PHOENIX   I’m grinning like an idiot even if she left me here astonished. I just confessed my feelings for her, and it took me all the encouragement in the world. It’s not that easy, especially for a guy who has an ego larger than the universe but for her; forget that fucking ego and it’s time to man up! It didn’t bother me even if she didn’t say it back—she doesn’t have to because based on her reaction I know she cares about me or at least she feels something for me somehow and that pays so much for my effort. “What are you doing here, Phoenix?” I crawl down her bed after stripping off my clothes. She’s already curled up in bed with a blanket tucked up under her chin. She’s still looked sick though, but she’s not puking anymore. I want to strangle Abby for letting her eat that food with mushrooms, but I want to

PHOENIX   Jesus! Who the hell sent her those flowers with that kind of note? I wonder if it was Gabrielle because that couldn’t be Tyler. I don’t like that dude, but he will never hurt Samantha. “I need help.” My voice is still shaking. Whether it was a joke or not it still affected my nerves. “Brother, don’t tell me you and your princess is in trouble again,” he answers chirpily. My brother knows that I and Samantha are having progress in our relationship. “No, Hawk. We’re good, but there’s something that bothers me.” I breathe deeply. My stomach twists into a knot at the thought of scared Samantha. “Someone sent flowers to Samantha in her office.” “Uh-huh! So, you’re jealous. I get it, brother. You want me to beat that person’s face,” he mocks me. I groan, “I wish that’s the case because I can take care of it by myself. Can you be a little serious this time? I think Gabrielle found out that I and

SAM   I’m still in shock with what I’ve found out. Sandy finally tells me everything, and I just listen closely to every word she says to me, but she makes me promise that I can’t tell anyone. But I may have to tell someone about it because I’m not good at keeping secret especially when the people I care about is involved. “Your phone is ringing, Sam.” Sandy’s voice jarred me out of my thoughts. I dug my phone from my bag. Our supposed to be an Arrow marathon turns to be a telling of her life story. I look at her when I check out my phone screen. She nods. “Handsome, miss me?” I answer. “You have no idea, beautiful. My cock is in need of your attention. I missed you, princess.” I can clearly hear the cheerfulness in his voice. How will he react if I’ll tell him the truth? God! It’s hard to be in this position. “Are you coming already?” I ask, biting my lip. “On my way, beautiful, it’s just three bl

UNKNOWN   Somewhere in the neighborhood... I slumped myself down to the worn-out bed after kicking off my ten-dollar high heels. My eyes are focused on the white boring ceiling that is almost yellow, and the paint is cracked at every corner of my small bedroom. This place is too old and needs remodeling, but I can’t even afford to do that. I release a deep sigh, sniffing at the overused dress that I wore almost every day to the diner where I work for over a year now. I wince at the smell of grease, sweat, and a cheap perfume I bought last week after receiving my salary. This isn’t the life I want—I always dream so high when I was a kid. I dreamt of owning sky-high buildings, fashion and cosmetics lines, and of course a yacht. I love places like Greece, France, and the Caribbean—I’ve been to those places many times, and it all suddenly changed. Patience is the key. I chuckle.

PHOENIX   It’s almost sunset—the colors of blue and violet scattering the sky with yellow-orange and red are covering most of it. Everyone gathers at the shore, sitting at the beach chairs to witness the sunset. The chopped woods are already piled for the bonfire later. The smooth sand caresses my bare-foot in every step I make. The sound of waves rippling softly at the shores is so calm as I walk hand in hand with my fiancée, Samantha through the shoreline. This is the best feeling in the world—at this moment all I can think is I am such a lucky man—being loved and in love with the same woman. She is kicking the small waves every time they reach our feet—it feels like a soft massage. I can’t help but smile at how she laughs when the seawater hits me. “Childish,” I mutter, grinning. She doesn’t care. I can see how much she enjoys doing it, and I’m beyond happy watching her laughing freely because i