Billie looks around his place. He’s only been here for almost a year but a lot had already happened here reshaping some parts of his life. It’s certainly a memorable place and it deserves some quiet moment to appreciate it. His silent appreciation for his rented place got distracted by a call from Rowell. “Hi, bro. You’re not coming today, right?” he asked. “Yes, bro. I realized I still had one vacation leave that I could use. But I’ll be there tomorrow for my last day at work,” Billie answered. Rowell sounded as if a burden was lifted off of his shoulder. “Did something happen? Am I needed there?” Billie asked. “Nope. Actually, there’s a lady who was looking for you at the lobby when I came back from my break,” Rowell narrated. Billie felt uneasy instantly. He has a hint on who could be looking for him in the office. “She said her name was Cindy. I told her you were not here. She’s very persistent though,” Rowell said. “Thanks, bro. Did you tell her that I already r
The news of Jiro renting her old unit frightens Zofi at an uncomfortable level. She now fears that he might show up anytime anywhere.“Are you sure, he’s still there?” she asked Billie first thing in the morning.“I saw him last night and he didn’t look like he was packing or going somewhere,” he said.“Can you leave earlier? Don’t stay there for another hour. He might be listening to us right now,” she said.“Alright. I’ll take a quick shower and have my phone turned off so there’s no way he could hack or listen or whatever,” he said.“You really should be here,” she said.“I’ll see you soon, okay?” he said.“I don’t feel okay,” she said.“Can you call in sick,” he asked.“Billie..,” she called his name.“Yes?” he asked“I need you here,” she said.“I’d go there today if I could. Just wait a little longer. I love you,” he said.Zofi went to office but couldn’t concentrate. She asked for a half-day time-off.Billie called right after she entered the lobby of her place.“Good new
“It’s Saturday. I have no work. I don’t need to wake up early. But why am I forced to wake up?” Zofi asked herself half awake.“Zofi,” someone from outside her room called her.“Oh shoot!” Zofi exclaimed. Still, she couldn’t do anything anymore but to get up and open her door.“What is it, Nat” she asked her flatmate.“There’s a kid looking for you outside,” Nat said,She doesn’t know any other kids besides the one she met yesterday.“Why are you here, Billy? Didn’t we make a deal?” she asked.Billy didn’t answer. He looks down to the floor and remains in that position. He’s cute in his pants and polo with backpack on.Zofi shook her head in disbelief. Here he goes again working his charm with her.“Alright, just wait for me at the lobby,” she told him.Half an hour later, she’s ready to go out and meet him only to find him still waiting at her door.“Where’s your dad?” she asked.“He’s at work,” he said.“Does he know you’re coming to your school’s event?” she asked.Billy thou
Billie reached out for his phone. He knew it’s already morning but the alarm hasn’t gone off. And there’s the smile on his face upon realizing he’s no longer working. He doesn’t need an alarm to wake him up at least during this break between his previous job and running their business soon.“What are you doing today?” Zofi asked on the other line.“All my travel docs are complete so I’m good,” Billie said.Zofi gets quiet.“Ah, there you go again. Of course, I’m not forgetting you. I’ll be there soon,” Billie assured her.“It’s just so unbelievable that we are still not together physically now that we are in a relationship,” she said.“I’d say, timing is also a factor,” he said.“Anyway, please make it here as soon as possible,” she said.“Yes, Ma’am,” he said.“Yes, Ma’am” – did he become this kind of a boyfriend at nearly 25 years old? Surely, he loves Zofi. He’s been caring for her since they were kids but is he really that ready to take their relationship to another level?
Free time. When you’re young and only looking forward to good things in life, where do you spend it to if you ever you get some?“Coffee shop?" Mrs. Gracias asked. She’s their neighbor in her early forties whose husband works in a cruise ship. She’s “single” for eight months and “married” for four months each year. Today is one of those days within her “single” period.“Good afternoon, Mrs. Gracias. I’m just chilling here,” he said.“It’s best to start calling me Geraldine. You’re not a kid anymore, Billie,” she said.Billie feels uneasy to be around her. She has a reputation of being chummy with men that most of the ladies in the neighborhood frown upon.“I will try to get used to that, Ms. Geraldine,” he said.“That’s better,” she said.“So, are you a regular here?” he asked. “I only come here to wait. I’ve dinner with some friends and the restaurant is not yet open,” she said.“Talking about dinner, I better go now. My mother cooked my favorite,” he said.Geraldine smiled
“Really, Uncle?” Billie could be heard saying to his uncle on the other line.His parents look at each other. They wonder what the two are discussing on the phone.“What did your uncle say?” his father asked.“It’s good news,” he said.The usual evening conversation continues for Billie and Zofi. “Long day?” Billie asked.“As expected,” Zofi answered.“Everywhere you go, everyone’s busy,” he said.“Says the guy who’s on vacation,” she said.“That’s why I’m really making the most of this break. It won’t be this way once I officially jumped in to the family business,” he said.“Again, I hope you’re not forgetting that someone’s waiting for you here. She’s just three hours away but she’s waiting forever,” she said.“You’re becoming funnier,” he said.“I don’t think you’re being serious about coming here,” she said.“Believe me, I am,” he said seriously.“Alright. As you said,” she said.“Anyway, what’s keeping you busy this week?” he asked.“Usual demands of bosses and clients. I wis
Everyone’s looking at the best looking couple of the night. Perhaps, Yves draws more attention than her but Zofi doesn’t mind at all. She too is mesmerized and proud to be his date among the many other girls in the office that he could ask to accompany him for the event.“Do you know everyone in the company?” Yves asked to start the conversation.“Not yet. I joined just recently. I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to meet everyone,” Zofi said.“I just asked because truth is, even us in our department don’t know everyone who’s working there or who transferred in or out. The other day, one of our tenured colleagues was asking for someone who already left the company,” he said. Yves is a good talker.“Your department must be very busy that’s why people there don’t know much about even their closest colleagues,” she said.“Exactly. That’s why instead of bringing them to the beach or somewhere else, I decided to hold a social gathering for us. It’s also a chance to meet our collea
There are moments that one can wish will happen over and over again. They remember every precious second of it and the more they think about it, the more the moment gets better.Zofi stands still but her body is shaking. That magical moment happened just a few seconds ago and she's already repeating it in her head a couple of times or even more. Seeing Billie in his black polo that accentuates the now manly feature of his face, makes her feel proud just knowing that this guy calls her his girlfriend. But she knows that it is just icing on the cake. There’s more to him than his pretty face.“Are you really here. Is that you?” she asked as if she saw an apparition only he is in black.“Come closer so you will know,” Billie said.“I can’t move from here,” she said.Billie walks to her and he gets more and more handsome the closer he comes near to her.“You’re so beautiful, Zofi. Am I the luckiest guy in the world to be your boyfriend?” he said.They embrace like they are the only
The face, the hug, the feeling – they are not just familiar but have been longed for. It’s been three long years since Billie got sick and everything else happened. All the misunderstandings and things that both of them already want to forget have presented themselves again in the moment.“What time is your flight tomorrow?” Billie asked.“After lunch,” Zofi said.“So soon. I was hoping it would be at night,” he said.“I want to rest a bit before the next flight,” she said.Billie looks away and stays focused there.“What is it?” she asked.He shakes his head while trying to hide the sadness in his eyes with a fake smile.“You’re turning 29. We are both 29 now and one of us is already taken,” he said.Zofi understood what he meant.“It can’t be pushed back anymore this time,” he said.“Are you assuming that I am going to end up with him?” she asked bravely.“I know he’s not going to let you go,” he said seriously.“We are still getting to know more about each other,” she said nervo
Lizzie looks around the café while having her favorite drink. The place has improved a lot and it attracts more customers everyday. “Happy mood?” Zofi asked.“I’m enjoying this drink and this place,” Lizzie said.“I can see that,” Zofi said.Jiro entered the café and saw them immediately. He waved at them before heading to the café’s office. He looks so cool and handsome while juggling his duties in the café and his job as a consultant for a company.“We’ve been frequenting this place for months now,” Lizzie said.“It’s the closest to our office,” Zofi said.“I mean, you come here regularly,” Lizzie said.“And?” Zofi asked.“You’re really not afraid of him anymore?” Lizzie asked.“He’s nothing to me,” Zofi asked.“C’mon. Have you seen him lately?” Lizzie asked.“I see him almost every time I come here,” Zofi said.“Maybe….you know? You could explore the possibility?” Lizzie asked.“Of what?” Your imagination is getting weird,” Zofi said.Lizzie leans forward. “Don’t tell me you
Zofi and Luke catch their breath upon reaching the entrance of the restaurant. “We should freshen up first before we meet them. I’m getting ready for a full lecture from my mother so you should be ready to,” she told Luke. “Maybe if we looked haggard she would be more understanding,” he said. “You don’t know her. Go wash your face first,” she said. Hundreds of thoughts come running in Zofi’s head. Explaining how they lost Danica is a big challenge. “Ready?” she asked Luke as he came out of the men’s room. The two walk slowly to their reserved table. Contrary to what they thought, her mother is in high spirit. Danica looks like she’s happy too. There’s no hint of what happened in the early part of the day. The two look at each other. Everyone in the table is happy but there’s one she doesn’t remember inviting to this dinner. “Why are here?” she asked Jiro who’s sitting in front of her mother. Jiro looks uneasy. “Hey, that’s not how you greet a guest,” her mother said
It’s Zofi’s twenty-eight birthday. She woke up even before her alarm goes off. Her phone is full of messages but Billie's message stands out. It reads, "Happy 28th birthday. I pray for your success and happiness. Enjoy your day.”“Were you expecting more like 'I love you'?” Natalie asked.“Don’t be silly. Of course not,” Zofi said.“But your tone said otherwise,” Natalie said.“I don’t know what you're talking about,” Zofi said.“Not me seeing you stalking his account,” Natalie said.“You did not,” Zofi almost screamed.“You left it open yesterday and I happened to see it,” Natalie said with a naughty smile.“Anyway, my parents are arriving anytime now,” Zofi said to change the topic.“Why do they need a bigger place? Are they coming with friends?” Natalie asked.Zofi looked at her for a moment then began thinking.“I was busy and just went ahead and looked for a bigger one. I didn’t care to ask,” Zofi said.“Hmmm….are they not bringing you a surprise guest for your birthday?” N
Natalie opened the door with a big smile on her face.“I knew you saw it. And don’t pretend that you had nothing to do with him waiting for me in the airport today,” Zofi told her.The smile on Natalie’s face quickly vanished. Ryan listens to the girls’ conversation.“Hello there,” Zofi greeted him as she walks to her room.Ryan signaled that she follows her and try to explain.“Listen, he was just concerned about you,” Natalie said outside Zofi’s door.Zofi stays quiet inside her room. She too couldn’t believe she got inside a cab with Jiro. Her neck hurts a little from not moving during the short cab ride.“It's a good start,” Ryan told Natalie.“Is he really a good person?” she asked.“He is. He’s just misunderstood because he cares a lot for her but he’s a little careless too,” he said.The mood in the office is light as everyone anticipates an outing for all employees and interns.“Finally, you’re here!” Lizzie said as soon as Zofi entered their area.“What did I miss?” Zofi
Zofi slowly opened her room’s door. The entire unit is dark with only the light coming from the kitchen. There’s no sign of Natalie being awake. She then carefully pulled her luggage and walked quickly and quietly to the main door.She catches her breath as she stands outside of their unit. A car service taking her to the airport awaits downstairs.“Miss, would you like to have some coffee or tea?” the flight attendant asked.“Coffee, please,” she said with a sign of relief on her face.It’s two more hours before she lands in Manila. She messaged Natalie to tell her about her early flight.“I couldn’t believe myself,” she said to Natalie yesterday afternoon.“What happened? Why are you panting?” Natalie asked.“My mind was wandering. I knew I saw Jiro coming from the opposite direction but I didn’t bother taking a different route,” Zofi said.“Wait. He came from the opposite direction so he’s not following you,” Natalie clarified.“It’s a different way of doing it but I wasn’t
Billie waits a little anxiously in the living room of a modest home. The moment brings him back to his very first date in high school where Zofi arranged him and Cindy together to prove to all the mean girls in school that anyone deserved to attend the prom.“I’m impressed, Billie. You are impressive,” Auntie Tessa said while looking so delighted at the flowers he gave her.“Thank you, Auntie, but what did I do that impressed you?” he asked.“This and you coming here to pick up my niece and go on a proper date. I never imagined these things could still be possible these days. Most of the guys who wanted to date her would simply ask her to meet them somewhere,” she said.“I'm an old school kind of guy,” he said.“And I appreciate old school. You already have my approval,” she said.“Auntie, we are still getting to know each other. Don’t scare him,” Lena said. She silently walked in to the living room.“Good afternoon, Lena. You look beautiful,” he said.Auntie Tessa couldn’t hi
Violet kissed a half-awake and drunk Billie. She leaned closer to see his face one last time.“Thanks, Billie,” she said.Billie woke to the sound of his phone. He searched for it in his wallet with his eyes still half-closed. “Billie, where are you? We’ve been calling you the whole night,” Uncle Bruce asked on the other line.“Where I am? I’m here…..,” he couldn’t tell where he is.He looked up at the ceiling and realized it wasn’t his room’s ceiling. He found himself on a couch with his shirt unbuttoned.“I’m in a friend’s house. I drank too much yesterday and I spent the night in here. I’m going home now,” Billie said.“You’ve to control your drinking. Our plans might get ruined by it,” Uncle Bruce said.“Don’t worry about it. This was the last, I promise. Sorry, Uncle,” Billie said.He immediately dialed the reception area’s number.“Good morning, Mr. Billie. You woke up early,” the lobby staff greeted him.“What?” he asked. “Ms. Violet left an instruction to wake you u
The place is full of people wanting to find love. Everyone adds to the happy vibes except for Billy who sits in a corner watching them go through the matchmaking process.“Thank you everyone from joining and best of luck to those who found a date tonight! But the night is not yet over. Let’s have some fun and drinks until midnight!” the host announced the end of the event.“How was it?” Crinkles asked Billie on the phone.“It was fun,” Billie answered.“You don’t sound like you had fun,” she said.“It was fun watching, I should say,” he said.“I knew it. I knew you wouldn’t even try,” she said.“It’s not my thing,” he said.“Or you haven’t moved on yet,” she said.“C’mon, Crinks. It’s just a couple of months versus years that I need to move on from,” he said.“I know but you’ve to start helping yourself little by little,” she said.Billie smirked. “Yeah. Coming from you,” he said sarcastically.“Listen, I’m not really good at this but I know the help that you need starts within