“This is your room; there’s a bathroom, closet,” I keep nodding to inform Mrs. Lindy that I understood what she was saying. “Let me know when you need something,”
“Uh, Mrs. Lindy, I was just curious, why do I have my room? I supposed I’ll be working here as a babysitter or maid?”
“The president ordered us to treat you as our guest and not a worker,” I nod, trying hard not to feel awkward with that, well, I came here for work, “If you’ll excuse me, the president wants you to rest, since he wasn’t able to meet you tonight because of a sudden meeting.”
I nod and let her leave; I’m still wondering who’s president she is talking about? I spoke with Mr. Kyoto, but his card says he’s the administration head, not the president. Is that what they call the heads now, or do I have another boss? Is Mr. Kyoto not my boss? I thought he was since he’s the one who offered me a job. Well.
I put down my bags and made a quick tour inside my room. I bet it’s a guestroom. The room’s walls were cream, the floor was wood, glass window filled the left side of the room, a white vanity table, a 42’ inch attached television, below is a thin glass table, on the top of it was remote, and a mini flower face, it was arranged beautifully.
In the middle, a wood color closet, a Cleopatra seat was a black and white bed; it’s a classic yet elegant looking room. As if I was in a hotel. I’ll think about everything tomorrow, for now, I want to rest, it’s past ten o’clock.
I don’t know if I’m just lucky or what I was able to find not just a home but also a job, and I wanted to think that it’s God’s blessing to me after all the struggles I have encountered. Who would have thought that I could make it within this age? Mama and Papa left me alone, with no family beside me; I had to live life for my own. I’m used to not seeking any help since I have to do everything on my own,
“Ma, Pa, watch me achieve my goals, please be with me although out, I’ll make you proud while you’re both there in heaven. I miss you both.”
“Good morning.” I mumbled to myself while looking at the mirror, “Let’s do it.”
It’s past five-thirty, I woke up and fixed myself, I’m in my uniform now, and Mrs. Lindy asked me to go downstairs to eat before I go to school, she also reminded me to keep my phone with me since the president will be calling me any time of the day, which I obliged.
The whole dining is so well lit, the servers were preparing something which I don’t know, but no one’s sitting in the dining, “Mrs. Lindy?” I caught her attention since she was swamped when I arrived, “Why am I the only one here? Where the others?” I mean, there should be other people who will eat breakfast with me since there’s a lot of food on the table.
“You can choose whatever you like, then eat.” My forehead creased, “Why?”
“Are you not eating with me?” they all bowed.
“No, we are not supposed to dine with our guest; that would be disrespectful.” She said in her stern tone.
“But, I want to eat will all of you; this food is such a waste.”
“No, we can’t.”
“Come on. Dine with me.”
—-
“Okay, class, take that as your homework, and pass it on Monday morning, class dismiss.”
I massaged my temple and shoulder; it was a tiring day, a straight five-hour lesson. Being a senior high is no joke. Jesus.
I fixed my things and tied my hair, it’s sunny outside, and I don’t think letting my hair down is a good idea. It will just surely annoy the hell out of me.
After making sure all my stuff was inside my bag, I decided to go to my part-time job; I bet Pat was waiting for me; I couldn’t tell him about my new job. I have to go and te-
“Ms. Caelum?” A man in a suit approached me, “I’m Lester; Mr. Kyoto requested your presence. Can you come with me?” I looked at him, trying to figure out if he’s buffing with me or what, “He said he called you since this morning, but you are not answering.” That’s when I realized my phone was in silent mode; my boss had been calling me fifteen times! Damn it! What should I do?
“Then, please come with me. Mr. Kyoto has been waiting for you, and I will bring you to him.”
Oh, boy.
The morning light seeped through the blinds, casting long, muted shadows across Polaris’s apartment. The soft hum of the city outside, the far-off sounds of traffic and conversation, filtered in through the cracks, but inside, there was nothing but stillness. She hadn’t moved from her bed yet. Her body felt like it was cemented into the sheets, her limbs heavy, and her mind was miles away, lost in thoughts she couldn’t shake.She thought of Sebastian.And that thought sent an immediate tension through her chest. She hadn’t wanted to think about him, not really, but his face, his voice, his words—they lingered, stubborn and impossible to ignore.It was confusing. Because while she didn’t want to feel anything for him, she couldn’t deny the small, unspoken connection that lingered between them, one that was impossible to ignore. Or maybe she just didn’t want to face the truth—that part of her was still drawn to him.But no. She couldn’t. She shouldn’t.Polaris shifted, sitting up and dr
Polaris stared at the phone in her hand, the lingering sound of Sebastian’s voice echoing in her ear. He’d apologized for not being able to introduce her to his family. “I’m sorry, Polaris,” he’d said, his voice warm yet distant. “I just… I wasn’t ready.”She hadn’t wanted to ask why, though she knew. She could feel it in her bones: he was pulling away. But she couldn’t bring herself to admit it, not even to herself.“It’s okay,” she had said, though the words felt hollow. They were a lie, and they tasted bitter on her tongue. “It’s fine. I understand.”But as soon as she said it, she knew it wasn’t. It wasn’t fine. It never would be.She didn’t give him a chance to say more. “I have to go,” she had added quickly, her voice tight. Without waiting for his response, she hung up.The sharp click of the phone disconnecting echoed in the empty room. She stood there for a moment, the silence pressing in, before shaking herself from the stupor of her thoughts.She needed to get out. She need
Polaris was bent over a stack of fabric samples, her hands flipping through the various textures, when a quiet sob reached her ears. At first, she dismissed it, thinking it was just the wind playing tricks. But then it came again, sharper this time, followed by the soft shuffling of footsteps.She looked up, expecting to see a colleague, but instead, she saw a young girl standing by the fabric shelf. The girl was no more than seven or eight, her tear-streaked face twisted in confusion and fear. She wore a bright pink jacket, the sleeves slightly too long, dragging on the floor as she shuffled awkwardly on her tiny feet.Polaris’s first instinct was to approach, but she hesitated. She hadn’t been around children much since… well, since a long time ago. But the girl’s sobs grew louder, and Polaris found herself stepping closer, her hands instinctively smoothing over the fabric, trying to calm her own nerves before speaking.“Hey, are you okay?” Polaris asked softly, crouching down to th
The evening wore on, the city lights casting long shadows across the rooftop as the crowd mingled around the bar. Polaris had barely touched her wine, her mind still locked on the unexpected appearance of Sebastian. She had thought of him over the years, of course, but only in fleeting moments, like passing clouds. Seeing him here, in this city, in this moment—it stirred something deep inside her. Something she wasn’t quite ready to face.But she wasn’t about to let old memories dictate her life again. Not now. Not when she was so close to securing her future, to carving out a new identity for herself. So, after a few moments of silent contemplation, she straightened her posture and decided to push through.She glanced back toward the entrance, and this time, her eyes locked with Sebastian’s. He wasn’t looking her way, but when he turned toward the door, their gazes met. He didn’t hesitate; he walked toward her with that same calm, collected stride she remembered so well.“Polaris,” h
Polaris walked into the meeting room, carrying her tablet with the project sketches displayed. The room was sleek and modern, with large windows offering a panoramic view of the city. The client, a middle-aged man in a tailored suit, sat at the conference table, flanked by his assistant and a couple of other colleagues. Polaris set the tablet down, taking a deep breath before addressing the room.“Good morning, everyone,” she began, her voice steady but confident. “I’m Polaris. I’ll be walking you through our initial concepts for the new office complex project.”The client nodded, his arms folded across his chest, a slight air of expectation about him. Polaris flipped the tablet screen to the first design.“As per your brief, you’re looking for a space that not only meets your functional needs but also offers an innovative, modern design that stands out in this area. This building will serve as both a hub for your employees and a showcase of your company’s values—creativity, sustainab
The soft murmur of voices filled the air as Polaris stood by the entrance of the grand hall, adjusting the strap of her purse. The event was a swirl of lights, laughter, and chatter, a celebration of some local achievement, but to her, it felt like nothing more than a distraction. She wasn’t sure why she had come, but the invitation had arrived, and the idea of getting caught up in the whirlwind of it all seemed oddly tempting. She didn’t know what she was expecting, but she hadn’t expected this.As she glanced around the room, her eyes caught a familiar face across the crowd, a flash of dark hair and a strong, steady presence. It was him—Sebastian.Her breath hitched in her chest as the crowd parted, and he moved in her direction, his usual confident stride making its way toward her like a magnet. Time seemed to slow, the noise of the event fading into the background as memories rushed back—memories of their late-night conversations, their shared laughter, and the moments that had on