Early in the morning, Stella and Marielle were already busy. Finally, the date for the engagement party was all set. It was 2 months from now that’s why the two of them were busy finding a great venue. Galing na sila sa iba’t ibang resort. Nagka-canvas kung saan may pinaka-magandang venue para sa engagement party ng anak. Naka-ilang resort na sila ngunit wala pa rin silang magustuhan sa mga ito. Minsan lang ‘yon kaya naman gusto nila na maayos ang lahat. Mula sa venue, invitation, gamit hanggang sa araw mismo ng event. Nasa isang pastry shop sila ng mga oras na ‘yon. Matapos kasi puntahan ang pang-apat na resort ay nagpasya sila na magpahinga muna sandali.Ibinaba ng ina ni Theo ang iniinom na fruit juice. Binaling ang tingin sa ginang na nasa harap niya. “Stella, akala ko ba ay sasama sa paghahanap ng venue si Hazel? Paano natin malalaman ang gusto niya kung wala siya rito?” nagrereklamo na saad ni Marielle.Ngumiti muna si Stella bago sinagot ang tanong nito. “May inasikaso lang d
“I want to try rock climbing first. That would be a good warm up.”Kaizer could only tag along and let her decide. Luckily he wore casual clothes after hearing her say ‘fun activities’.They first went rock climbing. Kaizer was shocked that she’s good at that activity. She keeps up with his speed and even has a great technique.“Wow, I really enjoyed it.”“I can really see it in your face.”Lauren looks away for a moment and when she looks back at Kaizer her eyes are sparkling.“I know what we will do next.”“What?”Lauren pointed at the back of Kaizer. He turned around. “Look up.” Sinunod naman niya ang sinabi nito. Nakita niya roon ang isang mahabang water slides. “It’s the best isn’t it?” she said like a child who was excited to buy the toy she wants.Kaizer could only shake his head. Mukhang magiging mahabang araw iyon para sa kanya. Napaka-energetic ni Lauren at hindi niya alam kung
Dahan-dahang umupo si Kaizer sa silya habang minamasahe nito ang ulo niya. Halos lahat yata ng activities sa cruise ship ay nasubukan niya. Tuwing nakikita o nakaka-salubong siya ni Lauren ay inaaya siya nito na magliwaliw sa cruise ship. Natatapat pa na nasa paligid nila si Claudia.Hindi niya alam kung nagkataon lang ba o talagang binabantayan ng babae ang kilos niya para makahanap ito ng tyempo na kausapin siya.“Here’s your coffee, Sir.” saad ni Jason matapos ibaba sa harap ni Kaizer ang isang tasang kape. Umayos naman ng upo si Kaizer saka dahan-dahang humigop ng kape. Matapos ilapag ang tasa sa lamesa ay tumingin siya kay Jason.“Report.” maikling utos nito.“Yes, Sir.” sagot ni Jason. Kinuha niya ang tablet saka inabot iyon kay Kaizer. Tinanggap naman ito ni Kaizer at saka tumingin sa dokumento na nakalagay roon.Tumikhim muna si Jason bago nag-umpisang mag-report.“Mr. Romero was the head of purchasing department* and the one that was responsible for sourcing and purchasing ra
Isang simple at romantikong candle light dinner ang bumungad sa kanilang dalawa matapos nilang magtungo sa balcony ng kwarto ni Kaizer. Napa-iling at napa-ngiti na lamang si Lauren habang pinagmamasdan ang mga dekorasyon sa balcony. “Hindi ba’t parang napaka-competitive mo naman?” pang-aasar na puna ni Lauren dahil sa ayos ng mesa. Habang tinatahak kasi nila kanina ang daan patungo sa cabin suite ay doon niya naalala ang usapan nilang dalawa na sabay magha-hapunan ngayong araw. Hindi na siya gaanong nag-ayos dahil ang buong akala niya ay sa dining hall o kaya naman ay sa isang restaurant sa loob ng cruise ship lang ang pupuntahan nila. Kaya naman hindi niya inaasahan ang ganoong set-up. Kailan man ay hindi niya pa naranasan ang bagay na ‘yon. Sino ba naman kasi ang gustong magtangka… hindi ba? At isa pa, wala naman siyang panahon para sa ganoong bagay. Masyado siyang abala para maka-survive sa naging buhay niya. Subalit, katulad din naman siya ng ibang babae na gustong maranasan a
Lauren was peacefully sleeping when she woke up from the loud knock on the door. She drowsily opens her eyes, then looks at the clock on her bedside table. It's already eight in the morning. It means that she overslept.All she could do was blame herself for not being able to wake up from the alarm clock. She was exhausted last night from work because there are many people who need to be accommodated in her workplace. In the end all of them work overtime because of that.“Lauren! You bitch, open this damn door!"Hazel continues to knock and shout in front of her room. Hearing this, Lauren quickly got up.Her hair that almost reached her waist, was in a mess as she doesn’t have the time to comb it. Wearing her old pajamas, she lazily opens the door. "What do you want?" Lauren nonchalantly asks her sister.Wala siyang ideya kung ano na namang problema ng kapatid niya ngayon. Bukod doon, wala rin siyang oras para patulan kung ano man ‘yon. It mu
After the confrontation, Stella and Fernand leave the room. Disappointment was seen in Fernand’s eyes, while there was a sly smirk on Stella’s lips when she turned around. The mother and daughter pair surely planned this all along. They make sure she can't retaliate against them.Only Hazel and Lauren were left inside the room.Hazel smiles triumphantly. She slowly walked towards Lauren – who's crying right now. She even mimics Lauren's cry and acts as if she's wiping her tears.“Tsk. You really look pitiful right now.” A wicked smile clearly showed on her face. “You will never win against me. Don't you know that?"Lauren glared at her. "Are you happy now? You destroy my reputation in front of our father."“Duh, of course! Dad doesn’t even care and believe you anymore. And soon, you will be kicked out of this house! But too bad... you’re not yet destroyed to the point you can't stand on your feet." Hazel laughed, then grabbed Lauren's hair. “If you
Minutes have passed and all that's left in the room was Lauren. She’s still sitting and crying on the floor. She's used to that kind of scenario, but she doesn't know why the hell she is crying right now. Maybe because her father won't believe her anymore or is it because she realizes that from the very beginning, she doesn't have someone to rely on.Her stepmother and sister were always scheming behind her back and she always falls for it. She’s too weak to retaliate, and she’s too kind to plot and scheme back on them. Because above everything that they have done to her, Lauren is still believing that someday… they will change.Lauren sighs. It’s too late… too late for her to realize that it won’t happen.She stood up and composed herself. Why would you cry on something that is not worthy of your tears? She scolds herself for being weak at that moment.Lauren wiped her tears, then she looked around at that messy room. From today onwards, she’s goin
Lumingon si Theo paharap kay Hazel at hinawakan ang mga kamay ng dalaga.Makikita ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya. Hazel bit her lower lip, she knows that Theo only cares for Lauren as a little sister, but she can't help it. Her sister is beautiful, and she is jealous of Lauren. Nagagawa nitong kunin ang atensyon ng lalaki kahit wala siyang ginagawa.“We all know how hard-working Lauren is. Therefore Hazel, as her sister you should remind her to rest." paalala ni Theo sa kanya.“You know babe, I always talk to her about it, but she's hard-headed. She doesn't listen to me anymore. I don't know what to do with her. Our parents were also worried about her." Alam ni Theo kung gaano nag-aalala si Hazel para sa kapatid."Maybe you need to talk to her again. Persuade her, maybe this time she will understand you. And if she's not still listening, I'm the one who will talk to her about it. I don't want you stressing yourself over a small thing."Th
Isang simple at romantikong candle light dinner ang bumungad sa kanilang dalawa matapos nilang magtungo sa balcony ng kwarto ni Kaizer. Napa-iling at napa-ngiti na lamang si Lauren habang pinagmamasdan ang mga dekorasyon sa balcony. “Hindi ba’t parang napaka-competitive mo naman?” pang-aasar na puna ni Lauren dahil sa ayos ng mesa. Habang tinatahak kasi nila kanina ang daan patungo sa cabin suite ay doon niya naalala ang usapan nilang dalawa na sabay magha-hapunan ngayong araw. Hindi na siya gaanong nag-ayos dahil ang buong akala niya ay sa dining hall o kaya naman ay sa isang restaurant sa loob ng cruise ship lang ang pupuntahan nila. Kaya naman hindi niya inaasahan ang ganoong set-up. Kailan man ay hindi niya pa naranasan ang bagay na ‘yon. Sino ba naman kasi ang gustong magtangka… hindi ba? At isa pa, wala naman siyang panahon para sa ganoong bagay. Masyado siyang abala para maka-survive sa naging buhay niya. Subalit, katulad din naman siya ng ibang babae na gustong maranasan a
Dahan-dahang umupo si Kaizer sa silya habang minamasahe nito ang ulo niya. Halos lahat yata ng activities sa cruise ship ay nasubukan niya. Tuwing nakikita o nakaka-salubong siya ni Lauren ay inaaya siya nito na magliwaliw sa cruise ship. Natatapat pa na nasa paligid nila si Claudia.Hindi niya alam kung nagkataon lang ba o talagang binabantayan ng babae ang kilos niya para makahanap ito ng tyempo na kausapin siya.“Here’s your coffee, Sir.” saad ni Jason matapos ibaba sa harap ni Kaizer ang isang tasang kape. Umayos naman ng upo si Kaizer saka dahan-dahang humigop ng kape. Matapos ilapag ang tasa sa lamesa ay tumingin siya kay Jason.“Report.” maikling utos nito.“Yes, Sir.” sagot ni Jason. Kinuha niya ang tablet saka inabot iyon kay Kaizer. Tinanggap naman ito ni Kaizer at saka tumingin sa dokumento na nakalagay roon.Tumikhim muna si Jason bago nag-umpisang mag-report.“Mr. Romero was the head of purchasing department* and the one that was responsible for sourcing and purchasing ra
“I want to try rock climbing first. That would be a good warm up.”Kaizer could only tag along and let her decide. Luckily he wore casual clothes after hearing her say ‘fun activities’.They first went rock climbing. Kaizer was shocked that she’s good at that activity. She keeps up with his speed and even has a great technique.“Wow, I really enjoyed it.”“I can really see it in your face.”Lauren looks away for a moment and when she looks back at Kaizer her eyes are sparkling.“I know what we will do next.”“What?”Lauren pointed at the back of Kaizer. He turned around. “Look up.” Sinunod naman niya ang sinabi nito. Nakita niya roon ang isang mahabang water slides. “It’s the best isn’t it?” she said like a child who was excited to buy the toy she wants.Kaizer could only shake his head. Mukhang magiging mahabang araw iyon para sa kanya. Napaka-energetic ni Lauren at hindi niya alam kung
Early in the morning, Stella and Marielle were already busy. Finally, the date for the engagement party was all set. It was 2 months from now that’s why the two of them were busy finding a great venue. Galing na sila sa iba’t ibang resort. Nagka-canvas kung saan may pinaka-magandang venue para sa engagement party ng anak. Naka-ilang resort na sila ngunit wala pa rin silang magustuhan sa mga ito. Minsan lang ‘yon kaya naman gusto nila na maayos ang lahat. Mula sa venue, invitation, gamit hanggang sa araw mismo ng event. Nasa isang pastry shop sila ng mga oras na ‘yon. Matapos kasi puntahan ang pang-apat na resort ay nagpasya sila na magpahinga muna sandali.Ibinaba ng ina ni Theo ang iniinom na fruit juice. Binaling ang tingin sa ginang na nasa harap niya. “Stella, akala ko ba ay sasama sa paghahanap ng venue si Hazel? Paano natin malalaman ang gusto niya kung wala siya rito?” nagrereklamo na saad ni Marielle.Ngumiti muna si Stella bago sinagot ang tanong nito. “May inasikaso lang d
Lauren was already drunk and Kaizer didn’t know how to deal with her. After eating too many sweets, she then began drinking non-stop. Tahimik lang itong umiinom kaya naman hindi alam ni Kaizer kung ano ba ang tumatakbo sa isip ng dalaga sa mga oras na ‘yon. Hindi niya ito pinigilan dahil baka magalit na naman sa kanya ang dalaga. Nasa bar counter na sila naka-pwesto ng mga oras na ‘yon kung saan nasa harap lang nila ang isa sa mga bartender. Nakikipag-asaran pa sa kanya si Lauren kanina, ngunit matapos uminom ng ilang basong wine ay bigla na lang itong tumahimik. She had this seriousness on her face that made Kaizer unconsciously watched her. Mahirap na at baka kung ano pa ang mangyari kay Lauren. Kaizer looked at her intently. If he only knew that she has a low alcohol tolerance, he wouldn't let her drink any alcohol. He would have ordered some fruit juice instead. Lauren shifted her gaze at him and smiled. But Kaizer knew that it's not a happy smile. Sadness. Longing. Pai
In the middle of the crowd, a brown-haired and grey-eyed middle-aged man walks toward them and warmly welcomes Kaizer. “Finally, I almost thought you rejected my invitation seeing how you don’t want to attend gatherings like this.” When he saw Lauren beside Kaizer, he curiously asked, “This beautiful young lady is…?” Kaizer proudly introduced her, “This is my girlfriend, Lauren.” Then he looked at Lauren to introduce the man. “Lauren, this is Mr. McDaniel, he's the owner of this cruise ship.” “It’s nice to meet you, Sir.” Magalang na bati ng dalaga.Tinapik ng lalaki ang balikat ni Kaizer. Halata mong natutuwa sa nakikita niya. He jokingly said, “We thought you would never have a girlfriend and end up being a single old man. But it seems you only want to keep your relationship a secret. Looking at this beautiful lady beside you, you must be afraid that another man will take her away from you.” “Of course, who wouldn’t be anxious if someone wants to steal your woman. But I wouldn’t
Pagdating sa event hall, napansin ni Lauren na nagsimula na ang party at late talaga sila. They were gaining unwanted attention, especially from girls. It was one of the things she hates the most – attention. The cause of it was a traumatic incident that happened when she was young.Lauren was holding Kaizer's arm. She unconsciously tightens her grip around his arm. Naramdaman ni Kaizer na napa-higpit ng hawak sa kanya ni Lauren, kaya naman napa-yuko siya upang tingnan ang babae.In a worried tone, “Are you alright? Do you want something or there's something that is bothering you?” Kaizer asked her. He observes their surroundings that might cause her discomfort.Masamang tumingin si Lauren kay Kaizer matapos marinig ang tanong ng lalaki. “Mukha ba akong ayos sa paningin mo? Pakiramdaman mo kaya ‘yong mga tingin nila, feeling ko hindi na ako makakalabas ng buhay dito.”Kaizer left out a chuckle. “Don’t mind them. Just relax and have some fun.”“Sa tingin mo may gana pa akong mag-relax
Wala namang ibang gagawin si Lauren kung kaya’t nanatili na lang muna siya roon. Mayroon siyang isang linggo sa cruise ship, masasayang lang ‘yon kung pipiliin niyang manatali sa loob ng kwarto niya. Narinig niya na maraming events ang inihanda para sa buong linggo. Aside from that, there’s a lot of activities you can do on board. Starting tonight, she will make sure that she will have fun. Kaizer went back to his business, while Lauren was listening to music and eating the snacks prepared for her. They were minding each other’s business. And even though there was a deafening silence between them, they were comfortable with each other. Nang makita ni Lauren kung ilang oras na siyang nakaupo roon ay naghanda na siyang umalis. She stands up and bids farewell to him. “I’m going first. I need to rest before going to a battle.” She jokingly said. Napatawa na lang si Kaizer sa sinabi nito saka tumango. Saktong pag-alis ni Lauren ay siyang pagdating naman ni Jason. “Prepare a dress for L
Napabuntong hininga na lamang si Lauren ng makita kung anong oras na. It's almost one in the afternoon. Matapos mag-agahan kanina ay bumalik si Lauren sa kwarto niya dahil sa antok. Iidlip lang sana siya pero masyado yatang napasarap ang tulog niya. Paanong hindi hahaba ang pagtulog niya, inabot na siya ng madaling araw pero hindi pa rin siya dinadalaw ng antok. Nagpagulong-gulong na siya sa kama, nagpa-tugtog ng pampatulog at ilang tupa na rin ang nabibilang niya ngunit walang epekto lahat. Idagdag pa ang body clock niya na kahit inumaga na siya sa pagtulog ay maaga pa rin siyang nagigising. Kaya heto, kung hindi pa sumakit ang likod niya at kung hindi pa nag-alburuto ang tiyan sa gutom, panigurado na mamaya pa siya babangon. Pagbangon mula sa kama ay nag-inat-inat muna siya bago tinungo ang banyo para maligo. Lauren wears a pinstripe off-shoulder dress then matches it with a lace-up sandal. Kinuha niya ang pouch mula sa ibabaw ng kama bago tuluyang lumabas ng kwarto. The pictu