I'm here. Be safe.
Are you hungry? Want me to order for you?
Okay. Take care.
Because I was the first to fall,
I must suffer and wait.
Good afternoon. Reservation for five under Juan Papa.
Kyla and Greg wanted some company. Dinner.
That I should join.
How did my heart leap ahead of knowing?
Eric?
You work with Greg at Allied, right?
Hi.
May I?
Kyla and Greg.
They should. They're married now.
Don't you see the baby on the way?
They've been together long.
And I don't think they'd get to having a baby and everything
without a good enough reason.
Is it good?
I missed you at the ceremony.
Yeah… I slept in.
Too bad, you didn't see Greg.
He was bawling his eyes out.
Kinda funny.
You were looking for me?
I just noticed.
I think you're forgetting
So?
I was tired.
- But you noticed I was gone. - Yeah.
I looked for you.
Then they told me you just up and left.
You weren't at the Tagaytay trip either.
I ended up being the third wheel.
Had to get to a family thing.
I don't think I saw you at Kyla's party either.
I wasn't invited.
When was it even?
I was at Greg's birthday party.
- I got an invite for that. - You were there?
Why?
I had an ex that looked like Bob Marley and we used to hang out there.
Okay. That's why you didn't go. Okay.
- I did. I was there! - Oh, okay.
I just left early because…
- With Bob Marley? - No. I told you, he's my ex.
Are you having some?
Wine?
Good thing our friends got married.
Just getting some air.
You're just jealous.
Are you a Pisces?
Leo? I think.
August 10.
That's rare. But--
Focused on your goals…
That's why you're drawn to me.
Okay.
However,
because I tend to change my mind a lot.
Well, someti… No, most of the time, my horoscope is spot on.
Look at someone and go, "Wait, this is a…"
Poor Galileo.
all for people who prefer horoscopes.
the first time he looked through a telescope…
Just dinner, then…
Then if she wants to see a movie…
Ma, Pa!
Are you grilling Eric?
You're gonna send him running. I like him, you know.
No. We were just entertaining him.
- Right, Eric? - Sir.
Don't mind my parents, that's how they are.
A bit overprotective,
but they're pretty chill.
Yep. Okay. Cool.
It's okay!
Wait a minute.
'Cause…
I'm in a dress.
I don't have a car, but I swear it's safe. I promise.
I drive my sister to work on it and…
you'll be fine.
Oh, please. I was kidding.
This will do.
- Seriously? - Game?
Are we a couple now?
That's how it always is at the beginning.
You see everything.
It turns long days into moments.
Because I loved more, I'm always left waiting.
With all the fears that come with it.
Eric.
Ma?
What's the matter? You haven't left that spot.
Nothing. I'm just texting someone.
Bro's got a girlfriend.
- Hey! - Really?
- Show me! - Wow! Finally!
Wasn't your last girlfriend way back in college?
Ma, I do go on dates.
I know, but nothing serious.
That's what I'm saying.
He hasn't even asked her out yet.
Yeah, 'cause you're such a heartthrob.
- 'Cause you got no game. No game! - I swear!
Bro, stop blowing up her phone. It's so much pressure for girls.
Excuse me, I send just enough texts!
Weren't you over there?
Since when are you experts? Is this what I'm sending you to school for?
Who is she? Introduce her to us!
Let me see, bro!
Please?
Oh, you're blushing!
What now, huh!
- Okay. - No game, huh!
- Wow! - Right?
- She looks classy, huh? - She is.
Ma, you sound like she's out of my league!
I did not say that!
My son can stand next to her just fine.
Please, Pa.
It looks like Eric is not like the other guys Ellie used to date.
He was covered in tattoos.
Where do you work again, Eric?
I'm a senior IT specialist at Allied.
So, do you love me because I'm pretty?
Isn't that what you said?
That you instantly fell for me when you saw me at Temple Bar.
We were with Kyla and Greg. Those were your words.
Yeah.
It was love at first sight.
- Spot on. - Huh?
How?
You didn't even know my favorite color.
So that's the final verdict.
You only love me 'cause I'm pretty.
That's all there is to it. That's all you want from me.
Yeah, you're just a pretty face.
Nothing more for sure.
That's all I like about you.
You're not sexy, not cute, not funny.
You're not even smart.
You're just pretty.
And you, why are you here?
You're only after my body.
What?
You can apply for bank financing.
- Yes. - Or pay in cash.
Okay, I see.
- Let us think about it. - You got it, sir.
Once you've decided, I'll be at the office. Okay.
- Thank you very much, sir. - Thanks, man.
- I'll go ahead. - Okay.
- Thanks. - Thank you.
You like it?
I like it.
It's nice.
And practical. Perfect for us.
And it's three years to pay.
Are you sad that you have to give up your motorcycle?
I'm relieved I won't hear your complaints.
I don't want you to get into an accident.
That almost made me wanna believe you care about me.
Almost? What almost?
Can I finally believe you love me?
I do love you!
- You love me? - Yeah!
I don't want you to get hurt!
Charles, can you go for a test drive?
Just like that?
Of course, if you're not the corporate-type, then you're not.
- It's gonna be tough, but… - What?
It's rough, especially if you'll be waiting around at home, right?
Unlike you… you're old.
Thanks for that.
We're only a couple years apart.
Right? At least…
We can always see each other.
Your birthday's coming up.
Still a month away.
Aren't you gonna file for a leave?
Even just for a week.
Let's go on a trip.
For your birthday!
Come on, let's go out of the country.
We haven't done that.
Asia is fine.
I've never been to Bali.
Come on! Let's surf!
You can't become a surfer.
Not in the span of a week.
I don't wanna be a pro.
I just want to, you know, pose with a surfboard.
I'll be happy with that.
Like how?
Forget it. I don't wanna go to the beach.
Wanna hike?
It's for our future.
For fuck's sake.
Meritocracy still isn't a thing in this country.
It's all who you know.
What are you smiling about?
Nothing. Someone texted me.
Who?
A clown.
Funny.
It's Dennis.
One of the art teachers at First Steps.
He's just sending me photos of the kids' drawings.
Dennis?
Why don't I know him?
Well, of course you don't.
I've only been working there three months.
I couldn't possibly introduce everyone to you right away.
What were you saying?
I didn't get the promotion.
Ellie, I thought I'd invite you to my house next week.
- What, just me? - No.
With Tricia, everyone-
I was kidding.
What's the event?
It's my birthday. I'm gonna throw a small celebration.
Ellie?
I'm not looking for an authoritarian leader either.
Because we've gotten too complacent.
That's why we're not progressing.
You know, this is Eric-Mr. Political Will himself.
All I said was I want trains that actually work.
Right?
More tea, more tea.
- It's good, right? - Did you guys like the pie that I made?
Sorry, traffic was crazy.
I need a bite.
Did you order anything? Have you eaten?
Yeah, I had coffee.
Because I loved more,
I'm the one left with all the questions.
Why?
How?
When did we start to fall apart?
You know Dennis?
He can't even wiggle his ears.
Or his eyebrows.
He can't raise them at all.
And check this. His tongue? He can't roll it.
I don't know anyone who can do that.
You're my boyfriend.
You know, out of all of Ellie's boyfriends,
he's the only one who lasted.
- Solid. - Want a grandchild, huh?
A dozen.
That's what grandparents are for, right?
I think it's time.
No, no, but…
What's this about marriage?
Are you grilling Eric too much? Daddy, please.
I was just saying we're saving up.
Because we do want to get married.
Come on! Hurry up!
I told you to drink that water.
Do what you like.
You're fine! Let's go!
You'll be fine!
I would be if we weren't lost.
I told you, we're not lost.
We need to go!
So you wanna stay behind?
Whose idea was this, anyway?
You know, you're the only one who likes loitering in the jungle.
When we were planning this, I asked you what you wanted to do.
You said, "Whatever you want." And now you're blaming me.
Well, if we do what I want,
you'd say we always go with my idea.
When did I say that?
That's what you do, you always assume.
Fine, whatever.
- Come on. Stop whining. - Go.
We gotta move! Please!
- You want to stop? - I'm fine.
Let me. Let me help you.
Let's go. Hop on, I'll carry you.
Eric?
Eric!
What did you do?
I put them away. It's a mess.
You didn't have to tidy up.
I dreamt of him last night.
Why?
Why did he appear to you, not me?
I told him, even if it was just in a dream,
I wanted to talk to him.
But why did he come to you?
He told me to take care of you.
I said that wouldn't be easy. You're pretty stubborn.
I just came from my student's father's funeral.
I was thinking about Dad.
My heart is heavy.
This day is heavy.
Look. I'm wearing your hoodie.
I keep smelling your perfume.
So it feels like you're here.
Please come home.
It feels good
that I'm able to connect people and…
You know I'm with you all the way.
Maybe two more weeks.
Eric!
Jim.
Ellie and I were classmates in high school.
- Thanks. Thank you. - Yeah, sorry for the trouble.
- Why did you get wasted? - Let's have wine.
Why did you get wasted?
It's a reunion.
You couldn't even text?
You switched off your phone.
You didn't tell me what time you'd be home.
But I did. Two? I said I'd be home by 2:00.
It's 2:30.
Does it have to be on the dot?
And, besides, why do you have to call, like, 20 times?
You smoke now?
Yeah.
Just started recently.
Actually, I…
I started when Papa got sick till after he died.
But it's… It's only when I'm stressed.
That's all.
Okay.
Sorry I hid it from you.
I knew you wouldn't like it.
As long as you only do it for stress relief.
You know, once you've started that, it'll be hard to quit.
Problem?
After Nepal, it felt like…
I wasn't much use anymore.
Maybe it's time to let go of the social programs you've been doing.
This is still what I want.
- Are you drunk? - No!
Did you learn nothing from the pandemic?
How are you?
Still heartbroken.
Greg told me you're dating now.
I know you're busy, so…
There's no need.
This isn't easy for me either.
Hi, Kyla.
Are your donations ready?
All right.
I'll send someone to pick it up.
My ride's here. I gotta go.
You're early today.
Your classes are done, right?
Why'd you cut him off? He wasn't done talking to you.
That's Dennis, huh?
Does he?
So, are you gonna punch Dennis or we're leaving?
We're saving up.
We want to get married first.
Wait, what's this about marriage?
It's always you guys. You're pressuring Eric too much, Pa.
No, not now.
- Just say it! - No, this means, right now…
I'm not thinking about getting married.
- Why do you speak to me like that? - What?
- Like I'm a kid who doesn't get it! - Pathetic.
Pathetic? Well, forgive me!
I thought we wanted the same thing.
- You thought? But what about me? - "Pathetic."
We're supposed to talk together.
All I wanted was to show your parents that I can stand by you.
That I'd do anything for you. Pathetic?
So what, marriage is a proof for you?
Proof? I was just trying to show you our future!
Have you ever seen a boyfriend ask, "Can I marry you?"
That's why women look surprised…
Man, down on one knee, holding up a ring.
I know that!
It's been four years! Prove to me! Come on!
Prove to me, Ellie, 'cause I don't see anything!
Okay, let me make it easier for you, okay?
What do you want?
Let's start with that. What is it that you see happening for us?
That's all I'm saying!
Why not just break up? Because apparently, this isn't going anywhere!
At least that'll be it! Just say the word!
I can see how much you care for you mom and your siblings.
We don't need to kneel at the altar for that.
Are you hungry?
Want me to prepare dinner for you?
Who you callin' "Mrs."? I'm not your wife yet.
Okay.
It's the same thing, though.
Because you come home to me every night.
I told you.
Let's check.
Nothing, just checking in on you.
Let's go out?
We can go next time.
Where are you going?
Nepal.
Nepal?
I got accepted by Volunteer World.
So I'm going to teach English to the kids,
When are you leaving?
Tomorrow.
I've been telling you all about it.
I told you when I applied.
Back then, didn't you tell me, "It's your life. Do what you want."
We were fighting.
Of course, we say stupid things when we fight.
When did the problems start?
I'll drive you.
It was simmering in a lot of days, then…
it just blew up.
I missed you.
I just don't want us to
go back to hurting each other again.
That's not who we are.
When we were still together.
I'm always waiting for an answer.
And every time, I'm scared of what it will be.
"How much do you love me?"
How does that work?
You love me now, and then all of a sudden, you don't?
Hey! I didn't order that pizza!
Who ordered that pizza? That's on Greg's tab!
Here comes Greg again!
Get more beers!
Hey, your turn.
You okay?
- Yeah. - Thank you.
You got your own office.
You have your own office now. Congrats.
Actually, I'm happy with the small cubicle.
- Hello. - Hello?
Greg?
Where are you, bro? Everyone's looking for you!
I drove home.
What's wrong with you, man?
We're just getting started. Come back here!
I don't think I can. I'm dizzy.
No, I'm good. I'm home now.
Go ahead. Enjoy.
Okay. Bye.
Sorry I couldn't come and fetch you. We're swamped.
Should I wait for you for dinner?
But if you get hungry, you can eat without me.
Don't wait up.
Still got a lot of work.
You don't really wanna go home, do you?
Listen to me.
What did you do to your motorcycle when Ellie wanted to get rid of it?
You just hid it. You didn't sell it.
Do the same thing for this.
But you're not even married.
It just keeps getting harder.
That's baby number three.
Almost, okay? It didn't go that far.
Of course, she'll be hurt by it.
But…
It's better for me to tell her.
Do you really know her?
Women like that who up and leave to "search for themselves,"
they'll come back to you either messed up or…
Or?
Or they don't want you anymore.
Feels great, isn't it?
Sir Eric?
Someone's here to see you.
Ellie.
Ellie, you wanna go to my office? Because we can't be here.
I won't be long.
I won't keep you.
Just five minutes.
Greg told Kyla.
Naturally, she would tell me.
Ellie…
It's nothing. Nothing happened.
Yeah.
Kyla said so.
Greg said so.
You said so.
You only almost had sex.
Ellie…
You keep slipping through my fingers.
Ellie, thank you, really, for putting up with my son.
You know how he is. A bit traditional. Strict.
I guess it's because he had to take responsibility for us
after his father left us.
So, thank you for still being there for him.
Even when he stumbles sometimes.
Eric is equally patient with me.
See? That's why you're so good for each other.
Here's the chaser!
Oh, put that in the fridge.
Hi, son.
Take this, too. Hand it over.
Don't throw away the plastic. Ellie will like it.
Ethel! Ethel, get down here.
Hey! The ice is melting.
She's always on her phone.
That sister of yours… All she does is text.
Let her be. She's graduated. She can do whatever she wants now.
I've been wanting to leave him.
For a long time now.
But what about our kids?
There are three of them.
They're all still in elementary school.
I'm just a housewife.
I have a small store, but it's not enough.
Ellie!
Hi!
I'm sorry that you felt like the love I gave back wasn't enough.
But I guess I've come to realize, that…
that's the trouble about being in a relationship.
You start carrying the responsibility for someone else's happiness.
Why did you get wasted?
You couldn't text me?
Could've said what time you'd be home.
Two? I said I'd be home by 2:00, didn't I?
It's 2:30.
Does it have to be on the dot?
When you're with Nicole…
I leave you two alone.
I was worried about you.
Didn't you think of that?
Why would I think about you?
You got something to say, say it.
You heard me.
I don't know what meaning you're still trying to chase.
You know why?
Because you've never really gone without.
And even if I gave you everything…
Do you keep score with your own family, too?
But maybe it's better we lost it.
Okay, so when?
Eric…
when I'm with you…
I feel sad.
We're not how we used to be.
And I don't know… I don't know if it's because
we've been together 10 years. Is that how it works?
I just want a world…
where I'm with you.
For good.
But it's not that simple anymore.
Why is it so easy for you to say that?
Because it is the truth.
We know each other too well. You know me better than anyone else.
Look at us.
We're not afraid of hurting each other anymore.
Because it's already happening.
We're chasing who we used to be in other people.
Hi.
- Sorry, traffic's crazy. - It's okay.
Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, Grandpa!
Kiss!
How sweet!
Sweeter than the cake for sure.
Let's eat!
What do you think?
How did they survive each other?
So you've moved out.
I moved back with mom.
How are they?
They're okay. Edward's got a job now.
Ethel's got a boyfriend.
So barely anyone's at home anymore.
I get to look after Mama.
I guess Greg was wrong, then.
You're not dating anyone?
He introduced me to Bumble.
You?