Zofi is still high in the clouds thinking she was part of the event that led to a new chapter in some random couple’s life. The mission is still on even without trying to find the next person to help.The humid air welcomes her back to Singapore.“Hey, I’m just waiting for my company car taking me to my place,” she said.“Glad to hear you arrived safe and sound,” Billie said.“It was an unforgettable flight. I’ll tell you later,” she said.“Don’t tell me there was someone that needed your help and you delivered,” he assumed.“Most likely,” she said.“Well, it’s no doubt that you enjoyed it too,” he said.“But your ex was present too,” she said.“What?” he asked. “She couldn’t help but messaged me about my profile picture that has you in it,” she said.“I thought you blocked her like I did,” he said.“I forgot to remove her from my other social media. My bad,” she said.“Did you reply?” he asked.“I haven’t. Should I? For sure, she already saw that I read it,” she said.“You have
Zofi stands in front of the café where she passed the time while the rain was pouring heavily two weeks ago. "I'm really here," she said to herself.“Ms. Zofi! You’re back,” Riri greeted her right away.“Hi, Riri. I was out of the country last week,” Zofi said.“Did you go home to the Philippines?” Riri asked.“Ah no. I was sent to the US for a convention. It was a short trip,” Zofi said.“That’s still great. Glad to have you back,” Riri said.“By the way, did someone return your umbrella?” Zofi asked.“Yes. I got it back,” Riri said.Zofi noticed that Riri keeps glancing at the counter area.“I’ll order now. Excuse me,” she said.“I’ll bring your order to your table once it’s ready,” Riri said.“Am I still the customer of the day?” Zofi asked.“Let’s say, you’re our all-time favorite,” Riri said.Zofi checks her social media posts. She continues to receive wonderful reactions from her friends and some messages too. She noticed that Cindy sent another message.“That girl won’t s
Zofi walks outside to clear her mind of everything that has just entered it. The sky is still bright but inside her is cloudy.Jiro watches her as she walks away. He went down to check on her discreetly. There’s a great deal of concern in his eyes. It’s about to get dark when Zofi returned home.“Hey, where have you been?” Natalie asked.“I just had a stroll,” Zofi said.“Are you still upset about the t-shirt?” Natalie asked.Zofi shook her head. It’s the least of her concern now.“By the way, I must tell you that Jiro’s in the building and I saw him wearing the shirt,” Natalie said.“I saw him too and I don’t care about him. I might just slap him on the face if comes near me,” Zofi said.“What’s up with the little violence there?” Natalie asked.“Oh, forget about it. What happened here while I was away,” Zofi said.“Do you really want to know?” Natalie asked.“Tell me everything,” Zofi said.“Nadia and her boyfriend broke up. The guy just couldn’t choose between the two sisters
“Don’t play smart with me. If you want to trick me, let me tell you that it’s only 5:28PM. We are still on my term, I’m ending it now, and I won’t attend your meeting,” Zofi said.Passersby and a few customers of the café get curious about the little commotion.“Zofi, please. I’m sorry,” Jiro said.“It’s really a wrong decision to give you a chance to speak. Oh, it’s a stupid decision rather,” she said before finally walking away.“Listen, I admit to follow you, to stalk you. It’s all because I don’t know how else to talk to you and explain my side,” he said.“Thanks for admitting that you are a stalker. Bye!” Zofi said.Jiro knew he made the wrong move and lost his chance.“That didn’t go well, Sir,” Riri said.“Yeah, Riri. It didn’t,” he said.“But at least she talked to you longer today,” she said.Jiro gave a bittersweet smile. “I can’t settle for that every time,” he said.“She has a boyfriend,” she said.“Just a boyfriend and he's away. I was married before and I’m sing
“What if we go back to the Philippines?” Zofi asked.“Are you serious? That’s such a random idea,” Billie said.“Is it? It's our country and they’re allowing tourists there now,” she asked.“Is that for good or just to have vacation?” he asked.“Vacation for now then we’ll decide later if we want to come back for good,” she said.“Either way, I’m okay if you want to go,” he said.“If I want to go? Just me?” she asked.“I still have things to do here,” he said.“What things? Your business plans? Don’t you think it would be best to make another plan or at least rest your plan for now?” she asked.“Are you doubting my plans?” he asked.“No. Never. I just want you to consider a plan B or another plan now that things are not yet 100% back to normal. Some even have shifted to new ways for good,” she said.“I planned for this and I want to give it a try. Let me try to do it first,” he said.“Up to you. I’ll take a two-week vacation. I hope you could come or at least follow me there,
It’s a beautiful morning in the countryside. The birds are singing as the wind blows gently.“Zofi, are you awake?” Auntie Rose asked as she knocks on the guestroom’s door.Zofi opened the door with a big smile on her face.“Good morning, Auntie,” she greeted her.“Did you sleep well?” Auntie Rose asked.“I did. I almost overslept. I thought I was in my room,” Zofi said.“Breakfast is served. Come down when you are ready,” Auntie Rose said.“I’m done, Auntie. Let’s go,” Zofi said.“You may call me ‘Mommy Rose’,” Auntie Rose said.Zofi was surprised. She didn’t expect Billie’s mother to initiate that.“Many here call me by that. Even Saatchi calls me that,” Auntie Rose said.Zofi was taken aback hearing Saatchi’s name.“If you don’t mind, I’d stick to the usual way I address you for now,” Zofi asked.“Why? Is it because it's too early and you don’t want to jinx it?” Auntie Rose asked.“Not really but my mother might get jealous,” Zofi said. She used her own mother as her alibi.
It’s Sunday night and everyone is rushing to go back home to prepare for Monday. Zofi can’t come inside of her building yet. She prefers to stand outside trying to accept the reality that her vacation was cut short.“Zofi?” Natalie called her.Zofi knew it was Natalie and she couldn’t wait to tell her everything. She turned around only to realize that she's not only with Ryan but also with Jiro.“Go now. I’ll be the one to help her,” Natalie told the two men.Zofi rushed to enter the building.“I’ll help you,” Natalie said.“I’m fine, Natalie. Go with Ryan and that guy,” Zofi said.“We’re done with our date today. He just took me home,” Natalie said.They ride the elevator together.“Let me explain, please,” Natalie said.“There’s no need to explain, Natalie. You don’t need to pick your friends based on my preference. You don’t need to adjust for me,” Zofi said.“Why are you back so soon? I thought you’d return next week,” Natalie asked.They entered their unit. Zofi immediat
It’s a mixed of sadness, regret, guilt, pride that cannot be contained in one tiny and fragile heart. The chance to fix things and make them okay once again awaits but there’s also the question of how long will the cure last.“Why haven’t you told me that he arrived yesterday after I left?” Zofi asked her mother.“We didn’t want to meddle. He should be the one to tell you that. After all, he said that he meant to surprise you,” her mother said.“He’s here. I think he wants me to fly back with him there,” Zofi said.“You two are wasting money. Stop being childish. You’re romanticizing things a lot,” her mother said.“Did he talk to you yesterday?” Zofi asked.“Not much. His mother wanted them to go home already and we too,” her mother said.There seems to be no one else to help them solve the problem but themselves.It’s past lunch time and not a single message from Billie. Zofi reflects on what she told him yesterday.“Let’s just end things here,” she said.“What? That wasn’t a
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