I controlled my tears when I heard Writan's knocks. I thought it would take time for him to get back.
I stood up and went to the door. I opened it and saw Jason outside. I looked for Writan, but I didn't see him with Jason.
"Son, where's Writan?"
I could see his hesitation to answer. I gripped his arms.
"Where is he?" matigas kong tanong.
Lumunok siya. "Claudia, kumalma ka. Maayos lang si Writan sa kabila."
Nangunot ang noo ko. "What? But he said he'll be back? Bakit ikaw na lang ang nandito?"
"Ayaw niya raw magpaalam sa 'yo."
Naguluhan ako sa tanong niya. "Are you hiding something from me, Jason?"
Umiling siya kaagad. Isinarado niya ang pinto at pinanood ko nang kuhanin niya ang isang papel mula sa likod niya. Ibinigay niya 'yon sa akin.
"Sulat sa 'yo ni Writan."
Kumirot ang puso ko. Kahit na naguguluhan ay kinuha ko 'yon sa kanya. Tinalikuran ko si Jason at naupo sa silya.
Nang buk
"Ma!" Nakita ko si Mommy at Grandma na naglalakad papasok ng bahay. Napasinghap ako. Nagtatakbo ako sa kanila. "Grandma!" sigaw ko. My energy escalated when I saw Grandma, standing with her rod, and smiling at me. I went towards her and hugged her tightly. "Are you okay na, Grandma?" "Oo, apo." I let go of our hug and looked at Mommy with Sofia. I messed with Sofia's hair and she giggled. "Miss you, ate." My heart melted. I missed her too. I was a bad sister to her on the other side. I didn't have the time to take care of her because I was preoccupied with Writan. Now that she's here, I think we should get along well. Pumasok kami sa bahay. Isinama ko si Sofia sa attic. "Do you want to go back there, Sof?" I asked her whole I comb her hair. She nodded. "I miss Yaya Es." I grinned. At least she has a good memory of the woman who took care of her. "When I go back there, I will thank
Dinaluhan ako ni Grandma. I could feel my chest aching so bad I wanted to make it stop.He doesn't want to see me again?So, this letter that I've been holding was his final goodbye to me."Can I wait for him here?" I asked desperately.Tumingin ako kay Grandma na parang humihingi ako ng permission sa kanya. Kahit na ayaw na akong makita ni Writan, bakit gusto ko pa rin?Bakit pinipilit ko pa ring pinawalaan na gusto pa rin niya ako?"You could. I believe he has ten years of punishment."I gasped. That's impossible. A punishment of ten years.What could that be?"Claudia," pagtawag ni Grandpa Bok.I felt like they felt sorry for me. I don't blame them that they gave him ten years of punishment. I'm mad at Writan 'cause I felt like it was easy for him to let me go."Huwag mo nang hintayin si Writan. Bumalik ka na lang sa kabila."I formed a fist. I lowered my head and looked at the
Ten years later... I would probably be nervous right now if this is my first time but it's not. Getting interviews were my day-to-day job in this world. "For ten years as a writer, we all know that you have achieved awards and praises as one of the biggest authors in our world and on the other. What do you feel about this, Ms. Claudia?" It's the same question I've been getting a lot. In a decade, there were massive changes for me in this world. Writing hundreds of novels gave me a lot of opportunities that I've never thought I would gain. Above all that, I'm still not happy. "I'm so honored to be entitled as one of the famous and biggest writers in our generation. I can't thank enough my supporters who are always there to cheer me up and buy my books. I'm so lucky." We're in this studio where the media of this world were all swarming to get my attention and interview me. It's not new to me anymore. "Ms, Claudia
Bok and I hugged each other as we said our goodbyes. I will miss him. He was the only person who was by my side for years."Ibigay mo ang sulat na ito kay Penna." Inilahad niya sa akin ang isang piraso ng papel.Tumango ako at yumakap muli sa kanya. "I hope we could meet again.""We will."Tumalikod ako sa kanya. Hinawakan ko ang doorknob at huminga nang malalim.I thought about my family.Kumusta na kaya si Sofia at si Mommy?I have so much to explain to them."Claudia!"Napalingon ako sa tumawag. Lumayo ako sa pinto at lumapit kay Yaya Esther."Naku, buti na lamang at nakaabot ako sa 'yo. Heto, ibigay mo kay Sofia." Tinanggap ko rin ang papel galing sa kanya."Thank you for everything, Yaya Esther."She wiped her tears. "Mag-iingat ka. Sana makita mo na si Writan at maging masaya kayong dalawa."I smiled bitterly at her. Destiny is our great contender. I thought we'd last for a long tim
I don't think lying is a good idea so I answered the truth. The truth is that I love his brother. Hanggang ngayon. Kahit na matagal na akong naghihintay sa kanya. Kahit na ayaw na siguro niya akong makita. My feelings for him can't be crushed for all of those reasons.I watched Wryan stood up and smiled at me but it didn't reach his eyes."I'm serious when I told you that I'd snatch you from him if he doesn't take you back, Claudia."Lumunok ako at tumango na lamang. He looked scary when his eyebrows were almost touching and his jaw clenching. He licked his lips and nodded at me before strolling outside the cafe.Ramdam ko ang malakas na pagtibok ng puso ko. He caught me off guard. I thought he was joking back in the car.Bumalik na ako sa kwarto ni Grandma. Ibinigay ko sa nurse ang binili kong salad para sa kanya. Inilagay ko naman sa maliit na table ang basket ng prutas."Grandma," tawag ko sa kanya.A smile was plastered on my face
"Mag-iingat ka sa byahe, apo," Grandma bid goodbye. I hugged her for the last time and waved at her. "I'll come back! See you soon!" I shouted at her as I walked with Jason. Pinasakay niya ako sa tricycle niya. Bumaba ako sa may kanto para maghintay ng bus na dadaan. "Okay na ka na rine? Mag-iingat ka." Nagyakap kaming dalawa. "You too, Jason." I waved at him too as he drove his vehicle down the road. I let out a sigh and sat at the bench over the shade. I have nothing with me except a thousand for my fare to get me to Manila. From there, I'll go back home, explained everything to my Mom that happened for like fifteen minutes because I have to go to an event for me after that. If I calculated it right, Sofia is almost a teenager. I should talk to her about things that I experienced in high school. Or maybe she won't talk to me. May tumigil na sasakyan sa harap ng shade. By the looks of it, it's Wryan again. When
Nang makarating kami sa mall ay hinila ako ni Sofia sa third floor. Naroon daw ang event. Sumunod na lang ako sa kanya kahit na sobrang bilis niya at kahit nangangatog ang tuhod ko.Ngayon ko unang makikita lahat ng mga taga-suporta ng mga books ko at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na darating ang araw na makikilala ako ng tao bilang isang manunulat.I remembered the nights that I drunk myself to sleep for me to get over at writing. Writing was my only escape from reality. Although, it makes me remember about me and Writan. Writing is my companion for ten years. I've written personal experiences on one of my stories and as much as I hate doing that, it makes my stories a bit sentimental for me.I love writing. It makes me feel alive. I didn't know why I started late in writing when I could've started younger than that. Writing a story is something to be proud of. I know a lot of writers know that. Even no one is acknowledging their works, it's
The event started. All of the people in line asked for my signature on their books as well as selfies. I'm so happy to see them smiling as they meet me personally."Thank you for writing, Claudia! This means a lot to me!" one of my fans exclaimed."Oh, my gosh! Lagi po akong pumupunta sa signing ng mga books mo at umaasa na makita kita! Grabe, ang ganda-ganda mo po!""Thank you for writing Henry and Mira's story, Claudia! They are the bestest couple!""Thank you, Claudia! We love you!"My heart melted every time they said their thanks to me. There's no kind of happiness in this world that would level this happiness I'm feeling right now. I'm just so so thankful.My smile didn't leave in the whole signing event. After that, there was a ten-minute break for me. Bumaba ulit ako sa stage at nagpahinga saglit sa upuan. Inabutan ako ni Ms. Lili ng isang bottled water."Thank you."She smiled at me and proceeded to give Writan his wat
Penna, aking sinta, Mahal kong sintaIka'y minumutyaHinahangad na sanaMasilayan pa muli ang kislap ng iyong mga mata. Hangad ko sa 'yo'y abot-langitHangad ko sa atin sana'y diringginHangad na sana'y hindi na magtaposItong oras natin at manatiling hindi nauubos. Bagama't maraming pagsubok itongtatahakinMaghiwalay man ang distansya natinTatandaan mo, ikaw lang ang para sa akinPenna, na aking una at huling pag-ibig. Author's Note: It's been a long ride. This is the first time that I wrote a romance-fantasy genre and I can't help but pat my shoulder for a job well done. I hope you love the st
Writan's POV"Are you ready? You have to come back after a day, Writan," Bok declared before I went outside my past world.I agreed with him and departed the world of writers. I wasn't expecting that I would uncover an answer and get motivation outside to write again. I've been writing for five years but I don't feel satisfied with it. I wanted something or someone that would light up my passion again.I found one. A girl who looked broken and lost in the sea of people."Hey," I cheered her up.However, her words threw me off that I found myself getting interested in her."I like your eyes."She threw compliments like it was nothing for her."What's its color?" I asked of her.Her eyes twinkled. She looked bored and she's just doing this for fun. I wanted to talk to her a lot however she said she wasn't flirting."Claudia. I'm not here to flirt, actually."I memorized her name. If I will see her again,
I stayed quiet as we waited for the elevator. I heard Writan's shoes rocking up and down. He's nervous like me. I'm not into confrontation, in fact, I hate it. If this doesn't end well, I don't know anymore. I'm tired of being unhappy. I'm tired of waiting for him. I'm tired of hoping and crying every time I finish my book and there's no Writan who would be happy for my success. He's the only one who I needed between those accomplishments. His words that he's proud of me. I licked my lips and went outside of the elevator once it landed on the right floor. The look on his face was unpredictable and mixed. Sumunod ako nang mauna siya. Pakinig ko ang mahinang buntong-hininga niya hanggang sa tumigil siya sa tapat ng pinto ng room. Binuksan niya 'yon at mabilis na pumasok. I scanned the room and stopped by the doorway. "Now, let's talk." He hesitated. He rubbed his face and took a sharp breath. He looked miserable right now. I am too.
"Sikat na sikat ka na, ate! Sobrang dami ng fans mo, omfg! I have a famous ate!" Sofia clapped when the event ended. We're still in the room. Guards are taking care of the fans outside so we could peacefully go home without a struggle later. I smiled at Sofia as she hugged my books and dream things. "Nakakakilig kayo ni Kuya Writan, ate! You said you're in a relationship? Who is that?" she urged. "Him." Lumagpak ang panga ng kapatid ko hanggang sa magtatalon siya at umirit sa loob ng kwarto. Hindi ko na siya mapigilan dahil sa tuwa niya. Napailing na lang ako. I never thought that I would say that in public. Possibly because Writan was brave telling my fans that he likes me. I got the strength from him. But it doesn't mean we're okay now. We won't be until I hear his answers. Nagbukas ang pinto at nakita kong magkasama si Ms. Lili at Writan. Hinanap agad ni Writan ang mata ko. He smiled at me but I didn't smile back. He got the
The event started. All of the people in line asked for my signature on their books as well as selfies. I'm so happy to see them smiling as they meet me personally."Thank you for writing, Claudia! This means a lot to me!" one of my fans exclaimed."Oh, my gosh! Lagi po akong pumupunta sa signing ng mga books mo at umaasa na makita kita! Grabe, ang ganda-ganda mo po!""Thank you for writing Henry and Mira's story, Claudia! They are the bestest couple!""Thank you, Claudia! We love you!"My heart melted every time they said their thanks to me. There's no kind of happiness in this world that would level this happiness I'm feeling right now. I'm just so so thankful.My smile didn't leave in the whole signing event. After that, there was a ten-minute break for me. Bumaba ulit ako sa stage at nagpahinga saglit sa upuan. Inabutan ako ni Ms. Lili ng isang bottled water."Thank you."She smiled at me and proceeded to give Writan his wat
Nang makarating kami sa mall ay hinila ako ni Sofia sa third floor. Naroon daw ang event. Sumunod na lang ako sa kanya kahit na sobrang bilis niya at kahit nangangatog ang tuhod ko.Ngayon ko unang makikita lahat ng mga taga-suporta ng mga books ko at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na darating ang araw na makikilala ako ng tao bilang isang manunulat.I remembered the nights that I drunk myself to sleep for me to get over at writing. Writing was my only escape from reality. Although, it makes me remember about me and Writan. Writing is my companion for ten years. I've written personal experiences on one of my stories and as much as I hate doing that, it makes my stories a bit sentimental for me.I love writing. It makes me feel alive. I didn't know why I started late in writing when I could've started younger than that. Writing a story is something to be proud of. I know a lot of writers know that. Even no one is acknowledging their works, it's
"Mag-iingat ka sa byahe, apo," Grandma bid goodbye. I hugged her for the last time and waved at her. "I'll come back! See you soon!" I shouted at her as I walked with Jason. Pinasakay niya ako sa tricycle niya. Bumaba ako sa may kanto para maghintay ng bus na dadaan. "Okay na ka na rine? Mag-iingat ka." Nagyakap kaming dalawa. "You too, Jason." I waved at him too as he drove his vehicle down the road. I let out a sigh and sat at the bench over the shade. I have nothing with me except a thousand for my fare to get me to Manila. From there, I'll go back home, explained everything to my Mom that happened for like fifteen minutes because I have to go to an event for me after that. If I calculated it right, Sofia is almost a teenager. I should talk to her about things that I experienced in high school. Or maybe she won't talk to me. May tumigil na sasakyan sa harap ng shade. By the looks of it, it's Wryan again. When
I don't think lying is a good idea so I answered the truth. The truth is that I love his brother. Hanggang ngayon. Kahit na matagal na akong naghihintay sa kanya. Kahit na ayaw na siguro niya akong makita. My feelings for him can't be crushed for all of those reasons.I watched Wryan stood up and smiled at me but it didn't reach his eyes."I'm serious when I told you that I'd snatch you from him if he doesn't take you back, Claudia."Lumunok ako at tumango na lamang. He looked scary when his eyebrows were almost touching and his jaw clenching. He licked his lips and nodded at me before strolling outside the cafe.Ramdam ko ang malakas na pagtibok ng puso ko. He caught me off guard. I thought he was joking back in the car.Bumalik na ako sa kwarto ni Grandma. Ibinigay ko sa nurse ang binili kong salad para sa kanya. Inilagay ko naman sa maliit na table ang basket ng prutas."Grandma," tawag ko sa kanya.A smile was plastered on my face
Bok and I hugged each other as we said our goodbyes. I will miss him. He was the only person who was by my side for years."Ibigay mo ang sulat na ito kay Penna." Inilahad niya sa akin ang isang piraso ng papel.Tumango ako at yumakap muli sa kanya. "I hope we could meet again.""We will."Tumalikod ako sa kanya. Hinawakan ko ang doorknob at huminga nang malalim.I thought about my family.Kumusta na kaya si Sofia at si Mommy?I have so much to explain to them."Claudia!"Napalingon ako sa tumawag. Lumayo ako sa pinto at lumapit kay Yaya Esther."Naku, buti na lamang at nakaabot ako sa 'yo. Heto, ibigay mo kay Sofia." Tinanggap ko rin ang papel galing sa kanya."Thank you for everything, Yaya Esther."She wiped her tears. "Mag-iingat ka. Sana makita mo na si Writan at maging masaya kayong dalawa."I smiled bitterly at her. Destiny is our great contender. I thought we'd last for a long tim