni.”

Following Ma’am Ella’s advice, Leni immersed herself in her role. Surprisingly, she was able to deliver the lines without stuttering. After the finale, while everyone applauded them, one boy hurried towards the center stage and gave Leni a bouquet of roses and embraced her.

She was flattered with the kid’s gesture. This was the first time she felt like a star.

After the presentation, the casts headed to Mong’s house for dinner.

“Great job guys! Napabilib niyo sila Father.” Ma’am Ella congratulated them.
“Ma’am, di ba ang galing ni Leni?” One of them said.
Though flattered, Leni humbly said,
“Hindi ah, tayong lahat magaling. Salamat po Ma’am Ella.”

The teacher just smiled at her.

Chapter Seven:Part Two

A week before the presentation, Aldo asked help from their former moderator in their theater guild wayback in high school to direct their play. She’s rehearsing the children from the orphanage that would be part of the cast.

A ‘spinsterish’ lady came with an eccentric outfit and over sized glasses. Aldo introduced them to her. Leni thought that she saw ‘Ms. Tapia’

“Guys, this is Ma’am Ella. She was our moderator in our drama club in high school. For this week, she’s going to help us with our production.”

The lady smiled at them and began to talk to the casts. She touched Leni’s face and asked,

“So, you’re going to play Moses’ wife?”

“Yes Ma’am.” Leni frantically answered because she got uncomfortable with her.

“Have you been in theater before?”

“Yes. In fact, I was a part of a theater guild in college. Though, I only did backstage works and scriptwriting. Actually, this is my first time to act. That’s why, I’m pretty nervous.”

“Oh dear, don’t be. Just immerse yourself completely in your role.”

“Ma’am, I hope you don’t mind. But, can you give me some tips on how I’m going to present the character well?”

“Since you’re going to play Zipporah, own it. Then, think of Moses, which will be played by your boyfriend.”

“I don’t think I can do that.”

“Don’t say that, kaya mo yan.”

“Ma’am, do you have a student named Agatha? Tall, fair skinned, yung naging model po.”

“Yes, she’s the one who died in a car crash, right? Do you know her?”

“She’s my cousin. She played Maria Clara before. I know I that look different from her. Kulay pa nga lang eh.” Leni said as she looked away.

“Yes, you have different complexions but you have the same set of eyes. Naalala nga kita sa kanya eh. But, it seemed that you’re not outgoing as she is.”

“I’m not. In fact, I’m an introvert. I don’t easily open myself. I was actually surprised why they picked me for the role. Pang backstage lang po talaga ako.”

“Oh, I see. This is probably the reason why the role was given to you. I guess Aldo and Mong wanted to boost your confidence. They want you to step out of your comfort zone. Hindi habang panahon, nasa backstage ka. Don’t take this literally. Okay Leni, which part are you struggling?”

“When Moses and Zipporah first met.”

During their rehearsals, Leni realized that Ma’am Ella is not as strict as she thought. In fact, she’s one of the people that encouraged Leni. A few days later, she became comfortable with her.

It was their general rehearsal and the rest of the team watched the casts’ performance.

“Kiss! Kiss!” the group teased Aldo and Leni on their scene.

“Yuck! Uy! Wala yan sa script ah! Do you want Carol to strangle me?! No way! Kung gusto niyo, ipapa-abot ko na lang sa ex ko, para may thrill.” Leni replied to them.

Everyone laughed including Aldo.

“Ok guys, focus” Ma’am Ella said as the cast resumed acting.

During their break time, Leni, Dana, and Mong chatted while eating sandwich behind the stage.

“Leni, baka napikon ka sa kanila ha,sabihin mo lang.” Mong said.

“Hindi naman, sanay na ako sa ganyang biro. Sa Teatro nga, kung sino-sino ang tinutukso sa akin eh, pero wala lang. Si Aldo lang yan, kaya walang malisya.”

“Ingat ka lang kay Carol, sobrang selosa yun. Para ngang feeling niya, laging inaagaw sa kanya si Kuya Aldo. Sana hindi siya manood nung play.”

“Oo nga, sana wala siya. Minsan ko lang sasabihin to ha, hindi ako boto sa kanya. Naaawa lang ako kay Aldo, sobrang bait kasi. Halos mag-mukha na siyang sunud-sunuran kay Carol. Pero alam ko kung bakit siya hindi magtuturo sa pasukan.

“Bakit?”

“Bukod sa gusto niyang alagaan si Lolo Celso, gusto daw niyang pag-planuhan ang buhay niya. Sa Manila, hindi niya nagagawa yan, dahil masyado siyang pinapakialaman ni Carol.”

“Ewan ko ba kung bakit siya pa ang nagustuhan ni Kuya Aldo.”

“Baka naman may nakitang magandang katangian si Aldo kay Carol na hindi nakikita ng iba. Eh, ako nga nung bata ako, yung barkada niyo,di ba Mong?. Karamihan naiinis sa akin,makulit daw kasi ako. Pero, si Aldo lang ang maganda ang pakitungo. Baka naaawa lang sa akin yun. Hahaha.”

“Leni, sana ikaw na lang ang girlfriend ni Kuya Aldo. Mukha namang bagay kayo eh. Hahaha.”

“Dana, ayoko nga,. hindi kami’ talo’. Ang panget naman nun, naging sila ng pinsan ko dati. Para naman akong nang-agaw niyan. At saka, ang tipo ko yung mga matangkad, mga six footer,meztizo.Parang ex ko.”

“O, nandiyan na pala ang ‘Mister’ mo.” Mong jokingly said as Aldo joined them.

“Hi darling.” Aldo said as she winked to Leni.

“Ang baduy mo talaga. Don’t call me that.” She said.

Afterwards, everyone was teasing them but it’s not a big deal for Leni at all.

Chapter Seven: Part One

As play is fast approaching, the group began to make props, backdrops, and costumes needed for the production. After rehearsals, the cast helped out. Since Mong conceptualized the theme, he wanted them as flawless as possible. However, he still considers the suggestion of others.

“Kuya Mong, maganda yung gusto mong mangyari kaso lang, kulang tayo sa budget. Halos sa pintura na ata napunta lahat eh. Maghanap na lang tayo ng mga gamit sa bahay natin, at isa pa, isang beses lang ang performance natin di ba? One of the casts suggested.
“Sa bagay, tama ka diyan, kailangan nga natin maging practical.”


Leni and Dana, together with the writer’s pool did their part by sourcing the materials for the costumes. Leni raided her Aunt Juana’s bodega for old clothes that can be deconstructed. Dana, on the other hand, utilized whatever they have at home in order to create accessories. For them, working together is tantamount to ‘girl bonding’. Leni realized that Dana is not ‘maarte’ that she thought she was. In fact, she’s one of the most approachable people in the group.
The two were sewing the beads for the dresses when Dana began to discuss her plans on her eighteenth birthday which would be held three days after the said production.

“Dana, what are planning to do on your birthday?”
“Actually, I don’t have an idea. All I wanted is to wear a simple dress. With that, I would probably prefer a simple celebration.”
“I see. I’ll help you prepare. You know what, I’m really excited about this because I didn’t have a party when turned eighteen. I just had a simple meal with my best friends and some of my classmates. Dana, relax. Kami ang bahala.”
“Thanks Leni. Actually, what I really wanted is a not so simple dress. I want something that would stand out but would be appropriate for a simple celebration.”
“I suddenly remembered my best friend Adam about that. He’s the only person I could count on when it comes to fashion. He’s good in choosing the style and color appropriate for the person. Actually, he’s the one who chose my dress for our graduation. I wore that same outfit on Louie’s wedding. They said that, maganda raw.Wala, na-share ko lang.”
“Really? Ang galing naman ng friend mo. Sana may friend din akong ganyan.Ganito na lang , sabay tayo tumingin sa mall,sa bayan ha?”
“Sure.”

Everyone got distracted on the kitten crying at the branch of the tree. Upon seeing the little creature, Leni removed her sandals and climbed. Once she grabbed the kitten from the branch; Leni hurriedly went down.
“Akala ko butiki, si Leni pala ang bilis umakyat!.” Mong said chuckling.
“Sobra ka naman Kuya Mong. Kayong mga lalake, kaya niyo ba yung ginawa niya?Siguro, hindi” Dana replied
“Oo nga.”They said in chorus

That afternoon, the parish priest treated them with merienda. Aldo handed one tetra pack of juice and a bag of sandwich to Leni.

“Leni, alam mo, hindi ako magtataka kung bakit makaka-akyat ka ng ganong kataas.”
“Bakit naman?”
“Eh palagi kitang naabutan sa inyo na umaakyat ng gate kapag tumatakas ka kay Nanay , makapag laro ka lang.”
“Oo nga eh, mabuti nga hindi mo ako sinusumbong. Hindi katulad nila Louie at Teta, napa-palo ako ni Nanay dahil sa kanila.”
“Alam mo naman yung dalawa na yun, maloko talaga.”
“Maiba pala tayo. Si Dana pala malapit na mag birthday. Naisip ko na mag-bigay tayo ng surprise party sa kanya.”
“Oo nga noh? Sabik pa naman siya sa handaan kasi hindi naman talaga siya naipaghahanda ng magulang niya. Teka, sila Louie, may beach resort, baka pwede tayo doon.”
“Sige, pakitanong na lang kay Louie.Bakit mo na sabi na hindi siya naipaghahanda? Eh, nakatira naman sila sa inyo.”
“Ganito kasi, laki sa hirap si Dana. Yung tatay niya na malayong kamag-anak namin yung nag-aasikaso sa bukid. Hindi na nila kayang suportahan si Dana sa college. Kaya ngayon, ang mga parents ko ang magpapa-aral sa kanya.Mabuti na nga lang at nakakuha siya ng scholarship, kaya konti na lang ang sasagutin sa kanya.”
“Grabe, hindi ko alam yun ah. Akala ko talaga, may kaya din siya kasi hindi naman siya mukhang mahirap eh. Naku, ma-swerte pa pala ako, kasi napag-aral ako ng magulang ko kahit hiwalay sila.”
“Mabuti naman at na-realize mo din. Kahit hindi mo gusto yung mga nangyari sa buhay mo, may mga bagay ka pa rin na dapat mong ipagpa-salamat sa kanya.”
“Huh? Kanino?”
“Kay’ Bro’ “

Leni was inspired with what he just said but she doesn’t want to admit it. So, she just gave her a sarcastic remark.

“Teka, bago pa ako masunog , mag-practice na lang tayo ng mga linya natin.”

---

Chapter Six: Part Two

The next afternoon, Leni decided to walk around Calle Crisologo all by herself. After browsing the stores for pasalubong, she had a merienda at the famous café in the place. She sat on the table beside the window, when Aldo saw her. He approach Leni and introduced his girlfriend to her.

“Leni, may kasama ka ba?”
“Wala.”
“Can we join you?”
“Sure”
“By the way, this is Carol, my girlfriend. I think you saw her at Louie’s wedding, but you were not introduced formally. She was the one you yelled at, remember?”
Aldo excused himself and ordered merienda for them. While waiting, Leni and Carol had a chance to talk.

“I’m sorry Leni, it was purely unintentional.Nabigla lang talaga ako.”
“That’s okay.”

She replied as she gave Carol a fake smile, showing that she was not comfortable with the person because she sensed an air or arrogance and hypocrisy. On the other hand, Carol gave her, once again, a condescending look. She cringed and felt embarrassed. But this time, she used her sarcasm to get even with Carol. Aside from being not in favor with their relationship, she hasn’t forgotten what the girl did to her on the wedding.

“Carol, I heard a lot of things about you. Is it true that you are working as a corporate lawyer for a multinational company in Makati?.”
“Yes. How about you, are you still studying?”
“No, I graduated last March. I took up Communication Arts.”
“I see, aren’t you planning to take further studies or go to law school. The competition is stiff nowadays.You really have to make yourself marketable.”
“Law School? I think, it’s not for me. I would rather work for media. But, I have a cousin who wanted to pursue law, but she passed away.”
“Oh, I see. Kawawa naman yung pinsan mo.”
“No, she’s not, I think, she’s in a better place now. She’s actually, Aldo’s girlfriend before you met him. They were planning to get married, but she tragically died. If she is alive today, I’m sure she would be a great lawyer, just a she was a great person. Idol ko nga siya eh. Sana na-meet mo siya. I’m sure, the two of you would get along well.”
“Leni, they say that the present is much better that the future.”
“I agree, they also say that it’s much better to follow your own advice.”

At this point, Leni is getting on Carol’s last nerve. Leni tried to appear unaffected, but there’s a side of her that wanted to tear her eyes. A few seconds later, Aldo came.

“Did I miss something?”
“Nothing Aldo, we were just talking about the place. Right,Carol? Leni replied as she winked at her.

The two girls were silent while eating halo-halo. On the other hand, Aldo sensed that there’s something going on between the two of them. But, he did not dare to ask. Leni stared at her watch and came up with a perfect excuse to leave the place.

“Guys, I have to go. I’m going to ride a Calesa”
“Wait, Leni. Sino ang kasama mo?”
“Aldo, why do you need to ask her? She’s big enough to take care of herself. I’m sure, she would be fine. Right, Leni?”
“You’re right. But, I’m with someone. I’m with my grandmother.”

Aldo asked.
“With Nanay?...Yeah, I got it.”

She stepped inside the calesa when she told the driver,
“Libutin po natin ang buong lugar.”

As the horse galloped, Leni can’t help but cry because she remembered her grandmother. Nanay frequently took her and Gino to Luneta and Intramuros when they were still kids. The only thing that they didn’t experience is to ride a Calesa in that place . Memories began to flashback. She recalled the time when she helped her in the kitchen. When the calesa passed along the sampaguita vendors, Leni was reminded of her high school graduation, when Nanay put garlands on her. Lastly, she vividly pictured the time when she changed her socks a few hours before her death.

It’s been a year but it was seemed like yesterday for Leni. Yes, the pain is still there.

“Hija, gagarahe na ako.” The driver said .
Then, everything went back to reality. Leni wiped her tears and stepped down. She went back to the restaurant to buy something. When, she walked outside, she was surprised to see Aldo alone.
“Where’s Carol?” He shook his head before answering the question.
“She went back to the hotel. Carol needed to get back to work.”
“Oh I see. Can you do me a favor?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Can you walk me home?”
“Sus, yun lang pala. Oo naman. Besides, it’s getting late and it’s not safe to walk alone. You can never be sure with the people around you. Hindi ka naman taga-dito.”
“Thanks.”
The two were silent for a while, until Aldo asked her,
“Is there something wrong? Para kasing umiyak ka eh.”
She looked away and said,
“I’m sorry, I just miss Nanay. I can’t believe that it has been a year already. Parang kahapon lang kasi nangyari. Nandoon kasi ako.”
“That’s okay. Do you want to talk about it?”
“I want to, but not now. Hindi ko pa kaya eh. Anyway, thanks for the concern.”
“Sure. Don’t worry, I understand what you’re going through. I’ve experienced that when your cousin passed away. Hindi rin ako agad nakapag-sabi sa iba kasi alam ko na siguradong iiyak lang ako.”
“Me too. I felt the same when Gino told me that Ate Agatha got killed in that accident. Really ? I actually thought that you handled it well. Sa bagay, I haven’t seen you after Ate Agatha’s funeral.”
“I know. After that, I wondered what happened to you. Then, we saw each other after five years and so many things took place in our lives. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Yeah, it’s a good thing that we got the chance to work with each other. Nagiging close tayo ulit noh?”
“Oo nga eh. Ngayon nga natutuwa ako sa’yo na nagkakaroon ka na ng mga kaibigan.Tulad nung mga madalas mong kinuwento na college friends mo. Dati kasi halos wala eh, parati ka pang may kagalit.Hindi ka na bata. Hindi na ganun ang tingin ko sa’yo.”
“Mabuti naman kung ganon. ”
“Leni, sana kahit may bago na akong girlfriend, hindi mawawala yung pagsa-samahan natin.”
“Oo naman. So, paano, dito na ako. Salamat uli.”



While they were walking, Leni was about to cry. But, she prevented it before Aldo notices. The only people that she could shed her tears were with Adam and Faith. At this moment, she really wanted to express how she really feels, because she somehow felt comfortable with the person. But, her pride impedes her from doing so.

When she got home, she realized that it’s relieving to talk to someone, without any pretentions. The last time that she experiences this was with Adam and Faith. Indeed, she once again found a true friend in him. For Aldo, Leni is like a sister that he never had.



---

After having dinner, Leni went back to her room when she received a call from her younger brother.
“Ate, Mom and I are going to visit Nanay at the memorial next week, hindi ka ba sasama?”
“Hindi muna. I’m not yet ready to go back to Manila. I hope you understand and I’m sure Nanay also would.”
“Okay, I understand. By the way Red, came here yesterday. He had a black eye. Ate, mukhang magpapa-awa yun sa’yo. Naku, mag-ingat ka.”
“Really? Basta, ayoko munang isipin siya ngayon. Enjoy na nga ako sa stay ko dito, tapos papasok na naman siya sa eksena. Wag na noh.”
“Talaga lang ah, eh baka naman may kapalit na siya diyan.”
“Wala pa naman. Hindi ko muna iniisip yun sa ngayon. Ang masasabi ko lang, masayang kasama yung mga tao dito. Ipapakilala ako sa’yo. Si Dana, yung pinsan ni Aldo. Mag-aaral na siya diyan sa Maynila sa pasukan. Kaya, magkaka-roon ka ng chance na makilala siya. Yihee.”
“Hay naku, si Ate Leni talaga wala na namang magawa.”
“Gino,hindi dapat puro computer ang kaharap mo. Tinutulungan na nga kita makipag-usap sa tao eh… O sige na, inaantok na ako. Pakisabi kay Mama, goodnight ha.”

At this point, Leni pretended that he doesn’t miss him. But, deep inside he wanted to see Red again.