FLOATING on the shallow part of the water in a supine position, Annabelle fixated her eyes directly up at the night sky. After Jenny and her eventually got out from the place, they paced.
The woman remembered her friend's word.
"I can't believe he did that!" Jenny growled out. "That song was supposed to be special. I've always believed he still had those feelings for you. But after what he did tonight? Argh! He's gonna get it!” She seethed with anger.
“Jenny, please don't. Let's not force the person if they don't want it. Anyway, I already expected this would've happened before I even came back."
'But I never knew it would hurt like this,' she inwardly added to herself.
It was almost eleven in the evening when they departed. She wasn't sleepy so she decided to spend her time literally on the sea. There were not too many people in the area. She closed her eyes, trying to feel her surroundings. Only her lone breath and the movement
It was five in the morning that Fred awoke from a phone call. He answered the call rather groggily, obviously still half asleep.“Hello, Anna? Good morning.”“Fred . . .” the voice trembled on the other line, which completely dissolved his drowsiness.“What happened? Are you crying?”“Please, pick me up from here.”“Hey, Anna, what happened?”“I'll explain it to you later. Just
MIGUEL'S phone conversation was cut off,when he heard a dispute happened right outside his office. He was about to stood up to check the conflict when unexpectedly the front door opened.“Sir! You're not allowed to talk with Mr. Saavedra at the moment,” the security guard told the uninvited visitor, while trying to block its way. “This is very important. I need to talk to him right now!” the man reasoned out, rather impatiently. He could see it on his face, that it won't stop without having to face him.“It's okay, Jay,” he interrupted. “Let him in.” The guard freed the male's arm and allowed him in a
They bought two airline tickets to Chicago the next day after having their rather emotional encounter. Since their flight was scheduled for tomorrow, Annabelle was currently in the SSA, inside the young man's private room. Anton was with Miguel in the office. Both of them were busy doing some endorsements of the company's activities. Anton would temporarily manage the SSA, while Miguel was gone. She was having fun observing the room's interior. It was a total opposite of the SSA office. If the latter were sophisticated and very manly in style, the room was cozier. It didn't seem to be part of the office.
“LADIES and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you,” voiced over on the plane as it took off."Finally, I’m back." Annabelle whispered with a smile as she hides a little pain in her chest.She looked outside her window and leaned on her arm rest. Watching from up above, she stared blankly at people who looked like ants and the buildings and houses that looked like toys. She fathomed, she’s home.Seven years. It had been seven years since she left for the states and stayed with her aunt. With those long years she only went back home in the Philippines once – when her father passed away. It was even only for a week. As much as s
Miguel was cleaning his caliber 45 in his hut at their camp. That’s where he would live with the other soldiers. He felt like the gun is already a part of him. It was with him like forever. It was his partner way before he was still starting in the army up until now that he became an officer designated in this province. At the age of 28, he’s already successful with what he has achieved in the army. But he admits that it was not an easy road going to where he is now.He grew up in Laguna with his younger sister who he sends to college. They became orphans when their parents died in different causes. His father died with complications from diabetes. Her mother followed after a year because of a heart disease.“Bud, that’s enough. A genie might come out of there. Haha!” joked Rudy, his bestfriend who is also a soldier. “Come with me. Let’s go over to Manong Ben. He owns the store at the corner of this
Jenny and Annabelle are preparing for their report to be presented in class. They sat on a round table at the students’ park.“Good afternoon, girls!” greeted Fred. He was Annabelle’s very persuasive suitor. He might have been sun bathing when the Lord showered the world with perseverance. No matter how many times Annabelle turns him down, he never gives up and would still keep on courting her.He was their schoolmate but he was taking a different class. Like the girls, he was also on his third year in college. He’s a son of a councilor who’s a very good old pal of Annabelle’s father. That’s why she also considered him to be her childhood friend. Fred was seemingly good looking and also intelligent but he’s slender and quite short. He’s almost at the same height as Annabelle. He is basically just not her type. She’s more attracted to men with big body builds; tall and muscular
“SIS! I have one sizzling news. Definitely hotter than that fishball you’re eating” Jenny said in excitement. They were outside the school gate while Annabelle savoured the freshly cooked fishball that she bought.“Hmn, what again?” Jenny was always first on the buzz. Wether Annabelle liked it or not, she was also updated with what had been happening around.“Guess what?” Jenny started.“What?”“Those handsome soldiers will help our school’s security management. Which means, we get to see them and be close to them everyday! Oh how pleasing it is to our sight! My heart and eyes will be filled!” Jenny giggled.Maybe that was what they were talking about.“They look so good! Don’t you agree? I have a crush on the pale skinned one. I hope he’ll come here,” said Jenny.
IT'S lunch break. Anna and Jenny rushed to the cafeteria to grab some decent meal but got stucked in an everlasting line."Anna, Jen, I'll join you. It's too boring to eat alone. Will that be alright?""Of course! You're free to join here," said Jenny."Before everything else, are both of you coming to the disco this Sunday? I hear the town captain got a new sound system, bet it will be awesome! Many of our neigboring town’s people will also join!" he said."Oh yeah! Let's go there , sis. How about cutting this monotonous school –home, home-school pattern? Sounds great, yes?""A, I'll try. You know, Dad would..." She’s sure as the sun set that her father will forbid her to go to such place. Her family’s what you call conservative."Don’t be such a killjoy! We can make a way. They say grab the beer while still full!' You know what I mean? Life is short, just like you!" Jenny said wit
They bought two airline tickets to Chicago the next day after having their rather emotional encounter. Since their flight was scheduled for tomorrow, Annabelle was currently in the SSA, inside the young man's private room. Anton was with Miguel in the office. Both of them were busy doing some endorsements of the company's activities. Anton would temporarily manage the SSA, while Miguel was gone. She was having fun observing the room's interior. It was a total opposite of the SSA office. If the latter were sophisticated and very manly in style, the room was cozier. It didn't seem to be part of the office.
MIGUEL'S phone conversation was cut off,when he heard a dispute happened right outside his office. He was about to stood up to check the conflict when unexpectedly the front door opened.“Sir! You're not allowed to talk with Mr. Saavedra at the moment,” the security guard told the uninvited visitor, while trying to block its way. “This is very important. I need to talk to him right now!” the man reasoned out, rather impatiently. He could see it on his face, that it won't stop without having to face him.“It's okay, Jay,” he interrupted. “Let him in.” The guard freed the male's arm and allowed him in a
It was five in the morning that Fred awoke from a phone call. He answered the call rather groggily, obviously still half asleep.“Hello, Anna? Good morning.”“Fred . . .” the voice trembled on the other line, which completely dissolved his drowsiness.“What happened? Are you crying?”“Please, pick me up from here.”“Hey, Anna, what happened?”“I'll explain it to you later. Just
FLOATING on the shallow part of the water in a supine position, Annabelle fixated her eyes directly up at the night sky. After Jenny and her eventually got out from the place, they paced.The woman remembered her friend's word."I can't believe he did that!" Jenny growled out. "That song was supposed to be special. I've always believed he still had those feelings for you. But after what he did tonight? Argh! He's gonna get it!” She seethed with anger.“Jenny, please don't. Let's not force the person if they don't want it. Anyway, I already expected this would've happened before I even came back."'But I never knew it would hurt like this,' she inwardly added to herself.It was almost eleven in the evening when they departed. She wasn't sleepy so she decided to spend her time literally on the sea. There were not too many people in the area. She closed her eyes, trying to feel her surroundings. Only her lone breath and the movement
Morning came by, commencing their day two at the beach. Annabelle was already wide awakeat somewhere five in the morning. She went to bed barely three hours ago and despite of it,she woke up earlier than expected.To start the day, she stretched her body, brushed her teeth and cleaned her face. At thisparticular time of day, she was sure the sun had barely risen from its sleep. She went out.Annabelle was right. As soon as she opened the door, the morning breeze grazed against herskin, her hair flew freely in the fresh wind. The corners of her lips curled upwards seeing thesun peeking through the blue dawn sky. She rushed towards the shore.There weren't many people in the area, although she saw two people—probably a coupleenjoying themselves from afar.She took her slippers and went her way to the sea. She stopped near the shoreline, feeling thecold water dipping her feet. She was like a chi
"GOOD Afternoon, Ma'am. What item would you like?" Annabelle greeted cheerfully at the female customer. She had sent her mother home to get rest, so she took over the hardware for the time being.“So you’re Annabelle,” it mentioned, instead of answering the question.She furrowed her eyebrows, confused. “Yes, I am. And you are?”“I’m Nancy Alcantara, daughter of Counselor Alcantara,” the said woman arched a brow. Sheremembered Jenny's word. So, this was Nancy. She was beautiful, tall, and a bit of a Morena. Honestly, she was getting that one Barbie movie vibe. Was it Princess Charms school? A hint of bitchiness there though. Jenny had previously mentioned that.“How may I help you, Miss Alcantara?” she inquired dubiously.“Nothing, I just want to . . .” she paused, pondering her next choice of words, “check if you’refine n
“WHAT was that, Miguel?!” Rudy asked incredulously. "Are you out of your mind?"The said man remained indifferent, sitting on his swivel chair. His hair was a mess, but hehadn't given it a thought to fix it.“I can't believe you just did that!” Rudy continued. “For God’s sake, wake up, buddy. That wasAnnabelle! ANNABELLE of all people,” He repeated, emphasizing the name as if to put somesense into Miguel's head. In a way, he was. He could only hope it would bring epiphany to hisdear friend, who opted to stay quiet at the time. "She's not somebody you could just messaround, Bud. She's the love of your life.""Was," he corrected.Rudy sighed."I know you're still mad, and you have the right to be. But, bud —not like this. Don't foolishlymake something you'll eventually regret."“It’s none of your business.” Honest
IT WAS around late afternoon when the amount of people subsided. Piles of chair had been piled up, and remnants of the fun were evident, loitering down the ground. Jenny wasn't too preoccupied anymore."You okay, Anna? Sorry, sis, I wasn't able to accommodate you earlier." The woman approached her slumping figure, holding two glasses of wine."No worry, Sis. I'm great. I'll be going home--"She paused, squinting her eyes at her watch."--hmmm, a few minutes from now, though." She hadn't seen Miguel after their rather tense encounter. Only his friend was left here, chatting with Rudy.Shortly after, they sauntered towards their table. "Bud, I want you to formally meet Annabelle Reñedas, Jenny’s best friend. She just came from the States three weeks ago,” the husband introduced.“Anna, this is our friend Anton dela Cerna. He was with us in the battalion before, if you remember. He's also part in the SSA along with us,” said Anto
Miguel heaved a long sigh once he heard the door produced a soft click, signaling it was nowshut. He hadn't realized he held his breath until then. Only his ongoing thoughts and thedeafening silence were left alone in the room.Why was she here? Why did she come back? Just when he thought his life was getting better.When he really thought he was used to his new normal, yet all the attempts of disregarding it for years were now futile. Why did she decide to meet with him, after all this time? Had she gone here to ruin his life? To top it all, like it couldn't get any worse, she was already married. Did her husband even know the woman had paid him a visit, a few minutes ago?Similar to a movie drama, all the events that had happened for the past seven years played inhis mind for an instant. Memories were now freshly embedded in his head. The incident brought about a drastic change in his life.He was greatly affected by her sudden