IT'S lunch break. Anna and Jenny rushed to the cafeteria to grab some decent meal but got stucked in an everlasting line.
"Anna, Jen, I'll join you. It's too boring to eat alone. Will that be alright?"
"Of course! You're free to join here," said Jenny.
"Before everything else, are both of you coming to the disco this Sunday? I hear the town captain got a new sound system, bet it will be awesome! Many of our neigboring town’s people will also join!" he said.
"Oh yeah! Let's go there , sis. How about cutting this monotonous school –home, home-school pattern? Sounds great, yes?"
"A, I'll try. You know, Dad would..." She’s sure as the sun set that her father will forbid her to go to such place. Her family’s what you call conservative.
"Don’t be such a killjoy! We can make a way. They say grab the beer while still full!' You know what I mean? Life is short, just like you!" Jenny said wit
The next day afternoon, Miguel waited for Annabelle after school. He was quite a view while standing outside, wearing a white t-shirt, black leather jacket and faded jeans. He stood with his left foot and the other is on the footrest then leaned on his black motorcycle. He flashed a smile when the girls caught his eyes, especially when he saw Annabelle.Annabelle felt butterflies and sparks as she saw the dashing man’s handsome face.“Whoa, Annabelle! Is that who I think it is? It’s THAT guy, right?” Jenny insisted.“It’s Miguel. His name is Miguel.” Annabelle confirmed while fixing her hair and smiling back at the man.Jenny stood in front of her folding her arms.“Hmm...I remember someone warned me to watch out from those Manilenos. Who could that be?”“Can you just stop? Looks like the guy is genuine and maybe he has a
While Annabelle is seated in the dining table.“Annabelle, It has come to my knowledge that Miguel frequently fetches you from school.” The girl was left unguarded with her father’s sudden interrogation. Even though she expected them to know about those things, she could not stop feeling startled.“Y-yes,” she answered in a lowly manner. Nervous that he might get angry and yell at her. She's a daddy's girl but her father can be as strict as a dictator sometimes.Silence ruled around the kitchen breaking in only the clanging of their silverwares. Mrs. Cora was even left unuttered.“Well, that’s nice to hear!” surprisingly, said her father. Annabelle looked up, totally shocked. Her mother had raised her brows even.“Oh, what’s with you two? That is actually good. My daughter now has a bodyguard, and on top of that, he’s an army official!” He proudly said with joy.“You’re...not mad, D
It’s five past the afternoon when Annabelle finally finished her school project and got home. She had to submit it by Monday. Good thing, she worked on it early, so now, she can slack leisurely.As she opened their front door, her brows stretched upward by the sight of Miguel idly sitting in the living room with eyes directed on the TV.“Sir?” Annabelle’s face was a picture of bewilderment.“Welcome home,” he greeted with a grin, acting as if he owns the house.He then got up and took Annabelle’s things and set them aside on the chair.“Come, I prepared a snack for you. I’m sure you’re starving.” He headed to the kitchen while the girl stayed at the door, still puzzled. “Come on,” he tilted his head to emphasize the invitation.“Sir, where’s Mom and Dad? Why are you here?” she persistently aske
Miguel continued his gestures to Annabelle. He still fetched Annabelle from school but this time he was more caring, sweeter and especially more protective. There were times that he got too strict particularly with the way she dressed but instead of Annabelle getting mad, she actually finds this cute and felt giddy with the idea.He also made sure to court Annabelle formally, and that matter started that night.Miguel looked dashing with his light blue jeans and black polo shirt. Traditionally, like what he promised too, he brought a bouquet of flowers and a huge teddy bear. Annabelle does not like sweets that’s why he didn’t bother bringing chocolates. Sometimes not only Annabelles gets something when he visits, her parents gets presents as well. Her parents warmly welcomed him because they liked him very well especially her father. Some days, it looked like Miguel is courting Annabelle’s father because both men spend the whole night chatting. He really fanci
TUESDAY morning. Miguel was giving instructions for his troop in preparation for their mission. The entire batallion was properly lined in front of him, hads on their back and heads straight. All are full geared.“At exacyly ten hundred hours, everyone is expected to arrive the destination. Further instructions for this assignment will be givenby Captain Francisco. He’s waiting for us there,” his voice resonated the entire area.Rudy, came behind him from nowhere and whispered, “Bud, your precious angel’s here. In the receiving area.”“Really? Thanks, Bud.” He then dismissed the others as he didn’t have anything to say anymore.
After 7 yearsExactly 12 o' clock in the afternoon, the plane landed. Rene, her brother was there to fetch her and they travelled straight to Bansalan. After three hours of spending in the highway, the two finally reached home. Joy and longing were painted in her mother’s face as she greeted Annabelle--together with her sister-inlaw, Rosana and her kids.“How was your travel, Annabelle? You look more beautiful!” Rosana and Rene were former workmates who fell inlove and after they got married, they transferred to Bansalan.“It was fine, thanks, Rose,” Annabelle said.“Did you dye your hair black? As far as I can remember, you had a brown hair,” she asked while giving her locks a stare.“Yeah, I dyed my hair. Doesn’t it look good on me?”“No, no. In fact, you look great. You’llpropably look good even with blue hair,” a playful grin curved Rosana's lips.
Annabelle found herself staring at the building in front of her, apprehensions and uncertainty were involuntarily scrambling inside her.She took a deep breath before taking her step and entered the electronic sliding door. She felt the need to that for the sake of her weak confidence. She really wasn’t sure if her decision to finally see Miguel was a right one.Annabelle’s eyes roamed around the modern reception covered with dark gray interior. At the center is a walling painted in cream. She read the clusters of letters formed on it.STEEL SECURITY AGENCYOn the right side—where she stood--lies a black leather couch and an oblong glass center table beside it. The interior looked elegant and clean. The fresh green palm tree on the corner complemented the the entire place.“Good afternoon, ma’am. How may I help you?” greeted th
Miguel heaved a long sigh once he heard the door produced a soft click, signaling it was nowshut. He hadn't realized he held his breath until then. Only his ongoing thoughts and thedeafening silence were left alone in the room.Why was she here? Why did she come back? Just when he thought his life was getting better.When he really thought he was used to his new normal, yet all the attempts of disregarding it for years were now futile. Why did she decide to meet with him, after all this time? Had she gone here to ruin his life? To top it all, like it couldn't get any worse, she was already married. Did her husband even know the woman had paid him a visit, a few minutes ago?Similar to a movie drama, all the events that had happened for the past seven years played inhis mind for an instant. Memories were now freshly embedded in his head. The incident brought about a drastic change in his life.He was greatly affected by her sudden