After their wedding, their love immediately bore fruit. Adah gave birth to their firstborn, whom she named Adhela Aya Lee. Adhela was a healthy girl with rosy cheeks and big eyes that seemed to take in the world around her. Although she couldn't speak yet, she often expressed her emotions through cries and smiles.Seemingly carefree, as she was still very young, Adhela's parents could feel the love and care emanating from her. They promised to be devoted caregivers for her entire life. In her hands, the parents placed their hopes for a happy future filled with hope and love.They thought that Adhela would be their only child, as Adah had a heart condition that made it risky for her to get pregnant again. However, they couldn't resist the desire for another child, and once again, they were blessed with another baby.The doctor and their relatives disagreed because it could be life-threatening for Adah to give birth again, but she didn't listen."My child will live, Zaniel! No matter wh
"Begin your day with a delicious breakfast made just for you." said the commercial on television.I let out a slight sigh as I watched the traffic in the city! But here I am, trying to catch every flick of the hour to make it to my first class.I could smell the different scents of people inside this MRT.If my class is early, this always happens to me.I remembered the food my father prepared for me earlier. I didn't taste it. A few minutes passed, and my stomach made an embarrassing noise.I sighed and took a deep breath. Thankfully, no one heard it.This happens to people like me who are fond of the word "late."I just took out some crackers from my pocket and ate them to ease my hunger.A few minutes passed, and I quickly finished eating.I made space for an older man carrying a suitcase. I kept looking at my wristwatch and sometimes found myself contemplating to distract myself from boredom.I took a deep breath and suddenly someone with a big build snatched from me without even
Since I started from elementary until I finished college, my mind hasn't changed. Maybe if I hadn't taken a year off from studying? Now we're both teachers.I won't blame anyone. Everything has already happened. Every day we'll encounter problems, depending on how we face them.I entered the assigned classroom and carefully placed my backpack beside me. I quickly glanced at my students, busy with their work—a harsh reality.I gasped for breath. Half of the class didn't notice my arrival; they didn't realize I was late. I bit my lower lip, then smiled widely.I think I'm a superhero. I fly unnoticed.I proceeded and focused my gaze ahead."Good morning," I said seriously.They all looked at me and greeted me unanimously.I held onto the edge of the desk and slid my thick book."We will continue the long-delayed exam from yesterday," I said.I heard their soft sighs."But, Miss Lee!" one of my students exclaimed.I raised an eyebrow at them."Stop that. Let's just continue with our less
"Zhanea, Dad is calling for you." I heard a knock on my door.I was in my small room, engrossed in reading a book. I also love collecting books.I grinned and straightened my hair. "Why, Sis?" I asked as I opened the door.He looked at me from head to toe and then nodded. "I don't know," he replied."Okay. I'll just take a shower, Sis Adhela," I replied.Adhela Aya Lee is my older sister. Even though we are only two siblings, we are not very close. Our interests are different.She nodded and walked away. I took a deep breath and closed the door again.I grabbed a towel and headed to my small bathroom. Our house has two rooms. Two rooms upstairs, one is mine and the other is my sister's. One room downstairs belongs to Dad.It's enough for our belongings. It's just enough for the three of us.Since I was born, I haven't seen or felt Mom. She died right after giving birth to me. She didn't even get to hold me.She had a heart condition. That's why Dad works doubly hard. He is both our M
I was very nervous as Papa and I walked towards Mr. Echavez.It was my first time seeing him, and I was always delighted to see him appreciate my artwork.Using my two eyes, I examined the three men wearing three-piece suits, each accompanied by their respective women by their side.I felt embarrassed about my attire. I should have dressed better. You'll regret it now, Zhanea, once it's over.I adjusted my t-shirt and fixed the strands of hair that fell on my cheek. I felt anxious and shy as I approached them."Mr. Echavez, this is my daughter, Zhanea Aya Lee." Papa tried to get their attention.I took a deep breath as they all turned to face us. My face lit up when I saw them smile.I held Papa's arm and nervously smiled at all of them. I directed my gaze towards the six of them.Mr. Echavez extended his hand towards me. It felt like I had seen him before."I am Xenon Reese Echavez. I really like your paintings, Ms..." He said formally."You can call me Thracia." I replied briefly.W
"What are you, Zhanea? Do you owe her something? Don't worry because you're not doing anything wrong."I tried convincing myself many times. Maybe fifteen times already! Until after we finished watching, I remained silent inside the car.Lavly and Benjie are still teasing me, saying I might find my special someone soon. I just stayed quiet. They were wrong.He could have been a prince charming! But his attitude is terrible.I fixed my bed before lying down. Tomorrow is another day. I'll engage in the battles of life once again.I picked up my phone from my writing table and opened the Facebook app. I logged into my account and started scrolling.I looked at my profile. This picture is from last year. When we went to Baguio with Papa and Ate.I did an overview of Mines View while tilting my head. I clicked on "Select a new profile" and searched for my previous picture.I smiled when I saw the photo of Lavly and me. It was from last month. We went to Tagaytay to unwind. We were on the z
"There is a balance. Choosing love in all relationships, friendships, how we are with our kids, it will give those feelings substance," Papa said to his friends.Papa brought me to a party with his friends. I didn't want to go, but Ate Adhela gave me a stern look.It had been a while since they had time to see each other, so they arranged a day where they could all be together.I politely smiled at everyone."At the right time," I said.Why is it such a big deal for almost everyone to be single? What's wrong with being a late bloomer? Oh well, whatever.They smiled and laughed. I looked at Ate Adhela, who remained silent.She was sitting next to the child of one of Papa's friends. This person looked handsome, tall, and seemed nice.Ate nodded when the guy spoke to her. She already had a boyfriend, but Papa didn't know. I don't know why she didn't want to tell him.She's getting older and at the right age to get married. She's already twenty-five."Pa?" I noticed Papa, who was engrosse
I was quick to finish the papers Lavly had asked me for.Sometimes, I fell asleep late. I was always tired and couldn't eat well. I had to finish it the day he said it so I wouldn't have any problems.Five days later I passed the papers he was working on. Every move I take, every time a head mistress and dean talk to me.I sat on the couch inside the conference room and drank the water I had brought. Then Lavly came in and sat down."I'm done," I said.A small smile I saw her, and she gave me the leave slip."Sign that up. Three weeks I said you leave! And hopefully in three weeks I'll be there after you portrait." His language.I nodded and then took your paper hold. I wrote down what to write before returning it to him."Very good. You have leave now. Finish the finish." He was sorry.I gave her a wide smile before going out. I eagerly sang my backpack on the right side of my arm and then walked earnestly.I looked at the cafeteria habit and stopped. I'm hungry too! I need to eat be
Ate let my straight hair down. She was busy fixing my eyelids and lightly applying blush on my cheeks."I'll put those earrings on, alright? It'll enhance your beauty," she said.I nodded slowly and didn't complain. I wasn't used to wearing jewelry on my body. I feel uncomfortable with those things. I don't know why.She smiled and then applied pink lipstick to my lips. I parted my mouth and closed my eyes."Finished. Stand up, lady. Let me see the result," she happily said.I grinned and gave her a confident aura. She winked and clapped."You look really beautiful," she exclaimed.I looked at the mirror to see myself. I wore a red sleeveless dress that suited my fair complexion. With a smile, I gently touched my face and couldn't believe what I saw. Only a few things were done by Ate, but why? It seemed like I became more beautiful."Yes, I am beautiful!" I exclaimed and winked.She handed me her black clutch bag."It matches your outfit," she said with a hint of joy.I accepted it.
I slowly got uncomfortable with his presence. "What brought you here?" I sheepishly asked. After he called me, I immediately said goodbye to Benjie and Lavly. Though they seemed puzzled, they allowed me to leave. Actually, Benjie even drove me back to Manila. I'm really thankful to them for trusting me, at least to some extent.He just shrugged off my question. I carefully placed my bag down and approached him. "Where's Pa?" I wryly asked. A tray with snacks was already set on the small, fragile table between us."I'm glad you're here! I just need your company tonight," he muttered. I rested my elbow on the armrest of the sofa and messily ran my fingers through my hair."You need me tonight? And then what am I supposed to do there?" I skeptically asked him. He was wearing tokong-shorts and a fitted white polo shirt, resembling a model from famous magazines."Be my date," he casually replied."Why me? I have a lot to do right now. You're insane," I said through gritted teeth.With his
"You're late." I almost swallowed all my saliva when he started speaking.He pretended to sit on the mahogany chair and it was obvious that he had just arrived. He was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt with a necktie and black slacks. His physique was even more pronounced. He looked at me seriously from head to toe.I raised an eyebrow."Have a seat! Why are you late?" he coughed.I avoided looking at him and quietly sat on an empty chair.I glanced at him again and rolled my eyes. He silently read the menu placed on the table."What do you want?" He glanced at me. I stared intensely back at him. A smirk played on his lips."You disappeared for days! Just when I was about to take a break, you show up." I added irritably.He slightly loosened his necktie."I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about you." His response was cold.I sighed."Can we stop? It's not really my fault, right? You're the one who claimed that I did something wrong to you, right?" I answered sharply.
The next morning when I opened my eyes, I immediately felt a headache. I sat on the edge of the bed and massaged my temples.I didn't know what time I fell asleep last night. When I woke up, I already felt the headache.I redirected my attention to something else to ease the pain a bit.Earlier, after we ate, Manang gave me a paracetamol. I took it and immediately drank it.Afterwards, I took a walk by the beach to at least sweat a little and alleviate the burden I was feeling.I found out from Shara that Xahel left early for Manila. She said he had a lot of paperwork to take care of and projects scheduled for this month until the fourth month.I couldn't understand why he left so suddenly. He only stayed for a day. Maybe he lost interest after seeing his ex!I also contemplated teaching him painting every weekend! I'm not really sure about it?But how can I back out now when I promised him that thing? He might get even angrier at me and make things more difficult for me."Zhanea, how
"What's your drama there? Why do you need filters and effects?" I said. The corner of my lips slightly lifted.His mind seemed like a video, so chaotic! The other day, he said he liked a girl who didn't like him back!We're walking along the shore now. He looks frustrated. His hair is messy, and his face is slightly scowling."She's pestering me!" he muttered.It's already eight in the evening, and the moonlight is our only source of illumination on the path we're taking."Huh? She's actually beautiful. As a sign of courtesy, couldn't you just talk to her?" I almost got nervous with what I said. I even emphasized it. It's like damn.He raised an eyebrow and gave me a stern look."What?" he asked, pretending to be innocent."Do you want me to repeat it?" I said.He sarcastically glanced at me."Shut up your mouth," he muttered.I raised an eyebrow and shrugged. When I got into his car, I glanced briefly at the girl. I saw her wiping her cheek.At that moment, I felt like slapping Xahel
I took a deep breath and raised my hand. It's getting a bit numb from the four hours of painting.I'm lying down on the hammock now, feeling the breeze brushing against my skin. Eventually, I lowered my hand from its raised position.I just wanted to enjoy my vacation and paint, but why did that guy have to come here? Hasn't he forgotten what I did to him? Huh? That was last week, for crying out loud. He has quite the memory.I closed my eyes, trying to let go of my worries caused by the cold wind. Well, also the view.I'm just really thinking about what Xahel said! Yeah, what's wrong with us having a meal together? But when we meet, all of that turns into a fight.It's also my problem, being clumsy like this. I don't want to add more problems with him, especially if it's about the woman he's with.It's hard to be jealous! I'm not used to having enemies. I may be talkative, but I don't know how to catfight. That would be embarrassing for me.Especially since I'll be a teacher. What wi
"In the next morning? I had a long sleep. No sound of cars and no neighbors shouting!The only things you can hear and feel are the cool breeze and the sound of waves on the shore.I held my head. It doesn't hurt anymore, unlike last night. Maybe it was just a migraine.I got up from my bed and walked towards the window. I pushed the curtain aside and partially opened the two windows.The blue ocean greeted me. The sun was beautifully positioned above, and a few fishermen were sailing in the distance.I smiled peacefully and took a gentle breath. It's such a really good start to the day. I rested my elbows on the windowsill and let the wind play with my loose hair.A wide smile appeared on my face as I glanced below. But before I could close my mouth, I couldn't help but be surprised.Under the shade of a coconut tree was a handsome young man. He was looking seriously at the accompanying woman. Every movement of his jaw and lips was like a hair-raising melody.I closed my mouth and sl
If that is how fast the world rotates? The journey of the day was also easy.I've been back and forth in the Echavez family mansion! I'm just grateful and Xahel didn't mess with me.I learned from Shara that one week she was on vacation with friends!Is that how he really is? No goodbye to me and if I go home? Don't know the right day and month! The world just revolves around itself.I also found out that he used to be Xahel's friend! But when they had each other's lambs he stayed away.I would have asked her about it? But don't. I don't want to care. Atleast I'm not kidding Xahel! So my brain is peaceful and there is no variety of thought events today. I wish he had been there for a long time and he would never remember my fault with her! That's okay!I turned around and followed the couple. We are here today at the rest house they bought in the lagoon. The wind is fresh because it is the beautiful sea! There is no vehicle in. No to poll! Yes to Fresh. Kidding.Thanks and they though
"I'm Xahel Royce Echavez. And you are?" He said while lifting the edge of the lip."Zhanea!" My answer is heartbreaking.He was even more sorry."You're suffering from a rare disorder!" I scolded and shook her."Really? Then prove it, Baby!" She was waking up.I want to rock her with this paint brush I hold! Then we could encounter each other. He pulled me over and never finished eating. My jaw dropped before I could speak he immediately suspected me. Its still tight in my arm."Go ahead!" I will invite him.We are here today in front of their infinity pool! After he hugged me earlier he brought me here.He sat in the non-cement chair and then whistled."Paint of me, baby. Paint!" He was a scout.She convinced me to paint for her! According to me I pay for everything I did wrong to her! Whack what!"Don't try to run away from me again!" He said after I took my left foot.I nodded at him. His strength to be able to concentrate ha? Proud that he is, what?She was weak in front of me.I