AleiaI dropped by to buy a gift for Jake. Jake was one of my childhood friends here on the island. We used to attend grade school. Not until dad brought me to the city again, he love surfing, so I bought a pair of surfing attire. He would indeed love it.But then I noticed a pair of summer attire. Zach's image came flashing like a movie clip. It would look great on him. It is a pair of white vests and board shorts. I decided to buy it for him even though it's not his birthday."Is that for him?"I turned around and saw Zach behind me. I was about to open the door when he came. I just gave him a slight nod."Come in," I said after opening the door. He strolled as his eyes scanned the entire living room of my house."You have a nice house. It's quite big, too.""Thank you. Do you want anything? I mean coffee or tea?"I put the gifts I bought on the table. "Just don't bother. I know that you still need to attend someone's birthday," he said, bitterly. "You're not coming with me?" I as
MatthewI was about to go to sleep but I just couldn't close my eyes knowing that Ale was still out with Jake. Jealousy ate me until I decided to follow her. I won't meddle with their affairs, I just want to make sure that she would be safe tonight.How lucky that bastard is to be loved by her that much? I chose to wear the summer attire she gave me last time. I smiled while I was looking at the mirror. It fits perfectly fine to me. How did she manage to buy me such a cute gift? So sweet!I strolled in the darkness and in the cold night. I was not sure where Jake's house was located. I was just strolling feeling the night mood on the shore. Then I thought of asking Cleofe and she even volunteered to drop me there.There were only a few visitors when I arrived. I just hid in the coconut tree nearby as I watched them laugh, eat, and sing. Then, I saw Ale with a group of men, with Jake. I guess they were teasing them. They laughed so hard that it almost broke my eardrum. A few moments
MATTHEW'S POV( KTI Tower)I yawned as I take off my coat inside my office. I'm still drowsy and I feel like I didn't get enough sleep last night. I sat in the swivel chair and leaned there. I closed my eyes and felt the cold coming from the AC.I sat up straight and stretched out my arms afterward and called my secretary. It took few moments before she picked up the phone. Maybe she was still busy cleaning up her area since it's still early."Good morning, Sir. How can I help you?" she answered enthusiastically. She still hasn't faded. She is still the same person I hired a few years ago. "Good morning! Can you please bring me a cup of coffee?" "Sure, sir. Your coffee will be served in less than five minutes." I laughed because I felt like I was in a coffee shop at what she said. She never failed to amaze me with her humor."Five minutes is too long for a cup of coffee, miss. Make it three, if you can't then let me talk to your manager then." I joked. I also heard her laugh in the o
ALEIA'S POV (ISLA DEL FUEGO)I got up from bed and fixed it after. I opened the window of my room that's facing the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore greeted me. I closed my eyes to feel the cool breeze. A paradise I've always dreamed of spending my life with. My mother's favorite music, the sound of the ocean. "What a beautiful morning!"I always wake up at this same time every morning to do my routine- grabbed my towel which is hung near my wooden closet and hurried to the bathroom. I was tapping my foot on the floor while singing. One of my fave. Well, I can't just sing the whole song but still I loved that Blank Space. I smiled facing in the mirror while singing that song from Taylor Swift, put my hair in a messy bun, and wore my denim jacket. Then I'm good to go. "Ale!" I paused for a minute. Someone called me and later on I heard knocks on the door." Ale, are you still sleeping?" The knocks become louder. "Coming!"I responded and then walked fast to the
MATTHEWHearing the news from David made me uneasy the whole day. After the last business meeting that I attended, I rushed home immediately to confront my father about it. But when I reached home, I was surprised to see a car parked in our garage that was not ours. My heart began to pound heavily, and my instinct told me that something was going on inside our house. Something fishy.I even thought of running away but not this time, and I think facing this could end my misery, so with my head held high, I went to the living room."Matt?" What the heck! I saw the smiling face of Nathalie coming on my way. "Hi! Good evening." Acting calm and modest as if I do not know her true colors. A certified spoiled brat. "Good evening!" I replied and walked to the kitchen, and there, I saw my father and Nathalie's parents on the dining table. Maybe discussing something. Probably, our engagement."Oh! My son is here already. Come on, son, join us." I sat in the chair beside my father, ready to l
ALEIAIt was seven in the morning when I finished the delivery. I only have one hour left to prepare for school. I increased my speed in driving when suddenly someone crossed the road, so I slowed down again and stopped later. I was about to confront him for his carelessness when I noticed that he was busy dialing his phone. He is a tourist, maybe. "Sir, excuse me! There is no stable connection on this island," I said, trying to get his attention. But I was so shocked when he looked at me. I was speechless for a moment, and my heart was beating so fast. How can I not recognize him? He was the man I had been dreaming of since I was ten. His eye that hid thousands of stories. I can stare in his eyes all day long and get mezmerized by them. I tried to remain in composure. Why is he here? What is he doing here? He is supposed to be busy preparing for his engagement. "I really can't find any signal. I need to contact someone," he said in despair. "Are there no areas where we can find
MATTHEW As I was staring outside, watching the crashing of the waves, I couldn't help but think of my family. Dad must be so mad right now, if only he listened to me, but the aspiration of getting more wealth blinded him.Yana and David must be so worried too, especially that I could not reach them. I hope that when I come back, everything is still in the right place, and Nathalie will give up on her obsession with me. But how long should I hide here, and can I even survive their way of living? That woman who drove me here looked familiar, but I couldn't remember when and where I met her. It was impossible to meet her in the business world; she looked plain and rugged with her plain shirt paired with ripped jeans and a sneaker. But one thing that made me confused was her motorbike. How can someone as plain as her afford to buy that kind? Though it's not the most expensive one, it still costs a million.But as I was looking at her now as she is talking with that bubbly little girl.
Aleia(Aged 4)I was excited to let mommy and daddy see my five stars after reciting in class. I got the highest mark. We were asked to describe our family, and later we were asked what we wanted someday. I told them that I wanted to be someone like my dad, who helped many people. How can I not get a high mark when I have a perfect family? My mom is one of the best. She used to bake some cookies for dad and me. Dad, on the other hand, is a businessman, and he has a lot of people around him. According to mom, Dad is their boss, and he gave them jobs. That was why I wanted to be like him. For me, he is a hero without a cape. He can't fly, but he can still help others in his way.I was standing near the gate of the school, waiting for mom to fetch me up. She used to fetch me every after class. But it was getting late, and mom was still out of reach. My classmates went home one by one until I was left alone. I felt tired and hungry. I scanned to look for foods in my bag. And I saw a cand
MatthewI was about to go to sleep but I just couldn't close my eyes knowing that Ale was still out with Jake. Jealousy ate me until I decided to follow her. I won't meddle with their affairs, I just want to make sure that she would be safe tonight.How lucky that bastard is to be loved by her that much? I chose to wear the summer attire she gave me last time. I smiled while I was looking at the mirror. It fits perfectly fine to me. How did she manage to buy me such a cute gift? So sweet!I strolled in the darkness and in the cold night. I was not sure where Jake's house was located. I was just strolling feeling the night mood on the shore. Then I thought of asking Cleofe and she even volunteered to drop me there.There were only a few visitors when I arrived. I just hid in the coconut tree nearby as I watched them laugh, eat, and sing. Then, I saw Ale with a group of men, with Jake. I guess they were teasing them. They laughed so hard that it almost broke my eardrum. A few moments
AleiaI dropped by to buy a gift for Jake. Jake was one of my childhood friends here on the island. We used to attend grade school. Not until dad brought me to the city again, he love surfing, so I bought a pair of surfing attire. He would indeed love it.But then I noticed a pair of summer attire. Zach's image came flashing like a movie clip. It would look great on him. It is a pair of white vests and board shorts. I decided to buy it for him even though it's not his birthday."Is that for him?"I turned around and saw Zach behind me. I was about to open the door when he came. I just gave him a slight nod."Come in," I said after opening the door. He strolled as his eyes scanned the entire living room of my house."You have a nice house. It's quite big, too.""Thank you. Do you want anything? I mean coffee or tea?"I put the gifts I bought on the table. "Just don't bother. I know that you still need to attend someone's birthday," he said, bitterly. "You're not coming with me?" I as
MATTHEWI can't stop myself from smiling. Everything is perfect right now. The place where I landed and Aleia. This is the kind of life that every man wanted, but I know I can't stay here forever. I just need to buy some time, hoping that when I come back, the engagement thing is gone.But I think I can't go on with my life without her. I wanted to take her with me. She is the perfect girl that I am looking for. Plain, simple, independent. But would she leave this place just to be with me? This is her home."Zach, are you coming with me tonight?" she asked while she was sitting beside me. I volunteered to drive for her. This girl is doing a man's job. For God's sake. "Where are we going?" I asked and took a glance at her. She was looking outside, and then she looked at me. "Jake's birthday," she replied. The thought of that man irritated me. He was so intimidating, and I was somehow jealous when she was with him. "Not sure. Are you that close?" I asked"Jake is one of my childh
ALEIAWhen I reached home, I immediately looked for my diary. This is the diary that I have kept since I was ten. Every inch of my feelings for Zach was written here since the first day that we met.I could still see the handwriting of a little girl. I smiled. Today was unexpected, but I think it was the best day. The man I loved came like a falling star in front of me. I never asked or expected it to happen, but I guess it is a sign that I should start fighting for what I want. I lay in bed thinking of everything that had happened today. I do not know what happened to Natalie and Zach. But I just followed what my heart wanted. I do not have regrets after all.Whatever the reason is, this time, I'm sure I can't just let him go quickly. I need to get back on my place and claim what is mine. Not for the money but to have Zach. I need to gather my thoughts and think of a plan. I have been hiding and giving them all the time they wanted. I gave way for Nathalie for so long already. Ma
MATTHEW'S POVWatching Aleia smile with her hair blown by the wind was like watching the sunrise after heavy rain. Her smile can calm even troubled water, and her hand is soft and warm, locked with mine. I squeezed her hand as we strolled to the cottage for our dinner.I am not hungry at all. I mean, after what happened, I couldn't focus on any other things. A part me of was guilty of doing that, and a part wanted more of it too. I took advantage of her. She was not like any other woman who clung to me for my name or money. I don't want her to think that I'm a pervert. She was still silent after we reached the cottage. Cleofe was there also waiting for us. If not because of this little brat, something could have happened. Maybe I should thank Cleofe for that beautiful interruption. Cleofe was looking at our clasped hands. She was smiling, and I saw her bump Ale with her questioning look. She is a curious type of kid her age."Ehem! Lovebirds?" she said as we walked to the table. I
Aleia's POVMy knees are still trembling, my heart pounding heavily as I hide behind the bathroom door. What did the hell happen? We were making out for the fact that we met just this morning. I almost get naked in front of him. Thank God, Cleofe came. My emotions and desire carried me. I have loved him since I was ten, contented to see him from afar, dreaming of being with him. And suddenly, he was here with me, and I almost gave in to him knowing that he would be engaged to my dear sister.But until when do I have to give way for her? Dad told me before to give Nathalie what she wanted because that brat has a heart problem. We should do everything to make her happy to avoid complications. But it seemed that we had the same taste in almost everything that we even fell in love with one man. We are both in love with Zach, but she was not aware of it. It might put me in a challenging situation knowing that her mother hates my existence. I avoided Zach as far as I could; I hid in my ro
MATTHEW'S POVI thought I was struck with lightning after kissing Aleia. Her lips is soft as cotton balls, it tastes like grape wine that can take anyone's sanity. I would like to make it deeper but the waitress was there and I was hesitant about how would Aleia would react after. We just met this morning but it seems that I have known her a long time ago. I wanted more. I am just a man with needs but I can't just take advantage of her. She's the only one I knew on this island. Without her, I'll become a lost soul roaming around. She was looking away from me after the kiss. Silence covered us making our coffee cold already. Twilight has started to dominate and the sun was out completely. "Aleia."It's me who decided to break the silence. After all, I need to take charge of my action. But I almost lost my sane when she looked at me. She looked bothered and confused. Though she tried to smile "Mmm...about the kiss. I'm-" I was about to say sorry but she interrupted.She raised her ha
Aleia ( Present Time) "Teacher!" A voice from one of my pupils made me go back to the present. Two years ago, I volunteered to teach pre-schoolers because I saw their need to be nurtured. I saw myself in them when I was their age. They crave attention and love. And I love being with them. It gives me the feeling that I was needed and have a purpose in this life of mine. When I looked at them, they looked at me with such worried faces until they came to me one by one. "Teacher Ale, Are you okay?" Vienna said. I tapped her head and nodded. I smiled at them, assuring them that I was okay. Viena is one of my most intelligent and well-mannered pupils. "I'm fine. I just remembered something. Are you done with your seatwork?""Yes, teacher." They answered in chorus and handed their papers to me. "Okay, see you tomorrow then." They left the room one by one. I fixed my things and headed to go. But I was nailed to where I was standing as I was watching Zach near the door. He was leaning o
ALEIA (Aged 10)The inevitable did happen. A few days after dad came, mom passed away peacefully. She spent the last day of her life reminiscing how much she loved dad. Dad took care of her and brought her to the beach. They spent hours talking and being with each other. Only then did I know that it was mom who asked for a divorce when she was diagnosed with cancer. Dad did not agree at first, but mom was persistent. She wanted him to move on and get away from the pain while she was still alive. At first, I didn't get it. But who am I to question their decision. I was so broken after losing mom. Few days after her funeral, Dad brought me home. To our old home. The home where everything started. It was still the old house that we had. Though, some parts were renovated. But to my dismay, a woman who I thought was younger than mom for a few years welcomed us. Beside her is a little girl, maybe five or six years old. She was petite and tall, and she looked so cute and pretty in her pi