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Chapter 14: Here, Once Again
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2023-01-30 17:11:09Related chapters
The 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 : 2023-01-31The Third Book Chapter 19: Sudden Twist
Nanny Rita has never looked so beautiful than she looks today. The happiness in her eyes are overflowing and so are the tears."Aww...don't cry. You're ruining your make-up!" Joyce said."Believe me, I'm trying my hardest not to. It's just that I never imagined this would still happen to me at my age now. Who would have thought?" Nanny Rita said."There you go again. Need I tell you a hundred times more that you are not old? You're not even 50 yet," Rolan said.Cela gave a bouquet of flowers to her beloved nanny. "I'm so happy for you and you deserve it," she said to her."I feel like I am going to get married in church but I'll save that for you," Nanny Rita said."Okay, I have a decade to wait for that so please continue praying," Cela joked."I love, guys. I want everyday to be like this," Rolan said."Stop it, Rolan. We'll be late," Cela said to prevent everyone from turning emotion
Last Updated : 2023-01-31The Third Book Chapter 20: Almost The First Date
"Trees Park. Cedar Bench. Tomorrow at 5PM," Mr. Bro, the school janitor read the paper that Nate handed over to him."Shhhh….please don't read it out loud. Just give it to her," he told him."Why don't you just send her a message instead of this?" Mr. Bro asked him."Her mother or someone might see it," Nate said."I am just being careful too," Mr. Bro said."What should I do then?" Nate asked."Just tell her personally when you meet her here later," Mr. Bro suggested."What if she says she can't come? I don't know if I can handle instant rejection," he asked."Tell her slowly so she will get every details correctly then run fast before she can answer," Mr. Bro gave a ridiculous suggestion."You think that'll work?" Nate asked.The janitor nodded."Now, crumple that paper and throw the pieces here then go to your practice. It's in 10 minutes, right? Mr. Bro said."Oh shoot! I'm running late and I still need to change," Nate said.The janitor shook his head and continued to sweep the
Last Updated : 2023-01-31The Third Book Chapter 21: Yesterday's Story
The next morning, Cela and Nate's interrupted meeting is the biggest news in campus. Everyone can't help talking about it. In fact, no one remembers Mrs. Serrano and Lora's heated disagreement that also happened yesterday.Cela entered the classroom more quietly than even."You should've been there, guys. It's like watching a scene in a TV series live. It's intense drama," one of Lora's friends started the conversation.Lora discreetly asked her friend to stop but she refused. "It's okay. What's there to be afraid of? I am not her mother's scholar and so are you now, aren't you?" she said.Cela felt more isolated and even more traumatized than before when people in school would only talk about her parents' separation. Now, she felt they hate her mother more and dislike her too for what happened to Nate and Lora. Both were immediately removed from the scholarship program sponsored by her mother.Clearly, she has no friends in the room and they found a new reason to isolate her e
Last Updated : 2023-01-31The Third Book Chapter 22: Unnamed Bench
Cela found herself sitting on the bench in the waiting shed where she used to hang out with Nate. Needless to say that her feeling of joy is overwhelming. The last time she was here was the day she received the paper from Lora. She went home full of excitement and anticipation for the next day.Lora followed her to the waiting shed."Can I just have a few minutes?" Lora asked."What is it?" Cela asked."Well, first, I'd like to personally thank you for finishing the third book in such a short time," Lora started."Honestly, I didn't have to think so much about what to write there. Like what I told our staff, I based it loosely on real events with some alterations and twists. You helped too, right?" Cela said.Lora smiled. "I was actually thrilled when Ivy told me that you were searching for Nate when you began writing it so I provided everything that I knew and heard about him after high school," she said.Cela listens attentively. Of all people, Lora is Nate's last contact in sc
Last Updated : 2023-02-03
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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
