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I stepped out of the car as we passed through the gate of the house. Heaven opened the door for me, graciously allowing me to exit first before he got out of the driver's seat. Once he was out, he closed the door, and I turned to face him, finding that he had done the same. "Thank you, Heaven, for dinner and for taking me home..." I briefly lowered my head, then looked up at him with a smile. With his hands tucked into his pants, he responded, "You're welcome," a radiant smile spreading across his lips. For a moment, silence enveloped us, and we stood there, neither of us uttering a word. Suddenly, I noticed him exhale deeply, the warmth of his breath reaching me. Breaking the silence between us, I spoke up, "Anyway, I'll go inside now." he simply nodded in response, and I pressed my lips together. Just as I was about to turn away, I caught a glimpse of him trying to say something, his mouth slightly open. "Lola..." he called out suddenly, our eyes meeting in that instant. "Yes?" I
Adam Lopez I woke up to the rays of the sun hitting my face. The window was open, probably because I forgot to close it, allowing some air to come in because it can get hot sometimes and it might be uncomfortable tomorrow due to the surrounding atmosphere. I immediately got up upon remembering that it was Friday—a day when I planned to visit Tyler again because I promised him that I would take him out for a walk since he also wanted to go out with me. It's been weeks since I last visited him because of my consecutive work schedules, and I hardly had any time to fulfill his request, although he insisted on it because he wanted me to take him out. Regarding this matter, there's no problem since I talked to Mother Isabella and Mother Amy, who take care of and watch over them, and they're happy that someone visits Tyler from time to time because some of the children there, especially the orphans, are not content with just being there because they long for their parents or families. It'
"I want you to take me there! There's a beach over there!" Tyler said excitedly as I brought him to a park next to a large mall, surrounded by towering infrastructures.I wanted to take him to the playground, but he refused. He preferred to relax by the bay walk and breathe in the fresh air. He said he would just get tired of playing, and he claimed he was too old for toys and games.I sighed at his actions because it seemed like he was more mature than me. Earlier, we almost argued about the playground and his preferences. Damn!"Let's sit here, Adam! The view here is beautiful!" he had a trace of joy on his face as he looked at the view in front of us."Why do you want to come here and not listen to my suggestion? It's fun to play..." I tried to persuade him, but he suddenly turned to me, giving me a blank look.Then he spoke, "Aren't you happy that we're resting? You've been chasing me around because of my playfulness. Think about it now, Adam..." he immediately returned his gaze to
Anyway, going back, after a few minutes of sightseeing at the bay walk, I invited her to accompany me to a store inside the mall where they sell gadgets. Yes, I managed to save some money to buy a cellphone because I need it now. I didn't buy one before because I wanted to prioritize my family and save up for it. To be honest, my salary is decent now, and I can get by day to day. Speaking of which, I bring Tyler his favorite food and other things he needs whenever I visit him at the orphanage. I discussed it with Mother Isabella because I also want to help take care of Tyler. Besides being my sibling, I don't want them to struggle to provide for Tyler when I can manage it somehow. As for my father, I sent him some money the other day because it was my promise to help him when I can. I don't really know his current situation or if things are still going well for him. Sometimes I can't help but worry about him, especially since he's alone there without anyone. After visiting Tyler, I
Lola ValderramaWe walked quietly and peacefully towards the bench by the bay walk. We were walking together, but neither of us spoke. Suddenly, I found myself sitting there, next to Adam, with Tyler seated on his left side.I felt like I had become mute, unsure of how to start a conversation with him. It was as if my tongue had become paralyzed, and my mind refused to function.Ugh! What's happening to me? I don't want this uncomfortable moment between us."So, why did you bring me here?" he asked, his voice deep and calm. His words caught me off guard.I glanced at him briefly as he continued speaking."I-I mean, why are you here alone? Don't you have friends? Aren't they with you?" I quickly averted my gaze from him as our eyes briefly met. I focused my attention on something else.Shocks! What's going on with me?!"U-uhm, I just accompanied Laurene here to buy a dress and stuff for the event this coming Sunday," I stuttered. I paused for a moment, then continued."Then suddenly, I
Speaking of--wait, why am I even talking to him? And shouldn't I be avoiding people like him? Especially because he's a man! Ugh!But I admit, even though I've mentioned before that the trauma is still there, I feel safe with him, and I've started to trust him--especially since I've seen for myself that he's a good person. So, somehow, I should feel light and secure when he's around.Yes, feelings are not involved, but sometimes I don't understand what I'm feeling--especially my heart, ever since I saw him and now that I'm talking to him and we're sitting close to each other, even though the distance is small, our bodies seem to draw closer with every movement.What am I even saying? Goodness! Am I still normal?I snapped out of it when I heard my phone ringing inside my bag. I immediately opened it and saw Laurene's name on the screen. I stood up and moved a little away from where I was sitting earlier before answering Laurene's call."Hey! Where are you, Lola?! Why does it seem like
"Adam, by the way," I said as we simultaneously introduced ourselves, speaking our names in unison. I briefly lowered my head after shaking hands with him and quickly pulled away.At that moment, when our hands touched, it felt like I was shocked. Especially when I saw Adam smile at me. Ugh! Lola! What is happening to you?!"Anyway, we have to go now..." Laurene paused for a moment and faced Adam."If Lola and I happen to see you again, we would be glad to spend time with you. Just the two of you, right?" she said, emphasizing her words while looking at me as if she wanted me to nod along with her silly idea. She then looked at me and then at Adam with an evil smirk.Both Adam and I looked away from each other simultaneously. I suddenly cleared my throat.What is Laurene saying? Urgh! It's so embarrassing in front of Adam!"Let's see each other next time and talk about a lot of things, especially with Tyler. I know he would really like that." I said, looking at Tyler, who nodded with
Adam Lopez"Adam, when will we go out again? Will you bring Lola with us? Let's go for a stroll tomorrow, please..." I sighed at the expression etched on his face, and he even attempted to make puppy eyes just to convince me and give him another chance to go out again.I leveled myself with him, holding his shoulders. "Not right now, Tyler. But I promise to take you out again. I also want to go on outings with you. Okay?" I said persuasively, speaking gently to him, hoping he would just agree."I don't want to! Besides, you can take me out anytime, right?" he stubbornly replied, avoiding eye contact with me, and crossing his arms in defiance.Darn! I thought he was more mature now. I removed my hands from his shoulders as I stood up and sighed. I suddenly looked elsewhere before speaking and facing him again."Okay, fine. But I won't bring Lola--""What?! You should!" he said, sounding a bit annoyed, and I noticed that Mother Isabella and Amy were probably listening to our conversati