“Where have you been yesterday? I’ve been so while worried looking for you.”I ignored my mother’s usual rant in the morning and sat on the dining chair as if I did not hear her. I put the table napkin aside and sipped on my mango juice. I just got home from Laurie’s pad. As expected, my mother has been calling me all night but I just left a voice mail saying that I’m alright.I don't get why she is still acting this way. We know that she knows where I am. Just one phone call to the right people will solve her dilemma.“Answer me, Jill. Where have you been yesterday? Trevor informed me that you refuse to come with him. What happened?”I looked at my mother who is seated on the far end of the table and then back to the green veggies on my plate. “I was just suffocated for being in there. I hate the way they look at me with privy eyes,” I said without even looking at her. I don’t want her to know how hurt I was yesterday. It’s better for her to think that I cho

It's been past eight already but Von didn't show up yet. Every tick of the clock sends me into waiting mania but I didn't see his car come from the window of my room. Every minute I called our helper to ask if Von has arrived already but I always get disappointed every time the maid looks at me as if she's sorry.Five minutes until nine I called Von but  his phone is out of coverage. I'm starting to get pissed but I keep my composure intact.I don't want to ruin this night especially now that this is our first time to dine out together. When the clock strikes nine in the evening, I was beginning to get worried. He is not picking his phone and he is not in his house according to the woman who received my call which leads me into thinking that something must have happened to him. It's so unlike of him to turn off his phone. I know that because every time I call him out of the blue, he answered me in just one ring.I was about to call

I became speechless again for the second time. I became too appalled to know what other ways Von has suffered in the hands of that evil man.With trembling hands, I picked up the glass of wine to take a drink but I almost spill it up due to my unstable grip. Fortunately, Von was quick to help me."T-thank you." I took a sip to calm my nerves. Hearing all these horrible things from the victim himself is even more disturbing. My admiration for Von just went to the sky because of how he had overcome the difficult situation. If I were in his shoes, I could have been crazy now."I'm sorry. This is supposed to be a light dinner to keep you off from the pressure in your office but look what it turned out to be.""No, no. No need to say sorry. I'm even touched right now because you told me all of these. It means you are trusting me. It's hard to open things like this to anyone, let alone with someone like me. You know, we haven't know each other that much."

"Jill!"My steps faltered at the sound of  someone calling my name. I turned around and saw Von running to me. Upon seeing him, my tears began to fall again."Von..." I said in a croaked voice. He embraced me and caressed my back."Hey, it's okay. I brought a reinforcement. She'll be okay. Your friend will be okay. Do you hear me?"I nodded my head while still crying. I heard a sound of ambulance and men hurrying inside the condominium building.I wasn't able to call for an emergency hotline due to panic. I'm not thinking straight. I guess no sane man could think straight at that moment.Von brushed my cheeks that are wet with tears."Don't worry. Laurie will be okay. She'll be good."I nodded believing in him. Hell, I will believe anybody that will tell me that Laurie will be okay. I can't lose hope now."I wanted to see her Von. She needs me there. She will panic if she will not see me."I trie

"Jill, how are you doing?"I closed my eyes and sighed to myself at the question of Cathy. It's been months since Laurie's death but the pain is still here. I don't know when I will be able to move on from the loss of my best friend. Maybe never. But life must go on.I adjusted my sunglasses and nodded at the guard who opened the glass door for me."I'm still in the process of accepting everything, Cathe. I missed Laurie so so much." I bit my lower lip to keep myself from crying."When will you be back here? I missed you so much, Cathy. I need you here.""I'll be coming home next month after I closed the deal here. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you. Laurie has been closed to me too."I pushed the elevator button and it started moving upwards."I know. She's like a sister to us. How I wish you're really here with me. Good thing Von was with