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Chapter 10: Couples On The Bench
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2023-01-23 09:05:17Related chapters
The Third Book Chapter 11: Damsel In The Rain
The phone rang for more than a minute before it could wake Nate up. He's exhausted from working on his sketch the entire afternoon yesterday apart from doing other things related to his real work and his upcoming wedding.The clock shows 9AM."Good morning," Nina greeted him on the other line. "Did you just wake up?" she asked."Yeah, I did. I'm so tired. I'm not gonna lie," Nate said."Oh, my love. Just rest until you are okay. Anyway, it's already Friday. You can relax plus I will treat you to dinner later," she said with excitement."That sounds like a plan," he said."Can you bring the bigger car later? I have some large artworks to bring to our sponsors," she asked."Sure. I'll be in the gallery probably after lunch. Make sure to have your lunch. I'll get some more sleep," he said."Okay. I love you," she said that surprised him."That's a first," he said.Nina hung up before he could say more and prolong the conversation.Nate is suddenly thrilled by Nina's sweetness th
Last Updated : 2023-01-25The Third Book Chapter 12: Sad Night
The steak is perfectly well done as requested. The finest wine and other side dishes are all delicious. With Nina beside him, nothing in this moment could make Nate think he lacks anything. "Let's eat," Nina said in unusual less energetic tone.It's obvious that she put effort to sound cheerful when she invited him to eat."I know. It was a busy, long day, right?" Nate asked. He already noticed her lack of energy when he picked her up from the gallery.Nina managed to smile but she still doesn't look like her usual self."Are you sure you're okay? We can leave now if you want. It looks like you need to rest now," he asked as he began to worry."I think I'm just hungry," she assured him.There's festivity going on outside the restaurant. The fireworks are in full display brightening the early evening sky. The onlookers are so thrilled with the free show. Inside the restaurant, the dinner goes on quietly for the two lovers. None of the dishes brought Nina's energy back.Nate begin
Last Updated : 2023-01-26The Third Book Chapter 13: Alone, Free
There's something about the sound of the rain that makes one fall asleep easily. It rained all night giving Cela some peaceful sleep. She woke up the following morning hearing the gentle sound of rain drops tapping on her window as the wind blows to that direction.Seeing the gloomy weather outside, she didn't have second thought about postponing her plans for the day and just stay home. She keeps reminding herself that she is supposed to be on vacation and she should never feel guilty for not working.The time is a little past 9AM, which means she had a long sleep. She opened her cellphone and instantly saw text messages from Nanny Rita. She decided to call her instead of texting her back."Thank goodness, Celadine. We were worried. We couldn't reach you last night," Nanny Rita said with great relief in her voice."I turned off my phone last night. I didn't want to be bothered. I wasn't feeling well," Cela explained."But how are you feeling right now?" Nanny Rita asked. Cela s
Last Updated : 2023-01-29The Third Book Chapter 14: Here, Once Again
Cedar Bench within Trees Park. No matter how unpopular this place has become over the years, Cela realized that it will never be exclusive for her. She stood behind the bench for a few seconds before turning back quickly. She almost slipped due to the slippery, wet grass. "Cela!" Nate called. Cela closed her eyes for a second before turning back again. "Hey there," she said. She could think of so many options to say to him to explain why she's there but nothing ever came out of her mouth. "Did you just arrive?" he asked. "Ahh...you know I need to go now," she said. "Why don't you stay? Let's just pretend we don't see each other. We have an agreement, right?" he asked. "I just want to add something to my story. I haven't written anything new since yesterday," she explained. "Then you must stay," he repeated. The two sit at the extreme sides of the bench just like they did the first time they met here last week. Despite the ridiculous agreement, they still find it weird
Last Updated : 2023-01-30The Third Book Chapter 15: What Could've Been
Looking at herself in mirror, many questions come to Cela's mind. It may sound as regret but one of the things she asks herself is why she never found the time to find Nate much earlier even if he's always in her memory.Why only now when it's already late?Nate checks his looks in the camera of his phone. He knows this meeting should never be more than friendly. It's to provide closure for that one thing that is still roaming around his head silently but will never go away by simply ignoring it. He has to face it and close it before he can move on to a wonderful life that's waiting for him. That life, he deserves it.It's Sunday morning and most of the families coming to the park are attending church services. The park is more quiet than it's usually is most days of the week.Nate arrived early."Hello!" He greeted Cela as soon he saw her enter the gate of the park. She waved at him. She looks more relax now.
Last Updated : 2023-01-30The Third Book Chapter 16: Before It Blooms Again
"Ta-da!" Nate presents the cute set up of his car. He looks so happy and proud of it."Wow! Did you buy the entire aisle of chips?" Cela asked as bags of chips and soft drinks good for more than two people fill the back of Nate's car."I didn't know which one to get for you so I bought at least one piece each," Nate explained. Clearly, he made plans for this day."That's so considerate of you. To be honest, I love everything," she said."What's with the formality? Let's drop that," he said."What?" she asked."I mean the 'that's so considerate of you'. C'mon, these are just snacks, nothing fancy here, and it's just me," he said.Cela couldn't contain her amusement. She realized she'd be keeping her guards up to the point that it's so obvious already."I agree. There's no need for exchanging pleasantries and formalities," she said.Nate smiled. "I never imagined this moment would be possible one day," he said with a bit of seriousness in his tone."But it's happening now. Here we
Last Updated : 2023-01-31The Third Book Chapter 17: New Memories
"Just focus on the road," Cela told herself as she drives her car. The road is clear and the sky has no signs of possible rain but the chaos is right inside of her.She wants to stop but forces herself to continue."Soon, it will be dark and the night will take over. Another day is coming and there I will go." She thought for a moment. "Maybe I should start writing songs," she even told herself.Today was harder than she thought and brought more baggages than unloading them. Nate was right about having a lot of things that they have yet to discuss but she had to leave before it became much harder to let go.She wanted to stay much longer. She wanted to tell him how much he missed him after all these years. Now she has to deal with the enormous amount of regret brought by knowing she didn't try hard enough to do every possible thing to see him again much sooner rather than later because it's too late now.And that embrace. It was the most heartbreaking thing that happened today. Ni
Last Updated : 2023-01-31The Third Book Chapter 18: Hear Her, See Her
Nate reached home almost the same time Cela reached his brother's house. He unloaded the chips and drinks from his car. He also thinks of having the car washed to be ready for Monday although it was cleaned just the other day.For some reason, he's delaying calling Nina but it can't be for too long."Hi, Nate." Nina greeted."I just arrived home," he said."Can we talk now? Is it a good time?" she asked."Yeah but can we do audio call only? I swear, I'm here in my house," he asked.He feels he's not ready to see her face right now but doesn't want her to think he's in some place else."It's fine with me where you want to take the call. I'm okay with audio call as well. I'm not ready to face you anyway," she said."What happened these past couple of days? I don't understand anything up to now but I am trying to think of the best reasons," he asked her straight to the point.Nina is sile
Last Updated : 2023-01-31
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The Third Book Final Chapter:
The blue sky with the setting sun and the cool breeze make a perfect late afternoon at the park. This is one of those moments when it is certain that nothing will ever go wrong. It’s like the answered prayer that finally came after years of waiting, longing, and enduring sadness.Anyone can stay in this moment forever.Cela looks at her picture from her phone. She smiles at how she looks on the picture taken more than a year ago on the day of the viewing of her last book that was turned into a mini movie aired on television. One of the guests snapped a photo of her while trying to collect the roses that fell on the floor after she tripped. The picture is not bad at all. She turned into a meme that is rarely seen as beautiful rather than funny. She feels good about it and the memory of that night becomes a constant reminder for her to move forward and get what she deserves.“Hello,” she picked up her phone.“Hey, I’m leaving my hotel now. I can pick you up from your hotel,” Nat
The Third Book Chapter 30: A Letter To Cela
“Are we all good to go for the viewing tonight?” Lora asked her team.“Yes, Ms. Lora. Everything is ready for tonight,” her assistant confirmed.“How’s the attendance?” Lora asked.“Only one has not confirmed. Nate Romero,” her assistant said.Lora sighed. She feels that the tiny hope is fading completely.“That’s fine. Our bosses are the important guests. Finally, this project will be over and we can plan for the next one soon,” she said.Cela’s entourage waits for her at the lobby of her place.“Wow, the gang is complete!” she said. “I’m staying here. We’ll wait for you to come back after the viewing,” Nanny Rita said. She’s holding her new born baby girl.“That’s a good idea. This cutie must take care of my place,” Cela said of Nanny Rita’s daughter. “Besides, your mother knows everything and beyond than what we are about to see in the viewing,” she said.“Good luck! Everything will be good,” Nanny Rita said.“How are you feeling, sis?” Rolan asked.“I’m okay. Everythin
The Third Book Chapter 29: One Rose
Nate could hear Auntie May’s laughter from outside the gate. He thought she’s having another lunch with the ladies from her group in the church. To his surprise, she’s only having coffee with Dina. The two have grown closer these days.“How come you’re back already?” Auntie May asked as he's getting out of his car with those still fresh yellow tulips in one of his hands.Nate smiled at them but held back a little. After the small tiff with Dina last night, he’s not prepared to see her as early as now. “There’s something in my stomach. I had to rush back,” he said.“Those are beautiful flowers,” Auntie May said upon noticing the flowers.Nate looked at flowers with disappointment. “I wasn’t able to give them away,” he said.“You left without meeting your friend?” Auntie May asked. Dina quietly listens to the conversation. She too wasn’t expecting Nate to arrive around this time.Nate shook his head. “I couldn’t but I called her. I told her I couldn’t meet her today,” he said.T
The Third Book Chapter 28: Safe Distancing
Nate looks behind to check on everyone who suddenly becomes very quiet. The children are all sleeping. They’re all tired but happy from a day of activites in a different parish. Dina watches the road while a kid sleeps on her lap. Nate finds the scene very calming.“What is it?” Dina asked.“Nothing. You look so calm back there,” he said.“Hey, talk to the driver,” she said.“It’s still early. He can’t sleep while driving at this hour,” he said.“Look at these kids,” she said.Nate smiled. They’re like a married couple travelling with their kids.“Auntie May’s calling. I’ll put her on speaker,” he said.“Why are you two not answering my texts?” Auntie May asked.“I’m sorry, Auntie. We are on our way back. What is it?” he asked.“Tell Dina to come here after you bring the kids home. Her mother’s joining us for dinner,” she said.Dina agreed. They arrived just in time for dinner. Nate started browsing his messages. He couldn’t check his phone earlier.“Anything wrong?” Dina a
The Third Book Chapter 27: Short Messages
The morning breeze entered Cela’s room and woke her up gently. It’s a new way of waking up in the morning and so much better than waking up with the annoying sound of her phone’s alarm.She realized her phone’s battery was drained all night that made it easier for her to get better sleep.A beautiful smile quickly showed on her face the moment her phone opened. She carries that smile the whole morning.“Do you think they’re now talking?” Lora asked Hyun.“She’s not saying anything,” Hyun said.Both speak in a low voice as they watch Cela type on her laptop.“Is she hiding this thing from you now?” she asked.“It’s probably to avoid the jinx. By now, I know her well. She’s trying not to expect a lot but inside she does,” he said.“But she keeps looking on her phone. Is she still meeting me? Am I waiting for something here?” she asked.“I’m really sorry, Ms. Lora. She’s been losing her focus these past few days but you know….,” he said.“I understand and I want to be more understan
The Third Book Chapter 26: Longing
“Hyunnnn!” Hyun heard the loudest greeting from Cela that morning.“Ms. Cela, calm down. Tell me happened. Should I go to your house or to the studio? Should I call your brother? Ms. Ivy? Wait…what’s really going on?” he asked almost non-stop.“You’re so overreacting,” Cela said.“Alright, alright. I overreacted but what happened to you?” he asked.“Nate sent me a message this morning,” she said with so much joy in her voice.“Really? What did he say?” he asked with excitement.“Well, it's just the usual greeting for now,” she said.Hyun is a little disappointed but he doesn’t want to let Cela feel it.“Did he say he’s calling you any time soon?” he asked.“Oh, dear. I shouldn’t expect that but I will wait,” she said. “Surely, you can wait,” he said to himself.“What’s that? Did you say something?” she said.“Nothing, Ms. Cela. I’ll meet you later in the studio,” he said.Hyun is still in awe at Cela’s change in behavior. She’s acting as if she were a teenage girl who just sa
The Third Book Chapter 25: Spring
Cela’s hands are shaking in excitement. She just received the best news she’d been waiting for the longest time.“He contacted you?” she asked Lora repeatedly.“Yes. He replied to my message that I sent last year. I called him to be sure it was really him who replied to me,” Lora said. “You did? How’s he?” Cela asked more excitedly.“Well, it was a quick call and the reception’s not good. I thought he looked almost the same the last time I saw him,” Lora said.“Where’s he now?” Cela couldn’t stop asking questions. “He’s back from the Pines City just yesterday. He stayed there for close to 5 years,” Lora said.“Pines City? He’s been here all this time? Where exactly here?” Cela asked.“I wasn’t able to ask but maybe you could ask him. I took the liberty of giving him your number?” Lora said.“Oh my God, he asked for my number?” Cela asked.“Ah….I was very excited, I just gave it away. I’m sorry,” Lora said. “Oh no, that’s fine,” Cela said.Hyun and the others are glued to her
The Third Book Chapter 24: Refuge
The rain pours down heavily, and it looks like it’s not going to stop anytime soon. Only a few tourists visit the Pines City during the rainy season and it’s perfect time for those who are seeking peace and quiet away from the noises in urban cities.Amidst the cold weather, Nate took a long stroll from the main road to the foot of the mountain where the main entrance to Pines City is. He had to stop somewhere to let the rain pass. From a distance, he discovered an old building that looks like a chapel. Later, he realized that it is the chapel of the seminary that is standing right behind it.“Good afternoon, Sir. May I still enter?” he asked the staff who is closing the chapel’s main entrance.“I’m sorry but the last mass was already finished. We have the first service tomorrow at 6AM,” the staff said.“I understand. Thank you,” Nate said. He looks so tired.“Wait. Don't you have an umbrella?” the staff asked.“That’s what I forgot,” Nate said.“Can you wait here. I’ll get
The Third Book Chapter 23: Hope Floats Again
One year quickly passed leaving tons of questions and dramas, the TV adaptation of the first book of the three-part series is finally shown and it's immediately trended on social media. "Congratulations, Ms. Cela! You are now a certified blockbuster writer," Hyun said."Thank you but I'm hardly a blockbuster writer so please stop saying that. Also, I don't want to hear those compliments that may lead to more work," Cela joked."Got that," Hyun said. "But now you have no reason to decline blind dates and speed dating."Cela sighed. "Dear, you know how I feel about being pressured," she reminded him."Oh no, no, Ms. Cela. That's not my intention. All I wish is for you to never totally close your doors to these things. But please take your time," Hyun said. "It's okay, Hyun. I understand you. But yeah, I will take my sweet time. I don't feel there's a reason to rush. Besides, I am so freaking tired. Don't worry, I'll get there naturally if that's meant to happen," Cela explain
