ASTRID was just about to turn off the moon night light on her night stand when she heard a knock at her door. It was Bullet, his hair already scruffy. His smile was quite uneasy when he entered her room.
“She fell asleep even before she was able to read to me her new book.”
She sat up and straightened up her blanket. ”I bet she got tired from riding her new bike around.”
“Yeah, she told me about her ‘adventure’ in your backyard.”
“Anyway, thank you for staying. You better go now so you can still catch the last full show.”
Bullet shook his head. “I already called Audrey. Told her to take a rain check on the movie tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re sick, that’s why.”
“I feel better now, really.”
He moved towards her bed and touched her forehead, just like what he did earlier. “Have yo
“AM I late?”Everybody glanced at him at the gate, including Luna who’s trying hard to stay awake by her mom’s side. But when she heard that voice, she quickly stood up and shrieked.“Daddy!” Luna rushed to her Dad and hugged him tight. “I knew it, you’re gonna come! I’ve been telling Mommy that you told us you’re not coming but you are just going to surprise us this Christmas eve!”“Yes, hon, you’re right.” Bullet crouched and kissed his daughter on the cheek. “Did Daddy’s plan worked?”“Yes Dad!”“Did you miss Daddy?”“Oh, I missed you so much Daddy! I’ve been telling Mommy to call you and tell you to visit but she said...” Luna had to take a deep breath before continuing. “She said that you are very busy with work and meetings and stuff that I don’t really understand.&
ASTRID was on her way out of her coffee shop when somebody blocked her way. She was busy going through her bag for her cellphone so she wasn’t able to see what’s on her way. “Oh, I’m sorry, I-” And when she looked up, she saw a huge bouquet of red American roses. She couldn’t quite figure out who’s holding them due to the size of it and she had to step closer to recognize whoever it was.“Hi.”She has already prepared a smile but when she realized that it wasn’t who she was expecting, she straightened and all the muscles in her face tightened.It was Theo. He’s all dressed up with his freshly-ironed light blue long sleeves shirt and cream
AFTER SIX MONTHS... THE humble Italian diner located at the hotel rooftop was packed with guests early that evening. Though it was a simple ceremony, Carl and Michelle made sure to invite all the people closest to their hearts including Astrid, Luna and Bullet. They were surprised when they got the invitation just a week ago. In fact, everyone was surprised, especially Luna. Oh, surprised wasn’t the right term. She was ecstatic! When she saw Carl picking her up at the gate of her school, she cried, literally. According to Carl, they’ve decided to hold a simple civil wedding since they are just staying in Manila for a couple of weeks. They were already married in the states anyway and they just wanted to celebrate their marria
“CAN you believe this?” “Can you?” Bullet asked back as he squeezed Astrid’s hand, her engagement ring sparkling on her finger, together with her wedding band. An endearing smile lit her face as they walked hand in hand towards the fireplace. “After more than a decade, after everything that has happened, we’re here,” Astrid beemed after sipping her wine. “At last.” She then looked at her husband and suddenly, she felt this warm fuzzy feeling inside her chest. God, Bullet is now her husband. It was just like a dream. Everything was just like a dream to her now since his proposal. Bullet sat next to her on the extravagantl
AND then Bullet left without saying anything. He didn’t even get the chance to get the woman's name, for God's sake. He’s not sure how many girls he has met that night and how many of them gave him flirty glances. Ah, women. He just could never understand them. They’d approach him and flirt with him and when he makes his move, they’d make him feel like a pervert.Still shaking his head, Bullet approached the bar. A lot of people are already gathered around the short bartender who’s busy mixing customers' orders. He was about to sit back in his chair but someone else was already sitting there when he arrived. He went to the far side of the long bar and carefully examined the woman holding a glass of wine, busy with her phone.The small tear-drop hanging bar lights made it difficult for Bullet to see the woman’s face so he stepped closer and occupied the vacant seat next to her.“Scotch, please,” he
"SORRY, Madam. Just like what I have told you, there’s no more room available. We are always fully-booked during peak season."Astrid closed her eyes and massaged her temple. She looked at the clock on the wall of the reception area and when she realized how late it was, she lost all hope."Madam, you should have done your reservation at least a month beforehand, especially during summer," stated the receptionist with 'Jenny' written on her namepin.Of course she knew that but she had no choice but to take the risk. It was the sixth hotel she went to that night and unfortunately, each hotel was fully booked, just like this one. She also mentioned that to the receptionist but she just received a fake smile."Oh, Madam, it's going to be really hard for you to find a hotel room or even a transient hous
“WHO would have thought that we’d be seeing each other again?” His smile was the brightest. “So, you’re staying here as well, I see?” He even got closer to where she’s standing that she had to move back just to avoid him.“Actually, I’m just about to check out,” she lied, which unfortunately was heard by ‘Jenny’, who was obviously attracted to this young man.“Madam, you were not able to check in earlier, how are you going to check out?” the receptionist asked with a smile. She turned to the young man and smiled even more. “Madam here has been waiting for a room but the hotel is fully booked until next week, sir and it will definitely be difficult for her to find an accommodation because the reservations of other hotels and transients are full now as well, that’s for sure.”Astrid gave ‘Jenny’ a death stare, grabbed her bags and walk
“WAIT, where’s the virgin going?” he mocked.“The virgin’s gonna look for a place to sleep.” She went straight to the exit and went out of the hotel. The beer she had didn’t help with the cold weather that she had to put her sweater back on.“Why don’t you just accept my offer? It’s late, Astrid. Do you think you can still find a transient at this time? And look at you, you can’t even walk properly!” he added when she almost bumped a man standing at the entrance.But she just kept on walking, trying to keep her balance until she reached the taxi bay. The queue was still long given the late hour and she had a feeling that she’d be waiting there until sunrise.“Come on, stay with me.”She shook her head. “I’d rather sleep on the street than sleep in a room with you.”“Fine,” he nodded agreeably. But instead o