"Be back in the next two hours so we can go home before your siblings are back from school." A young woman named Violet said, sweeping her brown hair off her face. "Don't bring up your parents and siblings with the kids." She warned.Eleven year old Isla groaned as she packed her books into her school bag. "You tell me this everyday mum. You should know that I'm great with the children by now." She said."Being careful is never enough." Violet smiled, kissing her on the forehead. Isla had been waiting all week to visit the orphanage but her mum had insisted that she waited till the weekend.She had managed to convince her mum to let her visit on a Friday, though as she was a strong-willed little girl."Bye mum. See you soon." She told her as she ran off to look for someone to make happy.Ever since the first time she'd visited the orphanage, she'd decided that she wanted to be like her mum whose life motto was to give hope to the hopeless and to put a smile on the faces of kids who
After Lilian and I's heart to heart the other night, there wasn't a drastic change in our relationship. For one, we didn't have time to be around each other as we were both immersed in our work. When we were around the kids, we kept up the happy couple act. When we were all by ourselves, it was honestly awkward. We've been so used to ignoring each other that any other action was weird.One notable difference was taking the initiative to check up on one another. I mean, she still hesitates a little when I inquire about her wellbeing at least she doesn't think I have an ulterior motive anymore.It was still strange sharing a room, especially the bed. I still stopped to stare at the once empty cabinets and drawers now occupied with her things.Looking at my room that now had her traces everywhere made me feel warm. Just like that two days passed. I was tense for those two days, glancing at my phone at every chance I got. The radio silence from the other side was very off putting but al
The week had dragged by really slowly but it was finally coming to an end. "Uriel, have you uploaded all the fits on social media?" I asked her, stretching. We were finally done with our Christmas line I couldn't have been happier."I thought it'd be better to upload just a few to avoid our designs being stolen." She replied."That's good. Did you add that sales last only through the weekend and that we'll be closing for the year after the sales?""Of course, ma'am. You don't have to worry about anything." She said.I smiled, grateful for my diligent workers who had worked round the clock to make this a success."Thank you all for your hard work this past months. It's been really nice working with you and getting to know you."The girls smiled, returning my compliments. "I won't be coming in tomorrow. I'm sure the three of you can handle the sales.""Of course ma'am." Ashley replied on their behalf."That's great. Expect your Christmas bonuses before tomorrow." I told them, getting
It's a few days to Christmas and I've made sure to finish up most of my work so I could enjoy the holidays with my family. The launch party is ready to go just waiting for Christmas Eve. Lilian has been just as busy as I was, if not more than. Himalayas was having it's first Christmas line so she had a lot to take care of.For the past few days, Lilian was the one making us dinner even after a long day at work as she didn't like us getting takeout because it was ‘unhealthy’. It was a lot of pressure on her but she never complained and went about everything with a smile.I felt the urge to do something nice for her. I'm sure it would be great if she could come home to a warm meal. It wasn't over the top, just a thoughtful gesture. I looked at my desk that was finally free of all the clutter and files. I guess I can go home early today.I spent the remainder of my time at the office, researching easy recipes that were so easy I couldn't mess it up. After looking through different websi
Snow, Christmas lights, ornaments, Christmas carols, the discount prices at malls, the atmosphere and even the whole season, I used to hate it all. Ever since that night all those years ago, this entire month brought me great sorrow. It felt like a tribulation I had to pass. Christmas was never the same in my home. Many times I tried to hold it in and feign my happiness for the sake of my family, so my family wouldn't worry.After Mum's passing, the Christmas spirit just became nonexistent. I even had to work during Christmas sometimes so we could pay our bills. December just became a month that had to pass.This year was different. The usual dread, gloom and doom that usually accompanied this month wasn't present. Although I broke down and had an episode and I still had to work a few days before Christmas since I was so busy, the feeling just wasn't the same as previous years.After the success of Himalayas Christmas line, I couldn't keep the smile off my face.I had stuff going on
REGINA THOMPSON I had a feeling something bad was going to happen, this week has been one thing after the other for me. First, I stubbed my toe while getting out of bed one morning and it hurt like hell. Then, my calming chamomile tea spilled on my new dress. On set, my mascara became runny, smudging my face. One of my heels broke during a scene. I encountered a black cat in the underground parking lot. I don't consider myself a superstitious person, I didn't believe in those things. I, however trusted my instincts and it was too many happenings to call it all a coincidence. I considered it as the heavens warning me. Come to think of it, it's been a while since Byron contacted me. Were these signs associated with him?I got my phone to look through Inst****. I followed that woman's account a while back just to humour her. I found it funny that she followed me, all the while being ignorant with the relationship I had with her so called husband.I have been so busy lately that I didn
After the Christmas dinner at the Bladells yesterday, the festivities and events for the year came to an end.We had decided to let dad stay at the rehab center for Christmas, deciding to let him come home for the new year. Though the twins were disappointed, they knew it was for the best.With nothing to do and no business to attend to, Byron and I were left all alone in this house. I was splayed out on the couch, munching on potato chips as I watched a k-drama series on Netflix. Byron was on the couch beside the one I was on, typing away on his laptop.After completing one episode of the series, I stood up to refill my drink and get another chips."Are you supposed to be eating all these?" Byron said from behind me.I turned to him, hiding the snacks behind my back and smiling sheepishly."I allowed you have one but that's it for today." He said, walking towards me and snatching the bag of chips from me.I let out a sigh. Though I knew he was only trying to look out for me, I still
The shift in our relationship happened so suddenly but neither of us acknowledged that. It moved from ignoring each other to us just tolerating each other and now there is this ambiguity between us. We hadn't confessed to each other or anything, we were both aware of the attraction we had towards each other.There was the fact that she didn't move back to her room after the kids left which was saying something. It was the thin line between flirting and dating, that's where we were at right now.So that's why I decided to cross that thin line, to know exactly where we stand. "Do you want to eat out this night?" I asked. "Eat out? Just the two of us?" She asked, surprised. I didn't want her to think it was just us grabbing dinner so I said "A date, if you'd like.""That'd be nice." I was happy with that answer. "Great. We'll leave by six pm."**We went to a local Sichuan restaurant. The food was great, the spice is just what is needed in this cold weather as I remembered Lilian lov