We took our one-hour lunch after Jameson’s first attempt to make Liese speak about what really happened. I sighed deeply, still feeling uncomfortable and affected. I stared at the food I ordered. It seemed that I lost my appetite as I still think about the tragedy Liese has encountered. I normally eat my lunch alone at the cafe near our regional court. I leaned back on my chair and inhaled sharply. Even though I am just a normal legal stenographer who simply works my ass out as I crawl on the ladder of success that will lead me to have a better career, I still could not control my emotion whenever I get to witness a court hearing just like what I have been to a while ago. It gets into me immediately, making me feel so affected and emotional. I am neither a lawyer nor a judge but it gives me this kind of heavy feeling that I myself would like to resolve their issues at all costs. I am soft-hearted, really. “Coffee?” a familiar voice spoke from the side of my table. I glanced up
“Your father told me that you are not allowed to drive a car after the trouble you were in. You should have informed your driver to fetch you right away.” He stated in his calm voice. “That is not necessary. I wanted to take a short walk to clear my head a bit. I’m not in the mood to go home early...” He nodded and then started the engine of his car. “Still, it’s dangerous to walk out there all by yourself, Risha Nathalie.” I leaned to the window and gazed at the left alley where I have been for almost an hour. “Can’t you see? There are a lot of people hanging out in there. It’s safe and the place is fun,” I replied as I pointed my finger to the place so he would know what I am talking about. I glanced his way. He only gazed at the left alley for like a second and then he stared at me for a moment before looking back at the road. “As I remember, there were also a lot of people when you hit somebody’s car a few days ago.” he fired at me. I rolled my eyes outrageously. So,
Evan’s gaze remained on me. I heaved a huge sigh and shook my head. I smiled bitterly at him. I could just agree and not at him but my pride is way more relevant than the obligation my parents have given me. “Don’t you think it is too early for me to say yes?” I said, trying to hide how nervous I am about this topic. I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared into his eyes intently. “Do you think I am that easy to get, Evan? The chase hasn’t even started yet so I don’t think it would be appropriate for you to boss me around and tell me to make time for that engagement party.” “So, does that mean you want me to beg?” he scoffed at me. The side of my lip rose. I bit my lower lip and tried to suppress my mischievous smirk. “Slight...” I simply replied. He shook his head and I saw his boyish grin on his lips, feels like he couldn’t believe that he’s hearing all these from me right now. Like does he expect me to obey him only because he has shown me a strange kindness today? Th
The next day, I could see the excitement in my parents’ eyes because they have already learned that the engagement party will be pushed through by next Friday. I decided to join them in our dining for the breakfast before coming to work. They seem to be so happy, smiling widely as they talked about the details of the engagement, seeing the brightest future they could enjoy as soon as the merge happens. “I will be seeing Czarina Zendejas by tomorrow so that we can finalize the lists of guests. She mentioned that they would be the ones who will organize the event so we have nothing to worry about! They only hope that there will be no trouble and Nathalie would be there to join her fiancée to announce their engagement! I'm just so excited!” my mother clasped her hands in front of me, gushing in glee that their long-lost dream is finally found and in their hands already. My father laughed heartily. “See what is just going on? The Zendejas really loves the idea of getting our busines
The aggressive waves were crawling to the white sand shore. It was beautiful and had a good view to see. The cold and fresh air smelled like salted water blowing gently which embraces my whole body, making me shiver yet it feels very relaxing and satisfying. The green-colored Marlboro hills were fascinating too and it made the place so perfect and breathtaking. Even the old houses were built out of pure brick stones beautifully. I could not help but feel amazed and in love with the place of Basco, Batanes. I turned my gaze to the Tayid lighthouse located on the far hills from where I am standing. It is painted white with red lines on the very top. It is too tall and I bet the entire scenic view would be visible from its balcony. I looked at the blue sea in front of me. I felt like the waves are swaying me, making me feel comfortable and relaxed like this place is a true home that I finally found. I arrived here yesterday but I did not have a chance to roam around because my heart
I smiled widely as I stood up and walked towards the little machine she is using to create a pot. I am really fascinated by how it moves in a circle slowly while a huge amount of clay of mud is placed in the middle, waiting to be molded by bare hands. I sat on the chair in front of the machine with excitement evident inside my chest. I looked at the young girl again and she nodded her head, waiting for me to try it myself. I slowly touched the clay mud as it moves in a circle. “Oh, my goodness!” my heart almost jumped inside my chest when I felt the clay on my palms. It feels like a single-hand move would destroy the clay into pieces. That scares me a bit! It’s already a bit molded and I do not wish to destroy its form! “No worries, Miss. Let me show you how to do it.” The young girl sat beside me and then she held me in my hands and slowly guided it into the mud. She helped me mold the mud gently and it is working! I laughed a bit when I finally got a grasp of how it works. I b
I woke up feeling so positive and excited the next day. I took a bath and did my morning routine. I wore a black wrap-around dress partnered with black sandals. I have nothing else to do here in the hotel so I would visit Bea instead and would help them in creating pots! She also agreed with this when we talked before we went home last night. I ate my breakfast at the hotel’s diner alone. After that, I went out and started to walk in the near village where Bea’s place is located. It’s a good thing that I can visit them without the need for a vehicle. I inhaled the fresh air and looked at the hills on the side of the road. I smiled happily as I looked at it. It’s really beautiful and makes me feel calm. I gazed at the far sea and the waves seem to be calm as well. I stopped for a moment and closed my eyes. I held my summer hat when the air blew my hair abruptly. I sighed in relief, thinking of the nicest things I would do today with Bea. “Hi there, Madame! Good morning!” I arrived
I wanted so badly to turn my head and look at the guy behind me, however, I can’t do a single move. My knees felt so weak right now. For heaven’s sake, my life is in danger right now! Once he pulls the trigger, and with only one shot in my head, I will be dead... All of a sudden, the faces of my parents appeared in my mind. I sobbed loudly as I remembered all the good memories I have shared with them. In just a minute, I missed their smiles and presence. “P-please... Don’t... Don’t do this... Don’t shoot me... Spare my life, please...” I begged for my life with tears running down my cheeks. The man laughed devilishly. I still feel the gun on my head. His laugh made me tremble in fear. I am becoming so hopeless knowing that nobody is around to help me. I am stuck with this man whom I don’t even know and who would kill me anytime. He laughed once again and I felt that death is really coming after me, so I cried endlessly, praying that someone would come and save me. “Oh, f