He’s tall and handsome. His eyes are mesmerizing. He's a perfect match to Nadia's beauty. Some girls just have been blessed way better than the rest.“This is John, my boyfriend,” Nadia introduced him.It's a relief for Natalie and especially for Zofi to know he's a totally different guy from who they were dreading to meet. “Welcome to our humble unit,” Natalie said.“Oh, I won’t take long. I just need to bring these bottles,” John said.“Why not? Have some drinks first,” Zofi said.“I’m still working. In fact, I have a call in 10 minutes,” he said.“Some other time then?” Natalie said.“Of course,” he said.“Next time it will be in our place,” Nadia said.“Why not tonight so I could join easily?” John suggested.“That’s a good idea!” Natalie said.“Is it okay?” Zofi asked.“We all are vaccinated, right?” Nadia asked.“Of course!” Natalie said.“We’ll see you there, hon,” Nadia said to John.“We won't take long. We have work tomorrow,” Zofi said.“That’s fine. I didn’t imagin
Billie’s phone is ringing but he’s not picking up. “Please, Billy. Pick up the phone. Talk to me,” Zofi said while shaking. in fear“Zofi, are you alright? Do you want me to stay in your room?” Natalie asked from outside her door.“Is the main door properly closed now?” Zofi asked from her room.“Yes. I checked all locks. We are both safe inside,” Natalie said.“Thanks, Natalie. Goodnight!” Zofi said.“Don’t hesitate to call me, okay?” Natalie last checked on her.The phone stopped ringing but Billie is unbothered in his sleep. Even his alarm couldn’t wake him up.“Billie! Billie!” Saatchi woke him up. She’s afraid that he's not moving.“Hey! What happened? Are you spotting again?” he asked as soon as he woke up.“No! Gosh, I was afraid that you weren’t waking up or moving at least,” she said. Her fear is evident on her face and tone of voice.Billie laughed after realizing what she meant.“Oh, please. I’m too young to die and I haven’t met my godson,” he said jokingly to
As planned, Billie went out of the farmhouse to stroll in nearby establishments. Most businesses closed during the pandemic but there are a few that managed to comeback and are now thriving.He’s still clueless of what Zofi meant in her last text telling him that she wasn’t scared anymore but he lets her stay silent and waits for her to reply.It's past lunch time and the smell of old school spaghetti being cooked after lunch made him miss home as it reminded him of those birthday parties where foods are prepared at home. He followed the smell and it led him to a Filipino eatery. Laughter welcomed him inside.“Are you sure you’re not tired?” one of the male customers asked the lady manning the cash register.“And why is that?” she asked.“Because you’d been running in my head all night,” the male customer said.“Alright. That’s enough pick-up lines for the day for you. Go back to work.“Hello,” the lady cashier greeted Billie.“Good afternoon. May I get one stick of banana cue an
Zofi stands in front of the mall hesitant to do what she has in mind.She entered the place anyway and went directly to the cosmetics section. “Excuse me, can you assist me. I’m looking for the best and latest make ups,” she said to the first salesperson who greeted her.“May I refer you to him. He’s in charge of that section,” the salesperson said.“Him? That guy?” Zofi asked to clarify.“Yes. That guy,” the salesperson confirmed.“You don’t do make up?” Zofi asked.“I know hair. He knows make up,” the salesperson said.The section has the least number of customers present during the hour. It’s still early and buying cosmetics remain to be one of the least priorities for shoppers.“May I help you,” the male salesperson asked. “She said you’re the right person to ask for cosmetics,” Zofi said.“Yes, Miss. My name is Racket,” he said.Racket looks convincing with his clear skin, clean face, and neat clothing. “Is that your real name?” she asked.“Ah, I’m my father’s junior. Th
The music is on and the first stanza of the song has started. Lena took the microphone despite her hand shaking.Most of the regular customers are present. They all want to get hold of lechon paksiw from the lechon delivered yesterday.Lena starts to sing. The audience including Auntie Tessie quietly listens to her. They look at each other as she sings every word. It’s been months since she sang in the karaoke. It was her idea to add it in the cafeteria to attract more customers as well as to bring Filipino customers closer to home where singing is a past time.“I’m sorry,” she said as she failed to sing further.“That’s okay. It was good still,” Auntie Tessie said.“Good job, Lena. Do it again tomorrow,” one of the customers said.Lena smiled shyly. She wished she could sing longer or finish any song fot them.“You have an amazing voice,” Billie said from the entrance.“Billie, you’re back. Did you hear her sing?” Auntie Tessie asked instantly.“I did. I was listening from
Zofi’s mood has changed for the better as she walks outside the mall. Her hair is perfectly done and it feels so good to see some guys giving her a glance.She just got the assurance that she wanted. She didn’t become ugly but she could use some brushing of hair. Her beauty can still captivate even someone who is an eye candy himself like Racket.Almost reaching her place, she saw Dewi getting inside a car, which may mean that Jiro is just around. But after the incident this morning, she doesn’t dread seeing any of them anymore. Instead, she wants to prove them that no one can intimidate her or make her feel inferior.She walked past the car without a care in the world. She feels beautiful ready to face anyone. Even the receptionist noticed the difference in her. "Ms. Zofi, you're looking better. Did you change your hairstyle?” she asked.“Thank you. I just had it brushed neatly,” Zofi said.“I remember you the first time you arrived here. You looked like that again or maybe
The rain pours down heavily right after Zofi stepped out of the building to go home.“Really?” she said to herself.Despite not bringing one, she searches her bag hoping there will be an umbrella inside.“I could pass the time in the café instead,” she continued to talk to herself.She walked as fast as she could, taking shelter under each shed that she passed by until she reached the café where she saw Jiro having coffee and reading the newspaper this morning. She shrugged her shoulders. “I am not afraid of him. I can face him and his girlfriend,” she was still talking to herself.“This way to the dryer,” the cafe staff said.“Thank you. I will order first,” she said.“It’s better to dry up first,” the staff said.The café is suddenly filled with customers also waiting for the rain to stop.“What’s your order? By the way, my name is Riri,” the staff asked. “Oh, do you do that here? Would it be unfair to these people falling in line to order?” she asked to be sure as the lines t
“Welcome back, my boy!” Uncle Bruce greeted Billie upon his arrival to their home.“Finally, I’m back! I can't wait to restart!” Billie said.“I know. We all know. It’s been one dramatic, traumatic, scary episode in my life that I want to erase in my head. Who would’ve thought you would be of the first victims of the virus and it happened while you’re in my care,” Uncle Bruce said.“The worst is over, Uncle. Let’s start forgetting about it. I’m now pumped up to pick up from where we left off in our business plans. But to be honest, we really haven't started anything,” Billie said.“Me too. Your father has been calling me almost everyday. Like us, they want to forget that ordeal you went through. Let's focus on something good like our business,” Uncle Bruce said.“Let talk about it now,” Billie said.“Take it easy. You just arrived. Let’s have a hearty dinner first,” Auntie Silvia suggested.“I can’t wait to start, Auntie. I thought I would be stuck in that situation forever