I subject myself to quarantine after leaving the house for a day or more specifically eight hours. There’s not much difference even if I went out yesterday. I would still confine myself inside my room as I go through my day. The days I haven’t spoken to Quim about personal matters only turned us into strangers who used to know each other. I am starting to wonder if anything romantic between us really happened. “Can we do a video call?” he asked me as I only accepted an audio call from him.“My internet’s slow. I’m only using data right now,” I said. Of course, I lied to him.“Well then, that's okay. I called because I wanted to check on you,” he said.“Thank you. I came home safely,” I told him. I’m trying to sound formal.“Are your parents okay with you going out of the house?” he asked.“I guess so. Besides, it’s better for my mental health. I haven’t gone outside for a very long time,” I said.“Just be careful because you're living with people who are over the age of sixty
Everything's going so fast now. I was employed just a few days ago but right after the day I sent my notice to leave the company, things just seem to happen in a rush.It was my first job but I knew that the resignation process that I went through was unusual. It seems to me that they wanted me out in no time or maybe it’s just Quim who wanted to get rid of me fast. He doesn’t want me in his company but he’s also trying to kill me with kindness by adding in my certification that I worked up to a certain extent to make it look better in my next employment.“Quim gave me the laptop, should I return it to him personally or should I just go to the office and leave it there?” I asked the human resources manager. At the back of my head, I am thinking this is the only way I can see him again and explain everything.But I guess, I’ve consumed all privileges that he could extend to me.“About that, Quim informed us that he’d send someone to pick it up anytime today. Please be ready with i
Bobby gave me a sympathetic look before I get off his car. I knew he wanted to say sorry to me but that would be too much. I should be the one telling him that apart from saying my gratitude for being my hero in many instances that happened in my life recently.To say that he saved me from Quim is accurate. If he didn’t come, there was still a chance that I would tell Quim to drive the car back to his garage and I would stay with him all night. I could have done all the crazy things that any love struck young lady would do in a place shared by only two people. Now that I’m back to my senses, I realized that I wasn’t really ready to be crazy in love.“Thanks, Bobby. As always,” I told him.“Call me…only if you want to,” he said putting no pressure on me. My mother shouted my name when she saw me. “I thought you wouldn’t be able to make it before the curfew,” she said.“I’m here already,” I told her.“Why was he here? Where did you two go?” she asked. My father is just watchin
Time is either our ally or our enemy. In my case, it’s both. I am not sure how much of it works to my advantage and how much is not.Another two months in this pandemic situation had gone by. I couldn’t say I was at my loneliest as I am still able to get my share of blessings amidst this crisis.“So, you’re really doing it regularly,” Ally, my dear big sister said. It’s so early in the morning for her nagging.“I have to do it. I can’t just stay home and do nothing,” I told her.“And whose fault is that?” she asked.Here we go again. We always start our conversation like this. “I admit it’s my fault. I should have not left my first job. It was not doing anything wrong to me. I was treated well. I got everything I asked. It was a dumb decision to leave it especially during this time. Satisfied?” I answered.“Audrey, our parents are so concerned. Are you even thinking about your future?” she asked.“I live for the moment, Ally. That’s what I do,” I said.“I don’t know what
The sunny but breezy weather calls for an afternoon nap. “Guys, you know the drill,” Uncle Rex said. It’s time for his favorite past time.“Go ahead, old man. I’ll follow,” Auntie Blessy teased him.“Why don’t you join him now?” I asked.“After I put these aside,” she said.“I’ll take care of the dishes, Mom,” Bobby said.“Are you sure?” she asked.“We can both take care of this,” I said like a true family member. “You can stay in the living room if you want while I put these dishes in the washer,” Bobby said.“Of course not. I will help you,” I said.“You’re our special guest,” he said.“Special? I always come here so what’s special about me?” I asked.“I’ll leave you two here. I need some rest. We’ll have a full night later,” Auntie Blessy said. “Does your sister look like her?” I asked Bobby.“Some people say they look alike,” he said.“She must’ve missed her a lot. Maybe she thinks of me as her temporary replacement,” I said trying to give a reason why his mother likes
When I was a little girl, I would picture myself as a married woman in my late thirties starting a family with my husband in a nice and comfortable house that is both beautiful and functional. I never dreamed of a mansion where I could get lost or spend the day without seeing my family because our house is too big.I want a close family where we gather on weekends from doing chores in the morning to relaxing in the afternoon and capping off the night with some games and late night drinks. Today, I am seeing the possibility of that dream life.“Stop staring. I can’t concentrate,” Bobby said. He’s mixing a bowl of pancake batter.“You’re so into it. If I was the one doing that, I’d only give it a few mix and it’s done,” I said.“I’m after consistency,” he said.“Consistency? You’re not in a cooking show and it’s just us eating it,” I said.“This is the first food that I learned to cook. It’s special to me and now it’s your time to try it,” he said.“It’s your special dish?” I as
Not everyone has a chance to experience quality family time in the midst of this scary pandemic. I guess I have to sincerely savor every minute I am in this moment for those who’ve been missing it and wanting to be in my place.“I don’t think I can still eat dinner. These pancakes are so fluffy and I had three,” I said.“Just walk around and soon you’ll burp. After that, you’ll feel hungry again,” Bobby said.“Yes, you need to make room for dinner. We’ll have barbeque featuring my special marinade,” Auntie Blessy said.“I should’ve taken a nap this afternoon so I could skip these pancakes and eat a lot later,” I said.“It’s useless. Once you’ve tasted your Auntie Blessy’s barbeque, you will surely ask for more whether you still have space in your stomach or none,” Uncle Rex said complimenting his wife’s signature marinade.“How long have you been married?” I asked.“Good question. Dear, what do tell anyone who asks?” Auntie Blessy said.“We’ve been married in civil for thirty yea
“Don't you know that you have to keep your eyes on the road when driving,” I reminded Bobby as he drives the car while constantly looking at the mirror to see me.“What’s there to watch on the road? We are the only one driving here and the most beautiful spot is there at the back,” he said.“Seriously,” I said.“Alright. I will. So, I’ll pick you up this Wednesday?” he asked.“This Wednesday already? I’ve not even reached home,” I told him.“Much later then?” he asked with less enthusiasm in his voice.“Let’s say…Saturday again?” I suggested.Bobby’s eyes grew bigger as I saw them on the mirror.“Really? I’d love that!” he said. He got excited.“But I’m going home in the evening,” I said. I realized that we are now in the stage when we are getting to know each other better. Coming to their house is no longer just a friendly visit.“Is it because we are dating now?” he asked. He thought the same way.“Yes, Sir,” I said.“In some countries, when they say that their status is ‘da