I drove out of the village to find a place to think and destress. I know that Dad has no intention to ruin my plans but at the back of my mind, a voice is whispering the opposite. I drove to the city and I find myself in a cafe near Perpetual. Am I being unreasonable? Am I being childish? Was I too sensitive? I ordered a latte and sat by the window. Tila nakikisama ang panahon sa nararamdaman ko. It's raining. I took two sips of my coffee and then I realized I didn't tell mom where I am going. I grabbed my phone and typed a message.To: MommyMom, I'm just in a near cafe. Kailangan ko lang pong magpalamig. Gusto ni Dad na two days lang ang trip namin to Bahrain kasi daw may event. I'll be home before it gets dark.I know mom is the only one who understands me. Sya lang naman ang nakasama ko sa bawat hakbang ko sa buhay.I was about to put my phone down when I received a message from Kuya. From: Kuya Umalis ka daw ng bahay sabi ni Mommy? Anong sinabi sayo ni dad? Text me back if na
Morning came. Kuya arrived exactly at 5 am. He is no longer in his scrubs nor his doctor's coat. He is wearing a polo paired with khaki shorts. Sasakyan nya ang ginamit namin dahil didiretso na sya sa ospital pag kahatid nya sakin sa airport.I noticed that Mom was a bit stiff when she offered us breakfast. Baka may pinag usapan sila ni Dad. That's the only reason I see for Mom to be this stressed out so early in the morning. I am wearing a white cropped top and black jeans. Kailangan presentable parin ang suot ko kahit lalabas ako ng bansa. Maaring may mga taong humahanap parin ng butas sa pamilya namin. "I'll try to convince Dad to extend your trip. Baka pwedeng hindi ka naman kasama sa event. I'll update you if it's really important. Paniguradong isang charity ball lang yun para mapabango yung pangalan nya. I heard from Mom that Dad is planning to run for a position in the Senate," Kuya said as soon as we started driving out of the village. Oh crap. Hindi na sya nakuntento sa firm
"If you can endure not talking to me, I'm cool with that. But I apologize in advance if I will bug you any chance I get." He left me speechless as he steps out of the elevator. Those were his words last night before I had my dose of melatonin. How can he be so confident in saying shits like that when he's in a relationship. His way of handling relationships is a pain in the butt. Doesn't that guy know the word loyalty or faithfulness? " We will look around the city. Gusto mo bang pumunta sa shopping center nila?" tanong ni Dave nang makalabas kami ng hotel. The weather here in Bahrain just like in the Philippines. Humid. "Let's just look around. Bukas na tayo pumunta sa shoppping center nila. I want to see the beauty of this country even in the suburbs," I answered as I fix my sunglasses. We decided to visit the National Museum. It's in Manama. It's convenient because the National Theater is also within the area. "The game starts at 6:00pm. Mag didinner na ba muna tayo or after na
There was never an odd moment during the dinner. There's always someone cracking up jokes. Well, that's on the team's table while in ours, it's like a prayer meeting. I thought he wanted to talk about something yet all I can hear are the clink of the utensils as we eat. I thought he wants to talk so why he is silent as a mute. Hindi na lang ako kumibo at itinutok ang atensyon sa pagkain. We're all having a rib-eye steak. As much I want to get a salad I didn't ask for one. These people will think that I'm that conscious with my weight that I won't eat what they're eating. "Did you look around the city? How was it?" he asked. Finally! Akala ko mapapanis lang ang laway ko dito. I lifted my head to make eye contact with him. "Yeah, We look around the city. We went to the museum and I can say that their museum is unique. We also took some pictures at the museum's lake. It was fascinating." He was speechless. Looks like he never expected my answer. I gave him a puzzled look before I spoke
Dave brought me to the gym where the national team is practicing. It was awkward because I was the only woman there. I also saw Coach Donny giving me a side-eye. This isn't doing me any better. Malayo ito sa inaasahan ko. "Just sit by the bleachers next to Coach Sandy," Dave said leaving me on the side of the court. Tinignan ko ang bleachers na itinuro nya. Medyo elevated iyon kaya kitang-kita ang buong court. Lumakad ako papalpit sa pwesto ni Coach Sandy. Habang paakyat ako ng hagdan ay nahagip ng mata ko si Dwight na nakatagilid ang ulo habang nag pupunas ng pawis. May stiff neck ba ang lalakeng iyon? "Watch your step." Coach Sandy extended his hand to guide me. I smiled at him and accepted his hand. When we were both settled on the platform, he then walks towards the railing and lean on it as he watches the players. "I heard that your Dad will be running for a senatorial
After our trip to Bvlgari, we went to Cartier. As soon as we walked inside the store Dwight was attended by one of their people. The employee was a woman in her mid-20s. Their uniform hugs her in the right places. Requirement ba pag sales agent ka ng luxury brand ang pagiging sexy at enticing? Does a pretty sales agent equal high sales ba?"Good afternoon, Sir. How may I help you?" tanong ng attendant sa tonong nag papatas ng kilay ko. Is this their strategy? Mag sasalita na sana ako pero naunahan ako ni Dwight."Ah yes. My girlfriend and I are looking for some jewelry. Any recommendations?" Bumagsak ang mukha nung babae. She glanced at me and barred her teeth. I heard her take a deep breath before speaking again."This way." She walked in front of us with hips dramatically swaying. Pakiramdam ko tuloy mangangalas sya. I looked at Dwight who's waiting for me.&nbs
After the victory, the team went straight to dinner. Dave and I were invited but I have to politely decline the invitation since I don't know if Dwight's mad at me or what. "I hope you don't mind if we take Dave to dinner with us," Coach Donny said when we were already in the hotel's lobby. They offered to escort me to the lobby for their sanity. "I don't mind po. I'll just be on our hotel suite." Nag-antayan pa kami sandali kung sino ang unang aalis. Tinanguan ako ni Coach Sandy. Nag lakad na ako papunta elevator at sumakay doon. Sumandal ako habang papaakyat ang elevator. I hope Dave doesn't spill the tea about our departure tomorrow morning. Hindi ko alam kung masyado lang akong ilsyunada pero ayokong maapektuhan nang pag-alis namin ang laro nila for tomorrow night. Tumunog ang elevator indikasyon na nasa tamang palapag na ako. Paglabas ko ng elevator ay bumungad sakin ang dalawang room attendant ng hotel. I
I thought I will be sleeping throughout the flight but I was wrong. Gising na gising ako habang nasa himpapawid kami. Hindi ko kayang matulog. Maybe it's because I'm nervous and anticipating something? Or my mind is still on Bahrain worrying about Dwight? "Do you need anything, Ma'am?" the attendant asked. When I looked at her, she immediately handed me the wine selection menu. Makakatulong ba ang alak sa lagay ko ngayon? I ordered without even looking at the menu. "Do you have some Goldschlager?" tanong ko sa attendant. Her eyes widen a bit. Napangiti ako. "According to your reaction, there is none," I said before finally looking at the wine menu. Why would I expect Goldschlager to be served on a flight? Some countries don't even know that it actually exists. "We actually have it. I'm just surprised because for the last 3,000 hours of flying you're the first one to ask for such liquor," the attendant said before turning her back to me to get the liquor. She's been flying for 3,00
My relationship with Dwight didn’t get any better after our talk. Emotions got the best of me when we last talked. At this point, I don’t even know if we really have a relationship.He’s busy training with the national team while I’m at my dad’s office. It’s just a few days before the election, so our security is at its max. Our house security system has been upgraded. More bodyguards are deployed.“Caily, you should ask your manager to reschedule all your shoots to a week after the election. It’s your dad and aunt’s request,” Mom said when she sat beside me. My schedule has already been pushed far too long. If I do what I was asked, I might lose a few contracts in these coming years.“Mom, I hope they will understand me. I’ve pushed the shoots far too long. I might lose my contracts next year, or worse, they might sue me.” I fidgeted with my phone. Mom sighed beside me. Modeling is becoming my full-time job, and I know my mom has something to say about it because she did modeling as
“Dwight?” He was horrified when he saw me in the lift, but he tried to hide it.“Sav,” matipid n’yang bati. By the sound of it, I already know what’s up. This is not the proper way to handle the situation, keeping in mind that our relationship is not public. Bumaba ang mata ko sa bitbit nya. He held a bouquet of red roses and a Starbucks paper bag. Breakfast for Sam, I guess?The elevator ride was awkward. We couldn’t talk much because there were other people on the lift. Nang tumigil ang elevator sa fifth floor ay tinignan ko muna s’ya bago lumabas. He better explain why he’s been avoiding me these past few days.The sound of my stilettos against tiled flooring was eerie. It is straight out of a movie, if I must say. There is so much tension and anticipation.I hate to admit it, but seeing Dwight holding a bouquet of flowers pains me. He was busy with Sam while I desperately waited for his texts or calls. He even partied out with Eli and didn’t bother to inform me.Bumalik sakin ang
“Alam ko na kung bakit umuwi ang jowa mo!” sigaw ni Brithey. She showed me her phone. It was a news article with Samantha as the headline. It turns out that Samantha and her family got involved in a car accident. Bigla akong kinabahan para kay Samantha. Is she okay? Gaano kalala ang injuries n’ya? Kamusta naman ang pamilya n’ya?I grabbed Brithey’s phone to read the article. The Chen Family was involved in a car accident in Cebu City. Is it a coincidence? We were also in Cebu when we got ambushed. Samantha was with their driver, her dad, her mom, and her younger sister. It was ruled as an accident because of the heavy rain. Agad naman silang naisugod sa malapit na ospital. I doubt that it is an accident. There is something fishy going on in Cebu. “Minor injuries lang naman siguro ‘yun,” Brithey commented. “It’s nothing compared to what happened to you.” I was pissed at what she said. Oo, aminado ako hindi maganda ang relasyon namin ni Samantha but to say that is unacceptable.“Kahi
“It’s been a while, love” Tumayo ang mga balahibo ko ng maramdaman ko ang mainit n'yang hiningi sa likod ng tenga. It sends shivers to my spine. I looked at Isaac. He was stunned."Hey," malumanay kong bati sa kanya. He's wearing a black polo shirt and khaki pants. How can someone look so good in such simple clothes?I almost lost my breath when he leaned over to kiss my forehead. Damn!“Hey,”malambing n’yang bati pabalit at umupo sa tabi ko. Nararamdaman ko ang titig ni Isaac sa’min. They already knew each other so introduction will be stupid.“How have you been, bro?” Dwight casually asked as he placed his hands on my thigh. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ngumiti na lang ng hilaw. Someone’s getting teritorial.“Thanks for asking. I’ve been busy establishing businesses after we graduated from college. What about you?” Isaac answered before drinking one of his shots.“I’ve been busy with training. It’s only just now that we got our vacation. When I found out my girl flew to Thailand for
I flew to Thailand as planned. Maayos naman na ang lagay ni Bella. It was a miracle that the baby survived. Kuya offered Bella to stay in his house but Bella refuses. Bella reasoned out that it is too dangerous for her to be around kuya after the incident. Kuya Jerome is still investigating. Hindi namin alam kung kami ba ang dahilan kung bakit nangyari yun kay Bella o may sarili silang alitan ng mga armadong lalake. “Caily, we will be staying for 2 days and 3 nights. Tanghali ang dating natin ng Thailand. Your first day is your free day. If you want to explore the city, we can do that. Then, the next days will be filled with shoots. Bali 3 layouts per day tayo. Sa huling araw natin naman, we will have dinner with the CEO.” Sumandal na lang ako sa upuan ko at pumikit. Pinapakinggan ko pa lang ang mga sinasabi ni Brithey pagod na ako.Thailand is not that different from the Philippines that’s why I’m not that interested in exploring the country. Plano kong magpahinga lang ngayong araw
“Baby, you should get some sleep na. Don’t worry about mommy. I will sleep once your Kuya is asleep,” mom said after putting me to bed.It’s Kuya’s Midterm Exam tomorrow. I know to myself that both of them will stay up all night. Leading up to his exams, Kuya always becomes erratic, so mom is scared to leave him alone. “But Kuya won’t be sleeping tonight since his exam is tomorrow,” I said as I tucked myself into bed. Mom was smiling at me while leaning on the door.“Very observant of you, my little princess.” She walked towards me, turned off the side lamp, and kissed my forehead.“Good night, my princess.” She walked away and closed the door.I slept that night assured that everything would be fine the following day, but it was far from the reality I faced the next morning. A loud banging awakened me, not on my door but perhaps in the room beside me, my brother’s room. I went out of bed to check on what was happening. It was my mom knocking non-stop on kuya’s door.“What’s happeni
It’s been weeks since I last saw my brother as well as Dwight. Kuya was true to his words, he didn’t do anything to Dwight. Well, anything physical I guess? It’s not unbeknownst to me that my brother has a sharp tongue.“Caily, I just got an email from an international brand. They are asking if you can fly to Thailand to discuss a potential contract with them,” Brithey said. Kasalukuyan kaming nasa Cebu para sa isang shot. We did five layouts today and it’s all by the beach. Inabutan ako ni Brithey ng tuwalya para takpan ang katawan ko.We shot a magazine cover. The main theme is about standing out so I wore a latex dress accessorized with chunky jewelry.“Kailan naman yan?”tanong ko habang tinatanggal ang suot na alahas.“The day after tomorrow,”tipid n’yang sagot habang nakatutok sa iPad. Tinignan ko ang relo ko. It’s already 5:30 pm. “Uuwi na rin ba tayo ngayon o bukas na ng umaga?” Hindi ako sigurado kung kakayanin ko pang bumiyahe pauwi ng Laguna matapos ang trabaho ko ngayong a
Ever since my early childhood I’m always the type of kid who will just stare around and instantly comprehend what’s going on in my surroundings. Some adults deemed me as mature but the reason that I’m quick to pick up on what’s happening in the surrounding is because in our house we rarely speak to one another. As I grew older, I realized that I’m not that aware anymore of what’s happening around me. It’s like I’ve dived into the abyss.“Are you alright, ate?” I was brought back to my senses when Eli gently racked my body. I looked at him. I can’t figure out his look. Is he apologetic or worried? I didn’t speak. Brithey just looked at me and Eli as if she was trying to grasp what’s happening. I stared at Eli for a few minutes before my phone rang. It was Erica calling. Eli took my phone and answered it. Lumakad s’ya papunta sa may kitchen. Akala ko ba okay na ako? Akala ko tanggap ko na ang katotohanan? Napahawak ako sa noo ko. That’s bullsh*t! I’ll never be alright with it! I neve
I was still shocked from what went down during our lunch. Malapit na bang mamatay si dad? Why on earth is he suddenly sweet and understanding?“Sapphire, I’m talking to you.” I was caught off-guard when dad uttered my name. “Po?” tanong ko dito dahil sa tingin ko mali ang narinig ko kanina.“I’m asking you when you are free. Balak ko kasing pumunta tayo sa ibang bansa bilang pamilya. That’s my graduation gift for you. So when are you free?” paliwanag ni dad.Ibinaba ko ang kubyertos na hawak ko at sandaling inalala ang schedule ko. If my memory serves right, I’ll be free after a month.“I’m not sure if I remember it correctly but I’m free by next month, I guess? I’ll confirm it tomorrow after talking to my manager.” Dad nodded and continued his meal.I swear that was the first time that he acknowledged me. If I only know that this is how I can gain his acknowledgement I should have studied way earlier. Wala sa sarili akong naglakad papasok ng lobby nang bigla akong tawagin ng recept