A Kingdom at War.
A Ragtag trio put together by order of the King,
A Trio of an Assassin, a Bandit, and an Archer.
All criminals made into a group to infiltrate and assassinate enemy’s behind the battle lines, 
Aided by a mysterious figure.
Recognized by one.
Their reason to help a kingdom that imprisoned and threatened them? 
Money, money and freedom.

Dye walked into the room, or more accurately, snuck into this 'bathroom'. In most cities, Dye placed a feature called [Public Bath]. Unlike [Private Bath], [Public Bath] was open to all players, even those who didn't have their own residences. Because people would rarely stop to take a bath, even with this feature, Dye added a benefit for taking a bath : gain EXP by drinking wine. 

Inspired by a game, she placed a wine selling stall near the bath's enterance. The caretaker of the stalls in each place were different, and the wine in each location differed from each other as well. Dye, although she didn't bother with food descriptions, was extremely picky about wine. She took a whole day just to describe each wine, and she did her homework as well. Each location would have different wines. For example, in a Japanese based City, the wine would be Soju or Sake. Each wine had their own characteristics.

Vrenze City was an Italy based city, and so the wine was Italian Grape Wine. The wonderful scent wafted past Dye's nose and her heart pounded at the scent. She was grateful for creating such a wonderful wine...

Though, that wasn't the reason why they were there, and so, Dye immediately looked at which tub the second prince would take a bath in. Although [Public Bath]s were public, the players still had to buy a tub slot. Thankfully, it wasn't the game world, where Dye extorted huge sums of money from the players.

Said person was rubbing her own nose in shame.

This bath wasn't that big, only available for thirty players. In the game, the baths had unlimited tubs, but the players needed to go through a portal array (and pay again) to get there. Simply saying, all the money were worth the experience.

The hot water exuded some steam, blocking a bit of Dye and Ynoir's vision, but the lighting wasn't bad so they could still see the prince's silhouette. Avoiding said person, they crept over to one side of the bath house. This side had lockers, indicating that it was where they store their towels and other bathing essentials.

Only one locker had some bathing essentials put in it, and to Dye's surprise, they were pink coloured. One should know that Dye didn't discriminate the colour pink but...in the game, men's hygiene essentials were green coloured, and female hygiene essentials were pink coloured (apparently hygiene is also a thing in Hyouka. Though, why people rarely go to the bath house is because they can do it anywhere with a large amount of water : river, lake, pond, etc). It was surprising to see females' hygiene essentials...and a male consumer.

A soft husky voice continued humming as he washed himself off. He was worthy of the title 'prince', just look at his body structure! He was so lean, and not too muscly. One could also see his abdominal muscles.

"Are you into those type of bodies?" -Ynoir

"..." -Dye

Ynoir didn't know why he was worried that Dye actually liked the prince...

It wasn't even his business to take care of in the first place. Dye only saved him, and he would do his utmost to repay her. A life for a life, he felt that it was fair. He would help Dye in whatever conquest she had, and she...he didn't expect her to do the same.

He didn't want to ask for more from her. Although, he was unfamiliar to this foreign feeling that wormed its way into his heart.

Not long after, a small shriek was heard.

"Molesters! Molesters!" A high pitched voice, contrary to the low husky voice they heard earlier, lmost broke their eardrums.

Thankfully, Dye had erected a sound barrier beforehand, preventing the shriek from escaping.

Was he really the second prince? Why did Dye feel as if he was a young virgin lady instead?

Liang Feifei, a fifteen years old young programmer, tried making her first game called The World of Hyouka. She somehow made some error in her coding judgement and got sucked into her own game.

Oh well, she could choose her own name and class...

But why is she titled as 'Master of All'?

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"The rules are as follows. No back talk or disrespect, especially when it comes to the staff. You will need to keep your grades up at Asheville High. We expect to see A's and B's only. If any of your test grades are lower than a B, you'll need to bring them home for one of us to sign."

Ella May went on to list rules that were pretty common for foster homes. Lights out at eleven. No others allowed upstairs. Keep your hands to yourself. Don't take anything that doesn't belong to you. All standard rules. Then, as if it were just another rule, she said, "And never, under any circumstances, are you to go up to the third floor."

Immediately, a strange tingle went through my body. If she had never mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have given the third floor a second thought. But now it was mysterious. Forbidden. Tempting. What could they possibly be hiding up there that would be so important to protect?

"Let me be completely clear about this. If you are ever found breaking any of the rules we've talked about today, you'll be expelled from Shadowhall without a second chance. Do you understand?"

I nodded.

"And from what your case manager said on the phone when she called last night, you'll go straight from here to the detention centre in Atlanta. You seem like such a sweet boy. I would hate to see you end up at a place like that."

I didn't want to see myself end up there either. Juvenile detention was like a jail sentence. Not to mention that going there for my last few years of high school would kill my chances at ever getting into a good college. I had to make things work here, no matter what. That meant putting whatever was up on the third floor out of my mind. Not to mention whatever had happened with Mrs Shadowhall's teacup. I told myself it was nothing – that it couldn't be the same thing that happened to me when I got angry- then followed Ella May through the first floor of the house.

Shadowhall was even bigger than it looked from the outside. The large staircase split the floor in half. On one side was a formal sitting room with a big brick and tile fireplace. Heavy gold drapes hung in the windows and the antique furniture looked ornate and expensive. Ella May told me that the sitting room was only used for formal meetings and sometimes for special occasions.

Behind the sitting room was a formal dining room that held a long, shiny table and ten matching chairs. Against the wall, a china cabinet held beautiful bone china, crystal champagne flutes and silver serving trays. A sparkling chandelier hung above the table and a pretty stained glass window sent colourful light dancing across the room.

"Is this where we'll eat everyday?" I asked. I had never even been in a room so immaculate and fancy. If I had to eat here, I'd be scared of messing something up.

"No. Usually we all eat at the table in the kitchen. It's a little more casual and laid back in there. But on nights when Mrs Shadowhall joins us, she prefers us to eat in the dining room."

I wondered how often that actually happened. Hopefully not very often. The old woman had completely creeped me out. If at all possible, I planned to avoid her.

The kitchen ran along the back of the house. It was a huge room with lots of large windows that bathed the room in natural light. A large oak table with a scarred top and six mismatched chairs took up a large part of the floor on one side, while the other side held the main area of the kitchen. The cabinets were painted a butterfly yellow that gave the whole room a happy, cheerful feeling. So far, it was my favourite room in the house.

"Shar Griffin is our cook here. Shar, this is Casper, our newest resident."

Shar was a tall, pudgy woman with super short brown hair. She was cleaning the countertops and barely looked up to nod a curt hello to me. I had never had an actual cook before. At several of the foster homes, I'd been expected to fix my own meals most of the time.

The final room Ella May brought me into was warm and inviting. "This is where the others like to hang out and study or watch TV," she said.

The leather couch in the centre of the room looked comfortable and worn. Fuzzy blankets were piled together in a basket in the corner. Books were arranged neatly on built in bookcases on either side of the flat panel TV. I glanced through the titles and saw a few that actually looked interesting.
A couple of worn desks lined the room on the left side, each holding a cup of pencils, a stack of blank paper, and a laptop. "Can anyone use the laptops?"

"We only have those two laptops and anyone is free to use them as long as they stay down here in this room at all times. There is wireless internet, but you have to get permission to use it," she said.

I sighed. At least there was some link to the outside world here, but it would be a pain to get permission to use the internet every time. I'm sure all my friends in Atlanta would be wondering what the heck happened to me. They'd all get to school Monday and find out that I was moved to another town. Hopefully, no one would know exactly what happened. I'd have to think up something good for the email I sent out, but I could worry about that later.

The rest of the rooms on the first floor made up Mrs Shadowhall's private suite. "Unless you're specifically invited to go inside, those rooms are strictly off limits."

Finally,  Ella May led me up the stairs, down the hallway, and into a room with light blue walls. "This will be your room," she said.

I stepped inside and my mouth opened in awe. A queen sized wooden bed with a beautiful canopy was the centrepiece of the room. One one wall there was a dressing table with a beautiful mirror attached and a stool to sit on. The floors were covered in the middle by a plush rug in dark blue. "Are all the rooms like this?"

Ella May laughed and touched my arm gently. "This is a gorgeous old house. I know you're going to love it here. Mrs Shadowhall is really a wonderful, giving woman once you get to know her. And she's so generous, letting you lot use this heirloom furniture that's been in her family for generations. I trust you'll treat these things with care and respect."

Wonderful and giving weren't the first words that came to mind when I thought about the woman I'd met downstairs, but Ella May had a point. No one had ever trusted me with such opulent, expensive things. It only made it all the more important that I didn't mess up and let my anger get the best of me here.

"Hi neighbour," Agnes said, knocking three times on my door. "What do you think? These rooms are amazing aren't they?"

"I'll leave you two to get acquainted," Ella May said. "See you downstairs for in an hour for lunch, then we'll head into town to get supplies for school on Monday."

When we were alone, Agnes plopped onto my bed. "Don't you just love this canopy? I have one in my room too, but its red instead of blue. And did you see your bathroom?"

I shook my head and she jumped up and went to a closed door on the other side of the bed. When she opened it, I could hardly believe my eyes. "Are you serious?"

In a house with four other kids, I fully expected to share a bathroom. Instead, I had this large bathroom with a claw-foot tub and a small white pedestal sink all to myself.

"Totally. Each of us gets our own bathroom here, which is way cool," she said. "We're responsible for cleaning our own rooms and bathrooms at least once a week. And we have to do our own laundry and stuff. I don't care, though. This is by far the nicest place I've ever lived."

"How long have you been here?" We walked back into my main room and I started unpacking my bag. I didn't have much. Just a few torn pairs of jeans, some T-shirt's, and other essentials. My crimson necklace was pretty much the only thing of value that I had.

"Oh gosh. Almost two years, I guess. Ever since I was fourteen." 

I continued to unpack as Agnes talked about the school and the town and how different things had been for her ever since she first came to Shadowhall. She talked about this place as though it had saved her life. I couldn't help but wonder if it would do the same for me.

When my clothes and things were put away, I stuffed my bag under the bed and walked over to the widow to see what kind of view I had from up here. My room faced the back of the house. Just behind where the kitchen was, a cement patio extended outward. Agnes said that sometimes they had barbecues out back there. Beyond the patio was a garden, and although it looked overgrown, it was still filled with a mixture of colourful flowers and leafy plants. A stone fountain in the middle was covered with deep green moss. Many years ago, it must have been so beautiful out there, but now it was neglected and almost eerily dark.

"What are those buildings out back? Past the garden?"

Agnes peered around me and squinted in the bright sunlight. "Well, the building there off to the right of the house is the barn. I've never been in there, but I guess there's like tools and stuff in there. And back behind the garden is the house where Ella May lives."

Movement near the barn caught my eye, and I saw someone quickly dart out from behind the weathered brown door. When he turned around, my straight heart did a little double time. It was a guy who looked about my age, maybe a little older, and he was stunning. He wore a plain black T-shirt and loose jeans, torn at the knee. His hair was brown and spiked a bit on top. He looked like the kind of guy who didn't follow the rules. Even from this distance, I could tell he was tall.

"I thought I'd met everyone," I said, nodding towards the guy. He glanced around as if to make sure no one had seen him come out of the barn, then started walking toward the house.

"Oh him," Agnes said. "That's Ella May's son, Jackson. Trust me when I say you don't want anything to do with him."

"Why not?"

"He's trouble."

As if to prove her point, Jackson stopped and looked straight up at me. My heart stopped as our eyes met across the distance. Casually, he raised his hand to shield his eyes from the mid-morning sun. Yes, he was trouble alright as a smirk crossed his face. No matter where I went, trouble always seemed to find me. 

I waved down to him and Jacksons face broke out in a smile. He lifted his chin in a nod of acknowledgement, then turned and made his way back to the small house behind the garden.

I woke up to the sound of an alarm clock. Ugh. I hate Mondays. I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. I gathered my essentials and looked at myself in the mirror but what I saw made me jump away and scream like a dying bird. 

What I saw... is nothing. 

What's happening? Am I still dreaming? Don't I really have... have my eyes anymore? I lifted my right hand to try and touch my eyes once again but I stopped mid-air. Am I really ready to know whether my eyes are placed in there or not? 

I rolled my eyes heavenwards. I knew for sure that when I touched my eyes that moment from before, it wasn't there. It was a hollow space wherein endless is the limit but what I'm really confused about is how come I can see everything around me now?

I looked around the bathroom. I can see my toothbrush, my towel, my shampoo and conditioner, I can even see the toilet! I tried to look into the mirror once again.

There's still nothing.

I stared into nothingness as an overthinking session took place inside my head. What the yummy fudge is going on in here?!

With the build-up emotion coiling deep inside me, I stormed out of the bathroom and went to open the bedroom's door. As I opened it harshly, what I saw made me jump away once more and made me scream like a dying bird again.

Why the fudge am I suddenly in the middle of the busy streets of Ginaroli?! What's happening with me?!

That night with Makoto and Rikona happened several weeks ago, and they saw neither hair nor hide of Mayuri as well, a pleasant surprise for everyone. The plans they concocted were going well for the most part. However, it was because everything was going along so well that they became uneasy. They felt the need to get everything they needed as quickly as possible so they could leave.

 They were beginning to grasp the fundamentals of their abilities, and the more they understood, the deeper their comprehension became.
 
"All this profound knowledge that lay dormant in our blood, being unlocked layer by layer. Mysteries are a hell of a thing, aren't they?" Kura was evidently pleased with how far they came. Things such as telekinesis, telepathy, levitation and a plethora of other skills were now opening up to them.
 
In the dead of night, as the chill of the air bites into the skin, the two sisters toiled away in another session of prehension. They chose to discover and hone the extent of their abilities night after night in secrecy. Since they were ones who lived at the compound, when darkness fell, it granted them a privacy that was most welcome.
 
Rikona didn't hear the words of her younger sister; instead, she appeared to be heavily scrutinising her body, opening and closing her fist while she stroked her chin with the other. Sometimes after an apathetic voice escaped her cherry lips.  "You haven't realised it, yet have you?"
 
"Realized wha-…. ah, what the hell are you doing?" Kura looked back at her older sister and was baffled when she saw her older sister inspecting her body as if it wasn't her own.
 
"Our bodies have started to change, everything is becoming enhanced. Durability, strength, speed, stamina all of it, I can feel it. Even the five senses were augmented. We didn't even notice the changes before since we were so focused on everything else.." Rikona was still looking over her body, which seemed as stunning as ever.
 
"So are we going to leave now? Kura asked her older sister with a severe expression on her face. She was obviously aware that physical changes on a genetic level meant that they are reaching the latter reaches of their power.
 
"You tell me, weren't you the gifted one who was able to delve farther within the boundless knowledge that we've been privy to?" That's right, though Kura was younger than Rikona, the younger sister showed an excellent grasp of her abilities and the awakening of them thereof.
 
"Hehehe, sounds like somebody's jealo-" Suddenly Kura's expression darkened, as she shouted with a jolt, "WHO'S THERE!?!" She quickly looked to the trees that surrounded their current location as she was sure she felt a presence. 

The sudden shock also pushed her sister in full alert, as she too looked around trying to see if something or someone was truly there.
 
"Are you sure you felt something Kura?! I-I don't feel anything!"

"I-It's gone now, Maybe I'm a bit too high strung? I mean we have been doing this every night now without rest. How about we head back to the lab, for the time being at least, doesn't make any sense we burn ourselves out to the point that we start hallucinating." 

Her older sister wordlessly agreed with her proposal and slowly started to make their way in the direction they took to get here.
 
After a while, when silence pervaded the area once more, a slight rustle was made when a hunched silhouette moved from behind one of the trees. "To think a midnight stroll would be this good for my health." The moon overhead peeked out from beyond the clouds and shed a sliver of light to show the body of a decrepit old man. 

A stark contrast was that his eyes looked especially fierce while his skin was near grey in its appearance. His hair was white in its appearance and cover his head only in patches adding to his already dilapidated look. 

A chilling smile swept its way across his face as he looked into the direction the girls took.
 
"So they found it, their ambitions have been realised. They found everything and they were planning to leave hehe. Let come what may." He slowly blended back into the darkness, returning silence back to the land; however, there was now an eerie foreshadowing that heavied the darkness, a sign of what's to come, maybe.
 
Morning
 
            The girls awoke in their respective rooms and took in their surroundings, a hint of reluctance flashed across their eyes to leave. After all, this was the place they called home for years. 

Both girls were orphans ultimately, they both received scholarships when they started to show an uncanny aptitude and understanding towards learned material far exceeded their peers. 

After that, they were cared for by the government schoolwise, their academic prowess had them pass through the grades at a frightening rate, landing them at college well before their age usually allowed.
 
            "We've truly come a far way from back then, made a lot of memories here too, but now it's time to leave" Kura looked towards the window half-covered by the bed sheets. The light from the morning sun cast a celestial glow upon her body, adding an otherworldly radiance to the chocolate cream that was her skin.
 
"Hmph, it's the only way we'll be able to truly help mankind. Hehehe Makoto was right, we couldn't help but want to help in the end." She released a wry smile but soon, a strengthened resolve dotted her delicate features.
 
            She quickly got out of bed and exited her room, and saw her sister's movements mirroring her own. They had a feeling that, albeit brief, that they shared the same thoughts earlier, after that, they spent the morning the exact same way. They both got to the bathroom and freshened up before calling Makoto, to let him know they were leaving at the end of the workday and for him to get ready.
 
            "I regret that we only made little headway with those damn schematics we've got stuck in our heads before we had to leave." Kura pouted in remembrance when she headed downstairs with their research and other essentials in a backpack and another bag.
 
            Her older sister downstairs heard her complaints and smiled "Oh bunny, even after uncovering the very secrets of our race with virtually no outside help, you still find it in you to complain. Should I just commit suicide at this point?"  

Rikona jokingly responded and walked up to her sister before flicking her on the forehead. "Stop griping and help me get the rest of the research from the lab."
 
            They were all but ready, after all, they had already gotten information on several locations all over the globe that could point them towards others that may or may not share their traits. Though it was not exact, it was better than running around blind.
 
            The time quickly came upon them as a twilight draped across the land. With several bags in tow, they hurriedly headed towards the entrance. Exélixi was located within an undisclosed location somewhere in Japan. 

Each researcher that worked there were blind-driven to and fro every day. This ensured that its location remains secret, after all, a facility focusing on cutting edge earth-shattering research that included but was not limited to biological augmentation would surely be under the watchful eyes of those it would rather not be.

In any case, the girls were all but ready and were now calling their last companion so that they could leave this place behind.

Beep beep beep.

"Hrmh, that's odd why is Makoto not picking up?" The busy tone in Rikona's ear gave her a feeling that all was not right.

"Let's try heading over to where he is, I mean, what's the worst that could happen?" Kura said after a while

No one would hate that phrase as much as Rikona would after they had left.

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In the year 3031, technological advancements had moved forward by leaps and bounds. Humans, as always, are revelling in their achievements. However, what if, in this world that we live in, there were humans farther along the evolutionary path? Watching us, living among us, possessing abilities that were near god like in their display, power that posed a danger to those that wield it. Taliums are the names given to these gifted ones. They are policed, observed and recruited under the watchful eyes of The Organization.

Yet as the emergence of Taliums are kept under wraps by the enormous influence of The Organization, it serves another purpose. Locating, containing and destroying the Blites, , monstrous beasts that exist in this world. The one thing able to truly harm a Talium. They are a danger shrouded in mystery. Where did they come from, is there a greater danger on the horizon? If so, what is their purpose, what is their goal?

Kia, Lanzo and Gero are social outcasts among their peers, until they find themselves thrust in this group hidden from the public eye. But just when they think that this is where they belong, they learn that even here they are beyond the extraordinary. Why?

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As soon as the bus stopped, he got down and saw a familiar scene. Every place he'd been visiting from when the news of the floods was aired on the radio and television, had the same relief camps, medical camps, food distribution centres with the Army and Police personnel taking care of them.


Every district, every village had similar scenes. People losing their entirety. By now even he had got used to seeing them. He could only sigh in pain looking at the condition of the people.  Some had lost their family members. Some of them had their families but nothing else left. The floods affected everyone alike: rich, poor, old aged, children, women, men, animals, trees all were affected without any discrimination. The scenes were heart-wrenching


This was the last district this man was travelling. After trying here for one last time, he thought of leaving to the capital. 


He got down and directly went to the army personnel in charge of the missing people.


He introduced himself. "Hello Sir. I'm Virat. I'm from A city. I'm doing my final year Engineering in Electronics and Communication in B University."


The officer held out his hand and said, "Hello Virat. That's one of the famous Universities of the country. Tell me Virat what brings you here?"


Virat replied, "My fiancée Maya, has gone missing sir. So I've come here to check the registrations at all the camps. This is the last district and the last camp I'm checking on."


The officer replied, "Sir, we've been getting too many registrations everyday. Plus the numbers are increasing. Some people are stranded. Some people need help in rescuing. Some are in medical camps. Some even dead-"


He was left hanging midway when Virat interrupted which was almost like he was shouting., "No sir! My Maya is alive. She is alive." He never once wanted to think that she was harmed to death in the floods.


"No Virat. Please control yourself. By this, I understand she's a very important person to you. But I'm merely telling you all the possibilities. The thing is we are not able to ascertain the exact data or number yet since the numbers are rising." The officer said truthfully.


Virat pleaded, "Sir she's the love of my life. Please help me in getting back to her Sir. Please."


The officer suggested, "Calm down Virat. Now tell me more about her. Let me write down in the register here so that I can check and verify if we've any such entities or I can inform you if we get any future such entries."


Virat snapped out of his emotional breakdown and explained about her. "Sir, she also studied with me in the same college. She had come here for an inter-college youth festival at C University. She was representing our college in this competition. As per the information I received, she even won so many prizes there."


The officer immediately asked. "Then it's best that you check at the university Virat. Because there are less or no chances for her to come around here. This place is a little fall from the university."


Virat explained, "Sir, I understand. But, after the competition, she and her friends went sightseeing for a couple of days. That's how she's not returned back. Their luggage was still at the rooms designated for our college students. They'd  left with just a couple of clothes and other essentials in their backpacks and-"


Just as Virat was answering to the officer, a backpack lying on the pile of assorted stuffs caught his attention. He stood up and walked towards the somewhat familiar backpack.

For him,

She was a mystery...

She was like an ocean with secrets hidden in the deepest corners of her heart.

But he wanted to take a chance to unravel the mystery, dive deep into the bottom of her soul.

He was ready to fight against the world to have her by his side. 

After all love cannot be one of the monotonous things of life..


'Though this is the first ever time I'm meeting her, why do I feel like I've known her for ages?

It feels like I was incomplete all these years even though I've the world at my command. Why do I feel like my soul is ripping apart to see her suffering in pain?' 

He had innumerable questions in his mind on looking at the girl in his arms.

He hugged her close to him and felt like it wasn't just her body that he was hugging the very first time...it was that lost piece of his own soul that he hugged after ages....

He finally concluded, "But for now all I know is, if we both have met at such unexpected circumstances and I've the urge to protect her no matter what, it only means that we were fated to be here together. The universe has surely conspired for us to meet.."



But what about the mystery girl? 



Will she wake up? 



What about her life? 



Does she have the same feelings for him as he does?  



Or does she have a past love too?


--------------------------------------------


Disclaimer: All characters and incidents used in the novel are purely fictitious. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. 

The story basically revolves around romance. It's an  emotional roller-coaster and an easy going plot.


PS: This is the first ever time I'm trying my hand at writing something. Please support me and I'll try to give in my best. 

Image Credits: I don't own this cover, I found it on Pinterest images.

As days passed by Ema is excited and sad that she will no longer will work as a part-time in the company. Also at the same time Ema still struggle to find friends online that she can trust. Mostly that she can see online is having an experience that they willingly share online. There are a lot of photos being shared nude by the people around the internet. "Hm, what happen to humans these days. They have gone mad and sharing nude photos of themselves." said Ema disappointingly while scrolling down the website for more posts to check randomly on her account. But suddenly she got hold again of the account of Daniel. Daniel's account is having a lot of pictures of him during his travel all over the world. Ema have spent most of her time on Daniel's account and checking every posts that Daniel shared.

"Hm, Daniel is quiet an adventurous type of guy and also the girl that she will be spending the rest of his life with is so lucky." said Ema dreamily upon looking at the smiling face of Daniel. Ema have downloaded some of the photos of Daniel for personal purposes on her laptop. The crush that Ema have for Daniel is currently growing as she seeks more information online about Daniel. "Ema, are you ready for having vacation before you go off to college?" said Amelia as she walk pass the bedroom door to sit beside Ema. "Hey! Daniel's photo? Really? Having that big crush on him??" said Amelia as she pressure the feelings of Ema. "Mama, I am ready and excited to have vacation with you and papa. Hm, mama stop joking around about the photo of Daniel. Isn't it obvious that I really like him. It's nice that I have a copy of the photo so even if without an internet at least I can still see his face." said Ema lovingly at the last photo that she downloaded.

"Hahaha, Ema darling. Oh! You are cheeks are like cherry when you blush like that. Now ... now... hm maybe I'll share your little crush to Daniel. Eh? What you think?"said Amelia to her daughter teasingly. "NOOO! Mama, don't ever share with him about having a crush on him! That's ridiculous!" said Ema defensively to her mother. Her mother smile at her daughter that she's looking at a child rather than a grown up young girl. She misses her daughter to be childish sometimes. Each time that was not spent with her daughter due to her business have passed already. It is already too late that she have the time but this time her daughter will go to college soon.

"Okay, Ema you can count on me to keep your secret. I hope you enjoy your life at college. Also bear in mind to choose your decisions wisely." Amelia told her daughter the advice that she usually get when Amelia was going to college in her past. "Yes, mama I will be keeping all that you have thought me. I really do hope that I will be as successful as you are." said Ema in an endearing way to her mother. As she go to her mama to give a hug that was worth the while of being spent with her mother.

"So going back to the vacation, Ema you must pack light things only since the vacation will be aan out of town preferably with beautiful sunset on. So have you pictured out what it will be like?" said Amelia to her daughter that still have a bear hug on her. Amelia smiled lovingly to her daughter that will soon experience her own struggles that will come to her life. "Oh by the way before I forget. Ema, this is something I get for you. This is a journal where you can write your thoughts on it and by time it will be a start to see you life unfold." said Amelia to her daughter as she held out the journal to her daughter.

"Thanks for this mama, I will surely love to write down whatever happen to me and at the same time have a look at the times that I treasured most. By the way so the vacation that we will have soon is on the beach then, eh? But I bet it is far away. Hm?" said Ema testing her mother to spill some info for the upcoming vacation. " Hahaha, Ema my dear. You will surely love the place as this is a parting gift in a way for you from us. Hope your father have not overdo it. He surely put his thoughts to this family vacation that we will soon have." said Amelia to her daughter giving her some space to think and as she went for the bedroom door to leave.

"Ema , again just pack lightly. I mean it and don't bother to pack so much things. Just enjoy and have a light package with you. Will you?" ask Amelia in a concern tone to her daughter as she knows her daughter that loves to pack everything. It's like getting the entire closet on vacation! Which was totally bizarre, Amelia smile to her thoughts as she left Ema's bedroom. As her mother left the room, Ema was left alone thinking what is the possible things to bring. She get a piece of paper to write down the necessities and the outfits on mind to bring with. 

So Ema have make a list for what to bring for a vacation possibly a beach that was on her mind:
1. Swimsuit
Perhaps one of the most essential things to pack for beach vacation as Ema been searching for at least five sets.  

2. Swim Cover Up 
Also, when packing for beach holiday, you will need of course a swimsuit cover as Ema is checking every swim cover up she have for her five sets of swim wear that she set aside.  Ema is thinking to herself and considering the possible scenery that she might went into. "This is perfect for wearing down to the beach, but you might prefer a sarong as you can also use this to cover your shoulders or legs if your visiting anywhere that has temples or monasteries." said Ema as she chose some decent cover up and some few are sexy.

3. Shorts
"I will bring 2 to 3 comfortable pairs of shorts for wearing down to the beach or walking around town." said Ema in an excited tone as she pictured out what she will do.

4. Tank Tops 
"Hm, maybe I will only need around 3 tops which I can mix and match with my shorts." thinks Ema to herself.

5. Dresses 
" Hm, I think my parents will have an evening night so I will prefer wearing dresses over shorts, I will just bring 1-2 casual sun dresses." comment Ema to herself and picturing out the past formal dinner that she have with her parents.

6. Pants and Jacket
"Hm, If the nights will get cold, I will bring a pair of pants to keep warm and I may also need to bring a light jacket in case it gets a bit cool or windy at night.  A rain jacket may also be worth while if we are going somewhere that often has down pours, particularly during wet season.  Maybe 3 in 1 jackets are perfect as they keep me warm and protect myself from the rain too." said Ema to herself while considering her options.

7. Underwear!
"Hm! Duh! I will bring 2 bras and a pair of knickers for each day. So maybe for a week (7 days) , It comes around 14 pairs .... hahaha just in case I'll bring an extra..." said Ema jokingly to herself.

8. Next will be my footwear....
Flip Flops --- my time at the beach or by the pool..
Sandals  --- for walking around town, shopping or going out for dinner.
Water Shoes  --- At some beach destinations there can be a lot of rocks and coral on the beaches so a pair of slip on mesh beach shoes can be useful items to pack to protect my feet. 

9. Beach Essentials... (Wants)
Beach Hat  --- A big sun hat of course to protect my skin from burning.
Beach Towel  --- Maybe one with microfibres that is lightweight and dries fast. Another reason I like it is that the sand won't stick on it.
Sunglasses  --- it's a must to see through the sun... heat is so coming over...
Water Bottle  --- we all know the devastating consequences plastic bottles have on the environment, so make sure you bring along a refillable water bottle.  I like to have one that won't leak and has a clasp on it so I can attach it my day bag.

10. Bags! .. Hehehe... I literally need it to store my things...
Beach Bag --- to put all my Beach Essentials items in it.
Packing Cubes --- to put all my Underwear in it so it will still be organize.
Toiletry Bag --- to keep all my toiletries in

11. Toiletries ... Hm... I need to keep it simple..
Sunscreen --- a good quality sunscreen to protect my face and body is one of the vital things needed for beach vacation.
Make Up --- personal choice but I will bring whatever I might need for a night out with my parents..
Moisturizing Cream --- some moisturizing cream for my face, eyes and body, the sun and sea tend to make the skin dry.
A Razor -- for my unwanted hair...
Shampoo and Conditioner --- A small travel size, enough for one week is plenty.
Body Wash  --- i prefer to bring my own although I find some free items to one of our recent location...
Toothpaste and Toothbrush --- Duh! Brush my teeth after meals and before going to bed...
Hair Brush and Hair Ties -- for my messy bun to be control...
Deodorant --- It can get very hot in the sun, so I won't want to forget this one!

12. Electronics
Mobile Phone --- mobile phone so I can keep in touch with social media. Especially stalking my Daniel!
Camera --- take plenty of photographs for my memories. 
Memory cards --- one for the camera and one for as a backup!
Travel Adapter --- may need to bring a plug adaptor
Headphones --- listening to music or streaming movies on my phone whilst lying by the pool or whilst traveling
Chargers / Power Bank  --- various chargers I need to keep my tech gear charged and I bring a charger to keep all of my electronics fully charged throughout my trip

Looking at the lists that Ema made for herself, she is satisfied that she will definitely have a good time. As far as Ema is concern this is the minimalist that she can get to pack her things for vacation as she smiled and getting on with the things on the list to be ready.

The Life as we know it. People have shared stories throughout. It might not be perfect for some but still it is life worth living for. Some people have a perfect life but are they happy?

As soon as Xia Ning went out of the bathroom in her nightgown, she saw Qiao Yu sitting on the sofa playing with his cell phone. She showed surprise, for she did not find him enjoying playing with his cell phone before.
Now it seemed that everything changed. Frankly speaking, he seemed to be more like a present-day young man.
Being aware of her movement in the room, Qiao Yu turned off his cell phone, stood up, and said to Xia Ning, "During your bath, your cell phone rung many times."
Xia Ning nodded with an instant flicker of emotion in her eyes, "Thank you." Saying so, she went straight to the bedside table to pick up her cell phone.
"I'll go and take a bath too." Qiao Yu passed her, took his gown and entered the bathroom.
Xia Ning turned to see Qiao Yu's back and then looked at her cell phone on the table with a flash of light in her eyes. He did not touch her cell phone.
In the bathroom, Qiao Yu did not have a bath immediately but calmed himself down instead.
Just now, he walked towards the bedside table but stopped midway to return.
He preferred to ignore the name rather than see it and get angry and jealous. He was afraid that he could not control himself like last night.
He did not want to irritate her, nor did he want to add a layer of ice to their originally unstable relationship. So, he forced himself not to see it and not to care about it.
She seemed to open the door to the balcony to make a call.
As soon as Qiao Yu turned on the water heater, the sound of the rushing water covered all the voices outside.
Xia Ning stood on the balcony with Jin Yan's soft voice in her ears.
"Ke, why did you suddenly go to Qiao's house?"
Xia Ning's eyes slightly fell. Jin Yan had always been like this. Although he was questioning, his mild tone hid it completely.
"Jin Yan, there is something more complex than I thought. There is an emotion I cannot let go."
"Do you still love Qiao Yu?!"
Xia Ning slightly curled her lips. Why did all the people around her like to ask this question?
"Life is not only about love."
When she was young, she did not understand this, because she could only find love. Except for love, she was helpless in establishing either friendship or relationship with existing family members. Or, she did not want to make an effort, because she could not help feeling disappointed after seeing the essentials of many things.
This was also the reason why she gave up on love, for the love she expected was not as good as what she had imagined.
"Ke, you are making it hard on yourself."
Was she making it hard on herself? Xia Ning looked upwards and saw that the moon was a little round today. She said in a low voice, "No, I'm not making it hard on myself. I've already received the most precious gift in this world. The past resentment is now gradually fading away. I'm grateful to God."
"Ke, I understand you. But you don't love him! You'll suffer afterward!"
Xia Ning closed her eyes without a word. This question was not in her mind at all.
While Xia Ning came in after the call, Qiao Yu stepped out of the bathroom.
Seeing his naked chest and undefined abdominal muscles, Xia Ning turned her head uneasily.
Qiao Yu looked at her clothes and frowned, "Why didn't you wear one more garment? What if you catch a cold?"
Xia Ning paused. Looking at her thin nightgown, she nodded, "I know."
Qiao Yu went to the air conditioner control panel to raise the temperature in the room and turned to say to Xia Ning, "Lie down."
"…" Xia Ning frowned, standing still.


Three years ago, President Qiao did not hesitate to sign the papers when Xia Ning placed the divorce papers in front of him.

Three years later, she is an up-and-coming star in show biz; watched by the public but knee-deep in scandals.

He is a resolute emperor in the business world; powerful and omnipotent.

Their paths were supposed to be separate and independent, but—

Standing at her door, the legendary ruthless and unyielding diamond bachelor asks for a remarriage. A cute bun appears from behind and gazes at Xia Ning with his big, starry eyes. "Mummy, Daddy will cook, I will warm the bed, please take us in."

Reba eyed Catherine appreciatively while she was sitting in front of her in her office.

"Catherine, you are in charge of cleaning the Presidential Suite #1 right?"

"Yes Maam," answered Catherine right away.

"We have a VIP client today for that specific suite, he will arrive in the late afternoon. I want you to clean that room thoroughly, free from dust, change the cover, etcetera and make sure the room is well stocked with essentials, okay?"

"Yes, got it Maam!" she answered energetically.

"We always provide a personal assistant to our VIP clients on suite #1, so this time you will be this client's beck and call the entire duration of his stay, in short, you will become his personal assistant and assist him with everything. Make him happy and satisfied with our services so that he will keep coming back to book the rooms in our hotel and in return he would easily recommend us to his friends and family circle. Can you do that?" asked Reba.

"Yes, Maam! No problem!" she replied smiling.

"Okay good! You can go now!" Reba sends her away smirking.

Catherine exited Reba's office and went straight to the stock room to get her trolly and gather all the essentials that she needed and requested by the room occupants in the 4rth and 5th floor.

She will just clean the Presidental Suite #1 a bit later, probably at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM in the afternoon.

After finishing her rounds in the 4rth floor, she went back to the supply room and get fresh bedsheets, blankets, and pillows that have been recently washed.

She will just change the bedsheet first then carry out some dusting later, at least if the client changes his mind and suddenly check in earlier, he will come to a bedsheet that is super clean. As for the rest, it's not dusty anyway, so she will just slacken for the time being. But later on, she realized that she just can't do that, she needs to clean the room early because it's a VIP client, she can't afford to make any mistakes.

During lunchtime, she and Sherry shared a pleasant lunch together in the cafeteria. Discussing how lucky they are to have given the chance to work in the hotel, the work they have come to love and cherish.

After the lunchtime period is over, she went straight to Presidential Suite #1 and starts wiping the dust from the surface of the furniture, vacuuming the floor, scrubbing the tiles in the bathroom and arranging nicely the throw pillows in the sofa in the mini living room.

Satisfied with the result of her cleaning, she was tempted to lay down in the freshly changed bed, she smiled to herself. She will just doze off for about fifteen minutes and then get out of the room fast, just in case the client will arrive. She turns on the air conditioning system to its full capacity and the room starting to get colder. She gets rid of her hotel uniform, with just her blouse and jeans she lay down in the bed smiling. She wrapped the lavender scent blanket around her body.

Catherine was sleeping soundly inside the bedroom when the client arrived...

John went inside the suite holding the bouquet of red and pink roses, followed by Ramon who holds the pink box with the wedding gown inside.

Ramon placed the pink box in the sofa then he put the chocolates in the box's surface and exited the door quietly to go to back to the parking area and retrieve the traveling bag which contains some of John's clothing in the car's compartment.

John went straight to the bedroom and grabs the doorknob and opened it gently.

There she is! The love of his life, Catherine!

Her lovely Catherine, his beautiful wife, sleeping soundly like an angel in the comfy bed.

John walked slowly to her side, he peered at her face. Her eyes were a bit swollen from crying. But nevertheless, she was still beautiful than ever. He placed the bouquet of roses in the bedside table.

He didn't bother to wake her up, he just let her finish her sleep. He went out of the room, picked up the pink box and the chocolate from the sofa, then he re-entered the bedroom and placed them beside the bouquet of roses.

He decided to take a shower first, he stripped his clothes and went inside the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, Catherine stirred from her slumber...

When she opened her eyes, the things that greeted her vision was the red and pink roses, the pink box and the chocolates in the bedside table. Her brows knitted together, that was never there earlier! OMG! Is the client already here? As in---inside the room? She straightened about to get off the bed, the door of the bathroom suddenly opened and the guy wearing a bathrobe emerged...

"How's your sleep, my wife?" John smiled at her.

"J-John? W-why are you here?" she asked puzzled.

"I just check in today, just to see you," he went to her side and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Catherine couldn't believe it! So, it's actually John the VIP client that Maam Reba was talking about?

John exited the room and went to the mini kitchen to get some frizzy drink in the fridge.

He came back inside the room bringing a soda with him. He drinks straight from the can and empties its contents. Then he looked at her, roamed his eyes all over her body hungrily.

Catherine was already sprawled in the bed ready for the taking. He groaned.

His eyes were now boring into hers. Dark desires flooded his dark orbs. His dick was starting to get rigid between his legs. He cupped his hard shaft and stroke it several times right in front of Catherine while she's watching him. He smirked when he saw her eyes widened.

Catherine gulped back her saliva.

John went to her side and claimed her mouth for a lingering kiss. Catherine moaned. For a few minutes, they were kissing each other fervently as if they have not seen each other for a year. His body fully naked beneath the bathrobe pinned her body to the bed.

"I miss you wife!" then he began nibbling at her earlobe...lingering there for a few seconds, then her mouth lowered down to her neck sucking and licking her skin, she moaned in delight. Her vision darted on the pink box, the bouquet of flowers and her favorite chocolate. She was curious about what was inside the pink box. Her right hand was trying to reach the box while John's mouth ravaged every inch of her body.

"Later wife..." he murmured. He realized that her attention was fully diverted to his presents for her. He needs to satisfy his need for her first. His arousal is already getting harder to contain between his legs.

She tried to reach for the gifts again, but John's heavy built prevented her from doing so. Then she felt his hands reaching down inside her blouse and starts pinching and kneading her nipple, they become hard instantly, hot liquid pool of desire shoots through her belly. John get rid of her blouse, he unclasped her bra discarding it, the moment her nippled was freed from its confinement he gives each twin peak good amounts of sucking and licking which in turn produces loud moans from Catherine's mouth.

John's hungry mouth traveled down to her navel and kissed every inch of her skin there. While his hands were busy unzipping her jeans and took it off away from her body, when all her clothing was discarded, John gets rid of his bathrobe. Catherine's eyes widened upon seeing his rigid manhood protruding mightily between his legs, she gulped her saliva back down to her throat. John smirked at her reaction to his thick aroused rod. He resumed kissing every inch of her exposed skin...down his lips goes on and lingers at the surface of her underwear. Then his mouth starts biting and pouncing on her "V"...not satisfied...he gets rid of her panties and delved her tongue right into her moist core...eating her...illiciting cries of delight from Catherine's lips, her fingers digging deeper into the bedsheets.

"Ahhhhhh....Johhhhh..." moaned Catherine.

Liking her reaction, John sucked at her slick walls sending mindblowing sensation to her body. When his desire can no longer be contained, he parted her legs wide and poised his rigid manhood into her moist core, then he rammed his rod right into her soft moist crotch...

"Ahhhhh...Johnnnnnnnnn" her voice was incoherent now.

John hammered his shaft into her core many times as he can and each time Catherine's moan becomes louder creating erotic music to his ears. He pumped harderrrr and deeperrr into her moist core reaching her G-spot three times, sending her body into an overdrive of mind-shattering sensation, in just a few minutes she reached her climax followed by John.

As the aftermath of their lust and desire starts fading away...they looked into each other eyes full of love and devotion to one another.

"I love you so much, Catherine!" he said.

"I love you so much, John!" she answered. Then she smiled tenderly while caressing his face. "I miss you so much!"

"I miss you too!" he smiled back. He got off her and went to the floor to retrieve his bathrobes and her underwear. John put the bathrobe back on his body and put back her underwear and her bra as well. He takes his time admiring her private parts while he donned back her lacy panties on her crotch and her sexy bra on her chest.

Catherine slid over, cuddling close to him and resting her head on his chest. John wrapped his arms around her back pinning her closer to his body. He bestowed a gentle kiss on her head.

They rested for a while, happy and contented in each other's arm.

{COMPLETED} The twin sisters, Catherine and Caroline, robbed an old ancestral house out of  pressing necessity. Unfortunately they were caught empty handed by the owner himself and his bodyguards. 

To avoid jail time, Catherine offered her body to the owner in exchange for their freedom.

What happened next...?

A tumultuous, intense and passionate love story between Catherine and the owner named John began to take shape in each chapters of the story.

~~~~~

For John, his first encounter with Catherine was embroiled with lust, not proper and wasn't even built on a solid ground. He thought he already lost her. But he nurtured and kept her memory alive in his mind. How many times he was willing to chase the woman he loves?

For Catherine, she met John for the first time in a cruel stroke of destiny. He ravaged her body for two nights straight. But he left a lasting impression on her. He was her first kiss, the first guy she was physically intimate with. But he wasn't even her boyfriend! He was just a stranger that appeared in her life once, but the imprint he left on her body, his gentleness and his generosity was bound to hunt her forever. How long she can deny the true beating of her heart?

In another time their path was destined to cross again...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** This novel is controversial, gripping and mind engaging! But more importantly you will be amazed of one man's enduring love for one woman 'till the very end. It's rare to find a guy who's love for a woman can endure the test of time...

*** The novel contains smut, steamy scenes but done in good taste, lol. Btw. you can skip chapter with steamy scenes, not all chapter has smut theme though.

*** This novel is for Adults only! For mature readers and audiences, lol. Only 18+ above please! Thank you. 

*** If you don't like the novel, please don't bash the novel and the Author. This is a work of fiction, although some of the events and scenes in the story happens in real life...still everything in this story was a work of fiction, please don't take it personally. Thank you!



~My Other novels in this site~

* The Last Embrace~ Vampire Fantasy Romance, 472 chapters, completed.
* Sweet Surrender: The CEO's Second Wife~ ongoing.
* The Tale of Three Sisters ~ ongoing.

Dearest Lirio, 

Months later, I saw you again in the university. At first, nagulat ako dahil nasa iisang school na naman tayo ngunit naisip ko na maliit na naman ang mundo at pinagtagpo na naman tayo. We are in the same department yet unlike highschool, we are too faraway. I seldom see you. There was even a moment when I saw you, eating with Eden Sofia in a fastfood restaurant and I had to order a cold drink to deal with stress regarding my academics. It's really hard for me to cope with the new environment at first but I had to adapt even if it's too much to handle. I am not complaining for being alone but I had these thoughts of trying to speak to someone without hesitation, just like I had with Daisy. There was you, alone on the cafeteria table and all I could do was to glance at you while I'm reviewing. 

You were lost in deep thoughts. Classmate kita sa isang subject. You were too occupied and I guess because I didn't see you with Eden Sofia. I am stressing out also at home when news about my mother came. That she has a cancer. It bothered me when my siblings quarreled about it and I am the one who offered to stop my schooling. For a while. Nahihirapan din naman ako dahil may pagkakataong bumabagsak ako sa tests. 

It was a new experience to me. Lagi ko na lang inaabot ang expectations nila. Ang expectations ko sa sarili na sa huli mad-disappoint lang ako. 

Nakita na naman kita sa cafeteria and it was that moment that I'm tired of all the struggles I had this college. You were alone again, drinking your coffee and reading your book. I noticed that I your smiles were gone. Nasabi ko sa sarili ko, is this a sign of your maturity? But you looked sad. Noah approached you and he looked concern when he sees the expression on your face. Parang may dinadala kang mabigat na problema. 

Pagod na pagod ako at hindi ko na namalayan na nakatulog na pala ako sa mesa. Nagpuyat ako lalo sa mga subjects kung saan mahina ako. Mahirap pala ipilit mo ang sarili mo sa bagay na wala doon ang puso mo. When I woke up, I noticed a  tetra pack of fresh milk on my table. Nagulat pa ako dahil may nakasulat na 'For you, Raspberry.'  Nang lumingon ako sa table mo, wala ka na doon. Nang tumingin naman ako sa nakabukas na pinto. Wala ka na. 

Nagtaka ako. Noong una'y, nakatitig lang ako sa fresh milk. It was almost a year when you didn't even glance at my way. Sayo man galing o hindi ang fresh milk pack. 

Thank you. 

Scarlet 


// 

Dearest Lirio, 

It's been months since I didn't write to you. Na-realize kong parang ginawa ko na 'tong diary ang letter ko sa 'yo pero hindi mo naman 'to mababasa kaya you don't have to mind what I'm saying to you. 

I'm making a salad for my mother when a news broke. Nagulat na lang ako nang malaman kong iniwan ka na ni Eden Sofia. Literally na iniwan dahil nagkaroon na siya ng complications daw sa heart. The second surgery didn't go out well. It's too risky for her and I knew, you were in wrecked. But you are not alone, Lirio. 

Wala na akong balita sa 'yo dahil nagdrop-out na ako sa college to take care of my mother. At para na rin sa sanity ko. I'm too fed up of pressures and expectations and I've encountered lots of failures and drastic adjustments all through out college. Gusto ko ring magpahinga. Mahirap rin na magsimula pagkatapos mong matumba. Mahirap bumangon ulit at magpakatatag. 

You were mourning over her death and I didn't saw you how you went through all of it. Then one day, I was on the terrace and you were sitting on the gutter, drinking a can of beer. Lost in your thoughts then all of a sudden, you're suppressing your melancholic emotions to surface. I knew the feeling when you're suppressing your emotions. It's too hard to hold back your tears. I'm waiting for the moment you surrendered and released the pain you've felt but you stood up and I have to turn my back. Bago mo pa ako makita ay bumalik ako sa kuwarto ko at namalayan ko na lang na umiiyak na pala ako. 

Maging ako man, ay nahihirapan na rin mag cope with sa lahat ng sama ng loob na nagpatong-patong na. I cried of those wasted days I spent when I should have to live my life for myself. 

Pero walang-wala iyon sa sakit na dinadala mo. Ang taong importante sa buhay sa 'yo, may malaking parte mo ay bigla-bigla kang iniwan. 

I want you to let it all out. Take a rest and reflect 'cause it's not really the end of your life. Mukha ka kasing susuko na sa buhay mo nang tingnan ko ang mga malulungkot mong mga mata. It also hurts me to think 'cause there's also a point when I want to give up and ran away from everything. Pero alam kong hindi iyon makakadulot ng maganda. Mas lalo lang akong madidiin kaya mabuting harapin ko na lang. 

Don't hold back your tears. Let out the pain. 


Scarlet 


/// 


I'm buying essentials at a grocery store somewhere near Castillo Heights when I felt someone's presence. Nang luminga-linga ako ay napansin kong nakamasid na pala sa 'kin si Lirio. I was wearing my casual clothes, simple oversize light pink shirt and maong shorts when his eyes traveled on me. Parang matatawa ako dahil parang nakakita siya ng aparisyon. 

Doon ko napagtanto na hindi niya alam na kapit-bahay niya ako. Na hindi naman consistent na kapit-bahay talaga dahil minsan nasa bahay ako ni Lola Alexandra na nasa kabilang village pa. Nandoon lang ako kay Lola kapag pakiramdam kong fed-up na naman ako sa mga sinasabi ng mga kamag-anak ko. Ng pamilya ko. 

"Raspberry?" he asked when he approached me. Tulak-tulak niya ang cart niya na may lamang mga bote ng alak na muntik ko nang ikinangiwi. Obviously, it's for him. 

Ngumiti lang ako nang tipid. Kahit magkaklase kami sa iilang subjects noon ay hindi naman kami nag-uusap. Nagkakataon rin na kapag groupwork ay hindi kami magkagrupo. Nagdr-drift away kami sa isa't isa kahit nasa iisang classroom lang kami. 

"Nakatira ka rito?" Inaasahan ko na ang tanong niya. 

"Kapit-bahay n'yo nga kami. I'm a Luzano." Sadyang wala lang talaga siyang pakialam. 

"Woah, cool. Bakit ngayon ko lang napansin?" I mentally rolled my eyes. Aakalain mong wala siyang dinadalang problema pero alam kong sa loob ko ay pilit niya pa ring bumangon after Eden's death. 

I shrugged my shoulders. "Hindi ko alam." 

Hindi na siya nakaimik nang ako na ang sumunod sa pila. Tahimik akong nagbayad at binitbit na ang eco-bag ko na may lamang mga essentials. Ako na kasi ngayon ang nagm-manage ng bahay since kami na lang dalawa ni Mama sa bahay. Pinauwi kasi niya ang dalawang katulong namin upang magbakasyon sa kanila ay siyempre, gusto niya rin mapag-isa. Kilala ko ang Mama ko, ayaw niyang kaawaan ng kung sino. Kahit pa pamilya niya. She's trying to be okay and I'm trying to, for her. 

I stopped mid-way when I noticed that it's drizzling. Bakit ba kapag umuulan ay natatagpuan ko ang sarili na nasa paligid lang si Lirio? Gaya ngayon, namalayan ko na lang na tumabi siya sa 'kin habang pinagmamasdan ang pagpatak ng ulan. 

"Okay ka na ba?" out of nowhere kong tanong sa kanya. 

Matagal bago siya nakasagot. Ni hindi ko rin siya nilingon. 

"Hindi ko alam." Bahaw ang tawa niya pagkatapos. "Sinusubukan ko." 

"Sa 'yo ba 'yang mga alak?" tanong ko. 

"Kay Noah." He's lying. I know, a part of him is lying. "Ikaw? Bakit hindi na kita nakikita sa university?" 

Umiling lang ako. "I dropped out." 

"Oh." Natigilan siya saglit. "Why?" 

It's my turned to smile. Pilit. "I felt like I still have to rest. From everything." 

It took us minutes to wait for the rain to stop. 

It was that silent moment when we were walking. Meters away and going back to Castillo Heights. There's no words after that and it's comforting when everything seems so quiet and the damp streets and atmosphere added a mysterious feeling on me, thinking that whatever we've been through. We'll get over it. 


///

Dearest Lirio, 

Took me years to write you a letter again. And here I am, I'm able to pick myself again. I'm back to our university and I knew, you graduated already but I saw you with Noah. You've changed. 

The carefree you had changed. It was like seeing a different person. I couldn't see your easy smile or laugh again instead, seeing your serious face while conversing with Noah. You two looked like you've aged for years. 

Pinanindigan ko pa rin ang nasimulan ko na kaysa magsimula na naman ako. Tanggap ko naman at alam kong makakaya ko ito. I still have Daisy beside me who sometimes visited me at the university. Natatawa pa ako sa sarili ko dahil ayokong makatagpo ang landas ni Noah at Daisy matapos kong malaman ang issue sa kanilang dalawa. 

I realized that your personality varies to your life experiences now that you've been through so much in life. Hindi rin naman kita masisisi na nagbago ka na, almost three hundred sixty degrees dahil naging responsible ka na. Malayo sa teenage self mo na medyo pabaya ka talaga. I was once saw you in a Cafe. I am doing my research, hanging our inside the coffee shop for hours and I saw you entered the coffee shop together with someone. Perhaps, a client? Kasi casual ka lang sa kanya. You were a suit and you looked so formidable, that I'm glancing at you sometimes, convincing myself that it's you I'm seeing. 

I was quite distracted and instead of continuing my research, I was observing from afar. Ang businesslike ng dating ng gestures ninyo. You seem to have walls you created since Eden's departure. 

Now, I am writing this letter because I'm done with my thesis. Malapit na rin akong matapos sa OJT ko at ilang buwan na lang magtatapos na ako. 

Funny how it seems I saw how you grow and happened to be the first opposite sex, that caught my interest because of how carefree your character is. Somehow, beneath me, I'm admiring of how you're able to be yourself without caring about how other people see until you've met the girl that changed your life and your views in life. I admit I was kind'a upset about it, knowing that one person had the power over you because of that thing called love. You love her truly, I could see it and there's a part of me that felt disappointed of myself. 

What if you'll take notice of me? Magiging malapit kaya tayo sa isa't isa? Hindi itong tipo na nagsusulat lang ako ng mga letters sa 'yo. Baka naging magkaibigan pa tayo. But I'm on the sidelines, at kontento lang ako sa ganoon. I knew you for too long and believe me when I said that there are little things I knew about you that you didn't notice. How your eyes became red when you're ashamed or angry. That you do some silly things just to make the people around you to be happy, well that was the teenage Lirio. How you became quiet when you're sad. Kapag masyado ka nang tahimik, malalim na ang iniisip mo.  That you're into adventures. Na hindi ka nagrereklamo na pinarusahan ka at naglinis ng Boys CR dahil nakita kang nahuling nag-vandal. 

I like you, Lirio. Ngayon lang nagsink-in sa 'kin ang lahat-lahat. Na kahit pa itanggi ko na natutuwa lang ako sa personality mo. There's a part of me, na hindi lang iyon. Hindi naman ako ganoon kababaw. Bakit ba hanggang ngayon, nagsusulat pa rin ako sa 'yo? The fact na hindi mo naman mababasa. Huli na ito, Lirio. I guess, dito na talaga maghihiwalay ang landas natin. 

This is my last letter to you. 

I hope that I can see the real happiness in your eyes. Again. 

Soon. 

Scarlet 

///

Mga kuwentong sinubok ng panahon. 

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