Auntie Blessy, as always, treats me with special attention every time I come to visit their house and I am doing it weekly. I guess I could say that she really likes me for his son. “I couldn’t believe when I heard it from Bobby. I was excited and even more excited now that you are here and I can hear it from you,” she said to me.“Mom, please,” Bobby said.“What did Bobby tell you exactly?” I asked.“What else but you’re dating. Is that true?” she said.“Yes but it’s the kind of dating that is still more of courtship. We are still in the getting-to-know-you stage. IWe are not dating as in dating,” I said.She looks at me as if analyzing me. For the first time, I feel a little uneasy in front of her. I thought I offended her with my explanation.“You’re exactly Bobby’s type,” she said with a big smile on her face. I realized Bobby took that smile from her.“I’m not sure what he wants exactly,” I said. “My Bobby loves courtship. He’s an old school suitor. He loves walking h
“Wow!” That’s the first and only word that I uttered when I finally found and saw the real Rocio’s picture. She is young and very pretty. I remember seeing that kind of beauty from those TV commercials when I was younger. For the first time, I feel some insecurity inside me. I try to brush it off by looking at Bobby’s photos while Ally is in Quim’s house for his photoshoot along with the photographer and of course, Rocio the editor-in-chief.I keep convincing myself that I have Quim and Bobby vying for my attention and that I should be in no way insecure even if someone as pretty as her comes near any of them.The sound of incoming message excites me.“We’re done. I’m calling you in a few,” Ally said in her message.I've never been this excited to hear from my sister who constantly nags me and reminds me of the things I still have to achieve in my life.The time seems dragging. Ally hasn’t reached home and she has no follow up text. I don’t know if it’s because of boredom or of m
I can’t sleep. Quim’s strong words still affect me. How could he say such mean words to me? He said I was playing on his feelings but I wasn’t. It was truly an honest mistake that turned stupid.Thankfully, Bobby is here. He’s always on the rescue. He exerts effort to make me feel special. Ironically, when I wanted to return the favor by complimenting him, that mistake happened.“I’ll have a video call meeting with Rocio tomorrow morning. We’ll discuss the content of the article. It should be very quick,” he said.I pretend not to know about it beforehand. “That’s good that they also give you time and not just the cover boy,” I said.I can hear him laugh on the other line.“Why? I asked.“You’re really competitive. We are already dating. You can say his name any time without penalty,” he said.“It’s fine. I don’t want to say his name anyway,” I said.“Did something happen between the two of you recently?” he asked.I was taken a back. My foolishness is on high alert today.
To call me a guest in Bobby’s parents’ house is no longer accurate. My once a week visit for a quick afternoon tea has become a weekly long hour visit and it’s going on for several months now. And every time I come here, new development happens.It may be too much or too early to say but I feel like I’m part of their family now. “What do you want me to cook next week?” Auntie Blessy asked.“Can we have pasta next time?” Bobby asked.“Audrey, how about you?” she asked me specifically.“Actually, I want some dishes that pair with rice. I’m a rice person,” I answered.“Alright. More new pork and beef dishes next time,” she said.“How about my pasta?” Bobby asked.“We can have them on ordinary days,” she said.That’s one thing I love about coming here. They always treat me special. This is definitely my kind of home.“Knock on our door when it’s time for the afternoon tea,” Auntie Blessy told us.It’s a cue for us to spend time together alone.“They're so nice. If I were you, I woul
It was another fun-filled day with my Bobby's family. This time, I came back to my parent’s house with a new relationship status with this guy who is so happy and proud to be with me.“I prefer that you meet them properly next week,” I told Bobby about meeting my parents.“I agree. Let’s not shock them today,” he said.To be honest, it’s not really a big deal if I introduce him to them tonight. I’m of legal age and even if I am unemployed, I am not completely hopeless. However, part of me isn’t ready yet. I don’t know why but I just know tonight isn’t the right time.“Thank you for understanding. I’ll condition their minds first,” I said.“I want to meet your sister too,” he said.“Of course. I’ll let you meet her and her family as well,” I said.“Wow! I’m getting more family,” he said like we were already getting married.“So, next week again?” I said.“Can we see each other at least twice a week?” he asked.“That could be arranged,” I said.He smiled at me. This time, it’s mo
I look at myself in the mirror trying to find any differences in me. This is silly, I know. It’s not the first time I entered a relationship but I am acting as if something about me or in me changed after I agreed to be Bobby’s girlfriend. Am I being more careful now that I’m older and have had nothing but the graduation certificate I received after seven years in college?My cellphone shows one missed call from Quim. I tried my best to ignore it and I succeeded for the first time. I guess I really want my new relationship with Bobby to go somewhere. Maybe, I really matured.My mother seems excited after knowing we will have a guest next week.“How many dishes should I cook? It’s been a long time since I cooked for a guest,” she said.“We can have two dishes only. I can order the rest,” I said.“What’s the point eating here if we will only serve take outs?” she said.“Just cook two dishes here then let’s order lechon. I miss it,” my father said.“Oh, don’t use this occasion to
Mom and Dad stand next to each other mesmerized by what they are seeing in front of them. Needless to say that my mother is star-struck by this tall, handsome guy with great physique and charming smile. Today’s not the first time she saw him but this time, they really go face to face. “I just saw you on TV recently. You looked good on that show but you look even better in person,” she said like she was a big fan. “Thank you, Auntie. You’re more beautiful up close,” Bobby said. He starts to court to her. As for my dad who calls himself the standard of male beauty, which of course is only a joke to me and my sister, he’s eyes are glued to that precious pig that’s smelling so good from inside its box. It shames the pork belly lechon he waited for a week to be delivered. I woke up early this morning to prepare fresh fruit salad and juices for lunch but my parents woke up way earlier. Mom was excited to welcome our first guest since the lockdown began while Dad was surely excited f
I knew Bobby was approaching but I wasn’t sure if it was me he called “babe”. I’m still holding my cellphone where I was reading Ally’s message with pictures taken in Quim’s property. “Me?” I asked. “You don’t like it?” he asked looking a little embarrassed. “Oh, that’s your term of endearment,” I said. “Our term of endearment. I thought it was just okay. I shouldn’t assume you’d go for it without asking you,” he said. “No..no..it’s totally fine. I was just surprised,” I explained my shock. “No. We should decide on that both. So, tell me what do you prefer?” he asked. “Call me whatever you want,” I said. “You’re not into this thing, aren’t you? But it’s fine,” he said. “C’mon, you’re making me feel bad. Let’s stick with that,” I said. “So, I’ll call you ‘babe’ then,” he said. “Baby, babe, whatever,” I said. He came closer and hugs me. “Good thing my name rhymes with ‘baby’ or ‘by’,” he said while still embracing me. I backed off a little. “Hey, I’m sorry. I’m a h
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