Athena's POV
Simula noong umalis si Czareenah, pakiramdam ko'y may malaking bahagi ng buhay ko ang nawala. We had always planned to go to college together, to face the new chapter of our lives side by side. Pero ngayon, narito ako, mag-isa. Naging pihikan ako sa mga bagong nakikilala. It's hard to trust people when someone you considered your closest friend suddenly leaves without much of an explanation. Kaya naman, ipinundar ko ang buong atensyon ko sa pag-aaral. I enrolled in the Medical Technology program, a course I was genuinely passionate about. It was my way of coping, of keeping myself busy so I wouldn't dwell too much on the past. My daily routine became my anchor. Bago pumasok sa classroom, dumadaan muna ako sa locker room. There was something comforting about the familiarity of it all—the sound of the combination lock clicking open, the sight of my neatly organized books and supplies. Iyon din ang routine koAthena's POV Pagkatapos ng klase ko, naupo muna ako sa bench sa labas ng building. Pagod na pagod ako, pero hindi ko maiwasang mag-isip tungkol kay Justin. Ang dami na naming pinagdaanan, at kahit na sa dami ng pagsubok, nandiyan pa rin siya. Speaking of him, pauwi na ako at sakto namang nakita ko siyang sumasalubong sa akin. He's wearing the same uniform of mine, except it's for men of course, at dahil magkaiba kami ng department, magkaiba rin ang lace ng I'Ds namin. "Hey, Light, how's you day?" tawag ni Justin habang papalapit sa akin. It's been months simula noong napagdesisyonan kong ireconnect ang na putol naming sinimulan. I saw how sorry he is and how serious he is to make it up on me. Naging hatid sundo ko rin siya which is not necessary naman na dahil kaya kong magcomute but he always insist. "Tiring, ano pa nga ba"- sabi ko saka inilahad ang bag at mga papel na hawak ko sa kanya. N
Athena's POVMatapos ang kamistahan namin at pagpapakilala ni Micka, the girl who is with Kalix which is his girlfriend according sa pagpapakilala niya kanina ay naupo na kaming lahat. Saglitang nabalit ng katahimikan ang paligid. The boys had their own drinks at tumayo si Justin para kumuha ng inumin namin. "I heard you're talking about an investigator a while ago"- tanong ko sa kanila. Kay Dustin ako tumingin dahil alam kong siya ang makakasagot non."Yeah ... They don't have any leads until now"- malungkot nitong sabi matapos niyang bumuntong hininga. Kalix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've followed up on every lead they’ve given us, but Czareenah seems to be always one step ahead. It’s like she doesn’t want to be found.""I doubt that, if Czareenah would go somewhere to hide that place is far to be found dahil pinaka ayaw non ang tumakbo ng tumakbo"- I commented.Umupo naman si Justin na may dalang kape and beer f
Athena's POVIt was the little things that made me fall harder for Justin. How he would show up, day in and day out, to take me to and from school. How his presence became a comforting constant in my life. Today was no different he was waiting in a park outside our department building, a warm smile lighting up his face as I approached."Hi, Light" he said with a warm smile as I approach and hugged me, giving me a kiss in my head or forehead which he always do. With feeling that familiar flutter in my chest. "Thanks for always picking me up Meyer"He shrugged, a playful grin on his face. "I wouldn't have it any other way. It's part of my routine anyway"Tulad ng dati, sabay naming tinungo ang parking lot.As we drove, the conversation flowed easily, as it always did. Then, as we neared my house, Justin cleared his throat, his tone becoming a bit more serious."By the way" he started, glancing at me briefly before turning
Athena's POV Justin carried me in a bridal style, making me laugh as we made our way through the hallway. The party had been amazing, and now, as we neared our rooms, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. "Okay, here we are," Justin said, stopping in front of my door. He was about to put me down, but I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck tighter. "Hatid mo ko sa room"- I requested. Medyo nahihiyang ako at kinakabahan na kaya napasubsub ako sa dibdib niya. I heard him laugh a little. "Sure, anything for you, Light". He walked a few more steps as pushed open my door with his foot, carrying me inside. Agad ko namang tinakpan ang mga mata niya kaya napatigil siya. "Hey-... What are you doing?"- Tanong nito trying to remove my hand pero pinigilan ko siya. "Do you trust me?"- tanong ko. "Of course, what is this all about Li
Athena's POV It's hard to believe it's been five months since Justin and I became a couple. Time flies when you're with someone who makes every moment feel special, at napaka bagal ng oras kapag nalulungkot ka or your suffering from something heavy in your heart. Justin has been the same caring, attentive guy since the day we started dating. He always knows how to make me smile, and hoping everyday that our relationship will grow stronger than we ever imagined. Today is our monthsary, and Justin insisted on taking me out for a simple date. I once look at my mirror checking myself. I'm wearing a simple dress, casual and elegant. *BBZZZZZT* (My phone vibrated on the table showing Meyer's name in it). I picked up my phone as I answer it with calm and joy. "Hello..."- me "Hi Light, I'm waiting downstairs"- Meyer said on the other line. "Pababa na ako"- sagot ko. Ibinaba ko narin a
Athena's POVIt was one of those rare days when my classes finished early. I found myself with extra time and decided to wait for Justin outside his department. Siguro oras na rin para ako naman ang maghintay sa kanya para hindi laging siya ang naghihintay. Tumingin ako sa wrist watch ko saka napaupo sa isang bench not too far from their department enjoying the breeze and the anticipation of seeing him.As I waited, I noticed a girl standing nearby, looking nervous and fidgety. She was holding a small box, and her eyes kept darting towards the department entrance. The girl was so familiar, hindi ko masyadong makita ang mukha niya dahil waring nakatalikod ito sa kinaroroonan ko. 'Katulad ko rin sigurong may hinihintay mula sa Criminology department'- inner me. Some students started to storm out from the building kaya hindi ko na ibinaba ang bag ko. Ilang saglit lang ay nakita ko na si Justin papalabas ng department kaya tumayo na ako. "
Athena's POV Today was shaping up to be just another busy day on campus, filled with lectures and lab sessions. Justin maybe busy pero nagagawa parin nitong ihatid sundo ako sa school at apartment ko. I was on my way to canteen nang nagcross ang landas namin ni Micka sa hallway. "Athena!"- she greeted me excitedly. "Hi Micka"- salubong ko naman sa kanya. We're in the same department pero ang mga ganitong pagkakataong na nagsasalubong ang schedule namin ay napakadalang lang. "Tell me you're going to the canteen not to your next class?"- she said with cross fingers. Napatawa nalang ako sa ginawa niya. "Yeah, come on"- paanyaya ko sa kanya. Together l, we headed to the canteen as we catch up for some time. "How's your course going?" Micka asked as we found a table in the crowded canteen. "It's been intense," I admitted. "Medical Technology isn't exactly a walk in the park pero kaya naman, Ikaw? How's nursing treating you?"- balik tanong ko sa kanya. Micka smiled. "It's a
Content WarningThis chapter contains descriptions of prohibited drug use and explicit sexual content. These themes may be distressing or triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised. Athena's POVAnother sem had passed, weeks had dragged on with an aching slowness. With our internships in full swing, Justin and I rarely saw each other, and I missed him terribly. The few times we did manage to steal moments together, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was pulling away. He seemed distant, preoccupied, and it gnawed at me.Determined to bridge the growing gap between us, I decided to surprise him. Tomorrow was our first anniversary and Justin's birthday also, and I wanted us to welcome it together. Last year on his birthday, I had said yes to being his girlfriend as my special gift for him. It was a special day for both of us, and I wanted to make sure we celebrated it despite everything.Alam ko ang address ng condo niya at ibinigay niya sa akin ang duplicate key niya.