I woke up feeling dizzy, of what, I have no idea. I opened my eyes and realized I wasn't in my own room. It was all white. Just like how my father's room looked like. I felt something in my hands, bugging and somewhat heavy. I turned my eyes to the side and realized that I have an IV injected in me. I groaned at the realization. I am in a hospital. "Hello?" I called out. The entire room is empty. I struggled to sit up on the bed, but I did anyways. Next, I slid my legs off of the bed and tried my hardest to step out of the bed. I badly needed to pee."Hey." his voice sounded unfamiliar at first. But I know who he is. "Help me. I need to pee."He put down two cups of coffee on the nearest table and proceeded on helping me get into the bathroom. I know he's waiting by the door to help me drag the entire IV back into my bed as well. Once I got out, I caught his arm and allowed him to help me till I'd be back on my bed. On another side of my bed are covered foods. I tucked myself
I stood in front of this building in the middle of the metro. Yesterday, I got a call from the company that I was applying for. Today, I am in front of their building. For the first time again in my life, I am getting into interviews. I am starting over again. Kelan ba ako huling na-interview? Or kaya nag-apply?Realistically, right now I don't really need it. But I also can't spend money without feeling guilty. So I'll keep earning and building more. I wore a jumpsuit today, the worst thing that a woman could actually wear. Can you imagine how we pee in this? But these interviews usually require for you to wear the part. To convey a great perception to people. They always say, this is an industry where perception management is a huge deal. I get accompanied into the a conference room where the seats has been disarranged. I sat in an office chair that was facing what seemed to be a panel. There were about three seats across me. After five minutes of me arriving, the door ope
One of the most dreaded part during an application process is the waiting game.Contrary to everyone's belief, the industry is not easy to get into. From entry level to managerial and even on the higher management level, the pain of waiting is common.I guess it goes with all other industries. The waiting game is always the worst.You dread the days like you are punished for a mortal sin. It's not anything different for me.So to get my mind off the thoughts and the dreadful wait, I drank."Hey. Tama na yan. Lasing ka na." Dash grabbed the bottle of tequila from my hand and placed it somewhere far from my reach."I'm not lasing." kahit alam kong hindi na magkamayaw ang dila ko sa pagbigkas ng salita, "I'm still okay. Ikaw...ikaw ang hindi na okay." dinuduro-duro ko pa siya sa dibdib."Ano'ng hindi okay?" tumaas ng bahagya ang boses niya.My mind is clear and I can see everything. I am aware of everything.Dash doesn't look that good.Pansin ko ding hapong-hapo siya kanina bago kami n
I yawned at the wee hours. It's three in the morning when I woke up from a bad dream. Dash is in my bed, still naked and sound asleep. I fixed myself some coffee and sat right at the garden in my house. I learned to buy those plants and asked for someone to work on the garden that I wanted. It's to take my mind off the grief of my father's death. Habang nasa Batangas ako, someone was working on it so it's ready when I came back. Inaamoy ko ang bango ng kape nang marinig ko ang mahinang kaluskos sa likuran ko. I felt his lips against my forehead, then trailing towards my neck, staying there for a while as his arms went around my body. "Ang aga mong nagising.""I always wake up early. I love watching this garden in silence.""Do you want me to leave you here?""No. Stay. Grab a cup of coffee and sit with me.""Alright."He's gone for a while and when he's back, he grabbed a chair and sat beside me. I could hear crickets even when my house is in the middle of the metro. "This is v
We took a stop at a popular hotel known for it's five star service. I didn't even have the words to use and say something to Shane who was swiftly walking in the middle of the hotel with her almost arrogant look that seemed to have catch everyone's attention. She then leads me into a private room that I assumed holds the usual private banquets. And when I was inside, I was surprised by the people who were there. Jeremiah, Stacy, Melai and Travis were all inside the room. Panandalian kaming nagkatitigan, but instantly greeted each other cheerfully. Shane proceeded to sit in the end of the table, in front of her were black folders. I assumed that they were our files. Then the door opened once again. This time it was Austin. Stern face came across mine, ngayon ko masasabing, eto na siguro yung sinasabi nilang taong tila magpapawala panandalian ng katinuan mo. For literally, I felt my heart stopped beating for a good two seconds. "Come here Dude." Travis broke the silence with hi
Everyone has left, while I remained in the same room where we were just having our banquet. Some of us took some take out, even I have about three bags. I light up a cigarette as I settled back down in the chair where I was sitting a while ago. Shane and Austin were discussing a few things before Shane stepped out of the room."I'll see you Monday Sari."I meekly smiled as she left the room. As soon as the door closed, he faced me, with his hands in his pocket."You know, smoking is not allowed here."I gritted my teeth in silence as I now start to appreciate my existence once again. For a while there, he made me feel like I didn't. He grabbed a chair and sat down right across me. The distance was obvious but very fitting. It's highly needed. "Why did you do this?" I asked gently, but loud enough for him to hear."You mean hiring all of you in my company?""Yes.""I can't stress it enough can I?"I stared straight into his eyes, desperately trying to find out what he's really thi
We were at a wedding boutique the following morning. Melai has booked the appointment about three months ago and now, the long wait is over. Stacy has just popped the wine and poured some for each one of us while the attendant is preparing for the set of gowns she wanted to try on that day. "And get this, they were almost hesitant to accept our resignation. Maybe because they know what's up." Stacy is talking about their resignations. From hers, Melai's and Travis as well as J's. "Did they offer any kind of increases to keep you guys?" "They didn't to me." Stacy rolled her eyes, "At the end of the day, I am still considered an agent who backed own on being a Subject Matter Expert because of how terrible it could get.""They offered me some, pero ni hindi man lang 'yun nangalahati sa binigay na bonus ni Austin. I mean, it is sad to actually think of myself as someone who is going for the money. But, if Travis and I are getting married, of course, I'll have to think about the possibi
The music were empowering. The beats were making me feel in the moment. I was dancing in the dancefloor with Dash and ,might I say, I haven't been to a bar this much lately after what happened. Dash's smile was beaming. We've had encounters with each other in bars but we literally haven't danced with each other. So tonight, we only want to have fun. I allowed my hips to sway all over again. Melai and Travis was happily dancing with each other as well. But when the music hit the peak, I closed my eyes and let myself go all out. Dash was dancing behind me, hugging me from behind. His hips and mine dancing together. This right here feels comfortable, it feels great. My friends and I will be working together. And despite the fact that my ex-fubu will soon be our boss, I am just happy that we get to work together all over again. "Would you like some beer?" Dash speaks right into my ear. "Yeah. I can have some." I stayed on the dancefloor though and danced along with my frie
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