There is a reality show where they lock people, mostly strangers to one another, inside a fully equipped house for a hundred days or so. One of the noticeable behaviors these people exhibit after living day in and day out even for the first few weeks is becoming naturally touchy towards the other person who is closest to them inside the house. They tend to cling to whoever is with them even if they’ve been together for only a short period of time and even with cameras all over the house and knowing they have viewers that include their own family and friends.Perhaps, this is the behavior I am manifesting right now. Since Quim and I are the only ones in this big property, I can interpret any kindness or gentleness that he showed me these past couple of days and until today as his way of wanting to be closer to me and because of that, I feel naturally wanting him too and now I’m afraid anything that displeases him will turn us back to our old ways soon.My tears have started falling
The table is ready and dinner is served. I feel like I’m acting like my mother preparing everything for us. I used to think that was so boring but now I realized that if I am doing this for someone I like, it’s not a chore.Wait. Did I say I like Quim now?I must admit that I do now. I discovered his nice side and it’s good enough to like him.Besides, what is there to be dramatic for? It’s not like I’m marrying him tomorrow. I am only here for another weekend and that’s it. I don't have even the slightest idea what will happen next after the whirlwind event in this compound.Tonight and the rest of the nights that I will be here will be spent enjoying each other’s company.I instantly giggle when I saw him wearing the pair of t-shirt and jogging pants that’s matching the pair I got from the box of presents his mother sent him. That pair, I must remember, was originally for Leila.“Why?” he asked.“Why? Why did you have to wear that?” I asked him back.“I have nothing to wear. B
I knew it was morning but I couldn’t tell which part of morning I woke up to. The last thing I saw last night was Quim’s face. I watched him sleep under the dim light of the lampshade like a baby. He slept soundly and calmly.He still looks the same this morning and as I was about to indulge myself in this view of his charming face that I appreciated only recently when I started to know him a little more, I remembered that I woke up because someone was calling me on the phone and it’s still calling me now.I got back to my senses when I saw Bobby's name in the caller ID.I checked the time and date. It’s past 9AM and it’s not even the weekend. Living here for the past two weeks made me lose my sense of time and day. I felt Quim’s hand on my arm.“What time is it?” he asked.“Quim, Bobby’s calling me. What should I say?” I asked.He looked at me. “Calm down. Just answer it,” he said.“Just audio, right?” I asked.He smiled.“Oh my gosh, he’s outside the gate,” I said. I’m be
I couldn’t wait for our brunch to end. It took only less than half an hour but it seemed like forever. “You almost didn’t touch your food. Was it bad?” Bobby asked.“Oh no. It’s delicious. I guess, I’m just overwhelmed that I’m leaving today,” I said. “I know, you’ve always wanted to leave,” Bobby said. He’s implying as if I hate to stay here, which I was two weeks ago and until the early days of this week.“You surely can’t wait to be reunited with your family,” Quim said. He’s implying my reason for leaving is to go home and be with my parents.Honestly, I didn’t know how I found myself in this situation. Is it too much to think that they will really fight over me? Can Bobby do that to his friend for me?“I’ll prepare some food for your lunch and dinner before I leave,” I told Quim.“They’re now allowing delivery before curfew. You may want to try that so you’ll have better food options in your diet,” Bobby interrupted.“You don’t have to but if that’s what you want then do
I know it’s Saturday. It’s the weekend. I am home. And I don’t like it.I should be feeling relaxed now but how could I if my heart is not with me and my mind cannot be contained.My parents are definitely up and about. The sound of my dad’s cracking voice in the videoke and my mom’s screaming like she's his no. 1 fan tell me that I am really back to our house. They have grown even much closer during this uncertain time and especially while I was away when they only had each other to lean on.Now, more than even, I can justify the feeling that I got while living with Quim. It was nothing but normal. Last night was my first call with Quim after leaving his property. We stayed talking until the wee hours of the morning. It was a conversation full of happy memories as well as regrets for not starting to be nice to each other earlier.“How are your parents?” he asked. I didn’t expect him to ask about them. I continue to discover more of his good side even now that we are away phys
I try to get used to living in what they call as the “new normal” adworking from home, staying away from another person, living with a curfew. If it’s in any consolation, I get to earn money and make my parents happy without me trying to get up early in the morning and do many other things, not to mention battling the traffic, even before I start my day at work. My first job turned out to be a dream job. I achieved two of the best things any girl could dream of – job and well, love. For sure, it’s not going to be smooth sailing for either job or love but I’m so thankful because I know many don’t have even one of the two especially these days. Unexpectedly this morning, I received an online message from Mimi, the receptionist in the office that I swear, I already forgot. “Girl, is it true that you stayed in Sir Joaquim’s house?” she asked very straightforwardly. I don’t know if I should answer her right away. It’s early for matters like this and we are not even close but I’ve a
My mind has been preoccupied with so many thoughts about me and Quim. I am probably still in awe on how things turned out and still turning out for us.I got up early today to start another long day working from home. I haven’t forgotten about Bobby’s request too. I’m guilty that I can’t make him a priority.“You said you wanted to talk to Bella, right?” my mother asked.“Yes but I haven’t had the time,” I said while looking at my computer.“Well, she’s here and she brought her specialty,” she said.“Which specialty?” I asked.“Her meat roll. I thought you enjoyed it too the other day,” she said.“Oh, she made that too?” I asked.“Yes. You should probably give her a quick hello,” she said.I went out to see Bella like my mother suggested. She’s my classmate from the culinary arts school I attended. It was one of the courses and the third one I took in college that I didn’t finish.“Bella?” I asked with a bit of hesitation.She smiled at me but even with that, I could feel the h
I've been working for almost two months now but I have yet to experience the life of a working individual the way I knew it. Working in pajamas may sound comfortable but I want to dress up and probably impress someone. “Mom, is breakfast ready?” I asked. I’m so privileged to have everything in my hands.“I called Bella to order for lunch but she said she didn't cook today,” Mom said. “Oh my gosh. Do you think she’s sick?” I worried knowing she goes out every other day to sell and deliver her home cooked meals.“Don’t say that!” Mom reacted. She too became worried.“Me? I’m perfectly well. I’m just limiting my activities outside for my own protection. No one’s here to take care of me if I get sick,” Bella said on the phone. I feel bad for her“Do you need anything?” I asked. “I’m fine. I’ll cook a lot later today. Do you have any orders?” she asked. “Bella, where is he?” I couldn’t help but ask.It took her a moment before she answered me. “He got stuck in the province,