I stood in our principal's office, my hands clasped tightly in front of mine. I make sure have a determined look in my eyes, a mix of sadness and relief reflecting on my face. Her boss, Mr. Reyes sits across from me, a surprised look on his face. "Mr. Reyes, I have something important to discuss," i started the conversation. Mr. Reyes leans back in his chair, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. "Sure, Miss Mendoza. What's on your mind?"I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest."I've decided to resign from my position here. Titigil po muna ako sa pagtuturo at mag-po-focus sa pamilya ko ."Mr. Reyes eyes widen in surprise. I know he had always admired me for my dedication and hard work."Janine, are you sure about this? You're one of our best teachers here ."I nod, my decision firm. "I am grateful for the opportunities I've had here, but I need to focus more on my family. My husband needs me, and I've realized that I need to make some changes in my life to be there for he
The moonlight seeped through the half-drawn curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The scent of vanilla from the burning candle filled the air. The bedroom, a sanctuary away from the world, was silent except for the soft hum of a distant city.On the bed, under the warmth of the quilt, Gemar and I lay down. The day's weariness seemed to have dissolved, replaced by a tranquil calm. My head rested on Gemar's chest, traced patterns on the fabric of his shirt, my fingers dancing to a rhythm only I knew.His arm wrapped protectively around to me, stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my own, a symphony that was music to my ears. He turned his gaze towards me, his eyes reflecting the moonlight, full of love and adoration."Sana palagi tayong ganito," bulong ko sa sarili ko. He gently lifted my chin, prompting me to look at him. Our eyes met, creating an unspoken conversation, a connection that needed no words. He leaned in, pr
On the next evening, Gemar got home with a tired face, but i didn't ask how's his day because i know just usual, they have a lot of patient. I just prepared him a dinner, but Gemar had been quiet throughout dinner, a thoughtful expression on his face. After dinner, we sat down in our living room. "Hon, may problema ka ba? Kanina ka pa tahimik," pag-uusisa ko. "There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," aniya. I turned to face Gemar, my eyes filled with concern. "What is it, Hon? Kinakabahan naman ako sa 'yo e." "It's about my father's business. He's been thinking about retiring, and he wants me to take over."I was taken aback. I knew how much Jack loved his current job, but i knew too how much he's been looking forward to joining the family business"What about your job? You love what you do," tanong ko ulit. Gusto man niya na manahin niya ang Modeling Agency ng papa niya ay hindi ko maikakaila na mas malapit sa puso niya ang pagiging nurse kaya nga iyon ang kinuh
"You've been so quiet late, Janine. May problema ba?" salubong na tanong ni Gemar nang magkatagpo kami sa living room. Prente siyang nakaupo sa sofa na nakaharap sa nakabukas na tv, habang siya ay abala sa pagta-type sa phone. He is still in his pajamas. Hindi ko alam kung anong ginagawa niya phone pero mukhang may kapalitan ng message, maya't maya rin kasi ang pagtunog ng message notification sound. "Ano pinagkakaabalahan mo lately?" pabalik kong tanong. Umupo ako sa tabi niya pero may sapat na distansiya sa pagitan naming dalawa. Deretso ko siyang tiningnan habang siya ay hindi maalis-alis ang tingin sa phone niya. I decided to confront him about his mistress. I couldn't keep the pain and anger bottled up inside any longer. Tingnan natin kung makakatanggi ka pa. "Busy lang naman ako sa work. Nag-participate ako sa screening for models kasi gusto ko na hands on sa pagpili sa mga applicants," aniya. "Ano ba ang qualifications niyo? Dapat ba ay malandi? deretso kong tanong. "Wh
After the confrontation with my husband, I decided to take some time for myself. I packed a few essential things and decided to stay with Rhian, sa condo niya for a few days. I needed space to process my feelings and to think about my next steps. Hindi sang-ayon si Gemar sa pag-alis ko pero ano ang magagawa niya kung gusto ko muna lumayo sa kanya. Hindi rin sinabi sa parents namin ang problema naming dalawa, hindi nga alam ni mama na mananatili muna ako kina Rhian pansamantala. Sana lang talaga ay hindi muna sila bumisita sa bahay, though sinabi ko na huwag muna sila dumalaw sa bahay dahil pareho kaming busy ni Gemar. Hindi ko lang alam kung kumagat sila sa dahilan ko. During my stay with Rhian, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my relationship with my husband. I considered the good times we had shared, but also the pain that his betrayal had caused. Sa ilang taon namin na magkarelasyon ay masyado na kaming maraming masayang memories together, nakakapanghinayang kung itatapon la
After making my decision, I arranged a day to meet Gemar at our home. I have the divorce papers in my bag, my hand shaking slightly as I held the envelope. Nadatnan ko si Gemar na nagkakape sa sala. Agad niya akong sinalubong ng yakap nang makita niya ako, pero sapilitan akong kumawala sa bisig niya. "Gemar, I have something to give you," walang emosyon kong turan. Gemar looked at me, his expression unreadable. He had noticed the envelope in my hand, and I knew he had a sinking feeling about what it contained."What is it?""It's a divorce petition, Gemar. I've decided that it's the best thing for both of us," deritsahan kong sabi. He was silent for a moment, his gaze dropping to the envelope."So, this is it? You're leaving me?""I'm not leaving you, Gemar. You left me when you decided to be unfaithful. I deserve someone who respects and cherishes me. Ikaw ang unang nang-iwan, pinipili ko lang ang sarili ko ngayon. "He looked up at me, his eyes filled with regret."I'm sorry, J
After 5 years "Are you done packing your things, Ava?" tanong ko nang madatnan ko siya sa kwarto na naglalaro ng puzzle sa ibabaw ng kama. "Yes, mom. Look, i'm ready for our flight tomorrow." Tinuro niya ang tatlong maliliit niyang maleta sa gilid ng kanyang study table. Matamis naman akong napangiti bago lumapit at tumabi sa kanya. "Ang galing talaga ng little princess ko." Gentle kong ginulo ang buhok niya. "Mom, I'm not a kid na. You should not gulo-gulo my hair, sige ka baka pumangit ako." She pouted. "Hindi ka papangit kasi mana ka sa akin. Sige na, you better sleep na kasi maaga ang alis natin bukas. Good night, baby." Hinalikan ko siya sa kanyang noo bago lumabas ng kwarto niya. Ilang taon na rin ang nakalipas simula noong pinili kong tumakasan ang sakit na dulot ng taong mahal ko. Ilang taon na rin ang nakalipas simula noong pinili kong lumayo at maging masaya mag-isa. Bukas ay babalik na ako ng Pilipinas at muling haharapin ang mga taong naging parte ng nakaraan ko. M
When we arrived at my parents' home in the Philippines, we were greeted by a beautiful two-story house nestled amidst lush greenery. The house was painted in a soft, welcoming shade of white, with dark wooden accents that perfectly complemented the surrounding nature. May kunting pagbabago kumpara noong umalis ako pero ito pa rin naman ang bahay na tinirahan ko simula high school. As we stepped through the front door, we entered a spacious, open-plan living area. The room was bathed in natural light thanks to the large windows that offered a stunning view of the garden. The furniture was a mix of modern and traditional Filipino design, with comfortable sofas, a large flat-screen TV, and a beautiful glass coffee table.To the right was a state-of-the-art kitchen, equipped with all the modern appliances one could need. The countertops were made of polished granite, and there was a large island in the middle, perfect for family breakfasts.Nandatnan namin si mama na nasa kusina at abala