"I really hate being belittled," Sabi ko. I called Zari since hindi sya umuwi kagabi because of her hectic schedule at work.
"I know, Hest," she said gently. "Nobody deserves to be treated that way. And I know you; hindi ka basta bastang nagpapatalo." Her words resonated with me. I took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right. I need to start standing up for myself more."
Pinatay ko na ang tawag at tiningnan ang orasan. Maaga pa naman. Nandito ako ngayon sa labas ng kompanya. Dahil, maaga pa naman naisipan ko munang mag breakfast at sakto naabutan ko pa si Jeanne na humihigop ng kape.
"Good morning, Jeanne. Nag breakfast kana?" Tanong ko. Sinuklian niya ako ng ngiti at tumango. "Nag breakfast na ako before ako pumunta dito, Hest." Agap niya.
Nag-order ako ng isang rice, orange juice, and ham. I don't need to eat a lot; dahil okay na ako sa katawan ko. Hindi naman ako mataba hindi rin payat. May kurba din ang aking katawan dahilan kung bakit muntik na akong maging modelo noong nakaraang taon.
Nilantakan ko na ang aking pagkain. I don't want to be late again, especially dahil sa lalaking yun.
"Ah Jeanne, pwedeng magtanong?" Tanong ko kay Jeanne na humihigop ng kanyang kape. "Oh, sure, go ahead!" Agap niya. "Kilala mo ba yung lalaking highblood sa akin kahapon? I bit kulang na lang kainin nya ako sa sobrang galit niya!" Sabi ko.
I'm just saying the truth. I don't care, kung magsusumbong 'tong babae na'to.
The hell do I care? At isa pa, hindi siya ang nagpapakain sa'kin araw araw para pahiyain niya ako ng ganun. Hindi ko naman siya boss. Ay wait, hindi ko pa nakikita ang boss namin ah.
"Ako ba ang tinutukoy mo, Ms. Forbes?" Tinig ng isang lalaki. I don't have the guts to look at my back and ask who the hell this is; dahil tinig palang niya alam ko na kung sino siya.
Is he stalking me? I tried to look at Jeanne na ngayon ay tumayo na at nag peace sign. I'm acting like I didn't hear him, so instead, na harapin ko siya, pinili kong tumayo dahil tapos na rin naman ako kumain.
And yes, my dog is following me all the way to my cubicle. "Bakit kaba sunod ng sunod sa akin?" Sabi ko. At tuluyan ko na siyang hinarap.
Wala kong pakialam sa mga nakikinig sa paligid. I just want to let out the burning anger inside me.
"Stop assuming, Ms. Forbes! I just want to give this to you, and I need it now," Sabi niya in his casual tone. Hindi malakas pero parang nakakabingi.
Bago pa siya tuluyang nakalayo," and before I forget, we have a meeting this afternoon." Dagdag niya. Whatttt? Sino ba siya sa tingin niya?
I think people have read the confusion that has left a mark on my mind. "Ms. Forbes, he's the only son of the owner of this company," Sabi ni Jared, one of my workmates.
Lito akong tumingin sa kanya, sa mga taong nasa paligid, and they're giving me a pitiful face. So totoo nga. Napahilamos nalang ako sa'king mukha ng tuluyan.
Why do I have to experience something like this? All I need is a job to sustain my daily needs and wants.
Bahala na.
I have the right to contradict his not-so-good personality, kahit na empleyado niya lang ako. I went to my cubicle.
Inayos ko muna ang sarili ko, so I can feel comfortable. I retouched the kunti, and after a few seconds, I started working. I have a lot of paperwork to do; kailangan pa naman to mamaya para sa conference meeting.
Matapos kong tingnan at binasa lahat ng papel, why do I feel loneliness? Napagtanto ko ang bigat ng responsibilidad na nakaatang sa aking mga balikat. Ang hirap mamuhay mag-isa. Walang mga magulang, nor sisters or brothers.
Bakit ganito ang mundo sa'kin? Since I was a child, uhaw na ako sa pagmamahal ng aking mga magulang. My parents are so busy with our business to the point that na madalang nalang silang makakauwi sa bahay. Until such time, nagkaproblema sa kompanya. Nabaon kami sa utang. All of our assets ay napunta sa ibang tao. Tanging si Tito Fidel at Tita Laura nalang yung tumayong mga magulang ko. They're the parents of Zari, kaya nga para na ring magkapatid ang turingan naming dalawa.
I took my phone para sana tawagan si Zari, pero naisip ko baka may ginagawa din yun. Marami ring pinagkakaabalahan si Zari sa ibat ibang bagay. I keep myself busy on my laptop so I can finish my work easily.
It's already 10 a.m. in the morning; any minute from now, magsisimula na ang meeting. Hinanda ko na rin ang aking sarili sa pagdating ni Liam. Well, Liam ang pangalan ng sarkastikong lalaking yun.
I can see na mabait naman siya dahil nakita ko siya kahapon, tinulungan nyang makatawid sa kabilang linya ang isang person with disability. And binigyan pa nya ng pagkain. Bakit pagdating sa akin, para siyang tigreng walang kain?
Okay, gets ko na. Maybe he likes me? Nag sungit sungitan lang. Hmmm. Ilang minuto ang lumipas, I saw him with his usual aura. Palabas ng kanyang office.
Honestly, I can't deny the fact that he has an impact. I mean, sa tangkad niya at sa kanyang natural na karisma, hindi mo maiiwasang hindi siya mapansin.
His eyes, hooded and mysterious, hold a depth that is both intriguing and captivating. There's an undeniable allure about him—a magnetic pull that is hard to resist. His presence commands attention, and his aura radiates a charm that is uniquely his own.
He's wearing a formal suit.
It seems like ginawa talaga ang suit for him. It really fits him well. Nagbibigay diin sa kanyang maalindog na katawan. Ang kanyang necktie, na kapareho ng kulay ng kanyang mga mata, ay nagdadagdag ng kakaibang karisma sa kanyang itsura.
He's staring at me while I'm staring at him too. Bakit ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko? Shit.
This can't be.
"I can't afford to be melted by your stares, Ms. Forbes." Sabi niya dahilan kung ba't ako napatuwid ng tayo. Breath and relax, Hestia.
May sinabi siya sa isang arkitekto, kaya mabilis itong umalis at nagmamadaling pumunta patungo sa kanyang office.
Ilang minuto rin ay bumalik ito. May binigay na isang folder; siguro, it's one of the papers na kailangan niya para sa meeting. Gwapo na sana, pero ulyanin nga lang.
Sumunod ako sa kanya binalewala ang mga titig galing sa loob ng opisina. He's an attention-seeker. Indeed.
We are here at some of the most famous restaurants in Manila. Na extend kasi ang meeting, so instead of 1 pm, mga alas tres nalang daw. Habang nagtitipa ako ng mensahe para kay Zari, bigla siyang nagsalita.
"What do you want to eat? It's already noon; for sure, gutom kana." Kalmado niyang sabi.
Hindi ko siya pinansin. Kinuha ko nalang yung menu at tinawag ang waiter.
I don't even care, kung anong sasabihin niya. Kinuha din niya ang menu at nag order. Siguro naramdaman niya na ayoko siyang kausap, which is why he doesn't talk again.
Makalipas ang ilang minuto, tapos na akong kumain. "Tapos kana?" Sabi niya. I'm just nodding. "Ang kunti lang ng kinain mo, kaya pala ang payat payat mo." Dagdag niya na nagpabaling ng atensyon ko. Pinandilatan ko siya ng mata, and here he is, tumatawa.
"Marunong ka palang tumawa, akala ko hindi." Pagbawi ko. Tumahimik naman siya at nagngingiting aso.
God, what happened to this man? "Well, I'm just testing your patience." Sabi niya. Ano to may quarterly exam? "What do you mean by that, sir?" Sabi ko at pinagdiinan ko talagang bigkasin ang "sir”.
"Well, I'm sorry if na offend kita or natakot kita, but that's not really my intention." Nagkibit-balikat siya at uminom ng tubig. Napairap naman ako sa sinabi niya.
"Well, tell me kung ano ang intensyon mo? Hindi yung nag susungit ka diyan daig mo pa ang babaeng may regla." Diretso kong sabi.
Hindi naman siya natinag sa sinabi ko bagkus ay ngumisi lamang ito. "You are totally different, Ms. Forbes." Sabi niya. Natameme ako ng marinig ang sinabi niya. His serious face gives me a shiver, but it's a sensation I find myself strangely drawn to. Hindi ako makatingin ng diretso.
His eyes are like a stormy sea, intense and full of depth. His brows furrowed in concentration, adding to his aura of authority and command. There's a certain magnetism in his seriousness, a compelling force that both intimidates and intrigues. It's as if his serious face is a mask, hiding a world of thoughts and emotions underneath, making me more curious about the man behind it.
What's he talking about? Galing ba'to ng mental?
Naalimpungatan ako sa lakas ng aking alarm clock. Sinadya ko talagang e reset ito kagabi ng 5 a.m dahil marami akong gustong gawin.I wake up early, usually just as the sun is beginning to peek over the horizon. I start my day with a stretch and a yawn, shaking off the remnants of sleep.Pumunta ako sa kusina to prepare a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the room and jump starting my senses. While sipping my coffee, naaalala ko it's been months na pala akong nagtatrabaho sa kumpanya nila Liam at 3 weeks na rin na hindi umuwi sa apartment si Zari. Kumusta na kaya ang babaeng yun.I miss the times when we could just hang out without any worries, when our biggest decision was what movie to watch or where to have dinner. “Zar? Are you there?” Hindi na ako napag antay at tinawagan ko na siya.“Hest? Ikaw ba’to?” Wika niya. “So, hindi naka save yung phone number ko sa phone mo?” Agap ko sa malungkot na tuno. I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness, a longing for the simpler times.
The crunch of dead leaves under my feet echoes through the air as I walk towards our old mansion. The sound, a stark reminder of the passage of time, is the only noise in the otherwise silent surroundings. The mansion, once a symbol of our family's prosperity, now stands as a testament to the memories we've left behind.Hindi ko lubos akalain, na abandonado na ang mansyon na ito. The mansion looms ahead, its grandeur faded with time. The windows, once brightly lit, are now dark, mirroring the emptiness inside. Each crunch of the leaves under my feet feels like a step back in time, a journey into the past.Kinapa ko ang malamig na metal ng kandado na nakabitin sa gate. I saw how this created being protected from people trying to get inside, na kahit ang dating nakatira ay wala ng karapatan pa. At the top of the main gate, words were etched into the metal, “de bon augure” which means giving hope of success in french. It is quote that had been passed down through our family for generat
“I almost had sex in Paris!” Hysterical na sabi ni Zari pagkatapos naming ilagay sa kwarto ang mga dala niyang bagahe. Well, hindi naman nakakapanibago sa'kin kung ang dali niyang makahanap ng taong maka intercourse niya in an intimate way.I mean, she's totally liberated even when it comes to clothes. Well, hindi naman sa nagmamalinis pero if showy ako the way I dress, she's more than that.“Should I say, congratulations?” Sabi ko at ngumisi. She then looked at me, I mean she's staring at me. For a moment, there was silence in her room, I could almost hear crickets. “You're really my best friend.” Sabay bato nya ng unan sa’kin. For a couple of minutes, nag babatuhan lang kami ng unan like a kid playing around without the burden of life complexities. "So, how's life in Paris? The city of love?" I asked mysteriously, our laughter subsiding as we settled comfortably on the bed."There's so many guys..." she began, a mischievous glint in her eyes.Before she could continue, I playfully
“Let's meet @6:00 pm, at the restaurant nearby BGC.” I texted the son of my parents' secretary. After ko dito sa trabaho plano kong makausap siya ng masinsinan.Actually, nung nakausap ko siya nakaraang araw, parang pamilyar yung boses niya. The memory of an unknown conversation playing in my mind. There was something about his voice that seemed familiar, a certain warmth and cadence that reminded me of someone I knew. But who?I checked all the documents, arranged all the papers. From contracts to blueprints, dapat kasi each document was carefully reviewed and organized. This was one of the crucial parts of my job as an architect, ensuring that every detail was in order and that nothing was overlooked.I maneuvered my laptop, searching for the files that were needed for tomorrow's proposal, but suddenly my laptop hang.Shit. Ngayon pa talaga nagloloko ang laptop ko? A wave of panic washed over me. The screen froze and no matter how much I clicked or pressed keys, nothing responded.
I can almost hear crickets. The silence in the room became almost palpable. The tension was thick, the only sounds being the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional rustle of papers.“Stop being flirty to my employees.” Nagulat ako sa biglaan niyang pag basag sa katahimikan na namumuo, pero mas nagulat ako sa kanyang binitawang mga salita.What he just said? I'm flirting with his employees?“Wait… s-sir… tama ba ang pagkakarinig ko? I'm being flirty with my workmates?” Pinilit kong maging kalmado sa harap niya. Even though, my knees suddenly felt a sudden weak because of her wrong accusation. “Yes, Ms. Forbes.They can't focus doing their work if patuloy ka sa mga pinaggagawa mo.”Diretso niyang sabi na halos ikapunit ng labi ko. His words hit me like a punch in the gut. I hadn't realized that my interactions with Jeffrey had been causing a disturbance. I was simply trying to get my work done, and Jeffrey had been kind enough to help. “Hindi ko alam, pagiging flirty na pala
I'm already here at our meeting place," I texted him, glancing around. It was a quaint little café, its warm, inviting ambiance a stark contrast to the cold, corporate atmosphere I had left behind at the office. As I waited, I ordered a cup of coffee, allowing the familiar aroma to soothe my nerves. The events of the day still lingered in my mind, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the meeting ahead.A few moments later, I spotted a familiar face approaching.Wait, anong ginagawa niya dito?“He's like searching for someone," I observed, noting the way his eyes darted around the café. His expression was tense, his movements restless. It was clear that he was expecting someone else to join us."Are you waiting for someone else?" I asked, when he was already inside the cafe, curiosity piqued. He looked at me, a hint of surprise flashing across his face before he quickly composed himself."Yes, actually," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I was hoping she would be here by n
I'm already at the house, parking my car, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Stepping out of the car, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. With a deep breath, I headed towards the house, hearing laughter ringing out. It was a sound that was both familiar and jarring, considering I knew it was only Zari and me in the house."Zari?" I called out, stepping into the foyer. The laughter stopped, replaced by a curious silence. I felt a chill run down my spine, but I pushed away the unease. We were here for a reason, and I couldn't let anything distract me from that."Zari, it's me," I said, moving further into the house. Despite the unsettling laughter, I was determined to face whatever lay ahead. Kinatok ko nang kinatok ang pinto, ng biglang bumukas ito dahilan kung ba't muntik akong madapa sa sahig. “Bakit ngayon ka lang umuwi?" Bungad sa akin ni Zari habang nilakihan ng bukas ang pinto. I didn't answer her, but instead I continued my search where those laughter came from
Umalis na ang lahat ng mga bisita namin ni Zari, and I feel so blessed. The house was quiet now, the echoes of laughter and chatter still lingering in the air. As I stood outside the house, taking in the moment, I couldn't help but feel incredibly blessed. Blessed to have friends and family who cared, blessed to have Zari by my side, and blessed to be able to celebrate life's special moments surrounded by love.Dahan dahan akong bumalik sa loob ng bahay and there I saw Zari standing near the kitchen with her usual expression. I looked around, and I turned to Zari, her face glowing with happiness. She nodded, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "You planned this?" I asked Zari, my eyes wide with surprise.She gave me a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Maybe," she replied, her voice full of laughter.I shook my head, unable to suppress my own smile. It was just like her to go out of her way to bring a little joy into my life."Thank you, Zari," sabi ko sabay yak
I felt like I hadn't slept at all last night. My body felt heavy, my mind foggy. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue. But it clung to me, a persistent shadow that refused to let go.After Liam dropped me off last night, nakita ko si Zari na mag isa with a drink in her hand. The soft glow from the lights inside the house cast a warm glow on her, making her seem almost ethereal.We chit chatted a bit, since hindi na kami laging magkausap due to our different hectic sched. So ayun, medyo tipsy ako ngayon sa trabaho."I can't believe everything that happened," sabi niya at paulit ulit pa akong tinanong dahil baka raw nagsisinungaling lang ako at nag ilusyon. Ang bruha ginawa pa akong sinungaling. "Sis, it all seems so surreal." I just nodded to her and took a one shot.She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, sis," she said, her voice filled with something. "You certainly know how to keep life interesting.”Napasubo ako ng chicharon sa sinabi niya, “ika
Bigla akong naalimpungatan sa kaluskos galing sa loob ng aming opisina. I quickly searched where those noises came from, when I saw Liam wearing his usual poker face, while…holding a food?I blinked in surprise, my sleep-addled brain trying to make sense of the situation. "Sir Liam?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion. "Haven't you gone home yet?"Liam turned to look at me, a sheepish smile on his face. "I... I lost track of time," he said, his gaze shifting to the food in his hands. "I thought you might be hungry, so I brought some food.”Hinanap ko ang aking phone and shit, it's 9:00 pm already. "I'm sorry if nagising kita.” Sabi ni Liam sa mahinang tinig. I don't have enough time sa mga kadramahan niya, and why is he acting like that? Nakakapagtaka."Tapos ko ng lahat gawin ‘to,” sabi ko habang tinitingnan ang mga pagkain na hawak niya, grabe nakakagutom. Ang bango!He did not respond to what I've said but rather he arranged the food and put a spoon and fork to some plates.
The office was buzzing with the sounds of papers, typing on computers and loud conversations. They are all looking busy, as if the company won't pay them if they don't do heavy work. Ang ilan panay ang tingin sa mga papers na nakahilera sa kanilang mesa. I called Jeanne after kong mailagay lahat ng mga gamit ko sa aking cubicle. She was wearing a simple shirt and jeans while sobrang salungat naman sa suot ko.“Jeanne, bakit sobrang busy ng mga tao dito sa office?" Tanong ko habang tinitingnan ang mga kasamahan kong abala sa kani-kanilang mga ginagawa."Ah, malapit na kasi ang deadline ng mga projects natin. Kaya lahat sila, kasama na rin tayo, kailangang mag-double time para matapos ang lahat ng trabaho," sagot ni Jeanne, na hindi man lang ako ginawaran ng tingin.Bumalik ako sa aking cubicle at nagsimulang mag halungkat sa mga kailangan kong tapusin. Pero may napansin ako, since then everytime papasok ako sa opisina kahit busy sila, magawa pa nila akong batiin. Ngayon, bakit feeling
I unrolled my yoga mat and ready to begin my morning routine, the quiet of the early morning providing the perfect backdrop.It's already 6:30 am, I still have 1 hour left to do my usual things. Maaga talaga akong gumising dahil plano kong mag yoga muna bago simulan ang mga paperworks na kailangan kong ipasa ngayon. Since, may area naman for any kind of exercise or yoga sa workplace ko, then, less hassle na for me.The place was perfect for finding inner peace and tranquility. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the soft morning light filtering through the windows, created an environment that was conducive for meditation and reflection. Maganda din ang pagka-disenyo ng building na ito. Hindi mo talaga maikakaila na puro arkitekto ang halos miyembro ng pamilyang may-ari ng kompanyang ito.The architecture was a perfect blend of modern and traditional elements, creating a visually appealing structure that was also functional. The use of large windows allowed for plenty of natural ligh
Umalis na ang lahat ng mga bisita namin ni Zari, and I feel so blessed. The house was quiet now, the echoes of laughter and chatter still lingering in the air. As I stood outside the house, taking in the moment, I couldn't help but feel incredibly blessed. Blessed to have friends and family who cared, blessed to have Zari by my side, and blessed to be able to celebrate life's special moments surrounded by love.Dahan dahan akong bumalik sa loob ng bahay and there I saw Zari standing near the kitchen with her usual expression. I looked around, and I turned to Zari, her face glowing with happiness. She nodded, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "You planned this?" I asked Zari, my eyes wide with surprise.She gave me a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Maybe," she replied, her voice full of laughter.I shook my head, unable to suppress my own smile. It was just like her to go out of her way to bring a little joy into my life."Thank you, Zari," sabi ko sabay yak
I'm already at the house, parking my car, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Stepping out of the car, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. With a deep breath, I headed towards the house, hearing laughter ringing out. It was a sound that was both familiar and jarring, considering I knew it was only Zari and me in the house."Zari?" I called out, stepping into the foyer. The laughter stopped, replaced by a curious silence. I felt a chill run down my spine, but I pushed away the unease. We were here for a reason, and I couldn't let anything distract me from that."Zari, it's me," I said, moving further into the house. Despite the unsettling laughter, I was determined to face whatever lay ahead. Kinatok ko nang kinatok ang pinto, ng biglang bumukas ito dahilan kung ba't muntik akong madapa sa sahig. “Bakit ngayon ka lang umuwi?" Bungad sa akin ni Zari habang nilakihan ng bukas ang pinto. I didn't answer her, but instead I continued my search where those laughter came from
I'm already here at our meeting place," I texted him, glancing around. It was a quaint little café, its warm, inviting ambiance a stark contrast to the cold, corporate atmosphere I had left behind at the office. As I waited, I ordered a cup of coffee, allowing the familiar aroma to soothe my nerves. The events of the day still lingered in my mind, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the meeting ahead.A few moments later, I spotted a familiar face approaching.Wait, anong ginagawa niya dito?“He's like searching for someone," I observed, noting the way his eyes darted around the café. His expression was tense, his movements restless. It was clear that he was expecting someone else to join us."Are you waiting for someone else?" I asked, when he was already inside the cafe, curiosity piqued. He looked at me, a hint of surprise flashing across his face before he quickly composed himself."Yes, actually," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I was hoping she would be here by n
I can almost hear crickets. The silence in the room became almost palpable. The tension was thick, the only sounds being the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional rustle of papers.“Stop being flirty to my employees.” Nagulat ako sa biglaan niyang pag basag sa katahimikan na namumuo, pero mas nagulat ako sa kanyang binitawang mga salita.What he just said? I'm flirting with his employees?“Wait… s-sir… tama ba ang pagkakarinig ko? I'm being flirty with my workmates?” Pinilit kong maging kalmado sa harap niya. Even though, my knees suddenly felt a sudden weak because of her wrong accusation. “Yes, Ms. Forbes.They can't focus doing their work if patuloy ka sa mga pinaggagawa mo.”Diretso niyang sabi na halos ikapunit ng labi ko. His words hit me like a punch in the gut. I hadn't realized that my interactions with Jeffrey had been causing a disturbance. I was simply trying to get my work done, and Jeffrey had been kind enough to help. “Hindi ko alam, pagiging flirty na pala
“Let's meet @6:00 pm, at the restaurant nearby BGC.” I texted the son of my parents' secretary. After ko dito sa trabaho plano kong makausap siya ng masinsinan.Actually, nung nakausap ko siya nakaraang araw, parang pamilyar yung boses niya. The memory of an unknown conversation playing in my mind. There was something about his voice that seemed familiar, a certain warmth and cadence that reminded me of someone I knew. But who?I checked all the documents, arranged all the papers. From contracts to blueprints, dapat kasi each document was carefully reviewed and organized. This was one of the crucial parts of my job as an architect, ensuring that every detail was in order and that nothing was overlooked.I maneuvered my laptop, searching for the files that were needed for tomorrow's proposal, but suddenly my laptop hang.Shit. Ngayon pa talaga nagloloko ang laptop ko? A wave of panic washed over me. The screen froze and no matter how much I clicked or pressed keys, nothing responded.