"Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect, he ceases to love."At 7 AM, I managed to get up of bed and face my team mates. The moment I got into the table for breakfast, everybody was clapping their hands like I was the winner of some lottery. But I know what they are clapping about. I sat beside Joanne who was smiling the moment she saw me. Beside her was a plate that's already full of food. I took the liberty of sitting down beside her. She beamed a smile at me to which I responded with a slight grin. Across her was of course Sari. Na tila ba, sinasadya nitong sa tapat namin mismo maupo. "San ka nga pala natulog kagabi?" Joanne whispered to me just as we were already starting to eat. "I slept in Jeremiah's room. Tumakas na ako pagkatapos ng seven minutes na yun. Medyo nahilo
Sadness is but a wall between two gardens.The abyss of pleasure is one that no one can ever say no to. It no different with Sari. Every single moment we shared is tattooed in my mind and makes me count an endless number of sheep every night. Especially on the ones that she's not with me. Bumalik kami sa dating gawi. The usual text me or chat me relationship when I need you. That afternoon, I was sitting in my couch with her tangled against my legs while we were watching this movie called No Strings Attached. A very shallow definition of what we have. And all throughout, we were laughing at some of the scenes from this movie. Not because we could relate to it but because it was just plain funny. For some reason, she stayed in today, I had to turn my phone off so no one would get to disturb us. It won't happen all the time. So we has an agreement to put our phones off. I grabbed another set of beer as she sift through another set of movies. And Ironic as it is, she chose Friends
Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.Death may be the last news anyone would like to hear.But its a news no one can delay. Everyone has to face it ultimately. Anyone can try and not take it in. But sooner or later, everyone has to go through it. "I just learned that she was pregnant Austin.""What?" "Pero alam kong hindi ikaw ang ama. If there's one thing Joanne never shy away from, its honesty. She tells me everything.""So are you saying its someone else?"She meekly smiled. Pain is all over her face. They have just embalmed Joanne and now, she's about to be sent over to the place where her wake will be held. "I have to go take care of the rest of things for her wake. I'll see you around. Pupunta ka naman sa lamay niya di ba?""Of course. I will, I'll help you out.""Thank you Austin."Despite the loss, there was something else I felt that same day. Rage. Kung para kanino man ay ni hindi ko alam. Pero iisa lang ang alam
-Sari-I took a deep breath as I prepared myself before plunging in the huge pool in front of me.My head covered with a swimming cap, in my eyes are most uncomfortable goggles I've ever had and my mind focused on the clear, peaceful water.It was a public pool but its already 8:00 PM. People have already gone and I was the only one left.I have always preferred this time over any other. Walang istorbo, walang ibang taong makikisabay sa paglangoy ko. And I needed the quiet. I plunged right into the pool as I took an entire lane of the pool working on my butterflies and back strokes. I have always wanted to be a professional swimmer. But fate would not want to agree. Things happened that cost me my ambition. I had to go for whatever is practical and not what it is that I loved doing. But tonight wasn't the time to think of the things I haven's had the chance of pursuing. This is a night that's just all about him. A week ago, I learned that he has submitted his resignation. And th
I looked at both of them, laying on top of the bed, resting after what we just did.Things has always been that way.I stood up, put on the dress again and carried the pair of heels as I got out of the mansion.I had to sneak out as quickly as I can.Their maids are not the silent ones. So I have to be careful.The driver was already waiting for me in the garage.I could feel the cold cement against my feet as I stepped inside the car.Tumunog ang notification sa cellphone ko.A huge chunk of money was just transfered to my account.Along with it was a message.Last night was fun. Till next time Sari.It's how things have always been. We spend a night together, they transfer an amount to my account, each time it gets bigger and bigger.Para kang putang binayaran sa gabing pinasaya mo sila.Ano nga ba ang ipanagkaiba namin?"Kuya, pa drop niyo nalang po ako sa St. Luke's.""Yes Maam." marahang sagot ng driver.Sa isip ko, marahil malaki din ang bunos ng driver.All throughout this year
That night, I went out. After the celebration in Stacy's house, I chose to be dropped off at my favorite bar rather than at home. It feels lonely when I come home to nothing. My father has been on that hospital bed for three years now. Ever since I graduated, I didn't have the time to take a break. I simply had to make ends meet. The doctors have been telling me that maybe its time to give him up. But I just can't. He's all I have. At habang lumalaban pa siya, I can't give up on him too. Even if it means selling my soul to the devil. I walked inside the bar and whispered to the bouncer that I would want my usual booth. Every now and then, I come here, reserve the VIP booth and watch from the top every human being enjoying the dance floor. Noise. It's what fulfills me now. After Austin left, I have never felt more empty than this time. Collin and his wife were obligatory meet ups. Once I needed to fulfill to meet my other ends. As I sat by myself in the booth waiting for my o
"Alright, the quarter looks promising, though I need all team leads to be at the top of their game. We have visitors coming in next month. I need every one of you to keep your people updated of all necessary updates. Line up those we can feed to the client for their side by side sessions. Anyone who can follow standard procedures, keep them aligned. And keep our clients out of your outliers. At the same time prepare yourselves for reports and the FGD's." We were inside the conference room, all ears to our Site Director.FGD's or Focused group discussions, one of the most terrifying thing a team lead could ever get involved with. This is the time when clients hear out complains and concerns from agents. Most of the times, its about the process. But in several occasions, there are those who feel like its a great avenue to talk about their own personal opinion about the company and the management. Mga bagay na wala naman talagang pakialam ang client. Because at the end of the day, all
There are people who matters, and there are some who don't. Some people are significant, and some are irrelevant. Some chooses to be in the dark, alone and would not even care of anyone else except for themselves. And there are those who love the attention. The industry is filled with both these kind of people. One's who prefer being alone and the ones who prefer to be in the limelight. Just like Von. Von is one of those who's interests do not align with everyone else's. He's one of those who adores magazines rather than usual conversations with his colleague. He's been in the company for three years and yet, he still is invisible to everyone. His days always start the same way. He wakes up, cooks himself with the available noodles he have in stock, drinks his favorite cola and heads towards the office on time all the time. Von works like a bee everyday, in front of his assigned personal computer and stands up during his designated break schedules. He is the typical bee worke
Sari stepped into the Philippine airport, her return marked by a mix of emotions. The familiar sights and sounds of her home country surrounded her, triggering memories of the life she left behind two years ago. As she navigated through the bustling terminal, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. The air was filled with a medley of languages, the hustle of travelers, and the distinct aroma of Filipino delicacies. It was a stark contrast to the various places she had explored during her global journey. The airport echoed with the voices of families reuniting, friends sharing laughter, and the occasional strains of a local song playing in the background. Sari's heart fluttered with a blend of excitement and apprehension as she thought about the people she had missed and the changes that might have occurred in her absence. She recalled the promise she made to Austin, the box he handed her before she embarked on her solo adventure. The small velvet box contai
She woke up and tiptoed from the room. Not too long ago, she noticed the peculiar lights from outside. Once in the kitchen, she reheated the coffee they left last night. She grabbed a mug, wrapped her body with the thickest coat she has and stepped out to her lawn with the cup of coffee. She walked towards the middle of her lawn and lift her head up, the Aurora Borealis has appeared right on top of her own lawn. In the clear night sky, they looked like swirling rivers of greenish-blue light with hues of red and yellow. This is the first time she's seen it. And quiet honestly, no words would ever compare to what she sees right now. No wonder people have always wanted to come here. The lights were believe to symbolize good luck, protection, and prosperity. She researched about it on her second week. She felt a different kind of overwhelming feeling. Then, she felt strong arms wrapped around her body. She didn't bother turning around and instead, leaned her head against his chest.
"So, how did your meeting go?"She turned to her glass window. The sun shone brighter today. She felt that was odd because she didn't get to sleep that night. Austin's face haunted her."It was alright.""You didn't enjoy it?" her therapist leaned back, trying to give her enough space to breath."I didn't. I talked to a skeleton in my closet that I've been avoiding for too long."The therapist raised an eyebrow, sensing the gravity of the situation. "A skeleton in your closet? Can you tell me more about it?"She took a deep breath, her gaze still fixed on the sunlit landscape outside. "Austin, the man I love. We had a conversation, and it wasn't easy. I couldn't escape the memories, the emotions that surged back. It felt like I was facing a version of myself that I've been trying to forget."The therapist nodded in understanding. "Confronting the past can be challenging, especially when it's tied to strong emotions. What aspects of the conversation made it difficult for you?""He want
She took a sip of her coffee as she looks out the huge lawn now filled with snow. As she sipped her coffee, the bitter warmth contrasting with the chilly Greenlandic air, she couldn't help but marvel at the pristine snow covering the expansive lawn. The serenity of the silent community around her cabin added to the peacefulness she sought. This is the first time she's been away her country home. The decision to escape to Greenland was driven by a desire for solitude and introspection. Three weeks ago, she got out of the country without anyone knowing. Shen simply sent the ticket for her destination. Now, she's in one of the coldest country in the world, Greenland. Her cabin was in the middle of a silent community, courtesy of Shane herself. She figured that it was some sort of an Air BnB booked especially for her. From this tiny cabin, she reflected on her own life. She gets visited by a therapist whom she met on her second day. She's been known as someone who has 100% success rate
The evening news and even the morning shows filled her faces.Sari became a sensation overnight as Austin's team tipped of the station's of her incoming press conference and interview. This day, she will be featured in an interview to one of the most controversial talk show host who does not hold her tongue when it comes to the most current news and events.The interview is in a popular network's studio and all Sari have to do is walk into their premise."Is Austin coming?" she asks Shane from the reflection of the mirror inside the dressing room."I don't think so."Sher rubbed her palms against each other, hoping to get enough heat that would calm her nerves."Are you okay?" Shane curiously asked while looking at Sari from the mirror."Yeah." she nodded, "I just feel nervous about all of this."Shane came to her and gave her a tight hug. She sees Sari smiling as she did that."Thank you for being here.""Lukaret, bakit naman hindi. Of course I will be here even if you don't want me
His office and even the house near Sari's is filled with Police Officers. He's been working with them 24/7 to make sure she's safe. The moment that Austin heard from Shane, he connected with the task force to help them catch Elias as well. But in the middle of all the chaos, he received an anonymous call. That was one of the strangest things he has received that day. "Hello?""I have something that I'd want to talk to you." it was a woman's voice on the other end of the line."It's not important anymore. Meet me in La Piazza."Then the call ended. His phone is not monitored by the police task force so he knows that no one is listening. He dialed another number."Dash. I need your help. I have to get out of this place.""Meet you at the exit in 5 minutes."He turned his phone off and got back to his office. He used the exit door from there to reach the entire building's exit where he knows Dash will be waiting. Just when he reached the exit of the building, Dash's car just took a s
He handed her a glass of wine. One she knows must have had some kind of drug in it. He asked her to wear the leather outfit he bought her. In the table near them, was some of the kinkiest paraphernalia's she's seen. The sight of those made her cringe. This is the first time she's been with a man who seems to be on the more violent side. Hesitant, she took the glass and slowly took a sip.Iilang beses na ba niyang hinayaan ang sarili niyang gawin kung anuman ang gustong ipagawa sa kanya.Hasn't she been this way eversince she met Collin?"We're going to have some fun tonight."She giggled. The drug and the wine is taking effect so fast."Really?""Really."He slowly crawled towards her, a rope in hand. As soon as he gets to her, he uses the rope to tie her hands on her back. The remaining stretch of the rope is tied to both her feet.This makes getting out harder."Have you always been this kinky?""I have always been this wild." he answers.Worry filled her. Gaano katagal siyang m
J looked at the party scene. He just proposed to his girlfriend. The same woman he met while they were isolated in Austin's hotel. Lumapit sa kanya si Travis. "Congratulations bro." "Thanks Man." he proceeded on drinking from his own beer bottle. "You don't seem happy?" "How can I? Until now, Sari is still nowhere to be found. God knows how I'd want her to be a part of the wedding." "Well, you don't have any date for the wedding yet right?" "We don't. Pero baka kahit makapag-set na kami ng petsa, wala pa din siya. This all seems strange to me." "I know. The twins are back. I guess Sari made a few sacrifices along the way." "That has always been what she's doing. Sacrificing." J sighed as he once again took another sip of his beer. "I still believe she will be with us soon. Hindi ko din alam kung sa paano'ng paraan ako pwedeng makatulong. But every time I am somewhere, I always look around to see if may maliligaw na Sari sa mall or sa isang restaurant. Na baka at some point,
It felt strange but she had this feeling that she is being watched. After her strange encounter with Elias' mother, she fell into deep slumber. Now she's waking up to the sudden chill and feeling of someone staring at her while she's sleeping. As she slowly opened her eyes, a shiver ran down her spine as the room's dim light revealed an eerie stillness. The air felt charged with an inexplicable tension. She scanned the room, searching for any signs of movement or the source of her uneasy feeling. The soft glow from the moonlight seeping through the curtains illuminated the room in an ethereal manner. Shadows danced on the walls, creating a mysterious atmosphere. With her senses heightened, she strained to listen for any unusual sounds or footsteps. Suddenly, a creaking noise echoed in the room, making her heart skip a beat. Her gaze darted towards the source of the sound. There, in the corner, she noticed a figure, partially obscured by the darkness. The silhouette seemed to blend