Athena's POV
Nagniningning ang araw sa mga graduates na naka-cap at gown, halo ang excitement at nostalgia sa hangin. Lahat ng section ng mga senior high school level ay nagdiriwang ng pagtatapos ng aming high school journey. Katatapos lang ng program namin and as usual our parents are doing what they do which is the usual thing they do every end year ng school year namin ni Czareenah. Nasa reception na sila taking care of everything. We decided to stay for a while para naman makipagbonding konti sa mga kaklase namin. "Hey, Athena! Congrats!"- masayang bati ni Dwight. "Congrats Athena! Where Czareenah?"- Kalix. "Ahem- are you suppose to ask that question to her?"- seryoso namang singit ni Dustin. Napangisi nalang ako sa naging reaction niya. "Woah! Am I not allowed too?"- inosenteng tanong ulit ni Kalix. Dahil doon, nakatanggap siya ng batok kay Dwight.Athena's POV It's been a week after the graduation and ever since that Czareenah never replied to my chats. Kinakabahan ako sa ganitong tractor niya sa akin kaya naman nagsend ulit ako ng message sa kanya. 'Pupunta ako bukas jan, nagtatampo ka ba or what? Pupuntahan nalang kita kahit nakakatampo yang hindi mo pagreply'After sending the message ay tinawagan ko si Justin. "Hhmmm... Light? What's wrong? Is everything okay?"- iyon agad ang bungad niya sa akin. Halata sa boses nito na kagigising lang niya. "Wow, wala bang hello or hi muna jan?"- sabi ko"Oh, sorry, hi my Light. Ang unusual kasi na tumawag ka ng ganitong oras."- Justin explained. "Is that a sarcasm?"- I asked him. "No, of course."- Justin. Sabagay, ikaw ba naman tumawag sa 3 am no?"Sorry to disturb your sleep but I need to tell you something"- me"Of course, what is it. I need to go to Montero later. I think there s
Athena's POV 'Hi Tina Tina ko, If you're reading this I've might gone far away for now. Matagal ko nang pinag isipan ito simula noong nalaman ko ang relasyon niya ni Dustin. Ito lang kasi ang naisip kong paraan para patahimikin ang puso kong nag uumapaw sa sakit kahit wala naman talagang karapatan in the first place. I'm sorry Athena, I'm really sorry. Ayokong masira ang pagkakaibigan natin ng dahil lang sa pagkagusto ko sa boyfriend mo. Kaya mas pinili ko munang magpakalayo layo. If you would think na pinagtakailan kita dahil kay Dustin I'm really sorry. I support you Athena always, hanggang sa hindi ko na talaga maiwasan ang pagseselos na kahit saang anggulo mo tignan ay wala naman talaga akong karapatan. I wanted you both to be happy at the same time ay hindi ako nasasaktan, kaya naman pinili ko na munang lumayo. Marami na akong naging kasalanan sayo maliban sa pagkakagusto ko sa boyfriend Athena at mas lalo akong naggiuilty haban
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 ko
Athena'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 POV Weeks passed after Justin’s recovery, and although we’d had that heart-to-heart, things didn’t magically get better. Justin tried—oh, he tried so hard to make it up to me. Every time he’d come home early from work, he’d bring me flowers, my favorite food, or sometimes just a simple note telling me how much he loved me. Ilang araw din matapos ng paggaling niya ay bulamik ulit siya sa dati in terms of his work. Mas madalang narin. Siyang umuwi kaysa dati which made me more worried. Madalang narin nagkakasalubong ang oras namin. Days turned into weeks, and the stress of our situation started to weigh heavily on me. I found myself overthinking everything—every time Justin was late, every time he couldn’t explain where he’d been, my mind would spiral into worst-case scenarios. I knew I needed to stop, to trust him like I said I would, but it was easier said than done. Because of this constant anxiety, I stopped taking care of myself the way I used to. Meals became someth
Athena’s POVNatapos na ang operasyon ni Justin and I could still feel the tremor in my hands as I took off my gloves. Justin was finally stable, nagawa king natanggap ang mga balang nakabaon sa kanya, he's still unconscious at hindi pa namin alam kung kailan siya magigising. The thought of him lying on that stretcher, covered in blood, still haunted me. I had to stay strong, but my heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces.Tito and Tita is out of the country, nasabihan ko na rin sila about Justin pero pareparehas kaming walang alam sa nangyari. I still don't have any idea on what exactly happened, kung bakit siya nabaril and so on. As I walked out of the operating room, I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. My mind was racing. Paano ito nangyari? Sino ang gumawa nito kay Justin? “Athena,” It was Micka na siyang sumalubong sa akin. "How was it? Are you okay? Si Justin?"- tuloy tuloy niyang tanong. "Na-nagawa kong matanggal ang mga bala sa katawan niya
Athena’s POVI never imagined that just days after our wedding, life would take such a sharp turn. Few days after the wedding ay naglipat bahay na kami sa bagong bahay na titirhan namin —our own space, our sanctuary. Simpleng bahay lang din, which is Justin let me decide about it. Hindi masyadong makali, hindi masyadong maliit, sakto lang talaga siya at elegante tignan. Even the appliances Justin let me decide it, hindi ko nga alam kung bahay namin ito o bahay ko lang eh. If you're asking about us? Well ...*Flashbacks*"Paano ang kwarto?"- I asked him"Alam ko namang hindi ka parin komportable sa akin so I can use one of the guest rooms"- Justin. Lagi nalang siyang nakarely sa desisyon ko which is I know na nirerespeto niya ako but I also want his opinion pero..."Ok ..."- sagot ko nalang."So if ever our parents will be visiting we can pretend then"- pagpapatuloy ko. Tinitigan niya ako ng ilang segundo bago tuluyang sumagot. His eyes are blank which is mas nasasanay na ako kesa s
Athena's POV Nakaharap ako sa salamin, pinagmamasdan ang sarili sa puting gown na suot ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mararamdaman? Ang kasal na ito ay hindi ko pinangarap na ganito. I may once wished na si Justin ang mapakalasalan ko but not this kind of set-up. “Okay ka lang, Tina?” Enah asked me, maid of honor."Yeah..."- tumango ako sa kanya. She gave me a smile Saka lumapit sa akin. "You're beautiful"- Enah.Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya. "Nagdadalawang isip ka parin? Ngayon pa na isinuot mo na yan?"- tuloy nito sa suot ko"Masyado lang mabilis ang mga pangyayari, hindi kapanipaniwala"- mahinang sabi ko."You have your time after this Tina... Hindi mo naman isusuot iyan ang waiting here if hindi mo gustong mangyari to eh, you will have your time after this. You're here now"- Enah.Napatingin kaming pareho sa pinto dahil sa pagkakakatok. "Ohh my gosh!!! My darling... You're so pretty "- emotional na wika ni mom. Sunod namang pumasok si Nanay Tina (mommy ni Czareenah)"Napakagan
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 POV I was expecting na mamayang gabi pa dating si Justin, nagulat nalang ako nang makita ko siyang hingal na hingal sa tapat ng apartment ko 15 minutes after ko siyang tinawagan. "Ju-Justin..."- meHe finally burts a sign"Tama ang dinig ko kanina right? You're finally willing to listen... What happened 5 years ago? And... And you called me name?"-- mangiyak ngiyak nitong tanong sa akin. "Pasok ka"- sabi ko matapos kong tumango sa kanya. I felt him follow me, dumeretso ako sa kusina para magtimpla ng kape, umupo naman siya sa sofa. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pagtitig nito sa akin kahit na medyo nakatalikod ako sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung anong maririnig ko sa kanya ngayon, I clear my mind so I won't expect
Athena's POV 'I felt someone kissed me in my forehead kaya tiningala ko kung sino. When I saw it was Justin I kissed him. It maybe a dream but atleast kahit sa panaginip manlang I can taste his lips again.' I woke up with a heavy head at parang pinipiga ang ulo ko sa sakit. "Drink this para mabawasan ang sakit ng ulo mo"- I heard a familiar voice. 'Nananaginip parin siguro ako' Unti unti kong ibinukas ang mga mata ko when I saw a blurry face. Inilagay nito ang gamot sa kamay ko at tinulungan akong isubo iyon. Pang apat na lagok ko ng tubig ay unti unting naging klaro ang mukha ni Justin sa harap ko. *Burrsstt* (naibuga ko ang tubig sa tabi ng kama ko) *Cough* *cough* "Hey, careful"- hagod ni Justin sa likod ko saka nagsalin ulit ng tubig sa baso and gave it to me. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?"- tanong ko Napansin ko rin na iba na ang
Athena's POV "Here come to bride!"- Micka shouted as I enter the room. Napakunot ang mga mata ko when I saw them cheering on me. Tatlo sila and ngayon ko lang marealized na may bagong mukha akong nakita. Her face is familiar then I realized kung saan ko siya nakita. Napangiti lang ito sa akin but I can see she's excited to hugged me dahil halatang nagpipigil ito. "Giselle? Is it you?"- sabi ko"KIYYAAAAHH!"- we both shouted in chorus. Hindi namin pinansin ang dalawang nagtatakip na ng mga tenga as we both jump into joy while hugging each other. The cozy ambiance ng VIP room sa resto bar made everything feel so intimate. Nakangiti akong nakatingin sa mga kaibigan ko. Finally, lahat kami nandito na."Grabe, finally! kompleto tayo"- I said."Cheers?"- Enah raise her glass."CHEERS!" Giselle, Micka and I shouted. "Any update with the wedding?"- Enah"Tuloy na tuloy talaga huh"- Micka"Tsskk"- I just shrug dahil nagsisimula na naman sila sa pang-aasar. "So sinong napili mong maid of
Athena's POV Kakatapos lang ng last operation ko, paglabas ko sa operation room ay usually mga guardian ng pasyenteng inoperahan ko ang nakaabang doon. My eyes where in him na nakasandal sa wall looking at me. "Doc..."- nag aalalang wika ni Mrs. Tranco.The guardians where waiting for me to speaking kaya napunta sa kanila ang pansin ko. "The operation is successful po, but still we wait for further results."- I said Sabay sabay silang nakahinga ng maluwag matapos kong sabihin iyon. "Thank you Doc... Thank you so much"- Mrs. Tranco."Ililipat po siya sa ward so doon nalang po siya hintayin"- sabi ko sa kanila saka tuluyang nagpaalam bago ko sila tinalikuran. I went to the opposite hallway, never looking back. 'What is he doing here again?'- Wala sa sariling tanong ko. Matapos kong nagbihis ay chineck ko ibang pasyente. "Doc! Overtime ka ngayon?"- Nurse Velasco asked me. "Nah, I'm having my last checking sa mga pasyente ko. "Ohh... Sakto, we're having a night out later kasama
Athena's POVI've been driving for hours pero malapit na ako sa resort. Isa ito sa favorite naming pinupuntahan ni Czareenah dati maliban sa mga view decks na napupuntahan namin kapag nagjojoy rides kami na ginagawa naming tambayan o kaya sa bukid nila mismo. Maliban sa magandang view ay may mga resto na pwedeng pagpilihan depende sa mood o sa gusto mo. They also have bars, cafes, karinderias and different resto styles like Korean resto, Japan and others. Sa 'Cafe Latte' ako dumeretso tulad ng napag usapan namin. "Tina!"- I heard Enah's voice behind me."Oh! You're here... Hi"- I hugged her. "Of course... Lagi akong sumasabay sa oras"- she said proudly. "Where's Micka?"- she asked. "Hahabol daw siya... But she's on her way na"- sagot ko sa kanya."Okay, let's go then"- Aya nito sa akin. Sabay na kaming pumasok sa cafe, sabay narin nag order ng meryenda. "Oh... I remember Giselle, is she coming?"- I asked her as we sat together. "Well, next month daw siya babawi, out of countr