Just stories written while im on the toilet or in the restroom in general

"Pag inlove ka, para kang nasa pelikula, minsan bida pero minsan kontrabida, pero anuman estado ng lovelife mo, lagi tandaan, ikaw pa rin ang bida sa pelikula ng buhay mo. Hawak mo ang script at camera at libre sumigaw ng "Cut" pag handa ng bumitaw."

Bata pa lang ako ay hopeless romantic na ako. As early as 8 years old, alam ko na yung gusto ko at hanap ko sa isang guy to be my partner, at dahil paborito ko ang mga Disney Princess at Prince, nangarap ako na magkaroon ng partner na malaprinsipe tulad sa fairy tales, mga knight in shining armor ika nga. Yung lalaki na handa ako ipagtanggol kapag may umapi o umaway sa akin, yung kahit ano mangyari, hindi ako iiwan.

I remember noong elementary years namin, uso ang slumbook, iikot yun sa buong klase at sasagutan mo. Isa sa tanong na paborito kong sagutin ay ang "What is your ideal guy/man?" Tapos excited akong isulat doon yung ideal man ko na "maputi, matangkad, smiling eyes, singkit na mata na kapag ngumiti wala ng makitang mata, killer smile, matalino, gwapo, mabait, at higit sa lahat maka-Diyos." Tapos lahat ng classmates ko alam agad sino crush ko kasi meron kaming classmate na lahat ng gusto ko sa guy ay andun sa katangian nya.

Nung nasa high school naman ako, same lang, uso pa rin ang slumbook, kaya pareho lang ng sinusulat ko dun, pero dahil nagdadalaga na ako noon, may isang guy na school heartthrob ang nahagip ng mata ko. Sa apat na taon ko sa high school, sya ung ultimate crush ko na naging first heart ache ko. Sobrang sakit nya. Hindi ko sya boyfriend pero sya naging unang heartaches ko, bakit? Kasi ang gusto nya ay ung close friend kong babae. Sakit no!

​So ayun nga, dahil naheartbroken, sinabi ko na "Cut" yung para akong director na gumawa ng script, akala ko ako at sya ang bida, pero ako pa pala naging kontrabida, kaya ayun, tinapos ko ung script sabay sigaw sa puso ko ng "Cut, move on."

​Hanggang sa graduation, then move to college, excited ako kasi malaking university, makakamove on ako, at nangyari nga, ginusto ko mag excel sa lahat ng bagay at dahil gusto ko ung course ko sa college, inenjoy ko, hindi ko namamalayan, andyan na naman si kupido. Ang makulit na pana.

​At first, natuwa ako sa guy, pareho kami ng hilig ang film, cinematography kaya naman sya ang partner ko at nagtuturo sa akin ng techniques sa filmmaking. Ahead sya ng batch pero naging close friend ko sya, pero dahil nahuhulog na puso ko sa kanya, bigla ko agad naisip ung heartbreaks ko noong high school kaya naman, bago pa ako tuluyang mahulog sa taong ito, tinawag ko na syang "kuya". Kuya ang naiisip kong itawag sa mga guys na nagugustuhan ko para maprotect ko ang heart ko sa upcoming dangers of heartaches. Hanggang isang araw, bigla syang nagtapat na he likes me raw, sa sobrang takot ko masaktan, pinanindigan ko ung tawag kong kuya sa kanya. Sabi nga nya "Kuya ba ung magic word mo sa pambabasted ng guy?"

​Then one day, I saw him with someone and introduced to me as his girlfriend. Ouch! Ang sakit beshy. Pero kailangan panindigan na kuya ko sya kasi hindi pwede ang pakikipagrelasyon noon dahil nag aaral pa ako.

​Many girls will probably relate to my stories while studying. Hindi naman kasi namimili ang pana ni kupido at ang pagiging broken hearted, kahit wala kang boyfriend o girlfriend, pwede tayo maheartbroken. Ang tanong lang eh kung kailan tayo pwede sumigaw ng "Cut"!

​Ang magmahal ay hindi masama, pero dapat alam natin yung boundaries para maiwasan ang broken hearted. Tayong mga girls, may mga standards, packages tayo na naiisip para sa relationships natin, even sa paghanap ng friends may package deal madalas. Pero ano nga ba ang mga package deals na ito? Eto kasi yung parang script guide natin sa relasyon. Alamin natin kung ano nga ba ang mga ito.

PACKAGE DEAL:  MY OWN IDEAL STANDARDS

​When I was young, I remember doing check list for my ideal man. May paborito akong kanta dati yung "Stay Forever" ni Joey Lawrence na lyrics na "I wanna stay forever with you, Feeling every heartbeat so close to mine, I wanna stay forever with you, Holding on to every breath, Stay forever with you" (grabe ang old na ng kanta, '90's song) pero yung kantang ito ung pinaghugutan ng standard ko sa quest for love.

​Isa sa standard or ideal character ko sa isang guy ay ung hindi ako iiwanan kahit ano mangyari. Sa kanta na iyan, feeling ko super kilig ako na para bang may prinsipeng hindi ako iiwan kailanman. Feeling ko lang naman na ganun dapat ang relationship, walang iwanan ika nga ng marami. Even sa mga friends ko, ayoko na may nawawala sa circle of friends ko. Ewan ko ba pero dahil siguro takot ako mapag isa. Ayoko ng walang group, I fear being alone. I'm scared of being left behind. So ang tendency, gusto ko nasa paligid ko lang sila. Ang selfish di ba?

Checklist #1: The Stay Forever Package

​Sino ba ang ayaw sa perfect relationship? Wala naman di ba? Ang gusto ko lang naman ay walang iwanan pero bakit kabaligtaran nangyayari. Marahil totoo ang kasabihan na "people come and go." Pero bakit nga ba? Siguro kasi need natin mag grow as an individual human being, hindi natin pwede ikahon sa mundo natin ang isang tao kasi may buhay silang dapat harapin din tulad natin.

​Madalas natin sinasabi "walang forever" pero sa totoo lang, hindi naman talaga nawawala ung mga taong minahal natin, nandyan lang sila, in fact, sa liit nga ng mundo, pwedeng nasa kabilang dulo lang pala sya. Nasasabi natin na walang forever everytime we broke up with someone, pero sa totoo lang, need lang naman huminga para makita ang iba pang ganda ng mundo. Ang forever kasi ay yung mga memories na nasa puso at isip natin.

​Hindi man sila bumalik sa atin after break up, yung memories na iniwan nila ang magsisilbing lesson natin para tayo maggrow pa. At yung memories un ang nag-sstay forever sa puso at isipan natin. Minsan may mga masasakit na memories pero anuman yan, sigurado, naging matatag tayo after. Mahirap minsan maintindihan kung bakit kailangan natin umasa tayo sa staying forever idea nay an pero ganoon ang buhay, sabi nga dapat may pinanghahawakan tayo.

​Naalala ko may isang guy ang lagi nyang sinasabi sa akin na "I will be with you forever." Nakakakilig marinig pero eto ung isang line ng lalaki na hindi ko pinaniniwalaan kasi meron at meron time sa life natin ang need natin maging mag-isa kasi need natin maggrow, madevelop sa iba pang aspeto ng buhay. Madalas nga may nauuna pa sa death di ba? Tulad ng guy na nagsabi sa akin nyan, ayun nauna pa syang bumitiw kasi nauna syang mahanap ung right one for him and I'm happy for him, imagine close friend ko pa sya ngayon. Pero yung memories na nabuo, minsan matatawa na lang kami kasi minsan sa buhay namin, pinangarap buuin yung forever.

A Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said; "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."  

It is true enough that we can only understand things after it happened like sa nangyari, minsan after break up, saka natin marerealized na tama lang na bumitiw kasi kung hindi, wala tayo sa journey na meron ang present life natin.

Checklist #2: The Bestfriend Package

​'When you need a friend, that you can depend, you can count on me because, you're my best friend." One of my favorite songs about friendship. It's actually my song for my bestfriend. After my first heartbreaks, naisip ko ishield at protektahan ung heart ko, para bang ayaw ko nang masaktan. Kaya naman sa bawat crush ko na guy, kapag nahuhulog na loob ko, tatawagin ko na syang kuya. Malaki respeto ko sa kuya, kasi wala ako nun, naging panganay ako at walang kuyang kinagisnan kasi maaga sila kinuha ni God so ang tendency, I wanted to have an older brother. I longed to have someone na magtatanggol sa akin kapag inaway ako. A brother that can be a bestfriend to me.

​Noong college ako, may isang guy na sobrang close kami, as in walang araw na hindi kami nag usap, we treat each other as bestfriend, minsan, may report ako gagawin sa Philosophy class, habang nagrereport dumugo ilong ko, (well normal naman na nagdurugo ilong ko lalo kapag mainit), so my classmates were worried, at dahil kilala ng isang classmate si guy, nagdrop call sila (uso ang drop call dati sa cellphone). "Drop call ang tawag sa tawag na malatelegramang," So nang matanggap nya ang tawag, kahit nasa bahay sya kasi wala syang pasok nun, halos liparin ang byahe makapunta lang sa akin, he made sure na okay ako, dinala sa clinic, binantayan at hinatid pa sa bahay. Nakakakilig di ba?

​Eto yung time na naging crush ko sya at presto malapit na mahulog loob ko kaya isang araw nagtapat naman sya, mutual feelings ika nga, kaso tinawag ko syang "kuya". Syempre nasaktan ko sya. Pero buti na lang understanding sya at super bait, until now kaibigan ko pa sya. Sya kasi ung taong ayaw kong masaktan at itake risk ang friendship kaya I made him as my bestfriend.

​What I mean when I say Bestfriend Package? Isa sa standard or checklist na madalas magustuhan natin ay ung parang bestfriend lang natin si guy. Yung comfortable tayo na iexpress ang sarili natin sa kung anuman ang sitwasyon. Hindi tayo nahihiya sa harap nya. Tulad sa magbestfriend, Malaya kang maging ikaw kasi tanggap ka nya.
​Sa paghahanap ng makakasama habambuhay, kailangan natin maging bestfriend sa partner natin. We should learn that we can be a friend to him or her. Sabi nga di ba, special friend mo dapat yung taong mahal mo.

​Ang bestfriend hindi ka iiwanan nyan. My favorite classic author William Shakespeare once said, "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." So same thing with partner, someone who accepts me, understands me, knows me well, and allows me to grow individually. Parang hashtag sweetheart ko, bestfriend ko.
Speaking of having a bestfriend and being with forever idea, it means there is an unspoken bond with the person who knows us better than anyone in the world. The one you call on the phone at 3AM during a crisis; someone who knows what we are thinking before we say it; the only person who really, truly, 'gets' us. Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say.

​Aminin natin na minsan sa sobrang dali ng standards natin mahirap mahanap. Siguro marahil madalas ang standards na meron tayo ay iba sa standard ng mundo at ng Maykapal.

"He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened." -Lao Tzu
 
Checklist #3: The Prince Package

​As I said earlier, I grew up na ang idea about relationships ay malafairy tales. Yung ideal man ko since elementary ako until now na nasa late 30's na ako, yun pa rin sa checklist ko. Ewan ko kung weird ba yun?

​Bago pa man ako nahilig sa mga Korean drama at KPop, espesyal na sa puso ko ang mga may smiling eyes o chinito eyes, gusting gusto ko yung mata na nakangiti kahit hindi pa ngumiti ang tao. Yung mga killer smile na kapag ngumiti wala ng mata at super sweet ang ngiti, pati na rin ung kapag matalino at talented ung tao.  Mabilis makakuha ng attention ko ang mga guys na smart, matalino at super talented lalo sa music and arts plus factor kapag smiling eyes at may killer smile. Lalo na kung ang ugali ay malaprinsipe pa.

​Madalas sabihin sa akin, mahirap mahanap ung ganyan. I remember, may nagtanong sa Facebook ko kung sino ang guy na hanap ko. Sa sobrang kababawan, sinagot ko sya ng "utak ni Albert Einstein, tangkad at katawan ni Paul Walker, smiling eyes ni Song Joong Ki, killer smile ni Kim Rae Won, talented like Vincent Willem van Gogh and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at ung faith like David and Peter sa Bible." After I posted that, bigla trending ng comment na 'mahirap hanapin un at pagsama-samahin sa iisang tao, clone ba gusto mo?" Natawa ako at oo nga mahirap hanapin pero napaisip ako ng mahirap ba talaga hanapin at kung may nageexist ba talaga na ganung tao?

​Minsan nakakahon tayo sa idea na gusto natin pero paano kung hindi nageexist yung ideal na ganun kasi di ba nga may kasabihan "Nobody is perfect." Eh sabi ng iba, napakaperpekto naman ng hanap mo. Weh di nga? Perfect na ba un?

​May takot tuloy ako na parang what if hindi sya nageexist? Ano na mangyayari beshies?

"Love is a beautiful thing, yet it can be a monster that can break you. They say that when you love someone you never want to let them go and you will do anything to stay with them." Sabi nila "true love waits" pero paano kung matagal ang paghihintay? Or paano kung nakita mo na pero hindi tama ang tugtugin at tibok ng puso nyo? Ang sakit di ba? Minsan naitatanong mo kung maganda ka ba kasi parang walang nagkakagusto sayo.


At my age of 38 years old, most of my batchmates are all married and have their families na, dakilang ninang na nga ako ng iba sa mga anak nila. Madalas ayoko na tuloy pumunta sa mga okasyon kasi iisa ang tanong nila, "kailan k aba mag-aasawa?" "Wala ka bang boyfriend?" At madalas ko lang sagutin ng "Wait lang, darating din 'yan."


​Minsan tuloy napapaisip ako ng "Nasaan na nga ba si Mr. Right?" "Sobrang traffic na ba at hindi ako makita?" Pero kung nakita mo nga pero hindi naman pwede maging kami.


Being single is sometimes a controversial issue in our young professional society. Always remember that true love waits. Every woman is worth the wait. We don't need to rush things. It will come. Everything has its own perfect time.


Maybe God is still busy writing my love story.

Jo is working as an event coordinator, in a Commercial and Advertising Company. It deals with newly established buildings, restaurant and hotels, etc. The Company promotes and advertised the places by organizing an event and introducing it the new buyers and investors or something similar to that.



She is fully in-charge with respect of organizing parties, meetings and weddings. Just imagine how frustrating it is to organize a wedding event in her situation. She's always present in the wedding and sometimes gets to be the bride's maid but never had the chance to be the bride. Oh, but not for so long. At least we all have to be positive. Kapit lang mga kapatid at tiwala lang!



Jo is obsessive compulsive. She well organized and everything needs to be in proper order. Everything needs to be planned and what better way to start the Project of "Finding Big-O but to create a checklist. The Ultimate Guide in Finding Big "O" este Mr. RIGHT pala.



I: LOCATION - where to find Mr. RIGHT?



1. The GYM - before anything else lets begin with the OPLAN BALIK ALINDOG paano ka makakahanap ng ka-date kung walang alindog? At habang abala ka magpa-sexy at magpaganda samantalahing ang pagkakataon na maghanap ng potential boyfriend. Kung hindi niyo naitatanong madami ang naglipanang Fafa sa GYM. Malaking ang chance at possibility na makita si Mr. RIGHT.  Aside from physically fit, eh health conscious pa. Oha! Double purpose.



2. DATING Applications - with the modern age and new technology lahat pwede mo makuha online, trending ang social media nowadays. Kung wala ka mahanap na ka-date in real world why not try it in the virtual world. All you have to do is  just register or create an account. Fill in the blanks, update your profile, upload your photo, typed in your likes and dislikes, even your ideal man and in an instant the dating application will look for your perfect match your Mr. RIGHT. No sweat. Just one click away.



3. The BAR - a classic way in meeting someone is by going to the bar, coffee shop or any crowded places. You'd be surprise kung gaano karami ang katulad mo na naghahanap ng forever in those kind of places. Just sitting and waiting.. literally FOREVER..



4. OUTDOOR activities - theme park, malls, camping, sports complex, beach and ressort at kung saan-saan ewan ko na lang kung hindi ka pa naman makahanap ng ka-date.



5. ARRANGED MARRIAGE and blind dates - kung desperado ka nang talaga at kapit na sa patalim. Ito na ang last resort, kung hindi makuha sa santong dasalan daanin na lang sa santong paspasan. Classic pero still applicable pa rin naman ang ganitong style.



Habang abalang-abala sa  paggawa ng checklist si Jo, little did she know that Alex was behind her. He is watching her the entire time, curious and wondering why she is so fixated and focused on what she is doing.



Alex was a close friend of Jo since college. They graduated in the same school and now working in the same company. Dahil dala ng sobrang ka-chismosohan hindi niya maiwasan ang hindi magtanong kung ano ba talaga ang pinagkakaabalahan ng kaibigan.



"Uy, bising-bisi ah. Ano yan?" pilit na sinisilip ni Alex ang notebook kung saan sinusulat ni Jo ang kaniyang checklist.



 "Andiyan ka pala," gulat na sagot ni Jo. Sabay pasimpleng tinakpan ang notebook ng ibang dokumento sa trabaho.



"Anong  list iyong Big"O", bagong event ba natin 'yan?" kunot noong nagtanong si Alex habang pilit pa rin sinisilip ang tinagong notebook.



"Bagong project ko," iritang sagot ni Jo. Mabilis naman nakahalata si Alex sa kaibigan kaya minabuti na lang niya tapusin ang usapan.



"Ayos  iyan bagong raket! Sige pagbutihan mo at  inform mo na lang ako kung kailan natin sisimulan. Let me know if you need my help, since tapos na ako sa last project assignment ko," nakangiting sinabi ni Alex sabay kindat niya kay Jo.



Then Alex left and went back to his office table. Meanwhile, back to the checklist. Since she already finished the list for the places where she can find her potential date, the first part of the plan was now completed.  She then now proceed with the next part of the checklist.



II: THE TO DO LIST.. these are the possible things you need to consider when on a DATE...



1. The Looks -  the most essential part of preparing the looks is the hair sabi nga nila ito ang crowning glory ng mga babae. Lakas maka-mukhang mayaman kung nakapagpa-rebond ka ng buhok. Next is the make up, dito maitatago ang mga flaws sa mukha. Biglang lumilitaw ang gandang hindi inaakala.  Manicure and pedicure, ilibing ang mga patay na kuko it's time for you to move on.  Kung pwede magpa-derma at body massage na rin to relax the muscles and lessen wrinkles and the pores.



2. The Attire - next thing to consider is the attire. Of course you need to choose the appropriate clothes depending on the occasion. Mahirap naman na mag heels ka kung mag-mountain climbing ka or naka-corporate look naman kapag nasa beach.. It's a no no!



3. The Menu - while on a date, as much as possible iwasan ang pag-order ng pagkain na kinakailangang mag-kamay and avoid eating raw onions, garlic, seafood and anything with a strong smell or malalansang pagkain. You may never know when you will have your first kiss so always be prepared.



4. DATING KIT -  and speaking of being prepared, you must have a Dating Kit for dummies. It consist of toothbrush, toothpaste, lipstick and foundation for make up re-touch, brush or comb in case mahangin sa labas or mapasabak sa labanan, perfume or cologne, a box of condom. Well, it is better to be safe than sorry and emergency contact number.



And since the TO DO LIST for the DATE has been covered... The last part of the List is the...



III: PREPARATION FOR THE BIG "O". It's like playing baseball, you have to hit the ball then run through all the bases..



1. First base - kissing -  there are different categories of kisses. Kiss on the forehead sign of respect, kiss on the cheeks sign of friendship and kiss on lips sign of love or lust . Of course there are types of kiss on lips...for starter is the smack a short gentle kiss.. dampi lang muna, applicable sa first date. There is also lips to lips, french kiss and torrid no need to elaborate they are the intimate and passionate types of kisses... In short alam na this!



2. Second base - is direct physical contact on the upper portion of the body. It also includes other forms of petting, touching and groping. Papisil-pisil at patapik-tapik. Kung libre ang tsansing dapat lubisin at itodo na! 



3. Third base - may include manual or oral sex for either partner. Also known as otso-otso, you 8 him and she 8 you! 



4. Home run -  is also known as the sexual intercourse or the BIG "O".



Now that the checklist has been completed... Let the dating begin!

This is the story of Josefina 39, late bloomer. Never been touched. Never been kissed and her quest in finding the BIG "O" or should I say the Big OoooHhhhh... Ang tubig para sa natutuyong lupa na nagcracked na at natitigang na lupa dahil salat sa dilig.. Is it too late for her? Will she find love or lust??

Ang pahinang ito ay Rated SPG. Stricktong Patnubay at Gabay ng Magulang ang kailangan. Maaring may maseselang tema, lenggwahe, karahasan, sexual, horror, o droga na hindi angkop sa mga bata, feeling bata at isip bata

Alexa starts packing up her suitcase for the journey while checking the items listed in her checklist on the phone to make sure she don't leave anything back. 

"Ahhh...where is the file which Boss gave me." Alexa starts searching for the file which had all the information about the assignment.

"Ohh...here you are..."Alexa takes a deep breathe while picking up the file which was lying below the pile of her clothes on bed.

After picking up the file she turns back to the table where she has kept all the other stuffs like passport, handbag, relevant document, earphones which she will be carrying handy. "Here you go" Alexa keeps talking to herself while placing the file next to all the items.

Knock...knock

Can I come in Angel??? 

"Of course you can Yie, you are not suppose to ask permission from me." Alexa replies without turning back as she was still busy in arranging the left over clothes on her bed.

"Is everything packed??? Do you need my help??? Anything which you need from the market??? Have you kept all the relevant things??? What time is your flight tomorrow??? Yie starts off with the series of questions while helping Alexa in folding her clothes.

Hehe...Alexa giggles to see Yie getting panic due to her trip.

"Relax Yie, it was you who gave me the strength to take up this. Now you don't fumble up please". Alexa pats on Yie shoulder while taking the clothes from his hand. "These are not for you to fold, these are ladies cloths you are not suppose to touch them". Alexa makes fun of Yie again, continuing folding the dress in her hand.

"OK, I lose". Yie surrenders her and sits back on the bed starring her Alexa.

He could see a pure soul standing in front of her who can make his heart skip even in the messy look.

"I will come with you to the airport, let me know at what time we need to start and yeah I am not asking you. I am informing you that I am dropping you tomorrow, so without any delay or bragging on this topic more, confirm me the timing now. So that I can go back and grab enough sleep" Yie stands up and starts walking towards the door, still waiting for her to inform the departure time.

"OK cool...it's time for me to lose I guess..."Alexa replies with rolling her eyes.

I am planning to start by 4 am as have the flight at 7 am.

"Sure...I will meet you near the entrance tomorrow morning then. Pack everything properly and go to bed early." Yie finally leaves her room giving the last advice for the day.

8 o'clock in night

"Ahhh....finally everything is been sorted. Now let me check on the schedule which I need to work on". Alexa throws herself on the bed and starts reading the file given by the Boss. She falls asleep in few hours, in the same position still wearing the reading glasses and file on her chest.

Beep beep...Beep beep

Alexa wakes up by the alarm from her phone and checks the time. 

"It's 3 am already. Ahhh... I need to get ready"...Alexa grabbing her towel and rush to the bathroom.

After 30 minutes

Alexa comes out of the bathroom with her towel and water dripping from her hair.

She quickly dresses up while keeping an eye on the watch. Susan was still sleeping, so Alexa made sure of not disturbing her in sleep. She again rush to the bathroom, but this time with all the makeup as she couldn't do the same in the room. Susan was in deep sleep and she had to on the light to do the makeup and hairdo. Alexa quickly starts patting the powder on her face followed by red lipstick and ends it up with winged eyeliner. She dries her hair quickly and leaves her long hair open as was still was a bit wet. Thus she avoided making any hair style.

She grabs everything in her hand, locks the bathroom, off the lights and slowly puts everything in her handbag. Grabs her suitcase and scarf, put on her shoes and checks the time. "4 o'clock, perfect". Alexa walks out of her room and drags her suitcase till the elevator.

Yie was already waiting for her near the entrance at the side of the company car which was arranged by Mr. Xia for Alexa. 

Alexa walks out of the building and smiles as Yie who was waiting for her. Yie walks to her and takes the luggage from her.

Yie puts the luggage in the car and signals Alexa to take her seat. He then walks towards the other side of the car and settles himself. "Sir, please start the car. We are settled now", Yie informs the driver.

Alexa eyes were still puffy as she couldn't get enough sleep last night. She was reading the document until midnight before dozing off. Yie asks her to lean at his shoulder and sleep until they reach the airport.

"Angel...Angel...Alexa...get up we have reached" Yie shakes Alexa from her sleep after reaching at the airport.

"I am still so sleepy....*yawns", Alexa replies in sleepy tone.

Yie couldn't resist himself watching Alexa's kiddish behavior and kiss her on her forehead.

The kiss was enough to make her awake completely. Alexa sits back straight staring at Yie as if she was asking for the explanation for the kiss.

Yie, hits her on her forehead and says. "Dumbo it's a goodbye kiss", don't get so surprised.

Alexa smiles and get down from the car.

Yie pass over the luggage to her and walks her till the airport entrance.

"I will miss you Angel, take care of yourself and wait for your Yie. Call me if you face any problem". Yie hugs her for the last time before sending her off.

Alexa holds her tears while departing from Yie. She bravely carries her luggage and walks inside till the ticket counter. After completing the checking, she grabs a coffee and moves to the departure gate. She takes a seat near the gate, sipping her coffee and waiting from the boarding announcement.

This is a story of a girl named Alexa Su, who lost her parents in childhood and was take care by her grandparents. After having a troublesome childhood and marriage,, tried to continue her passion in Singing. 

She meets her first best friend in "Xia Music Academy" Yie Xu who is also her band mate. 

Her destiny changes after entering in Music career. Let's see if she will meet someone special or will get along with her bad luck.

INISA ISA ni Jillian ang mga sulat na nakuha niya sa mailbox nila. Napalabi siya nang mapagtanto na pulos bills iyon na kailangan niya bayaran. Sinipat niya ang kalemdaryo at nakita niyang malapit ma matapos ang buwan. Papasok na sa tinatawag ng karamihan ang ber months at mayroon na lang siya approximately two months para pagprepara ng kasal nina Joaq at Paola na gaganapin sa ikawalo ng disyempre.



Dinampot niya ang kanyang cellphone at tiningnan ang checklist na ginawa niya. All set na naman ang mga malalaking details. Ang focus niya ngayon ay nasa small details na.
Napukaw siya ng marinig ang ngiyaw ng pusa niyang si Benedict. Napangiti siya at binuhat ito. Dalawang linggo na ang lumipas mula ng iuwi niya si Benedict.



May mga araw na kasama niya ito kapag ka-date si Niko at may mga araw na 'yung dalawang aso naman nito ang kasama nila. Higit sa lahat may mga araw na si Niko lang kasama niya dahil nagdedemand ito ng atensyon niya. Muli siyang napangiti kapag naalala ang mga tantrums ni Niko.



"Shall I visit him in his house? Ano sa tingin mo, Benedict?" tanong niya sa pusa. Ngumiyaw lang ito. "Right, it isn't pleasant if I'm the one who will go there. Kung nasa Atlanta ako pwede since open minded lahat ng tao."



Isang tunog ang pumukaw sa pakikipag-usap niya kay Benedict. Nilapag niya ito at dinampot muli ang cellphone. It was a photo invitation sent on her Telegram account. SMU's College of Business Administration reunion, iyon ang nakalagay doon at may nakalagay na school year 2013, 2014, 2015. Tatlong school year ang magsasama sama sa iisang reunion. Napaisip siya bigla na parang ang crowded noon ngunit nasagot ang tanong niya nang makita ang venue. SMX Convention Hall A and B, malaki nga iyon.



"Gising na pala siya, eh." Napatingin siya sa nagsalita. Mama Tine niya iyon kasunod si mama Lorie at si Niko. "Anong ginagawa mo at ang nakakunot noo mo?" tanong nito sa kanya.



Nilapitan siya ni Niko at hinalikan sa noo. Nakita iyon ng dalawa niyang mama at kinilig ang mga ito.



"I've got a college reunion invitation." Aniya sa mga magulang.



"Puntahan mo." Tugon sa kanya ni mama Lorie niya.



"Isama mo si Niko para hindi ma-out of place." Dagdag ni mama Tine niya.



"Oo nga. Pag-usapan niyong dalawa. Doon muna kayo sa labas at magluluto lang kami."



Tinaboy silang dalawa ni mama Lorie niya at inabot naman sa kanya ni mama Tine si Benedict. Magkasabay silang lumabas ni Niko. Tinungo nila ang bench sa may garden at naupo roon. Nasa kandungan niya si Benedict at natulog ito doon.



"When is that reunion?" tanong sa kanya ni Niko.



"September 15." Sagot niya.



"You wanna go? If you don't want, then don't come." Napatingin siya dito saka ngumiti. "I'll go with you if you decided to come." 



"Why am I so lucky with you? You're sweet, selfless, and handsome."



Sinuklay niya buhok gamit ang kamay. Sinabi nito sa kanya na siya lang ang bukod tanging nakakahawak sa buhok nito. She's realy lucky to have Niko on her side.



"Binobola mo ba ako?"



Umiling siya. Tinawid niya ang pagitan ng kanilang mukha saka hinalikan ito sa pisngi.



"Good morning kiss."



Nakita niya ang pagngiti nito. Namula ang tenga nito dahil sa ginawa niya.



"So, I have a kiss in the afternoon and evening, tama ba?"



"Abuso hindi pa nga tayo."



"And who's fault is that?"



"Ahh so, kasalanan ko?"



"Oo." Simple nitong sagot sa kanya. Ngumiyaw si Benedict kaya natawa si Niko. "Even Ben, agrees with me." Nilagay niya si Ben sa kandungan nito at akma siyang tatayo. Pinigil siya nito at pinaupong muli.



"What?" Mataray niyang salita dito.



"I just want to look at you."



Mas lumapit pa ito sa kanya. Hinawi niya ang mukha nito dahil sa nararamdamang pagkailang. Kahit hindi niya tingnan sa salamin alam niyang pulang pula na ang mukha niya. Niko really knows how to flutter her heart. At bawat salitang bitiwan nito sa kanya at nagpapatindi sa damdamin niya para dito.



"Samahan mo ako sa Divisoria. I need your PA and driving skills today."



"Now, let's define the word abuso, Jillian Claire Smith." She laughed at him. Inaya na niya itong muling pumasok sa loob para mag-almusal.



~•~•~•~




AFTER BREAKFAST, umalis sila agad ni Niko at nagtungo sa boutique ng designer ng wedding gown ni Paola. Sa kanya muna daw ipapakita ng designer ang wedding gown bago kay Paola. Gusto kasi nito na makita niya muna ang mga kulang sa details ng design na gusto ng ikakasal. Doon muna sila dumirecho bago sa Divisoria. Malapit lang kasi iyon mula sa White Plains.



Pagdating nila doon, madaming wedding gown ang nakalabas dahilan para mapangiti siya. She dreamt off wearing that dress someday. Nahinto siya sa tapat ng isang long sleeves wedding gown na may Swarovski crystals na nagpa-elegante. Na-inlove siya sa design noon na parang sinunod sa gusto ng bride-to-be. It's a perfect gown for a bride who's conservative.



"Jill, my staff is now preparing the gown." Abiso sa kanya ni Shine, ang designer ng wedding gown ni Paola. "Do you like it?"



"Huh?" 



"This wedding gown. You like it?" Napatango siya. "Glad you do. I'll exhibit this in a wedding expo I'll be participating on. You want to try it?"



Umiling siya ngunit pinilit siya nito. Wala siyang nagawa kung 'di sumunod dito sa fitting room. Nasa labas si Niko at may kausap sa cellphone nito. Itinaas ni Shine ang buhok niya para madali maisuot sa kanya ang wedding gown. After a minute, she found herself infront of a mirror. Natuwa siya sa pagkaka-fit sa kanya ng gown na suot. Open iyon sa likod pero ayos lang din naman dahil natatakpan naman iyon ng belo kung sakali. The gown itself is beautiful especially when someone wears it. Bahagya siyang natigilan nang makita mula sa repleksyon ang gulat na expression ni Niko. Hinarap niya ito at matamang nilapitan.



"How do I look?" tanong niya sa binata. She smiled at him after fixing her hair. She can't read his expression. "Hindi ba bagay?"



"No. You look beautiful." Sagot nito sa kanya.



"I guess I have to reserved this gown until your wedding day, Jill." Ani Shine sa kanya. "Or you have your own wedding gown design."



"No I don't but I really love this one. Kaso mukhang matagal pa bago ako ikasal."



"I can marry you today."



Out-of-the-blue na sabi ni Niko sa kanya. She heard Shine chuckled and other staff start to make noise. Nag-init tuloy ang magkabila niyang pisngi. She decided to take off the wedding gown and start checking Paola's gown.



Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng pagchi-check ng lumapit sa kanya si Niko. "You didn't answer me awhile ago,"



Tiningnan niya ito. "Was that a proposal?"



"Yeah. So, what's your answer?" 



"Fix it. I want a memorable one."



"Noted on that, ma'am." Hinampas niya ito saka nginitian ito. "Where do you want to eat after this?"



"Ikaw bahala." Sagot niya dito. "At second thought I want Japanese food pala."



He chuckled. "I know you'll say that." Hindi sukat akalain na napapansin pala nito na palagi kapag sinabi niyang ito na ang bahala sa kakainin nila ay babawiin niya. "Okay. Magpapa-reserved na ako sa Japanese Restaurant na favorite mo."



Iyon lang at hinalikan siya nito aa kanyang noo. Tumalikod ito sa kanya at nang harapin naman niya sina Shine at mga staff nito ay mga nakangiti na ito. Niko is such a sweet guy. Mahirap para sa kanya na i-let go kung sakali 'man na may humadlang sa kanila.  At ang mga ginagawa nito at pinapakita sa kanya ay pantapal sa mga panahon na nasayang nila noonh hindi pa sila nagkikita na dalawa. The battle for their love to each other is about to start. She's hoping in the end, they'll end up together.

A series about the love stories of Dominguez's first generations. Join Niko, Joaq, Migs, Iñigo, Macoy, and Cali in their journey to love and finding the right person. They're all have that void that needed to fill in. Longing for a love that will last forever. Will society status be a hindrance?

1. Joaquin Jacob Dominguez - Me After You
2. Juan Miguel Dominguez - The Music In Me
3. Julio Nikolas Dominguez - Suddenly Its Love
4. Jose Ignacio Dominguez - A Lot Like Love
5. Marco Jose Dominguez - Begin Again
6. Aurora Calida Dominguez - Taming Cali


DISCLAIMER: 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 by Mary Ruth Oba

All rights reserved. No part of this novel may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including typing, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

The afternoon found me in Kross's bathroom, conducting a thorough investigation that included the inside and back of the water tank. I found nothing there. I moved on to examine the contents of his bathroom cabinet; I'd learned this advanced search technique from a woman who claimed she could instantly decipher a man from his cabinet contents (she dove into people's lavatories the way a cat dives into a garbage can). But all I discovered was a small bottle of Bayer's Aspirin, Dettol, and cotton wool.

I did not expect to uncover a bag of cocaine, or maybe some pharmaceutical drug that would turn out to be the standard treatment for manic schizophrenics. But I did hope to find some kind of clue that would tell me more about the kind of man he was. All I found out was that Kross enjoyed own-toothbrush-and-shaving-gear status with the Sharon in Vancouver - he'd left his behind - which felt slightly reassuring.

I re-emerged into the living room, blinking at the yellow glare from the western window. I had already had a look around the big room, and knew that Kross's laptop was missing (which didn't distress me – I was far from being a computer ace, and he was bound to use a password anyway). I spent a couple of extra minutes circling the room with the African statuette in my hand – I really liked it, it was simply good art. There were miscellaneous odds and ends here and there - telephone book, a notebook-sized blank writing pad, BIC pen, roll of scotch tape, a few magazines (two about firearms!) and a couple of paperbacks (both thrillers).

In desperation I started going through the phone book, looking for numbers circled in red etc. but gave up fairly quickly, feeling stupid and helpless. I was becoming increasingly convinced I wouldn't find anything of any interest in Kross's flat. He wouldn't be so generous with the key otherwise, would he? What an inspired move on his part! Giving me that key was an excellent way to convince me of his candor, and that the treasure was for real.

I searched the kitchen next, getting nothing except maybe a quick taste of things to come when I poked my hand behind the fridge and a fucking big spider ran out along my arm. I hit it with my other hand so hard that I hurt myself, and spent a grisly couple of minutes washing off its mashed remains in the kitchen sink. When I opened the fridge and saw the aguardiente - a lethal-looking clear liquid in a plain, heavy bottle topped by a twist cap.

That left the bedroom. I hadn't felt particularly guilty about poking around in the public and semi-public parts of Kross's flat, but the bedroom - that definitely was private space. I hesitated for quite a while. Then I consulted the statuette - I picked it up, and looked into its eyeslits, and it said yes. I had a final, brief hope that the bedroom door would be locked, absolving me from further action. But it swung freely upon turning the doorknob, and I stepped inside.

It was dark in there, thanks to the drawn curtains and a huge, ancient wooden wardrobe that took up almost an entire wall. The wardrobe was complemented by an equally ancient chest of drawers. There was no bed, and for a silly moment I imagined Kross reclining in mid-air, as practiced by all the top witch doctors.

I crossed to the window, pulled the curtains back, and noticed an evil-looking hook screwed into the wall right next to the window, at hip height. I turned round and immediately saw the netting of the folded hammock. It hung from another hook screwed into the opposing wall. It had been hidden from view by the wardrobe. I found the hammock disturbing. A strong preference for sleeping in a hammock might not rate as an item on a psychiatrist's checklist, but like other eccentricities it did raise a tiny question mark.

I felt myself frowning as I ran an eye over the rest of the room. There was a small table - actually an ancient card table, its top was inset with green felt. There was a big, ugly wooden chair that undoubtedly ranked as an antique on my youthful continent. I walked up to examine it, and noticed a very long black hair hanging from the top backrest bar. It couldn't be Kross's, and it certainly wasn't mine. It looked a lot like Donna's hair, only it was longer. It put me on alert, and before opening any drawers I carefully scanned them for hairs strategically trapped between the drawer lip and the chest frame, a technique meant to reveal secret prying: I remembered reading about it in one of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels.

I opened the bottom drawer first, as recommended by all secret agents. The bottom drawer was empty; so was the next one. The third one up contained maybe half a dozen T shirts in white and olive green, and around ten spotlessly white jockey underpants. The top drawer contained socks: around a dozen pairs of knee-length hose.

I opened the ancient wardrobe next. The contents consisted of the pair of camo pants that I'd seen him wear while jogging, two pairs of jeans (one blue, one black), a pair of dark grey flannels, six or seven long-sleeved shirts (white and light blue), a couple of sweatshirts (black, grey) and the grey cable-knit sweater that he'd worn during our drinking session. A thin fistful of ties hung from the clotheshook on the inside of the wardrobe door: all were black. There were no suits or jackets. I wondered about that for a little while; it was odd that he didn't own any.

I closed the wardrobe, feeling exasperated that I'd failed to find anything that would tell me more about Kross. Then I had a brainwave: I lay down on the floor, and looked under the chest of drawers and the wardrobe.

The wardrobe had a curvy, curlicued wooden skirt; I couldn't see a thing. I gritted my teeth and thrust my hand into the darkness. I touched wood, and almost instantly encountered something. It felt like a small rectangle of stiff, thick paper, fastened to the underside of the wardrobe with a piece of tape. I memorized its exact location, and pulled it free.

It was a business card. The front identified Mark Kross as a Consultant with Vanguard Security Services of 5, Ash Lane, WC1, London, England. The logo - a blade cutting through darkness - could equally well represent a manufacturer of lawnmowers. I decided I would call the phone number listed and ask a couple of discreet questions, but when I turned the card over I changed my mind.

The back of the card featured a single word, written in blue capital letters:

GOTCHA!

It was painfully obvious that he'd left it there for me.

NOTICE
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What do you do when you've just lost your job, your wife, your home?
The answer is simple: you go looking for treasure in Africa.
NOTE: This is a completed novel I wrote a long time ago.

Before you go any further I will tell you that it is not a normal love story. 

Actually this is one of the messed up disaster love story ever.

Still reading?

Well I warned you

Have you ever been in the torture when you truely love Someone but he or she don't know who are you?

Sadly in Mary's case this is happened

Mary has a huge crush on Tyson spenser

Every girl in college has huge crush on Tyson

Tyson is hot boy in college and maybe in the whole world

Mary's father is a businessman but Mary's classmates are more richer than Mary and also Mary behave like a weak person in college that's why she is getting bully all the time

at college

So today at canteen Mary is going to get some food but then two guys came to bully Mary and Mary can't do anything about that but you try to be defensive but then someone said that "how ugly you are and dress style are" try to be more defensive but then someone take's he's juice bottle intruder juice on Mary"s dress. Mary start crying and run to the bathroom but Mary did the big mistake in her life ever Mary forget that she just come in the men's washroom.

Mary (thinking)
come on come on come out

Tyson
Hey!

Tyson
You know this is the men's washroom right?

Mery (thinking)
OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG,

Tyson
Are you lost your...to here for a 'tendezvous' 

Mary
I kind of had a wardrobe maiffunction at lunch and I jump in the first door l saw

Tyson
Good. 'Cause if you WERE have for a hook up
I'd totally question your judgement

Mary
Please

Mary
kissing someone in the bathroom is about us romance us a date in a sewer

Tyson laugh


Mary (thinking)
OMG did I just make Tyson spencer laugh?

Mak (the menace bully at school)
Whoa!

Mak
Is Tyson Spencer slumming it with Lll' ms. Doubtfire

Tyson
Find another bathroom, Mak

Mak
You know what they say.

Mak
Freaks of a feather flock together

Mak
Have fun, you two


Mak left

Tyson
Forgot him. he's a tool

Mary
It's ok. I am used to it.

Mary
Um... Maybe I should go.

Tyson
Interesting costume by the way.

Mary
Costume???

Tyson
For the halloween dance tonight.

Mary's college's principal and coaching centre's principal are friends and that day when the start their friendship that is 29 October that's why they decided to a Halloween party show all the coaching centre's students and the school's students
All coming in the party

Tyson
I am guessing you're.... a librarian or kindergarten a teacher.

Tyson
Those aren't your real clothes, are they?

Mary
Not that I owe an explanation. But they ARE my real clothes.

Mary
In fact I made them myself

Mary (thinking)
Stupid stupid stupid

Mary
But if I WAS going to the dance...

Mary
... Would I see you there?

Tyson
Not that it's any of your business. but night l swing
by...

Tyson
Might be a good place to find an Angel,

Tyson
I've. never deen able to resist them.

Mary (thinking)
OMG I totally embarrassed myself in front of tyson

Police officer
Tyson Tyson where are you?!

Tyson has a stupid stepfather. who didn't ever won the Tyson be happy in his life. his father is just too much rich. That's why give the police man money and right now you know what's going on.


Then Tyson left the bathroom

Police officer
Tyson came right now where are you?!!

Tyson
I am here!!

police officer
Tyson!!!

Tyson
Well. If it isn't our five office of the law and
THE Councilman ademsms. 

Tyson
What're we talking about this time? Vandalims? Police intoxication?

Police officer
Ty grand theft auto

Tyson
Sounds serious

Stepfather
Damn right it's serious

Stepfather
Any idea for my '69 Shelby cobra wound up at the bottom of the lake last night?

Tyson
Well, you of all people know how that crime in the town is...DAD

Police officer
You step dad here just told me that you're turning 18 tomorrow.

Police officer
That means we can finally charge you as an
adult.

Tyson
It's that your way to wishing me happy birthday?

Step father
Watch yourself, Tyson.

Step father
You stay on this route. you'll and up in prison instead of college...
And we both know what this means


Tyson was very shock after hearing everything. he's shock face is priceless

Step father
Your father was very smart to leave you

Step father
Doesn't have to deal with a screw up for a son anymore

Tyson sad

Mary
Wow Tyson is actually speechless

And by the way she is still in the boys washroom tyson in the hallway

Mary (thinking)
Should I help Tyson?I couldn't toward his father is just so much powerful I couldn't do that so sorry Tyson but it couldn't

Step father
No rebuttal?

Step father
Good. That's what I thought.

Police officer
You got you date with justice Tyson, it's only matter of time.

Tyson
Well, tell har I'm busy tonight.

Tyson
Gonna be looking for a beautiful stranger at the dance

After what Tyson sad the police officer and the father I mean stepfather left the college.

That's what is happened the crazy idea what ever you can thinkthis is just crazy idea I ever see in my life or... just watch but before start I want to send you that she could ignore this thing but she didn't why you just ignore that why why why

Out of the college in the bedroom

Mary
Jackson, I need you to use your theater of
Skills to transform me in a beautiful stranger for the Dane!

Then just Jackson laugh for no reasons

Mary
It's not a joke

Jackson
Since what do you go to school dance?

Mary
If it's going to laugh at me. I just do it myself.

Jackson
Wait!

Jackson
I'm sorry

Mary
Ok I forgive you!

Jackson
What's wrong Mary

Mary
I'm just so tired to be me

Mary
I want to transform... Even it's for one night

Jackson
What's wrong with being you?

Jackson
I like you just the way you are

Jackson embarrass

Jackson
I...l.. I mean I like that you're chess club president, scholastic Bow! champion and our future valedictoriam!

Mary
Jackson I'm bullied all the time I am ultimate nobody

Jackson
you're unique and amazing! unlilke those
oafs and bimbos out there

Jackson
Look, all you have to do is survivor another year, and before you know it, we'll be at Stanford together.

Mary
Maybe. But I don't wanna go through college missing out on all the other stuff...

Jackson
Fine

Mary
Thank you, thank you, thank you,

Jackson
But only if we still to go weekenders concert
Tonight night

Mary
Of course we are planning it for months

Jackson
And you need to pass

Next scene

Cleo
Absolutely not

Cleo
No dance no party no Hangout

This is Mary's wicked stepmother cleo. she married Mary's father because he's businessman and she really hates Mary

Mary
Come on my dad let me to go

Cleo
But he is wasn't here now 

Mary
so Cleo that's mean I am telling to my father that you are smooching a postman

I already mentioned you that Cleo is a 
gold digger. She is cheating Mary's dad With the postman Mary so everything ok but she didn't notice and because Mary's dad is on a business trip this is the best time for Cleo to do that and because that was night she thought that Mary is on her bad sleeping but instead of that Mary was very hungry at that time so she come for some food and then she saw that on the living room she told everything to her stepmother and

Cleo
Do you have any proof about that?

Mary
Well not at that time but I have now

Then Mary show that audio record to her step mother when she was facing about the truth

Close
Ok ok ok you can go but I am going to pick you at 10:00 p.m. if you are not outside I am coming in!

Mary
Ok fine

Cleo
Now lucky for you have a perfect costume

a fish costume

Mary
I want to transform myself in something gorgeous not something in disaster

Then Mary change your clothes to that same stupid outfit

Mary
Let's start with wig

Jackson
Wow you are so prepare

Mary
I know

Mary
Jackson I need a really good outfit I want to look like beautiful dark Angel

Jackson
Ok I am going to buy a nice

Jackson
Meanwhile you take a shower

5 minutes later

Jackson
Mary I buy an nice outfit for you just like you wanted now come and where it

After few minutes

Mary
How do I look?

That wes very sexy costume

Mary
What? say something

Jackson
You are looking just wow!

Jackson
You are looking like as beautiful as a rose

Mary
Thank you

Mary
So I am so prepared

Mary
I even got that fake coaching centre paper of selection

Jackson
So you are just prepared so prepared but I hope you act perfectly

Mary
Of course

At the party

Everyone was dancing and enjoying but then—

Jack
Hey who is that?

Alina
Who?

Jack
That girl

Mary is looking so much cool and beautiful everyone looking at Mary

Mary (thinking)
Oh God it's too much for me

Mary (thinking)
They're laugh at me out of college

Alina
I never seen her before

Jack
Maybe she is from the coaching centre

Charlie
Who ever she is she's cute

Alina
Hi Tys 

Tyson
Did you call me Tys

Alina
Yes. Do you want to dance with me

Tyson
You know I am very busy

Mary (thinking)
Time to make my move

To be continued

You transform yourself from outside to beauty queen.
but can you make your bad boy crush fall for the really you?

For a long time after that, I didn't get in a relationship again. I thought that what you don't want to be done to you, you shouldn't do to others. If I can't treat others wholeheartedly, how can I ask others to treat me wholeheartedly?

And if the feelings are not wholehearted, I don't want it.

To put it bluntly, I am a person who doesn't like to play games.

Later on, a woman pursued me. Her name was Yan Qi, very beautiful and cheerful. She was very passionate in her pursuit, my heart was somewhat aroused. After all, I have been along for a long time, moreover, I thought it over these few years, I earnestly thought hard over it and I have properly overcome it. I should be ready to welcome new feelings.

More importantly, Yan Qi was very accommodating to me, and her family conditions were also good. This is good, this time, families are an appropriate match, personalities are a very good match, we should be able to get along smoothly, right?

The result was we didn't.

This time, it only lasted for four months.
　　
After the initial pursuit, the accommodation eventually changed into tolerance when we got into the relationship, her gentleness sometimes came across as weak and an inability to be independent. She required me to report the events of my day to her every day, she was painstaking meticulous, she needed my attention at all times and it was impossible for me. My work did not allow me to, and my personality also did not allow me to. Furthermore, I am a person who likes to be in control, and sometimes Yan Qi had her own ideas and different opinions, but in order to accommodate she will eventually just go along with mine, but was uncomfortable in her heart, and I didn't know.

Then, Yan Qi, who did not receive the "due attention" and "basic respect", was too disappointed with me and after four months of the relationship, it was finally more than she could bear. She accused me of a series of misdeeds and accused me of not loving her at all and said that we should part ways.

I was dumped again.

This time, I seriously reflected and reviewed myself.

I'd rather not be in a relationship.

Romance is a dangerous thing until it is 100% certain. It doesn't matter if I was dumped for a 4th time, but every time those girls who dumped me were bitterly crying so miserably that they looked like the victim, and I seeing this was also very upset. Leaving Qi Yao aside, I also really felt guilty towards Li Xin and Yan Qi. Although I tried hard, I still wasn't able to give them wholehearted feelings. I thought that I paid for it, but thinking back about it, I didn't feel too sad at the breakups and I didn't miss them too much after they left. Therefore, I simply thought that I paid for it, that's all.

Anyway, I've been single since then.

But there were still a lot of women chasing me, I was cautious and never accepted any of them. Lei Feng said that I was once bitten and so twice shy, I think I am not. I actually already no longer care about Qi Yao, but I have learned a lot from my three relationships. I know that when two people are trying to get along there will be problems. I know what my shortcomings are, I just don't want to repeat the same mistakes. I hope I can meet someone who understands this feeling, I only want to be earnest and serious about feelings, that's all.

I really hope that I can fall in love with someone.

On that day, I got off work and met a woman at the entrance of the hospital, long hair, clean and pretty looks, she greeted me. I didn't remember who she was, perhaps some patient that I've treated? Out of courtesy, I greeted her back. She was very nervous, I looked at her some more, and didn't think anything of it and so I left.

Later on, I saw the girl again in the inpatient ward. At that time, I was doing a pre-operation information session with a patient in my office, explaining to them the procedure and answering any questions they had, getting the patient and family signature, and then I looked up and saw her hanging around the door. I recognized her from the time I saw her at the hospital entrance. I thought that maybe she was a family member of a patient, maybe she wanted to consult about her family member's condition?  I excused myself for a bit to the patient, who was currently looking over the operation instructions and documents and then went out to ask who she was and what the problem was. In the end, as soon as I came out, she ran away and ran fast, and suddenly disappeared.

So baffling!

Although she was very strange, I was very busy and so did not worry about her.

Afterwards, I was in the outpatient department and had a long list of patients. I was seeing one patient after another, and later when I called the next name, I paused because I saw the name was Chen Ruo Yu.

I suddenly remembered.

Gao Yu Lan's close friend and buddy, the one who was picking between me and Lei Feng at the same time, and finally, because Lei Feng has a master already, turned to inquire about my relationship status, was called Chen Ruo Yu.

Someone with the same first and last name?

When Chen Ruo Yu came in, I suddenly realized, it turned out to be her!

The girl who nervously greeted me the hospital entrance and the one who ran away from me in the ward was Chen Ruo Yu. So, her weird and baffling performance was to draw my attention? 

 She sat down and was nervously twirling her fingers. I pretended not to know who she was and asked where she was having discomfort in a doctor's voice.

After a moment she said chest pain, then it seemed that she thought this part of the body will be embarrassing, her face showed a combination of awkwardness and embarrassment, so she changed it to shoulder pain.

I came to another realization, she is not sick at all.

I pretended to inquire about her condition seriously. She spoke in a jumbled mess, she was too nervous to speak properly. I really wanted to tell her that if she is not good at lying, then she shouldn't use this trick.

Then I stopped asking, and then simply gave her a checklist of examinations for her to do. She showed a distressed expression about the money. I thought it was a little funny. She was wasting medical resources, shouldn't she pay something for this?

In the end, she gathered up her courage and stammeringly said, "I am Gao Yu Lan's friend."

I know, but I didn't give her a response.

Maybe she thought that I didn't remember who Gao Yu Lan was so she said, "Gao Yu Lan is Yin Ze's friend."

I nodded and said, "Hello." I thought that her self-introduction was awkward.

My cold reaction made her finally sound of the difficulties and retreat to avoid defeat. She turned red and went out with the checklist.　　

This outpatient appointment was the beginning of my interaction with Chen Ruo Yu.

Later, she came for a doctor's appointment again.

Of course, she was not sick, she was just using this as an excuse to see me.

I was very dissatisfied with this behavior. Does she know that she is wasting the time of the patients who are waiting to see a doctor? Does she know that an on-duty doctor's time should be used for proper business?
　　
This time she was still nervous and said that her stomach was a little uncomfortable. I asked her specifically which area she was uncomfortable. She also gave an answer that was all over the place. I was thinking that she was so stupid that every time she didn't properly make up her lie, or that she was too nervous, and so every time she came, she couldn't remember what she had planned.

I was not happy and asked her where in her stomach was not hurting. She nodded and then shook her head. I was really annoyed with her, not only was she wasting other people's time, but she also lowered the overall IQ of all her fellow women.

"Miss, do you have a stomach?" I asked her. She blinked and then finally understood what I said, and then she turned red and seemed to be a little angry with my teasing.

I also blinked, I just teased, I just wasn't courteous to her, how come?

The result of that? Next time when she came back, it was if nothing had happened.



She is the most unusual woman that I have met to stubbornly pursue a man like this. She gave me flowers and said that she was grateful to me for treating her. God knows that I have done nothing except giving her a list of expensive examinations to do, and every time she had on a distressed expression. She didn't go for the examinations every time, and will then come back after a period of time.

She also sent me durian candy. I don't like sweets, and I hate the taste of durian, and she actually gave me this candy. Even if you want to give a man candy, you shouldn't send him such stinky candy.

I really want to ask her: who is your man pursuit coach? Who gave you such a bad idea?
　　
She asked me out, saying that she wanted to meet up with Gao Yu Lan and Yin Ze to chat and have a meal and asked if I would like to go together. I refused.

I had no intention of inadvertently giving her any hints, so she doesn't have even a single strand of a hope of a possibility.

Most importantly, I did not see any deep feelings for me in her eyes. She was nervous, but not shy, and her face going crimson every time was more like an awkward reaction.

There is no love, only courage, this was my interpretation of her performance.

Her eyes clearly expressed, that I am a man that she knows who has good conditions, and so she feels that she should come to pursue.　

That's it.



If it wasn't for Yin Ze, I would have earlier told her some words that would have made her feel so ashamed that she wouldn't dare to show her face again. I think I would ask her, where exactly do you feel that we are a good match? I think I can cite a bunch of reasons to refute her. I also want to ask her, if you don't love this man and you catch him, how can you be so sure that you will fall in love with him later? If you can't fall in love the whole time, what do you intend to do?

Of course, I didn't ask anything. I felt that it was not necessary to deepen my interaction with her. She was just like other women who want to pursue me, only a hurrying passerby. There is no need to be too familiar. I rejected her with indifference, and she ought to understand my meaning. 

But her speed of understanding is a bit slow. From time to time, she would run to the outpatients ward. One day while I was at the outpatients clinic, I came out to go to the bathroom and saw Chen Ruo Yu bent over on the ground looking under the chairs in the waiting room helping an old lady find something. While she was on the ground and looking from side to side, she comforted, "Don't be anxious, it must be near here, don't worry."
　　  
I didn't look much, there were still many patients waiting, so I have to return quickly. However, there are so many people sitting in the waiting room, everyone just simply bowed their heads to look around them. Only Chen Ruo Yu, this sorry figure, got down on her knees to look under the chairs.

When I came back from the bathroom, I heard Chen Ruo Yu happily shouting: "I found it, I found it, I said it wouldn't disappear, it just rolled to the far back. Auntie, look, I found it."

I went back to the office, knowing that Chen Ruo Yu would come in a moment come in again. This woman, although her face is thick and she pursues a man in a silly way, but her heart is quite good. Should I find a time to talk to her and clearly it clear, so that she can give up on me? Tell her not to waste her time, and to quickly go find the next possible target.

But she didn't show up until the end of her appointment. I felt a bit strange, she was obviously here, so why didn't she come to see me? Didn't she come to see me?

From that day on, Chen Ruo Yu disappeared.



MiraiSaesang's Notes: Hello, I'm going to do my own little ad segment on here 🙈...I'm writing my own novel, "Circumventing Fate" - it's a transmigration historical romance novel, the female lead is cool-headed, smart and hilarious... She isn't an agent or anything like that, She's recent law school grad - so she's bold but not stupid/reckless...she's a quick thinker and a really good talker (Great at talking/BS-ing her way through things, courtesy of her profession of choice 😅) and she gets roped into royal conflicts to her absolute dismay and annoyance and there's a lot more going on behind the scenes but that's the intro!🤗...It updates almost daily LOL...

He is handsome, arrogant and is of the elite class. Being straightforward and brave, she shamelessly pursued him, sending him gifts, flowers and tried to get close to him. She was humiliated when his staff gossiped about her and retreated. Then he rejected her and told her they could only be friends. She avoided him but no matter how much she tried, they frequently cross paths.

Suddenly one day he told her. "I want to be your boyfriend."

What a mess! ! !

Review: This is one of the few novels that I always come back to read, the character development is one of the best I've come across in genre, the characters are realistic, the relationship is realistic, no unnecessary angst...the female lead's growth through the story is amazing, she starts off in a bubble of sorts where she sort of absorbed in her own world, the bubble burst (pretty quickly) and she goes through one of those periods in life where it feels the world is against you and it just seemed like your life is spiraling downwards...she grows exponentially after this and matures a lot, all the while building an interesting friendship with the male lead...the leads are witty, funny, practical and their conversations are just so interesting...that I keep coming back. Please Read!!

STORY CREDIT:  Credit for the story goes to the original wonderful author, Ming Yue Ting Feng...The translation is by me, MiraiSaesang!


~~And If you have the wonderful urge to ever buy me a coffee. Here are the gateways and some love ʕづ•ᴥ•ʔづ♡♡♡ 

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Thank you so much!! (✿^з^)☆

The sunlight streamed through the window made the room warmer and brighter. Eunbi pulled the blanket of to her shoulder and hugged Young-soo next to her on the bed thinking that he was her bolster pillow. Soon she felt something strange with the bolster pillow which she was hugging, because it was not cozy like the one she used to hug every night in her sleep. She heard someone moaned softly next to her ears, and something tightly wrapped around her waist. She opened her eyes by slowly adjusting to the morning brightness of the room, she was startled as she saw that, she was hugging Young-soo not a bolster pillow, his face was just a few centimeters away of her face, and one of his arms was wrapped around her waist. She slowly took off her leg and arm of his body then she slowly un-wraps his arm around her waist, put it on his thigh carefully without waking him, and then she signed in relief.
Young-soo stirred in his sleep, "What happened why you are signing early in the morning?" 
She was startled with his deep and hoarse morning voice; she swallowed the lump of her throat.
As he didn't get any reply from her he slowly open his eyes and looked at her. She looked so startled. Young-soo couldn't guess the reason for her look, "why are you looking so startle, you alright?"
Their eyes met and they stared at each other, her heart was in her mouth, she yanked back her head, and gets down from the bed hurriedly, "I'm…I'm looking startle because I wake up from the horror dream and I'm sorry to wake you up."
Young-soo propped his head up on one of his elbows, "you are such a bad liar, anyways good morning. Every-day in the morning I use to go for jogging, if you are willing you can come along with me." 
Eunbi tucked a few stands of her hair at the back of her ears, "No thank you I don't like to jog." 
He pressed his lips together in line and nodded, "I thought if you come along with me for jogging my parents will be happy to see us together in the morning. That's fine I'll go alone for jogging, you go and have the morning coffee with my mother because she usually haves her morning coffee alone in the garden, she'll be happy if you join with her. And, yesterday I was happy to see you get along with my mom so quickly than I expected, hope she would have said a lot about me."
"Yes she said a lot about you and also the some of your weird characteristics." She said and walked into the bathroom. Young-soo was bemused of what sorts of weird characteristics of him that his mother would have told her.
Eunbi took a bath, dressed-up and went to the living room to meet Mrs. Lee but nobody has been seen in the living room. As she heard the noises comes out from the kitchen she went to the kitchen and asks the butler when will Mrs. Lee haves her coffee. 
The butler checks the time of her wrist watch and replied, "Within ten minutes Mrs. Lee will come out of her room and goes to the garden to have her coffee." 
Eunbi nodded her head to the butlers answer. She doesn't like to kill the time by simply sitting at one place. Therefore, she asked the butler in the kitchen what types of breakfast does Young-soo and her in-laws usually have. 
The butler narrated her politely, "well the young master usually have simple breakfast which is two slices of bread toasts, an egg omelet,  glass of a milk, and a few numbers of dry nuts. Mr & Mrs. Lee used to have traditional Korean foods to their breakfast." 
As she heard the butler's answer Eunbi took the frying pan from the kitchen cabinet, and as soon as she placed the frying pan on the gas burner stove to make the egg omelet the butler stopped her, "we are here to serve you young mistress so please tell us the menu we will make that for you, young mistress."
"It's okay I'll cook," Eunbi replied to the butler and as she was about to switch on the gas strove Mrs. Lee entered the kitchen, and she was so happy to see her daughter-in-law the way she was interested to prepare the breakfast for them. 
However Mrs. Lee doesn't want her daughter-in-law to stain herself so she asked Eunbi to leave that responsibilities to the butler, and she took Eunbi to the garden area of the house to have some coffee.
At the garden, the morning sun where streamed through the branches of the trees, and the chirping sounds of the birds could be heard. They sat opposite to each other on the rectangle six seated wooden patio furniture which was attached along with a colorful embroidered parasol. When the coffee was served they drank the coffee while discussing about the movies which they had watched yesterday. 
After a while one of the maids came and informed Mrs. Lee, "ma'am, the breakfast was ready and the young master has just returned back home from jogging." 
Mrs. Lee asked Eunbi to have the breakfast along with Young-soo in their room.
Eunbi nodded her head and followed the maid to the kitchen, the breakfast was already placed in the dining trolley the two of the maids lifted the dining trolley carefully to the upstairs, and pulled it in front of Young-soo's room. She thanked the maids and the maids bowed their heads in return and walked downstairs to continue their house hold chores.
She opened the room door entered into the room by pulling the dining trolley. She looked around the room he was not in there, noticed that the bathroom door was closed and she could hear the water running sound from the bathroom. She carefully transferred the dishes one by one from the dining trolley to the dining table in the room. When the bathroom door was opened with a click sound she spun her body with a white ceramic plate in her hands. Young-soo comes out from the bathroom only with a towel wrapped around his waist; She quickly spun her body to the other side. He just walked into the walk-in wardrobe, wore navy blue suit with a matching tie, combed his hair in a medium side parted hairstyle, and wore a pair of brown leather shoes. He looked at his reflections in the mirror for one last before he leaves the walk-in wardrobe, and walked near to the dining table. He sat down on the dining chair, and unfold the napkin put it on his lap. She served him the breakfast by filling the glass full of milk from the milk jug, two slices of bread toast, an egg omelet in a plate, and a bowl of dry nuts. She sat down on the chair parallel to him and watches him.
"Aren't you gonna have your breakfast?" He asked her.
"I'll have once you finish having your breakfast."
He took a sip of plain milk from the glass, "I don't like to have my foods alone, so please have the breakfast along with me," he said and served her the two slices of bread toast on her plate, filled the glass full of milk from the jug.
Eunbi doesn't wanted to be mean to him in the morning, she just had the bread toast in an awkward silence. 
Soon, Young-soo broke the silence, "what are your plans for today?"
"I don't have any plans for today," Eunbi replied, "May I know why do you want to know about my today's plan?"
"I just want to know about it, that's why."
Since she woke up in the morning she kept on wondering that, last night how did she end-up sleeping together with him on his bed. Therefore she asked him about it.
Young-soo swallowed the food in his mouth, "last night I carried you in my arms from my mom's room to my room."
"What?" she asked and widened her eyes.
"What happened, why are you looking at me as if I had done some kind of crime?"
"Nothing," she took the glass of milk, gulped down some milk, and asked him, "When are we going to Jeju Island?"
Young-soo leaned forward on the table towards Eunbi, her heart was hammered in her chest. He wiped off the milk froth mustache over her upper lip with his thumb finger which she forgot to wipe it off, "we are leaving to Jeju Island by tomorrow morning." 
She widened her eyes with surprise with his sudden touch; she leaned backward on her chair, and shoved his hand from her mouth, "please don't touch me for unnecessary reason without my permission, because still I couldn't believe the fact that I got married."
Young-soo sat down properly on his chair; he apologized to her, and took a sip of milk from his glass. "I forget to tell you that yesterday I went to your college, met your Principal, and submitted the letter regarding to issue you the transfer certificate. Almost I had finished all the procedures but they need your signature in the college register. Therefore, I'll take you to your college in the afternoon so you get ready before I arrive."
"No thank you, you carry on your work; I'll go by myself to my college and I feel like I wanted to meet my parents. So after collecting my certificate from my college I'll go to my home." Eunbi replied.
"Alright, I'll ask one of our chauffeurs to take you to your college," Young-soo had one last slice of bread toast, wiped his mouth with the help of the napkin, took his office bag, bid her bye, and left the room.

Yoon Eunah was engaged with Lee Young-soo by their parents. But the marriage didn’t go as it was planned.
Faced with Eunah’s absence. Eunbi, her younger sister ended up marrying Young-soo against her will to save her parents pride and self-esteem.
Neither her’s nor his parents came up with a plan of involving Eunbi and Young-soo into the marriage. It was full and fully planned by Young-soo, he emotionally advice Eunbi by using her family weakness as his strength to get her acceptance to marry him.
Eunbi was suspicious of Young-soo’s plans for marrying her whether, did he married her for revenge? (or) did he married her for her wealth? 
What will happen when Eunbi finds out the real reasons why Young-soo has married her, will she forgive and accept him as her husband and lead a happy life?

Laurel took her mum's call while entering the bathroom in a big tee and panties. She dreaded her phone calls, she always wanted something. She never called to check on her or ask how she was doing, but always for something. That is what her relationship with her mom had become.
"Hello, mother." She answered, frowning her face while at it.
"Hey Laurel! I have some news." She always hated the way her mum pronounced her name. Oh maybe she did because her mum was the only one pronouncing it like that. Her mother had a way of lengthening it that just sounded so snobby and unreal.
"What's up?" She asked with no emotion at all.
"Your sister, Iris she recently graduated high school with very good grades. High GPA , yes. It actually seems like she has a high chance to get into a good school." She could tell by her mum's tone that she was so excited. It hurt Laurel because her mum never sounded like that with anything she achieved in life. Not that she had achieved a lot, anyway.
"That's great, mum. I'm actually really proud of her." Laurel said truthfully.
"Yes, yes we all are. Now you know I'm very passionate about all my children reaching somewhere and there is nothing I want more than Iris continuing her education." Her mother led on.
"Okay." she didn't really understand why her mum was still going on about this. Was she just trying to throw it in her face.
"Yeah, now she's still looking up a few colleges and seeing where she can apply. Nothing too expensive, don't worry." Her mum went on.
"Uhm, o-okay. Why would I worried?" Laurel nervously said, catching her reflection in the mirror.
"Because honey you're going to help out. We know you work very hard there where you are and we appreciate all the help you send us back here but you know that the small jobs we do here can't support a college student." She said so calmly as Laurel just watched her blank expression in the mirror.
Of course it can't support a college student that's why I didn't go.
"You want me to pay Iris's college tuition?"
"Why are you saying it like it's a bad thing? Do you not wish well for your sister?" Her mum answered.
"No, of course I want what's best for her but it seems unfair. I didn't go to college, now you want me to pay for hers. Do you think I make a fortune?" She yelled through the phone. She couldn't keep in her frustration any longer. She hadn't been about to get a job for a month now.
"Oh darling, we both know whose fault that was. I told you if you managed to work hard and get a scholarship you'd go to college but that didn't happen. That's why your father and I did everything so that you don't end up a failure. We raised money, we moved you there you got a job. You have to be thankful for what your family has done for you." Her mother scolded, sounding very angry.
"By paying for Iris's tuition?" Laurel voice was short of breath, she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Yes, just because things didn't go well for you doesn't mean Iris has to suffer the same. At least let's someone in the family with a college degree." Her words were so sharp as though she wanted them to go straight to Laurel's heart. Which they did.
"But-" She was going to tell her mum she hadn't had any luck getting another job in the past four weeks. "But you know I can't afford that. College is very expensive."
"Sweetheart, you are not listening to me. Of course I don't mean take her to Harvard. She is going to get into a nice college that you can afford."
"Then you are not listening to me... "
"What? It's okay I can just go tell everyone that Laurel couldn't help out her family because she is jealous of her sister getting something that she failed to do." Her mum retorted.
"No, mum don't do that. I'll see what I can do." she asked slowly, already regretting it.
"That's great, honey! We are going - " Laurel cut her mum off by hanging up. She was tired of the phone call but also got that awful feeling in her stomach that she was about to throw up. She quickly ran to the toilet and let it out.
"Hey, are you alright in there? It's high time you get whatever that is checked out. I'm seriously tired of hearing you puke your guts out. I'm worried," Her roommate knocked on their shared bathroom door. "Plus, it is not a good sign."
"I'm fine, I was just on a call with my mum. That's why I took so long in the bathroom." She said as she walked out of the bathroom to her bedroom.
Ivy didn't say anything and just followed her to her bedroom. Laurel was stressed thinking about the conversation with her mum, her current employment status and whatever it is that is making her sick.
"What you doing? Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked Ivy who was just standing there.
"I don't think anything is wrong with you." Ivy suddenly said, making a very innocent expression.
"Okay, one minute you're worried the next you're like nothing is wrong. Gosh, make up your mind!" She walked swiftly to her bed and collapsed on it.
"You are sick every morning then the rest of the day you're just fine." Ivy pointed out. "Until you randomly puke again. No other symptoms."
"Yeah, so? I mean I also get really tired these days. What's your point?"
"It's morning sickness I think you're pregnant."
Laurel paused for a second then laughed. "That's impossible!"
"No it's not think about it. Didn't you sleep with that guy you left the club with a few weeks back?" Ivy crossed her hands over her chest.
"Well yeah but his like stranger, I didn't even get his name."
"Did you use condoms?"
"Of course we did, I can't s-sleep with some guy I don't k-know and not protect myself." Laurel shuttered as she spoke not quite remembering the events of that night.
"Okay, condoms are not reliable. When was your last period?" 
Laurel went numb and stopped moving for a moment. She didn't remember and if you don't remember then your probably late.
"I'm just saying it wouldn't hurt to take a pregnancy test." Laurel didn't answer.
She felt her day was just getting worse and worse but now she couldn't stop thinking about it. Ivy could be right, it does make sense. But boy did she wish she was wrong, she can't have a baby not now. Or ever! That really wasn't in her plans.
"You know you could get it on your grocery run today." Ivy left the room when Laurel wasn't saying anything.




-




Laurel got everything she needed, even tampons just in case her period decides to come after all. She was keeping it positive. She saw the pharmacy and felt her heart skip. She took a deep breath and walked there with confidence.
"One pregnancy test please." She smiled at the lady who gladly returned it. As she waited for the test someone else joined her at the counter.
"Can I please have aspirin." He said in a very deep husky voice. Laurel's eyebrows crouched on how familiar his voice sounded. She was compelled to look over at him immediately. To her shock, he was already looking at her. She sent him an innocent look before quickly looking away. 
Not only did he sound familiar he also looked familiar. She couldn't quite remember where she heard him or seen him. Where had she seen those blue eyes and that black shiny hair. Her test was quickly presented on the table, she threw it in her bag and paid. That's when it hit her, that's when she remembered where she had seen him. He was the guy from the club!
The stranger she left with that night!
Laurel's breath hitched and her eyes grew bigger when she made this realization. This can't be happening, she thought.
She realized she had to rush out of there before he also realizes who she is. She walked out quickly.
"Hey, wait up! I know you right?" His words stopped her tracks. She just stopped, she didn't know what to do. If she continuing to run or walk away really fast it would be weird so she just slowly turned around. Seeing him here in broad daylight appealed kind of differently on Laurel than it did in the club. His hair was bushy like he didn't get a chance to comb it today morning. He was wearing a suit then but now he was in denim short and rather tight white t shirt. He looked gorgeous. Just like the last time.
"Hey, so this is weird but I think I remember you from the club and we left together and we had sex right?" He said boldly.
"Yeah, so?" Laurel replied plainly.
"Why are you buying a pregnancy test?" He asked boldy.
Laurel kept quiet. She knew that he knew exactly why she was buying it but it's like he wanted confirmation. She stared at him.
"Oh!" She kept quiet.
"Woah, is it m-mine or...?
She was instantly offended, "Excuse me? I don't do that type of thing often. It was my first time hooking up with a stranger. I don't know what type of girl you think I am."
"Oh, right. I'm sorry I assumed that. So you are buying that test because of me?"
"Yeah, but listen I'm not even sure I'm really yeah I'm just running by my roommate's stupid theory and even though I am, I'm not planning on keeping it so you don't have to worry about anything." Laurel explained and watched as his face changed.
"You would get rid of it? I think now we have a problem."
"Listen I can't have a baby right now. My life is already a mess and I-I don't even know your name."
"Jason Culhane," He introduced himself. "What's yours?"
"Laurel, Laurel Edwards." She said shyly.
"Okay Laurel," putting emphasis on her name. "Can you come with me to my car and we talk?" He politely asked. Laurel was quiet for a moment, thinking about where a conversation with this guy could get her.
"Okay fine." She sighed and followed him to his car. They walked over to a black SUV, he got in the drivers seat and she got in the passenger side. Once she shut the door he turned to her and started to talk.
"Okay, this may sound crazy but if you are carrying my child I'd want you to keep it. I'm in a situation right now where I just need to start my own family already. In fact I have been looking into some surrogate agencies, playing with the idea. So if you're really pregnant, it's like the problem is solving itself. Like a sign." He explained and Laurel couldn't believe what he was saying. He wants to keep the baby. Why?
"Well, unlike you, I am not interested in keeping this baby. I'm not going to put my life on hold for you for nine months so you could have a family. I don't even know you. Can't you do it any other way meet a girl fall in love." She suggested, quite aggressively.
"I wish it were that easy - "
Laurel cut him off and said "Listen, it's pointless having this conversation if I'm not even sure. I should go."
She turned immediately placing her hand on the door.
"No wait, here's my number you can take the test and call me to let me know and listen to what I have to say please. Before you think about doing whatever you want to do, please let me know." Laurel could see the look in his eyes, he had blue eyes she could remember them well from the club, but in that moment they held so much hope in them. He really wanted this. He presented her with a business card. She looked away from him as she took the card, scanning it as she did. 

-

When she got home feeling like her head was about to explode with all the thought running through. Her mother, this pregnancy scare, that guy. It was all too much. She rushed to the bathroom immediately to take the test and find out already. So that she confirms she is not pregnant so she can go back to looking for a job and figure out what to do for her sister.
Suddenly, standing in the bathroom with the test in her hand, she grew nervous. She got her phone and dialed a number.
"Hey, I just had the craziest day. I went to buy a test and guess who I met?" She said into the phone to her roommate Ivy while pacing on the bathroom tiles.
"Chris Hemsworth?" Ivy joked.
Laurel rolled her eyes before answering, "This is serious. I met the guy from the club you know the possible father of, yeah. That's if I'm even pregnant."
"What!"
"He saw me buy the test and everything. He wants the baby. He gave me his card so that I call him when I get the results. Isn't that weird?"
"Well, have you taken the test?"
"No, I haven't gotten to it yet. I just can't do it alone. I think I need you here with me. I'm nervous."
"Oh sweetie, I'll be off at four and right home."
"See you then." She sighed. "In the meantime I'll find a way to distract myself."




-



Laurel was currently seated on the toilet seat with Ivy on the bathroom floor. She had peed on the stick and just they were waiting for the two minutes but she could swear they were the longest two minutes of her life. God knew how much she wanted it to be negative. She believed it in her gut that it was negative. She couldn't have a baby right now.
"So, how did he look?" Ivy asked, trying to break the tension.
"Honestly? He looked better than the last time I saw him. Or maybe I was just drunk then but he still looked good." she answered, recalling their encounter outside the supermarket.
"So are you going to call him? I mean with the whatever results you get." Ivy asked.
"Yeah, I think so. You should have seen him Ivy, he looked like he really needed this but also if it's positive I can not have a baby right now. I'm just so confused by everything." She buried her face in her palms.
There was silence for a while and Laurel was doing her best not to look the direction of the test.
"Laurel." Ivy said her name calmly, and there and then she knew the two minutes were done and Ivy had looked at the test. She took a deep breath and looked as well.
Positive!
"No! This can't be real. I-I don't want to but I can't raise a child. I've been out of a job for like a month. My mum called this morning and in someway made me think if I didn't pay my sister's college tuition I'd be the worst daughter and sister." Laurel sobbed into her palms. "What am I going to do?"
"Laurel, only you can know what to do." Ivy said and walked out of the bathroom. She returned with the card. The card that had his number on it. "You have to tell him."
"Are you going to call or text?"
Laurel looked up with teary red eyes, "I'll just text him a picture. Can you do it for me."
"Okay." She nodded.
Ivy texted the picture and surprisingly he replied right away almost like he was waiting for this.
From unknown number.
Text me your address, I'll come over and we talk.
Ivy flashed the phone over to Laurel for her approval. She just nodded and Ivy went ahead to text the address and he quickly replied.
I'll be right over.
In fifteen minutes, he was already there, there was a knock at the door. Laurel walked straight to it and opened. Jason stood behind the it, she didn't say anything simply moved away and let him get in.
"Hello, Ivy!" she causally introduced herself.
"Jason." he simply said and took a small look around the small apartment with a certain expression. Ivy skipped the room and let them have some privacy.
"I'm pregnant." She announced as soon as her eyes landed on him. Even though she has already seen the test. 
His eyes were on her, before showing up he had prepared what he was going to say after seeing her in this state, he fell short of words. Her eyes were puffy. You could tell that she had been crying a few moments back.
"I'm sorry I know this child is also yours but I can't have it. I don't have a job, I have responsibilities of my own but I can't add a baby to that. I - I just told you the results because I thought you deserved to know." She told him, her eyes were teary at this point and she was so worried and scared at the same time.
"I know and I understand. How about you can keep this baby as my surrogate. You'll have zero responsibilities. We can sign a contract and everything. Expect that instead of the procedure we kind of did it naturally and accidentally. And as my surrogate of course I'd pay you basing on what one they makes. You can sort out whatever financial problem you have. When a contract is signed and the baby is born you hand it over to me and you can go back to your normal life." Jason explained to her. He didn't stop almost like he had been reharsing it for a while.
"It's like I'm selling the baby." Laurel plainly stated. Truth be told she was kind of shocked by that idea.
"Not really, it's like you're doing a favor for me and I'm doing something for you expect it's one check and you do whatever you want with it. Think about it. I would be compensating you for the nine months you are taking out of your life to have this baby like you said. It's better than not giving this baby a chance to live." He was really trying to convince her. Laurel was quite still thinking about it.
"If we sign a contract everything would be legit, you won't have any parental rights over the baby. It will be all me, doctors appointments, cravings everything." He added on, staring deeply at her.
"And much would that be?" She asked, out of curiosity.
"Fifty thousand dollars!" He answered firmly.
"Fifty thousand dollars, you're willing to pay me that much to carry this baby and just hang it over to you afterwards?" she asked in disbelief.
You'll be able to pay for Iris' school.  
"Yes, you'll be like a surrogate and an egg donor at the same time. People do this kind of thing all the time. For gay couples."
"That's a very generous offer. It's a bit too much right now. I'll have to  think about it." 
"Don't see it like I'm paying you, I'm just returning a favor since you are going to help me start a family."

After losing her job, Laurel ends up having a one night stand as a consolation.

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