There is a reality show where they lock people, mostly strangers to one another, inside a fully equipped house for a hundred days or so. One of the noticeable behaviors these people exhibit after living day in and day out even for the first few weeks is becoming naturally touchy towards the other person who is closest to them inside the house. They tend to cling to whoever is with them even if they’ve been together for only a short period of time and even with cameras all over the house and knowing they have viewers that include their own family and friends.Perhaps, this is the behavior I am manifesting right now. Since Quim and I are the only ones in this big property, I can interpret any kindness or gentleness that he showed me these past couple of days and until today as his way of wanting to be closer to me and because of that, I feel naturally wanting him too and now I’m afraid anything that displeases him will turn us back to our old ways soon.My tears have started falling
The table is ready and dinner is served. I feel like I’m acting like my mother preparing everything for us. I used to think that was so boring but now I realized that if I am doing this for someone I like, it’s not a chore.Wait. Did I say I like Quim now?I must admit that I do now. I discovered his nice side and it’s good enough to like him.Besides, what is there to be dramatic for? It’s not like I’m marrying him tomorrow. I am only here for another weekend and that’s it. I don't have even the slightest idea what will happen next after the whirlwind event in this compound.Tonight and the rest of the nights that I will be here will be spent enjoying each other’s company.I instantly giggle when I saw him wearing the pair of t-shirt and jogging pants that’s matching the pair I got from the box of presents his mother sent him. That pair, I must remember, was originally for Leila.“Why?” he asked.“Why? Why did you have to wear that?” I asked him back.“I have nothing to wear. B
I knew it was morning but I couldn’t tell which part of morning I woke up to. The last thing I saw last night was Quim’s face. I watched him sleep under the dim light of the lampshade like a baby. He slept soundly and calmly.He still looks the same this morning and as I was about to indulge myself in this view of his charming face that I appreciated only recently when I started to know him a little more, I remembered that I woke up because someone was calling me on the phone and it’s still calling me now.I got back to my senses when I saw Bobby's name in the caller ID.I checked the time and date. It’s past 9AM and it’s not even the weekend. Living here for the past two weeks made me lose my sense of time and day. I felt Quim’s hand on my arm.“What time is it?” he asked.“Quim, Bobby’s calling me. What should I say?” I asked.He looked at me. “Calm down. Just answer it,” he said.“Just audio, right?” I asked.He smiled.“Oh my gosh, he’s outside the gate,” I said. I’m be
I couldn’t wait for our brunch to end. It took only less than half an hour but it seemed like forever. “You almost didn’t touch your food. Was it bad?” Bobby asked.“Oh no. It’s delicious. I guess, I’m just overwhelmed that I’m leaving today,” I said. “I know, you’ve always wanted to leave,” Bobby said. He’s implying as if I hate to stay here, which I was two weeks ago and until the early days of this week.“You surely can’t wait to be reunited with your family,” Quim said. He’s implying my reason for leaving is to go home and be with my parents.Honestly, I didn’t know how I found myself in this situation. Is it too much to think that they will really fight over me? Can Bobby do that to his friend for me?“I’ll prepare some food for your lunch and dinner before I leave,” I told Quim.“They’re now allowing delivery before curfew. You may want to try that so you’ll have better food options in your diet,” Bobby interrupted.“You don’t have to but if that’s what you want then do
I know it’s Saturday. It’s the weekend. I am home. And I don’t like it.I should be feeling relaxed now but how could I if my heart is not with me and my mind cannot be contained.My parents are definitely up and about. The sound of my dad’s cracking voice in the videoke and my mom’s screaming like she's his no. 1 fan tell me that I am really back to our house. They have grown even much closer during this uncertain time and especially while I was away when they only had each other to lean on.Now, more than even, I can justify the feeling that I got while living with Quim. It was nothing but normal. Last night was my first call with Quim after leaving his property. We stayed talking until the wee hours of the morning. It was a conversation full of happy memories as well as regrets for not starting to be nice to each other earlier.“How are your parents?” he asked. I didn’t expect him to ask about them. I continue to discover more of his good side even now that we are away phys
I try to get used to living in what they call as the “new normal” adworking from home, staying away from another person, living with a curfew. If it’s in any consolation, I get to earn money and make my parents happy without me trying to get up early in the morning and do many other things, not to mention battling the traffic, even before I start my day at work. My first job turned out to be a dream job. I achieved two of the best things any girl could dream of – job and well, love. For sure, it’s not going to be smooth sailing for either job or love but I’m so thankful because I know many don’t have even one of the two especially these days. Unexpectedly this morning, I received an online message from Mimi, the receptionist in the office that I swear, I already forgot. “Girl, is it true that you stayed in Sir Joaquim’s house?” she asked very straightforwardly. I don’t know if I should answer her right away. It’s early for matters like this and we are not even close but I’ve a
My mind has been preoccupied with so many thoughts about me and Quim. I am probably still in awe on how things turned out and still turning out for us.I got up early today to start another long day working from home. I haven’t forgotten about Bobby’s request too. I’m guilty that I can’t make him a priority.“You said you wanted to talk to Bella, right?” my mother asked.“Yes but I haven’t had the time,” I said while looking at my computer.“Well, she’s here and she brought her specialty,” she said.“Which specialty?” I asked.“Her meat roll. I thought you enjoyed it too the other day,” she said.“Oh, she made that too?” I asked.“Yes. You should probably give her a quick hello,” she said.I went out to see Bella like my mother suggested. She’s my classmate from the culinary arts school I attended. It was one of the courses and the third one I took in college that I didn’t finish.“Bella?” I asked with a bit of hesitation.She smiled at me but even with that, I could feel the h
I've been working for almost two months now but I have yet to experience the life of a working individual the way I knew it. Working in pajamas may sound comfortable but I want to dress up and probably impress someone. “Mom, is breakfast ready?” I asked. I’m so privileged to have everything in my hands.“I called Bella to order for lunch but she said she didn't cook today,” Mom said. “Oh my gosh. Do you think she’s sick?” I worried knowing she goes out every other day to sell and deliver her home cooked meals.“Don’t say that!” Mom reacted. She too became worried.“Me? I’m perfectly well. I’m just limiting my activities outside for my own protection. No one’s here to take care of me if I get sick,” Bella said on the phone. I feel bad for her“Do you need anything?” I asked. “I’m fine. I’ll cook a lot later today. Do you have any orders?” she asked. “Bella, where is he?” I couldn’t help but ask.It took her a moment before she answered me. “He got stuck in the province,
A year after ending an old era in my life and facing challenges in my corporate life while still working on my channel, I feel so tired but my mind refuses to surrender.“You had a delivery,” Mom said while pointing at the white square envelope on the table.I got curious about it but I have a feeling that my parents know or at least have a hint of what it is about.“An invite?” I asked but she ignored me.The invite is for the wedding of Bobby and Rocio. It's no surprise that they would begin liking each other after going through their company’s ordeal but it still surprised me that it has reached this point already.“It’s for Bobby and Rocio’s wedding,” I said to my parents.They look at me without reaction on their faces. They knew it.“I know you won’t attend it,” Bobby said on the other line but he’s not mad.“But you did send an invite anyway,” I said.“That’s my way of telling you,” he said.“I wanted to call you last year when I saw you on the magazine cover but I thought it
Needless to say that my parents, especially my father, are not happy with my split from Bobby. They’ve been giving me the cold treatment since that night that we broke up. He was my first serious boyfriend that they met and they were really rooting for him. I try to act normal every time I am working from home. I film my videos when they are already in their room. They thought my newfound interest was one of the reasons why I split from Bobby. Until now, they still believe that I still don’t know what I want in life and this cooking and filming interest is just another phase.“I’m glad you agreed to having additional one day working in the office,” Trevor said.“It’s fine. It’s starting to get boring at home. I see many are back to the usual set up,” I said.“Well, hybrid is the best. I won’t last the entire week working here,” he said.I smiled. It’s the first time I heard him say about his dislike about working in the office. “Anyway, your views are getting higher,” he sai
“Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” Rocio started her introduction.I feel the cringe as many eyes are looking at me like I’m the luckiest girl in the world.“How does it feel to be the wife of the youngest CEO and billionaire in the country? Not to mention – a very charming man?” a guest asked me.I can’t breathe. I don’t know what to say but I know what I want to do and that’s to run away from everyone.My phone has been ringing nonstop. I saw two missed calls prior to the current one.“You’re still awake, aren’t you?” Ally asked on the line.I checked the time. It’s still Saturday night. I fell asleep while uploading my latest videos in my online channel.“What do you want?” I asked.“Congratulations!” she said.“What? No! I’m not getting married yet!” I screamed.The dress that Auntie Blessy bought for me a few months ago is finally out of the closet. It’s simple yet very elegant. I’m still hesitant to wear it to my lunch with Bobby tomorrow.“Are you sure yo
The sight of Bobby eating with so much appetite is refreshing. But if my observation was right, he’s in need of something he couldn’t find just anywhere even with the power and money that he has.“Hey, join me. I’m sorry for devouring your food,” he said with a noticeable sad smile on his face.“It's alright. We had heavy snacks this afternoon,” I said.“Do they come here often?” he asked.“Just today. I wanted them to taste my desserts and……,” I said but couldn’t finish.“And then?” he asked.“I am also filming my cooking,” I said shyly.“You’re vlogging,” he said.“I want to try. It’s Trevor’s idea,” I said.“He’s got a great idea,” he said.I regret telling that to him. “You’re surrounded by good people,” he said.I’ve been wanting to ask him why he suddenly arrived but I recalled what my parents said that he’s not required to call in advance to let me know he’s coming. “I missed you. I missed being around you,” he said.He holds my hand while he continues eating. He looks
I spent the rest of the evening going through my old recipe notebook that contains all my imaginary recipes that I never get to try and have remained unfinished up to this day.Thanks to Bella for reminding me that once upon a time, I dreamed of becoming a chef or even just a cook. I realized once again that I spent so many years in college trying to figure out what I wanted to do in my life only to graduate, find a job, and still continue figuring out if what I’m doing now is the one that I really want.“Audrey is not with us yet,” Gelly said in the video call.I tried to open my eyes immediately. “I’m sorry. I was having a hard time sleeping last night,” I said an alibi.“We can proceed now,” Trevor said.“We will be needing your team’s assistance in our next project. Basically, we will be requesting data from your end,” she said.“Sure. We are happy to assist. Just send us your requests,” I said actively.Trevor hides his smile but I could still see it from the screen.“I sen
The sound of people talking inside our house was what I instantly heard upon opening our gate.“Where have you been?” Bobby asked as soon as I entered our house.My parents look happy being reunited with him.Is this my punishment for sneaking out to meet Quim? I completely forgot to think of an alibi before returning home. “Why are you here? Did you call?” I asked Bobby defensively.“What kind of question was that?” Dad asked as Bobby looked surprised as well.“If I knew you were coming, I would’ve not met with my colleagues,” I lied.“He doesn’t need to call to announce he’s coming. He’s welcome here,” Mom said.“It’s fine, Uncle, Auntie,” Bobby said.“Please bear with her, son,” Dad said to him.“I completely understand. I know she’s enjoying her colleagues’ company lately,” Bobby added.“We’ll leave you two here,” Mom said.“I’m also leaving in a few minutes, Auntie. I just waited for Audrey to arrive,” Bobby said.Mom shook her head. She’s probably disappointed.“Feel free t
I don’t have money, not even impressive credentials to have confidence to request to visit a property but I have the magic number.My heart beats faster as I wait for Quim to answer my call.“I know it’s kind of late….,” I started talking as soon the call got picked up.“Audrey?” a woman asked me. “Oh…I’m sorry. I dialed the wrong number,” I said.“Are you looking for Quim? He’s just getting something from upstairs. Would you mind waiting?” she asked.“Is it alright, Ma’am?” I asked carefully.“Luisa, It’s Quim’s mother. Don’t you remember me, Audrey?” she said.“Oh my God. I’m sorry, Ma’am. I wasn’t able to recognize your voice,” I said.“Ah….my voice is different from video calls. That’s fine. Anyway, here's Quim,” she said.“Thank you, Ma’am,” I said while my hand is shaking.“Auntie Luisa,” she said to me.“Who’s this?” Quim asked.“Audrey,” she said to him.“What does she need?” he asked.“Talk to her,” she said.My heart now skips a beat. I never thought I would talk t
I’ve been waiting for Leila’s call since yesterday. I want to send her a message but I am embarrassed to do so. So many things are running inside my head and they’re all confusing me.“Audrey? Hey, I’m sorry. I haven’t called you yet,” she told me on the line.“It’s fine. I was just…you know….,” I couldn’t tell her exactly what my intention for the call is but I am hoping that she has the slightest hint.“It's about my meet up with Quim, right?” she asked.“More likely to check on him. He’s in a very challenging time right now and I want to know how he’s coping,” I continued to hide my true intention.“We are flying back to the US tomorrow. Do you have time today after work?” she asked.I invited her to meet me at the nearest coffee shop to my office. I only had one cup of coffee the whole day but I feel I’m already shaking.Leila really looks prettier than when I first met her in Quim’s house but unlike the other day, her eyes look a little sadder this time.“Sorry that I bot
I was in the shower when my phone rang. I had to rush to pick it up. Manifesting is real.But we sometimes confuse expecting with manifesting and expectations always lead to disappointments.“I’ve a big favor you to ask from you,” Bobby said.“Sure. Is everything okay? What is it?” I asked.“The events are really happening one after the other. I can’t keep up anymore,” he said.“I told you that you don’t have to attend every event. You have people to represent you,” I said.“But clients want to see me there,” he said.“How did you know that?” I asked.“My marketing team is doing some sort of a survey before each event,” he said.“Well, what is the favor that you want from me?” I asked.“Can you attend an event in my behalf?” he asked.“Me? Attending alone?” I asked with obvious nervousness in my voice.“Yes. Our companies are not competitors so you could be my representative there,” he said.“But are you sure? I’m not good in business matters. I haven’t read the current event