Yannie Ace RuizMy heart skipped a beat as I saw Josh hurrying towards me. Earlier, I was sure of my feelings. But now that I see him, it's as if I suddenly forgot everything I felt a moment ago. All I can feel now is a strange sense of joy and excitement in my heart because I see him now.As he finally approached me, he quickly kissed me. "I miss you," he said, softening my heart even more. Then, he gently pulled away from me but reached out and held both of my hands tenderly. "Have you been waiting long? I told you I'd just pick you up at your school." I didn't wait for him to pick me up at school. Instead, I decided to meet him at a mall near his place so he wouldn't have to travel too far to see me.I swallowed and slowly looked at his right arm. These are the things that have been bothering me since yesterday when I found out about his serious injury. Honestly, I don't really know what I'm feeling at first. Sadness, regret, resentment, or worry. I'm feeling all of these mixed e
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Hey, Jenny! What happened between you and Red? Did you guys have another fight?" Ivory asked as soon as she entered the classroom."Nothing. Just leave him alone," Jenny replied lifelessly while focusing on writing."What happened exactly? He's been bugging me since last night, saying you're breaking up with him and you're not talking to him anymore," Ivory continued, pestering Jenny.Jenny stopped writing and took a deep breath. "Yes, I broke up with him. I got tired of it.""Huh?" Veron and I both reacted in surprise to Jenny's statement."My gosh, Jenny! It hasn't even been three months, and you're already tired?" Ivory lectured Jenny."What can I do? I'm just tired of him," Jenny replied."I just can't understand you. Red is such a decent guy, and yet you're letting him go. Why are you like this? Why does it seem like you treat relationships like a game? No one stays with you for long. And then what? We'll find out you're dating someone else again?" Ivory's
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Sorry, Bam. I got caught in heavy traffic. Have you been waiting long?" I said breathlessly to Bam as I approached her. She seemed surprised by my sudden appearance, so she quickly adjusted her sitting position when she saw me, and a smile formed on her lips."It's okay, Yannie. I just arrived, too," she replied calmly."Is that so? Thank you for waiting. Even though you didn't have to, you still accompanied me here," I said gratefully."Oh, it's nothing. Anything for you," she said with a smile, then stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder. "Let's go!" she invited.It's Saturday, and Bam and I are currently in Alabang. It was my first day at the part-time job, and Bam volunteered to accompany me to her uncle's coffee shop to introduce me formally. I didn't go through an interview because Bam passed on some of the requirements needed by her uncle to hire a part-timer at his coffee shop. I'm genuinely grateful and happy for Bam's kindness in everything.After
Yannie Ace RuizI quickly grabbed Josh's arm to stop him from whatever he was planning to do to Edric. I saw the seriousness on Edric's face and the raised eyebrow as he also stared at Josh now. His face seemed to ask who Josh was, suddenly rushing in and getting between us. So, before he could ask or say anything, I quickly stepped in between them."Uh... I'm sorry. We'll go ahead—""Why are you apologizing and saying goodbye to him?" Josh interrupted me abruptly, surprising me even more, especially when he suddenly pulled me out of the shop."Josh, what's wrong? Josh!" I called out to him as he just kept walking away, dragging me along. He only let go of me when we reached his car.I swallowed hard when I saw the anger in his eyes. He took a deep breath and then slowly looked at me. In an instant, his eyes and gaze became calm."Who's that jerk?" he asked me, his voice calm but seemingly restraining the anger he had earlier."He also works there. He's the one training me—""A
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Happy birthday!" I was startled when mom and dad greeted me with a birthday cake as I stepped out of my room, along with my siblings who all greeted me at once."Mom, Dad..." I could only utter in overwhelming joy."Happy 21st birthday, my daughter!" mom smiled as she looked at the cake they were holding with dad."Thank you, mom," I replied, then closed my eyes briefly to make a wish. I didn't want anything else but the everyday happiness of my loved ones. After making my wish, I blew out the candle on the cake.Mom and Dad gave me tight hugs. Meanwhile, my siblings happily went to the kitchen to set the table. I didn't know they had prepared food early for my birthday. It was only 10 in the morning, but they already cooked pancit, sopas, spaghetti, and lumpiang Shanghai, our favorite dishes."We cooked and prepared early because you said you were leaving today," mom explained to me as we approached the table.Today is also the exclusive concert of 4SBLUE that
Yannie Ace Ruiz"See you later, my Yeobo.""See you later.""Don't forget my reminders, okay? It's fine to talk to him as long as it's about work—""Josh..." I gently called his name, causing him to pause in his words. He's been telling me about this repeatedly. Not to approach Edric or any male colleague at work. And it's okay to talk to them as long as it's about work.He cleared his throat. "I'm just reminding you.""Don't worry because I'll never forget that I have a jealous boyfriend," I joked with him, making him grin."It's only right," he replied, pulling me close to him by my waist and surprising me with a quick kiss on my lips."Josh!" I scolded him, blushing, as we were in the middle of a crowd, and some people saw what he did."Why? You're mine anyway," he said with a grin, making my cheeks turn even redder."You're such a troublemaker. Alright, you might be late for your office," I chuckled, shooing him away."Alright. I love you, my Yeobo," he smiled at me."I
Yannie Ace RuizMy knees weakened as Josh's messages flooded my cellphone, along with messages from my mom, dad, and even Veron asking where I was. I tried to recall what happened yesterday, and all I could remember was eating with Bam at the coffee shop. I was sure I didn't drink anything and didn't get drunk. So how come I couldn't remember anything after that?I let go of my cellphone and held my head. What happened? That question kept repeating in my mind. I looked at myself and checked my belongings. Nothing seemed missing. I glanced around the room. Where am I?Finally regaining some composure and gathering my strength, I forced myself to walk out of the room. As I stepped out, I was surprised to see a beautiful and clean hallway lined with doors and rooms. It felt like a hotel. My suspicion was confirmed when I saw a woman."Excuse me, Miss. Can I ask something?""Yes, Ma'am, what is it?" She politely responded."W-What place is this?""Sorry?" The woman seemed confused.
Yannie Ace RuizMy tears continue to flow unabated despite my efforts to hold them back. They persistently trickle down as I sit in a public jeepney. I'm aware that people are staring and talking about me because of my continuous crying. But I can't help but continue to shed tears because of the intense pain I'm feeling right now. I struggle to breathe, feeling the heaviness in my chest. Additionally, my heart burns as if someone is literally cutting it inside me. Just the other day, Josh and I were so happy. We were so happy that it felt like there was no limit to the joy in my heart. But now, I can't believe that in an instant, we've come to this. I never imagined that we would hurt each other in ways we didn't intend or expect."Miss, are you okay?" I sniffled as a woman beside me asked. I nodded slowly without lifting my gaze. "Are you sure, Miss?" she asked again, to which I just nodded again. After a moment, she handed me a white handkerchief.Because of that, I slowly lifted
"Oh my gosh! This is it, girls! Finally!" Ivory exclaimed happily as she approached us."Yes, finally! Can you believe it? We all made it here," Jenny added."I'm so proud of us, girls! Finally, this is it! Congratulations to all of us!" Veron chimed in joyfully.I smiled sweetly at my friends. "Congrats to us. I'm so happy and proud of all of us," I said as we gathered for a group hug.Two fast-paced years have passed, and finally, one of the most awaited days has arrived. The day when we would march together to mark the end of our studies. Yes, today is our graduation day, and my heart is bursting with overwhelming joy. All the exhaustion, sleepless nights, hardships, and sacrifices are finally paying off.I still remember the part-time jobs my friends and I took on just to support ourselves and our families. And now, the day we've all been waiting for has finally come.In a few moments, the line where we stood started moving, as they began letting us in one by one into the venue."
"Yannie..." Ramil uttered my name with a hint of concern when he saw me entering Josh's room.I looked at him questioningly until my gaze landed on Josh's empty bed. My brows furrowed slightly."Where's Josh?" I asked Ramil and Byron. The two took a deep breath, and I could see the worry and concern on their faces. It seemed like they had something to tell me but were hesitant. "Why? Did something happen? Where is Josh?" I asked again.Before answering, the two exchanged glances, seemingly urging each other to respond. Eventually, Ramil met my eyes and spoke. "Josh left. We caught up to him, but... he wouldn't be stopped.""Huh? What do you mean he left? Where did he go? Did he go home? Was he discharged?" I asked, confused and bombarding them with questions."He insisted on being discharged by his doctor. He left and went to the airport... to chase after Arriane," Ramil replied."H-Huh?""Arriane told him she was continuing her studies abroad. So, he hurried off to the airport to cat
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Nice! Nice try, bro. But drop that joke," Ramil broke the silence that enveloped us after Josh asked who I was."What try? What joke?" Josh asked Ramil, confused."Bro—""I'm serious. Who is she? Who are they?" Josh pointed at me and Veron."Get it together, bro. This isn't funny—""You get it together," Josh quickly interrupted Byron, then looked at me again. His gaze was far different from how he used to look at me. It was as if my presence confused him deeply. It was as if he had forgotten everything about me—everything about us.Because of those looks, my heart immediately grew heavy. I couldn't explain what I felt at first."Son!" Josh's parents suddenly arrived. "How are you, son? How are you feeling now?" his father quickly asked."I'm okay, Dad. I just... don't understand why I'm here," Josh replied to his father."You don't remember... what happened?" Josh's mother asked in confusion."I can't," Josh answered simply, which made my heart feel even heavier and
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Rhiana..."I quickly wiped away my tears and just as quickly let go of Josh's hands when I heard Ate Rica's voice.My heart immediately pounded with anxiety as I slowly straightened up and turned to face them. There, I met the gaze of Josh's mom. I struggled to swallow because it felt like the words I wanted to say were fighting to come out of my lips. I didn't know how to start apologizing to her for being here now.I knew I had promised her before that I would never show myself to her son again. I had promised her before that I would disappear from Josh's life, but... here I am now, crying in front of her son. It was as if, in an instant, all the promises I had made to her and my determination back then had suddenly crumbled. I wanted to kneel before her again and beg for her to let me be with Josh.I struggled to swallow again before starting to speak. "S-Sorry," I said weakly while trying to hold back my tears. "I just wanted to make sure Josh is okay." I looked d
Yannie Ace Ruiz"No! No, Yannie! No!" Josh cried repeatedly, holding me tightly in his arms."J-Josh..." I managed to say with difficulty. I forced myself to utter his name despite the intense pain caused by the bullet wound."Don't leave me, Yannie. Just hang in there, okay? You can do it, Yannie. Please, don't give up!" Josh kept crying to me."D*mn it! How did she get away from you? You idiots!" I heard the man who shot me yelling at his men."You bastard! I'll kill you!" Josh shouted angrily at the man."I'm the one who's going to kill you! Thank your girlfriend for taking the bullet that was meant for your head! If she hadn't done that, you would be dead by now, and she would be crying over you. But don't worry, you won't be around much longer because I'm going to finish you off too." The man pointed the gun at Josh again.I swallowed with difficulty, feeling my breathing become labored."D-Don't..." I whispered weakly, trying to protect him."Wow. That's touching. You love this
Yannie Ace RuizMy tears continue to flow incessantly while my chest keeps rising and falling with the intense anxiety I'm feeling right now. I hold my breath as if exhaling freely might bring something wrong upon me, even though I'm just sitting inside this car.I don't know how many minutes or hours have passed since these men took me. I don't know who they are or why they are doing this to me. Over and over again, I replay in my mind if I have wronged someone."We're here," said the man in front of his companions. He stopped the car, and they got out one by one.The man beside me opened the car door and stepped out, giving me a sharp look. "Get out," he commanded.I struggled to swallow and looked around at where we were. It was dark surroundings, but I could see tall grasses around us, with a large warehouse in front of us."Get out, I said," the man repeated his order."Who are you? Where are you taking me? What are you going to do to me?" I asked fearfully, one question after an
Josh Rain MontezArriane stood quietly in front of me after seeing whoever arrived inside the coffee shop where we were."Aunt..." she said as the footsteps approached us.I lifted my emotionless gaze to the person who came closer and faced me. I could see the deep concern on her face as she looked at me, as if afraid of what I might do after learning the truth from Arriane. Her throat moved repeatedly as tears seemed about to fall."I'm sorry, Aunt," Arriane broke the silence. "I did everything, but... he's truly, madly, and crazy in love with that girl. With Yannie," she said to Mommy, then sadly walked out of the coffee shop, leaving us behind.I avoided looking at Mommy and lifelessly stood and turned away from her. I was about to step away, but she quickly stopped me and blocked my path. "Josh..." she said my name. I didn't respond and instead continued walking past her. But I stopped when she spoke again. "Aren't you going to ask me about what you've learned?"I smirked sarcasti
Josh Rain Montez"Bro, that's enough. You've had way too much to drink," Ramil interrupted me as he reached for the alcohol I was drinking. But I quickly pulled it away from him."I'm okay, Bro. I'm not drunk yet.""But, Bro, you've been here drinking for a while now. And you've been doing nothing else but drinking for days. You might get into trouble.""Yeah, Bro. Who knows what might happen to you with all this," Byron added.I took another sip of my drink and replied to them, "Whatever happens to me, it's probably better than this.""Bro, that's enough. You're drunk," Ramil intervened again, successfully taking the alcohol away from me this time."What the heck? Why are you so persistent? Why are you meddling?" I snapped at him, getting annoyed as I stood up."Easy, Bro!" Byron said to me."You're already drunk, so stop drinking—""Damn it! So what if I'm already drunk? Why do you have to interfere? Can't you just leave me alone?!"Ramil took a deep breath and looked at me wearily
Josh Rain Montez"Are you drunk again?" Mom started as soon as I walked into the house. But I ignored her and continued walking past her. "Seriously, Josh? Until when are you going to behave like this just because of that worthless girl?!" I stopped walking after she said those words. "She's gone, Josh. She left you, but you're still wallowing because of her!"I slowly faced Mom. "Have you been in love, Mom?" I asked gently, which seemed to stun her momentarily."What?""You know what, Mom? I've always wondered if you've ever been in love with Dad. Because every time I look at both of you, I don't see love between you."Her jaw clenched. "Stop talking nonsense, Josh. Don't drag me and your Dad into your drama.""I guess you've never been in love. That's why you're like this, maybe because you've never experienced loving someone, especially getting hurt." My vision started to blur as tears threatened to escape from me.Several days have passed since Yannie blatantly rejected me, but un