Farewell Party
Seven Years Later...
Stella's colleagues in the T.L. The Design Team gathered a farewell dinner party for her that afternoon after work at the five-star hotel restaurant.
"Safe trip and good luck to you, Ms. Ferry." Mr. Garcia, the oldest and the head of the T.L Design Team, bid her a safe trip.
"Ms. Ferry... Mamimiss ka naming lahat sa T.L Design Team. Isa ka sa asset ng firm na ito. It's a waste that we lost such a brilliant team like you but we're also happy with your decision. Pero kung ano man ang mangyayari nakabukas pa rin ang pinto ng T.L para sa'yo." Ms. Santos sadly said to Stella.
One after another bid good luck to Stella. Lahat ng mga ito ay nalungkot dahil halos tatlong taon rin siya sa T.L Design firm. Hindi man siya matatawag na active employees ngunit para sa mga ito ay kawalan ang kanyang pagbibitaw sa trabaho dahil sa kung pagalingan lang ng design, nangunguna si Stella sa lahat.
Stella is like a lucky charm to their firm dahil lahat ng mga malalaking project ay naipapanalo ng firm nila. Minsan lang siya makilahok sa mga project ngunit lahat ay panalo ito.
Stella is very grateful to T.L. Ang T.L ang isa sa mg firm na tanging napasukan niyang trabaho simula nang siya ay nagtapos sa kanyang pagaaral. T.L is one of the top 5 firms in Henson City.
"Thank you everyone for the good words. Hindi ko akalain na aabot sa punto na magbibitiw ako bilang isa sa nagtatrabaho a company na ito. Anyway, I also thank you for welcoming me here 3 years ago even if I am just a new architecture graduate at that time. Hindi ko kayo makakalimutang lahat." Stella said with a warm smile.
Mr. Garcia raised his glass, "Cheers for, Ms. Stella Ferry."
"Cheers..." nakiisa rin ang lahat sa pagtaas ng kanilang kopita.
The fairwell dinner celebration lasts until 4 hours. Eight in the evening na rin iyon natapos. Hindi masyadong uminom si Stella dahil mag commute pa siya pauwi. Her car, she already sold last day before she leaves the place.
Stella was booking an Uber when someone called her attention.
"Stella..."
Nalingunan ni Stella si Arnold. Isa rin itong magaling na Architecture sa T.L. Arnold has been her avid suitor for almost 2 years. Hindi ito sumusuko kahit na paulit-ulit niya itong tinanggihan at na-busted.
Hindi lingid rito o sa lahat na dalagang ina siya. Some judge her for being a single mother at such a young age, but also some of them understand her situation. Lalo at hindi naman alam ng mga ito ang kwento ng kanyang buhay.
"Hey, Stella. Are you going to commute?" tanong ni Arnold sa kanya.
Stella nodded. "Yes. I'm going to book an Uber—"
"If you agree, I will drive you home."
"No need—"
"Stella... you are about to leave. Hindi mo pa rin ba ako pagbibigyan?" Arnold looks sad about her rejection.
Stella think. Sabagay, huling araw na rin niya itong makikita at makakasalamuha. Napapatango si Stella rito.
"Alright, kung hindi ba naman nakakadisturbo sa 'yo."
"It's really fine and it's an honor," bahagyang nakangiting wika nito. "I will get my car, will you wait at the entrance?"
"Sure," sagot ni Stella rito.
After five minutes, Arnold's car stopped at the entrance. Lumulan agad si Stella at hindi na niya hinintay na pagbuksan pa siya nito ng pinto.
Arnold starts the engine after Stella puts on her seatbelt.
"So, you are really leaving The T.L.?" Arnold spoke first.
"Yes," tipid na sagot ni Stell habang nakasulyap rito.
"Whatever your reason, I hope for your success in life and career, Stella."
"Thanks, Arnold. Same to you." tipid pa ring tugon niya rito.
Hindi nagtagal ay dumating rin sila sa harap ng apartment ni Stella.
Napatingin si Stella kay Arnold at ngumiti. "Thanks for the ride." Stella stayed and looked at Arnold.
Napatingin naman si Arnold rito at napabuntong hininga. "Alright, I gave up starting this time. Alam kong wala na talagang pagasa ngayong aalis ka na."
Stella laughed a bit, and Arnold was charmed by her laugh. He couldn't resist admiring it. For him, Stella is the most likeable and beautiful woman she has ever met. Her calm character is also stunning at iyon ang gustong gusto niya rito.
"I hope after I leave this place, you will finally get a girlfriend."
"Yes, I will look forward to it. Pero, ikaw pa rin ang ideal girlfriend ko." Arnold said without hesitation.
Stella smirks. "I'm sorry to reject that idea again. Hindi ako mapapagod na sabihin ito sa 'yo... There's someone much better for you, Arnold. Not like me who is a single mother."
"Hindi rin ako magsasawang sabihin ito sa 'yo. Tanggap ko kahit ano ka pa. But, I understand you, Stella, ayaw mo lang nang may masasabi ang iba kung—"
"Naging tayo at ganitong isang dalagang ina ako?" Stella shook her head. "No, you are very wrong. The main reason is, I have no feelings for you, Arnold. Isang kaibigan lang talaga ang turing ko sa 'yo. That is my number one reason."
Arnold bitterly smiled. "Alright, now I know. So, good luck with your new journey."
Stella nodded and smiled. "Thanks, and it's really goodbye."
"Bye..." Arnold winked.
Hindi na nag-aksaya si Stella at tuluyan na siyang lumabas sasakyan nito. She waited for him to drive his car, saka pa siya pumasok sa loob ng kanyang apartment.
"Kairro, Mommy is home..."
Kairro"Kai...""Mommy, I'm here..." kumaway ang batang lalaki na nasa living room at nakaharap sa kanyang mini laptop.Stella smiled at her 6 years and 5-month-old son.Kairro was born healthy, he has a high I.Q. When he was about to reach 3 years old, he learned how to read basic words. Nang tumuntong na siya ng tatlong taon, nakakapagbasa na siya ng paunti-unti hanggang sa naging hobby na nito ang pagbabasa ng mga iba't ibang uri ng libro. Kairro also loves drawings. He also loves playing mobile games.When Kairro reached five years old, he became an expert in computers.Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ni Stella na nagbabasa si Kairro ng mga libro tungkol sa computer system and also computer coding. Hindi na siya magtataka pa kung isang araw isang maging ganap na hacker ang anak niya.Kairro learned everything about computers, ito rin ang nagaayos at naga-upgrade ng kanyang computer systems.Lumapit si Stella sa kanyang anak at umupo sa tabi nito. She caresses his head and kisses his fore
GoodbyeYun, Kairro's Nanny wiped his tears. Emosyonal ito sa pagalis ni Kai."Brother Nanoo, stop crying. We can chat and video call everyday if you feel sad." Kairro was also sad but he still showed his serious and calm character. Ibang iba siya kumpara sa ibang bata na kapag nalungkot ay iiyak at maglulumpasay."Sad lang si Nanoo kasi aalis na ang napakabait na alaga ko. Kai, promise mo huwag mong pabayaan ang sarili mo at lagi kang maging mabait na bata, huh?" bilin rito ni Yun."Yes, Nanoo, I will surely remember what you taught me. You really are a big part of my life. Thanks for your patience with me. Sorry if there is a time when I'm very hard-headed. Thank you sa lahat, Nanoo. I will never forget you and your very kind family." Kairro said while Yun was emotionally crying.Mas si Yun pa ang naiiyak kaysa kay Kairro sa mga oras na iyon.Stella is also emotional. Halos anim na taon ring nasa tabi ni Kai si Yun. Kilalang kilala na nilang magina si Yun at ang pamilya nito. Stella
Innocent Little KidAfter Stella check-in their baggage, binalikan niya ang anak sa waiting area. Kai is obediently waiting for her while he is playing his favourite online games on his phone."Kai, I'm done. Ah, are you hungry?" tanong ni Stella sa anak.Kai looked at her. Hindi siya gaano nagugutom but he knew his mom was hungry at that time. Kahit pa nasa intense ang labanan ay bibitawan niya iyon para lang unahin ang kanyang mommy."Yes, a little. Let's eat first, mommy." Kairro said and immediately logged out of his account after he sent his message...Prince: I need to go, my mom is hungry."Sure. Come dahil may oras pa naman tayo. Where do you want to eat?""Up to you, mommy." sagot naman ni Kai rito.When Kai logged out his mobile online games, his account immediately disappeared. Nagkagulo naman agad ang kanyang mga kalaro sa biglang pagkawala niya sa gitna ng laban. Even they cursed to death ay wala silang magagawa. The Prince, their leader valued his mom. Kaya naiintindihan
Luxurious CabinIn The Airplane...Stella and Kairro occupied the international first-class flight. Iilan lang sila na naroon sa first class, mas marami naman sa economy flight.Stella feels tired. She looked at her son while pressing her forehead. Ganoon talaga palagi kapag sumasakay siya ng eroplano, bahagyang kumikirot ang kanyang ulo at bahagya rin siyang nahihilo. Ang masama pa ay hindi siya nakapaghanda ng gamot na dadalhin.Si Kai na nanonood ng cartoon movie ay napatingin sa kanyang ina. "Mommy, is your head aching?"Stella nodded her head.Bumaba naman si Kai sa kanyang first class chair at lumapait kay Stella. Kai immediately reached his mom's forehead.Stella laughed a bit. "Don't worry, honey, I have no fever. Masakit lang ng bahagya ang ulo ni mommy. I will just rest and sleep for a while at mamaya mawawala rin ito.""Okay, Mommy, you rest a bit. But don't sleep yet. I will ask the stewardess for some medicine and water for you. I will come back immediately," Kai said, and
SmartwatchMay habag na napatingin ang dalawang at ang flight attendant sa bata."Um—" The stewardess is about to answer when the grandma speaks."Kairro, I have medicine here. I will give it to you for your mommy. Here, and here the bottled water," hinagilap ng ginang ang gamot para sa sakit ng ulo at inabot iyon sa flight attendant kasama ang tubig. "Bring this and the child to the mother.""Grandma, no need. I can bring this along to Mommy.""Kid, where is your dad? Bakit ikaw ang naghahanap ng gamot para sa mommy mo?" bahagyang tanong ng ginong sa bata.Kairro blinked his eyes. "I have no father."The old couple was stunned at the cute little boy response. Hindi nila akalain na ang isang batang iyon ay walang ama. They immediately feel pity and their heart aches for the child."Bye-bye Grandma, Grandpa. Thank you..." When Kairro received the medicine and water, he immediately ran out."Kairro, wait, don't run baby—"Agad na nawala ang bata sa kanilang paningin dahil sa pagmamadali
Astigmatism"Oh, Kairro..." bilang napangiti ang ginang ng makita nito ang bata. "Come, come. Get inside," kaway sa kanya ng ginang.Humarap at tumingin naman muna si Kai sa dalawang babae na naghatid sa kanya. "Miss, thank you for bringing me here. You can leave me now."Napatawa naman nang marahan ang dalawa sa sinabi ni Kai. Napatango ang dalawa sa mag-asawa saka sila nagpaalam sa bata.Kairro closes the door and walks inside near the table."You are having coffee?" tanong ni Kai ng may dalawang tasa ng kape sa table.The Grandpa nodded and smiled. "Yes,"Do you want chocolate milk? I will make a glass for you.""Okay, Grandma. Thank you.""Come, sit beside me, Kai." hinila ng asawang lalaki ang isang mataas na upuan at tinulungan nito si Kai maupo roon."Here is your chocolate milk, baby. Hindi masyadong mainit 'yan. You can drink it slowly.""Okay." Kai said and he got something from his pocket. "Grandma, grandpa, I have something for you. Here," Inilabas ni Kai ang dalawang cook
Godmother MiaFinally, the plane landed at the Boston International Airport.Dahil may kasamang bata si Stella ay hinayaan muna niyang makababa ang lahat na pasahero. Also, to avoid any minor accidents. For her, Kairro's safety is a must.Nang nakalabas na ang lahat ay saka pa sila ni Kai lumakad papuntang exit door. Lumapit naman ang isang flight attendant na babae sa kanila at tinulungan si Stella sa paper bag na dala."Welcome to Boston City, baby Kai." wika ng babae na kilala si Kai.Napatingala naman si Kai rito at ngumiti. "Thanks, Ms. Attendant. Bye-bye...""Bye... Hope to see you again on your next trip, Kai." magiliw na kumaway ang babae kay Kai."Thank you, Miss." pasalamat rito ni Stella matapos siyang tulongan nito sa kanyang bitbit."You are welcome, Ma'am." Ang nakatango at nakangiti ring sagot sa kanya ng flight attendant.Stella holds Kai in her hands while slowly walking out of the exit door. Saktong paglabas nila ng exit ay tumunog naman ang kanyang cellphone.Stella
Burning HotStella Ferry's body started to burn. Her cheeks blushed red and she slowly felt uncomfortable. It started after she sipped the wine that she got from the waiter.That night, she was attending a 19th birthday party for her cousin, Tanya Jones, who is one year ahead of her.The party was held in one of five-star hotels. A hotel that only an elite circle can afford to host a party.Stella gritted her teeth; for sure, Tanya tampered with her drinks. She wanted to curse herself for being an idiot at that time. Tanya despises her existence even though she is good at her in front of so many people.She didn't know why, but Tanya had always hated her to the core. Wala naman sana siyang ginawa rito na dapat nitong ikakagalit sa kanya. Besides, she's always good to her. Actually, she is just a plain and aloof younger sister, but her existence is like a big opponent.Stella clenched her fist as Tanya slowly approached her."Hey sis, why are you looking uncomfortable?" Tanya said with
Godmother MiaFinally, the plane landed at the Boston International Airport.Dahil may kasamang bata si Stella ay hinayaan muna niyang makababa ang lahat na pasahero. Also, to avoid any minor accidents. For her, Kairro's safety is a must.Nang nakalabas na ang lahat ay saka pa sila ni Kai lumakad papuntang exit door. Lumapit naman ang isang flight attendant na babae sa kanila at tinulungan si Stella sa paper bag na dala."Welcome to Boston City, baby Kai." wika ng babae na kilala si Kai.Napatingala naman si Kai rito at ngumiti. "Thanks, Ms. Attendant. Bye-bye...""Bye... Hope to see you again on your next trip, Kai." magiliw na kumaway ang babae kay Kai."Thank you, Miss." pasalamat rito ni Stella matapos siyang tulongan nito sa kanyang bitbit."You are welcome, Ma'am." Ang nakatango at nakangiti ring sagot sa kanya ng flight attendant.Stella holds Kai in her hands while slowly walking out of the exit door. Saktong paglabas nila ng exit ay tumunog naman ang kanyang cellphone.Stella
Astigmatism"Oh, Kairro..." bilang napangiti ang ginang ng makita nito ang bata. "Come, come. Get inside," kaway sa kanya ng ginang.Humarap at tumingin naman muna si Kai sa dalawang babae na naghatid sa kanya. "Miss, thank you for bringing me here. You can leave me now."Napatawa naman nang marahan ang dalawa sa sinabi ni Kai. Napatango ang dalawa sa mag-asawa saka sila nagpaalam sa bata.Kairro closes the door and walks inside near the table."You are having coffee?" tanong ni Kai ng may dalawang tasa ng kape sa table.The Grandpa nodded and smiled. "Yes,"Do you want chocolate milk? I will make a glass for you.""Okay, Grandma. Thank you.""Come, sit beside me, Kai." hinila ng asawang lalaki ang isang mataas na upuan at tinulungan nito si Kai maupo roon."Here is your chocolate milk, baby. Hindi masyadong mainit 'yan. You can drink it slowly.""Okay." Kai said and he got something from his pocket. "Grandma, grandpa, I have something for you. Here," Inilabas ni Kai ang dalawang cook
SmartwatchMay habag na napatingin ang dalawang at ang flight attendant sa bata."Um—" The stewardess is about to answer when the grandma speaks."Kairro, I have medicine here. I will give it to you for your mommy. Here, and here the bottled water," hinagilap ng ginang ang gamot para sa sakit ng ulo at inabot iyon sa flight attendant kasama ang tubig. "Bring this and the child to the mother.""Grandma, no need. I can bring this along to Mommy.""Kid, where is your dad? Bakit ikaw ang naghahanap ng gamot para sa mommy mo?" bahagyang tanong ng ginong sa bata.Kairro blinked his eyes. "I have no father."The old couple was stunned at the cute little boy response. Hindi nila akalain na ang isang batang iyon ay walang ama. They immediately feel pity and their heart aches for the child."Bye-bye Grandma, Grandpa. Thank you..." When Kairro received the medicine and water, he immediately ran out."Kairro, wait, don't run baby—"Agad na nawala ang bata sa kanilang paningin dahil sa pagmamadali
Luxurious CabinIn The Airplane...Stella and Kairro occupied the international first-class flight. Iilan lang sila na naroon sa first class, mas marami naman sa economy flight.Stella feels tired. She looked at her son while pressing her forehead. Ganoon talaga palagi kapag sumasakay siya ng eroplano, bahagyang kumikirot ang kanyang ulo at bahagya rin siyang nahihilo. Ang masama pa ay hindi siya nakapaghanda ng gamot na dadalhin.Si Kai na nanonood ng cartoon movie ay napatingin sa kanyang ina. "Mommy, is your head aching?"Stella nodded her head.Bumaba naman si Kai sa kanyang first class chair at lumapait kay Stella. Kai immediately reached his mom's forehead.Stella laughed a bit. "Don't worry, honey, I have no fever. Masakit lang ng bahagya ang ulo ni mommy. I will just rest and sleep for a while at mamaya mawawala rin ito.""Okay, Mommy, you rest a bit. But don't sleep yet. I will ask the stewardess for some medicine and water for you. I will come back immediately," Kai said, and
Innocent Little KidAfter Stella check-in their baggage, binalikan niya ang anak sa waiting area. Kai is obediently waiting for her while he is playing his favourite online games on his phone."Kai, I'm done. Ah, are you hungry?" tanong ni Stella sa anak.Kai looked at her. Hindi siya gaano nagugutom but he knew his mom was hungry at that time. Kahit pa nasa intense ang labanan ay bibitawan niya iyon para lang unahin ang kanyang mommy."Yes, a little. Let's eat first, mommy." Kairro said and immediately logged out of his account after he sent his message...Prince: I need to go, my mom is hungry."Sure. Come dahil may oras pa naman tayo. Where do you want to eat?""Up to you, mommy." sagot naman ni Kai rito.When Kai logged out his mobile online games, his account immediately disappeared. Nagkagulo naman agad ang kanyang mga kalaro sa biglang pagkawala niya sa gitna ng laban. Even they cursed to death ay wala silang magagawa. The Prince, their leader valued his mom. Kaya naiintindihan
GoodbyeYun, Kairro's Nanny wiped his tears. Emosyonal ito sa pagalis ni Kai."Brother Nanoo, stop crying. We can chat and video call everyday if you feel sad." Kairro was also sad but he still showed his serious and calm character. Ibang iba siya kumpara sa ibang bata na kapag nalungkot ay iiyak at maglulumpasay."Sad lang si Nanoo kasi aalis na ang napakabait na alaga ko. Kai, promise mo huwag mong pabayaan ang sarili mo at lagi kang maging mabait na bata, huh?" bilin rito ni Yun."Yes, Nanoo, I will surely remember what you taught me. You really are a big part of my life. Thanks for your patience with me. Sorry if there is a time when I'm very hard-headed. Thank you sa lahat, Nanoo. I will never forget you and your very kind family." Kairro said while Yun was emotionally crying.Mas si Yun pa ang naiiyak kaysa kay Kairro sa mga oras na iyon.Stella is also emotional. Halos anim na taon ring nasa tabi ni Kai si Yun. Kilalang kilala na nilang magina si Yun at ang pamilya nito. Stella
Kairro"Kai...""Mommy, I'm here..." kumaway ang batang lalaki na nasa living room at nakaharap sa kanyang mini laptop.Stella smiled at her 6 years and 5-month-old son.Kairro was born healthy, he has a high I.Q. When he was about to reach 3 years old, he learned how to read basic words. Nang tumuntong na siya ng tatlong taon, nakakapagbasa na siya ng paunti-unti hanggang sa naging hobby na nito ang pagbabasa ng mga iba't ibang uri ng libro. Kairro also loves drawings. He also loves playing mobile games.When Kairro reached five years old, he became an expert in computers.Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ni Stella na nagbabasa si Kairro ng mga libro tungkol sa computer system and also computer coding. Hindi na siya magtataka pa kung isang araw isang maging ganap na hacker ang anak niya.Kairro learned everything about computers, ito rin ang nagaayos at naga-upgrade ng kanyang computer systems.Lumapit si Stella sa kanyang anak at umupo sa tabi nito. She caresses his head and kisses his fore
Farewell PartySeven Years Later...Stella's colleagues in the T.L. The Design Team gathered a farewell dinner party for her that afternoon after work at the five-star hotel restaurant."Safe trip and good luck to you, Ms. Ferry." Mr. Garcia, the oldest and the head of the T.L Design Team, bid her a safe trip."Ms. Ferry... Mamimiss ka naming lahat sa T.L Design Team. Isa ka sa asset ng firm na ito. It's a waste that we lost such a brilliant team like you but we're also happy with your decision. Pero kung ano man ang mangyayari nakabukas pa rin ang pinto ng T.L para sa'yo." Ms. Santos sadly said to Stella.One after another bid good luck to Stella. Lahat ng mga ito ay nalungkot dahil halos tatlong taon rin siya sa T.L Design firm. Hindi man siya matatawag na active employees ngunit para sa mga ito ay kawalan ang kanyang pagbibitaw sa trabaho dahil sa kung pagalingan lang ng design, nangunguna si Stella sa lahat.Stella is like a lucky charm to their firm dahil lahat ng mga malalaking
Abort The Child"You..." Nelly pointed her angrily. "Sa lahat ng tulong namin, ito lang pala ang mapapala namin sa'yo?!"Stella sneered. "I didn't force your family to adopt me and look at me when I was young, auntie. It's your initiative to take care of me. Why? Hindi ba malinaw na habol n'yo ang iniwan sa akin ng mga magulang ko?" Stella Finally stated what she thought.Napapailing naman si Nelly. Tumayo ito ng matuwid. "Huh! Do you think you can have the company now you are pregnant?"Stella frowned. "What do you mean?""As I know, your father's last will stated that you can't inherit the company when you get pregnant before you turn twenty and above?"Napaawang ang bibig ni Stella. Her parents died in a car accident when she was only 10 years old. Walang nabanggit sa kanya ang kanyang ama. Ang lagi lang nitong sinasabi noon na nabubuhay pa ang mga ito, na mapapasakanya ang lahat ng yaman na pinaghirapan ng ama kapag dumating na siya sa tamang edad."My father never mentioned such