This is a short about people from earth being brought into an interview with aliens who want to check out our earth.

Maria went back to the company after roaming around for three hours. This was her third time of going in there and she was on the verge of giving up already. She wondered the kind of interview they were conducting for it to take this long. 

Walking absentmindedly into the reception, she bumped into a group of four men and was about to fall when one of the men swiftly caught her, holding her sturdy with his strong arms wrapped around her waist. Maria's body hit against the man's chest and they stood so close to each other. Their appearance was akin to that of a movie scene where the female lead is being swept off her feet by the male lead. The other three men looked on with amusement and that was the exact same scene that Ad-Din witnessed the moment his car pulled over.

He couldn't believe his eyes and robbed them hard before looking again and saw the same scene and his mood skyrocketed. 
He clutched his fist and was about to get down from the car hastily when he saw Maria stepping aside, making her distance with the man more appropriate.
  
Maria flushed and looked up at the man who just saved her from falling. He was a handsome man with brown eyes. Maria opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out and out of embarrassment she pursed her lips looking at the man who was smiling down at her because of their height difference.

'Are you…okay?' The man asked and looked at Maria interestingly and she nodded her head like a kid before turning about to go inside. At the door, Maria turned back and said to the man 'thank you' and ran off.

The man whose name was Monroe chuckled and looked at her retreating figure before turning to his group of friends saying 'did you see that? I think I just fell in love with her'.

'What? Love at first sight?' one of the men asked and Monroe nodded his head.

'Seriously?' the other one asked and looked at Monroe as if he had grown a third head.

'Seriously. Let's talk later, I am going to ask where that lady is going to'. Monroe said and ran off inside.

Ad-Din got out of the car angrily and banged the door before leaving. He walked to the men and looked at them scornfully and walked away puzzling the men.

The building where La-Brande was located at was a big one and housed three major companies. A law firm, Ad-Din's company that dealt with electronics and a fashion theatre that belonged to Calia.

The law firm was run and owned by Monroe Lazzy and those three men were his friends who were also lawyers and owned their own firms at a different locations. They had gathered for lunch and just returned when they bumped into Maria.
...

Maria washed her face at the washroom and walked out towards the interview room. She reckoned it will definitely be her turn once she got there but she was wrong. The unknown CEO had suddenly pulled out of the interview just some minutes ago and she was asked to return the following day for her interview.

'Why should I go and come back tomorrow when we can have the interview today? Please I don't understand?' Maria asked dishearteningly and looked at Paul.

Paul was trying his best to act calm and cool but the woman's question was also the same question he wished to ask his boss. He returned from his doctor's appointment and asked him to tell this woman to go home and return the following day. His boss' mood was very bad so he didn't want to incur any wrath upon himself by asking.

'As I said, our boss who intended to interview you himself suddenly got an emergency call and left. He said you should come tomorrow if you are desperate for the job'. Paul spoke while observing Maria.

'What? Wait. Why do I feel that your boss' behaviour is quite petty and childish?' Maria asked.

Paul wanted to tell her that it wasn't that she felt his behaviour was petty and childish but indeed it was. He was a grown man. If he had an unsettled business with this woman, then he should come out and do it. Why was he hiding and bullying a little woman like the one in front of him?

'Will I be guaranteed the job when I come here tomorrow?' Maria asked.

'Huh?' Paul was startled.

'I asked if I would be guaranteed of the job if I come here tomorrow? You see, I have another interview that I must attend tomorrow. If I am going to boycott that and come here, then I should have some assurance. Don't you think so? Why don't you ask your boss that question for me?' Maria glared at Paul and Paul almost lost his stance.

This woman was quite daring to pose such a question at their boss. It looked like she wasn't that easy to be bullied after all. Paul couldn't wait to find out their relationship and how things were going to unfold between his boss and this woman.

'I will wait for your company's appointment call between the hours of 8:00AM and 9:30Am. If I don't get a call by then, then I will go to my next interview. That will be much better than coming here to waste my time'. Maria picked her bag and glared at Paul before taking the employee elevator this time around.

Paul released a breath he had been holding in for a while and sighed. That woman looked exactly like his boss when he was commanding someone to do something. She even had the guts to set her own time and ask for an appointment call. Wasn't she having just a teachers' degree certificate that even dated back to 8 years ago?

Paul wondered what exactly she was going to do once she got a job at the marketing department. He shook his head and went towards the CEO's floor to deliver the news to him.
.........…
'What? She even dared to threaten me? This woman is still so shameless'. Ad-Din banged his fist on the table after saying that.

'Boss, so what should I do about her request?' Paul asked cautiously.

'What request? Are we here to be honouring people's request? Let her go to her stupid interview and realised how different my company is from that one. Maria Portia Lee. Don't even think you can escape from her sight just like you did 8 years ago'. Ad-Din said.

8 years ago? Paul's eyes widened at the latest information he was getting. So it turned out that his boss knew the woman from 8 years ago? But, why was he so worked up over her? Paul shook his head. 
His boss was a person he could never figure out.

Maria Portia Lee graduated at the top of her class in the University at the age of 22 years.
She landed her first job as a teacher at a prestigious senior high school in their town.
On her first day, she found herself falling for a final year student boy. Been a novice at love, coupled with family problems she decides to ignore the feelings that only grew stronger by the day.
An unfortunate accident leaves Maria Portia Lee running to another city and caused her the highly paid job at her school.

After 8 years, Maria didn't expect that the first person she would see after returning will be the same boy but he wasn't a boy anymore but a man, a man that still made her heart to feel a lot of emotions worse part was, he was now her boss. Their roles have been exchanged totally.

Ad-Din finally found the woman he had waited for for 8 years and wasn't about to let anyone get in his way of making her his woman. Will their love story continue from where they left off? Will they be able to find happiness this time around?

I open my eyes, look at the clock to see it is half past five, the usual time I does get up to prayer and read my bible. I climb of my single bed and prayer, thanking God that I am safe, that have graduated from University of Cambridge, for my roommates who are always by myside. I also prayer that todays interview would be a success that I can be from from this Institution. I also prayer that Doctor Fin would be safe. 
I climb back on my bed and then read my bible, I then take out the crumped piece of paper that Doctor Fin had given me five years and three months ago at St. Michael's public hospital. 
"I will make a place to keep you safe and for us to always be together, for you are Mine and I will love you. J"
I sit on the bed and grab the latest novel I had been reading. I would peek at my five roommates as they would shift in their beds. First I look at Jessica Simmons, she is twenty eight years, formerly from the United States of America. She looks normal to everyone, with her blonde and slender body but she is a fighter outside the institution but a saint inside the institution. Then below her is Maria Fernandez, twenty six, formerly Mexician, a computer genius that looks like a nerd with black hair and glasses. 
Next to there bed is Anita Rosia Phillip, twenty five, formerly Russian, very good with equipments mostly guns but inside the institution a doll that loves to model, with her rust brown hair. Below her is Brenda Franco, formerly French, has red hair and sexy, she designs within the institution regular clothes but she designs weapons outside the insitution. 
Within the institution we are shy, quiet, book nerds, and obeident to everything the doctors and matrons tell us to do. At school we attend our classes and "co curricular" activities, also gym. At the university we are not allowed outside the compound but we was never limited to what we can do inside the compound. The insitute believed I worked as a librarian while the others are in class. Yes, I was in the library but in the underground learning to protect myself and design things. Each of the four taught me things over the past five years, as well as we teach each other. I teach them how to blend in because that was what I grow up doing back in the orphanage and how to survive woth little ot nothing. 
Last year, we were informed that a recent organization was formed and they has paid of our expenses at the Institution and in return they wants to hire us to work for them but we have to go to an interview and pass it. Today is our interview and we cannot mess it up. I trust the four roommates but still not enough to fully tell them about my past or even about the things that may live outside there. I have learned a lot of things to protect myself because Doctor Fin words that humans are not the only things that live out there has made me aware that there are other creatures and Jun was one of them since he bit me. 
I don't know if I ever see Jun again, if I would kill him or even want to be with him. I know how he made me feel and I remember after he bit me how he took care of me. He treated me special like I really mean the world to him. He also felt guilty for biting me and I saw it on his face. It took me years to remember the gap between but still I can't remember them all other than knowing the feeling of Jun being with me and how he tried to protect me. His body was pierced through the chest because he was protecting me, I don't know if he is still alive but I will avenge those who try to kill him. 
A knock he heard by the door and everyone sits up on the bed. The door unlocks from the outside and in walks the matron, a doctor and three nurse. As usual, this is the sign for us to get ready. As protocol, we have to straigthen our beds under the watchful eyes of the matron, doctor and nurses. I get off the bed, takes my bible and place it on the bedside table, with the novel. I then straigthens thr bed, folds the coverlet and place it on the bed. 
"Nurse Drew, Ms. Simmons, Nurse Gail, Ms. Philips, Nurse Fist, Ms. Fernandez, I will take Ms. Franco and Matron Hulk, Ms. Xui." Doctor Jackson says. 
The nurse followed by her patient walks out until I being last follow Matron Hulk out the door until a bathroom. I enter with the matron walking after me, she stands and watch me brush my teeth and shower. She then passes me a towel to dry my skin. I am then given proper undergarments, followed by a navy blue pants suit, followed by a black two inch wedge heel. We exit the bathroom, where I am then guided to the doctor's office where Doctor Hernandez is sitting, she first takes my pressure, sugar, and then she injects me. I am sent out to go for breakfast but instead I am shown another room, in this room there is a hair styles that dries my wet hair, she then combs it into a waterfall braid. 
I am then sent for breakfast where the others are already at. We are all wearing wedge heels, and pants suit but of different colours. Jessica is black, Brenda is cream, Maria is brown and Anita with an off black. For breakfast we are given something simple which are toast, peanut butter and jelly sandwich and orange juice. After breakfast we are led to the reception area where we wait for the head matron to breif us. 
When the head matron comes into the reception area, she hands each of us a portfolio file. "Best of luck on your interviews, if you all past your interviews, the organisation may provide accommodation for you. If you don't pass then you would have to return here and wait until another interview is available."
We are then led outside where a limosine picks us up and takes us out of the city and towards the country side. However, where we are driven is blocked with high security which can only mean that this organization is very secretive and well developed. Once we enter the gate locks, on either side of the road consist of hotels, until we stop at a building that has about five times the size as well as height of one of the hotel. I look to see that it is to the center of all this city.

She is fairy but has grown up among human beings due to being an orphan and are deemed to be weak until she finds her mate which she never knew about.

He is a hybrid, his mother was werewolf while his father was a vampire. He is the next alpha king and suppose to marry the woman his family choose for him until he find his mate in the most unexpected place ever.

Both has evolved to something unexpected one through medication and the other from extreme punishment. 

Life has change for both of them and they are both looking for something.

Author: hello Alonso what do you feel after arrived in this world?

"Hello, hmm from which station are you?"

"I'm from WEBTV"

"what is your name?"

"Greedy_Nastar"

"your name seems familiar..."

"with who?"

"the one who create(write) this world(novel) and me... he was completely Neet, no girlfriend, and suck at the English language."

"Oh, I see... aha ha haha..."

"yeah"

"then please excuse me"

"how about the interview?"

"maybe next time, my body not feeling well... well then aidos~"

¶¶

I arrived in no time, however, instead arrived at Rena and Alicia location, I arrived in a different location. in front of me, there a black haired girl with bloody appearance, her clothes is already tattered casting barrier all the time defended the 3 attackers with black clothes that I familiar with, the same organization who attacked the Vermillion Daughter, the Dark Union.

strange... the feeling from before is not from Rena? and who is that girl? but the feeling I see her is very familiar and something... but yet I didn't remember about her at all..." its not the time for that! I must save here.

I throw three flying knife and pierced their hearts and fell to the ground at the same time... I immediately reached her location, she still casting barrier while closing her eyes even after I killed the attackers.

"oii wake up! the attacker is already dead!"

"wake up!"

maybe she heard my voice, she opened her eyes and stared at me for a while, while a mumbling something I shocked the most!

"Alonso..."
"wha-?!"
before I questioning her, the barrier vanished and she unconscious. before she fell to the ground I caught here...

who is she? why she know my name...

∆∆∆ 

the three Rena, Alicia, and Maria arrived at the shabby house, the house is already in bad shape, hole in every wall...

Maria looked at Rena in shame and apologize manner... "I'm very sorry Rena-sama,"

"first call me Rena, two I don't mind... at least you have a home to return to..." Rena said while thinking back her birthplace... even in that place near The Mother Tree to keep warm the temperature of the kingdom, for Rena that place is very cold, cold than Snow Palace, but one day, there light appeared and warm at the same time... her smile while says "onee-chan" to her. she willing to do anything for her and protected her... when she remembered she still in the comato States, her eyes reddened...

"mama what's wrong?" Alicia asked in Rena's arm worriedly.

"ah no there a little bug on mama's eyes..." Rena said with a smile and wiped her tears.

"where the bug?! bad bug bad bug" Alicia angrily with cute in Rena's arm.

"giggle* the bug is already gone because Alicia, Arigatou..." Rena smiled and kiss Alicia cheeks with a warm expression.

"leave it to me! I will protect mama!"

"ahh mama so happy"

on maria side... she keeps mumbling "I'm very sorry..." in shame...

¶∆¶∆¶

Author: check out my new novel https://m.webnovel.com/book/13649646506664105

The stories about high school students. who asleep while his pc game still on.

When he wake up suddenly he was in a fantasy world as his game Character that, he playing for 4 years!

It was Sunday. The alarm rang waking him up. He opened his eyes only to remember her face. A smile appeared on his face as soon as he imagined her innocent smiling face. Thinking about her he got up to freshen up and to plan about the upcoming day.

He had to woo her anyway but before that, he needed to know what lead her to be this way away from the world. She had really forgotten everything or was she was hiding it all? There must be someone who would know about her. Her parents would they know about it? Hey, she is staying away from them why? Another question popped in his mind. Oh, there were so many questions he needs someone who could answer them all to him.

Think Arnav think there must be someone her neighbour Aman? And N.K? What about him they were best friends but she never let him know about their relationship at that time too and Aman he knew that she had proposed him but about their relationship she never let him know either. But then after he ended it she must have shared it all to someone. Any college friend who could tell this to him? But was she close to anyone apart from him?

And suddenly it clicked him, detective Decosta. Oh! Yes, he can help. This time he can't afford any mistake. No Misunderstandings neither any kind of assumptions. He had already broken her now he can't think to see her in slightest of pain. She needs to be happy just like her name. He needs to know every minute detail. His thought process was interrupted as a servant knocked on the door of his room.

Maria: A.S.R breakfast is ready should I bring it here?

Arnav: No, I am coming downstairs.

He decided to call Decosta after his breakfast. Not just Decosta but he himself will also talk to people around to know about her.

After completing the breakfast he gave a call to Decosta.

Arnav: Hello Mr Decosta, A.S.R, here again, I need your help hope you have received your payment of the previous work?

Decosta: Yes sir I have, tell me how can I help you?

Arnav: You have to get me details about Miss Khushi Gupta. What is her routine? People who are close to her. Her past I mean she had an accident detail about it any chances that it was pre-planned?

Decosta: Miss Gupta she is social work. You are talking about her, isn't it?

Arnav: Yes.

Decosta: Well, Mr Raizada actually I have some information about her. While we were stalking Mr Viraj we had also collected some details about her.

Arnav: Really, whatever you know please let me know?

Decosta: Apart from being a system analyst she is a social worker. She lives in a flat which is provided by her company. She follows a very simple routine. From Monday to Friday she works in her office from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and visits her N.G.O. after that till 9 p.m. She spends her weekend with nephew Aarav. We know this much for now I will try to find out more soon.

Arnav: Great Mr Decosta well who is aarav you have any idea?

Mr Decosta: He is the son of the musician, Mr Aman Mathur.

Arnav: Okay, Mr Decosta I will hang up here. Find out more details.

Arnav kept the call again to be lost. She gives her whole weekend to Aarav. Isn't he the same kid he had met in concert oh yes! That possessive kid who had caught him staring at her. Mr Decosta told him that she spent her time with Aarav on weekends. So that means he could find them at her flat. Should he go and talk to her today itself or he should wait? Oh, this wait was killing him. A sudden urge to see his angel was making him restless but he had control to himself he has to very be very clear about her. He again dialled Mr Decosta's no.

Arnav: Hello Mr Decosta see make it fast as soon as you can find about her, Firstly I need her accident details. And yes she should not have slightest of the idea that there is someone who is keeping an eye on her. Be very much careful. And you will not tap her phone for any kind of information getting that?

Decosta: Okay Mr Raizada I will keep all the things in mind.

Finally, he kept the phone aside. Arnav lets start working. But where should I start?

Just then Maria handed him his newspaper and then it clicked him oh yeah she is a social worker. Maybe he can get some of the interview or something related to her on the internet. He brought his laptop and started to surf the internet.

He cannot know much till now they were kind of the same things he already knew. But he felt proud of her she was speaking in such a confident way. He then saw a link of an Interview. Though he had already seen lots of interviews related to her then it was not enough for him. He wanted to see her listen to her voice he really didn't know when he would meet her in real. Her reactions, will the meet after that, he don't know anything so at least he wants to see he right now. He concentrated back on the video.

Reporter: Ma'am, you look pretty settled in your professional life so do you plan something for the upcoming future?

Khushi: Of course there is always a scope to grow I feel so. There are many things I still have to implement on INDEPENDENCE (N.G.O). Not just India but I want to expand it in different countries. The far apart I can go and help.

A love story of two persons who are very different from each other.Inspite of all the diffrences they find there final destination together.Read the story to find out how the two fall in love..
Hope you all will like it.

"Stacy Al." A woman, that come out from the interview room calls out her name. I am pretty sure she is a secretary.
As I waited for my name to be called. I turn to see Leonardo still colouring on his colouring book. I rubbed his head softly, making him stopped what he's doing and look up at me. "You know I love you, right? No matter what." I said softly to him.
"Of course, Mommy." He said with a big smile on his face. Then he's back to his colouring book. I'm just watching him doing his creativity by colouring the book.
Sometimes when I have money, I would buy him a new colouring book or a storytelling book. Of course, he understands my situation. Him, being a good boy and not making any troubles is enough for me.
After twenty minutes, the woman comes out of the room. She had a sorrowed look on her face. I can't tell if she got the job or not. But my guess is that she doesn't or she got scolded by the boss.
"Ella Maria." The woman called my name. I straighten my back and look down to my son.
"Leo, baby. You wait here for Mommy, okay? I will be right back, I won't take too long." I said to my son, which he nodded.
I take a deep breath before standing up from the seat and make my way to the interview room.  I walked in and is mesmerized by the decoration in this room. It looks plain but elegant. All white stuff, except for the desk. The room itself looks expensive.
"Please, take a seat, Ma'am." A voice, deep and manly said. I jump up a bit, because of the sudden voice.
I looked straight and saw a handsome looking man. Wait, I thought I have seen him before.
I take a seat on the single chair that the woman, whom I forgot that is still here assisted me. I straighten the back of my skirt before taking a seat. I shamelessly looking at his face, knowing that he will be my boss soon, that if I get the job.
"You are the man that found my son earlier." I said quietly, pointing at him
"I am." He confirmed. "I believe you are here for a job." He guessed-said it.
"Yes, I am. This is my resume, Sir." I politely give him the file that I brought with me. But still, even when I have a resume, I already filled a form just outside this room.
The man in front of me checked the resume. When his focus is on my resume, I, for the second time checking him out again. I haven't really take a close look at him earlier. His jaw is that sharp, even I thought that it could cut a piece of paper.
He cleared his throat and then look away from the file. His eyes shifted to mine and we lock eyes for a couple of seconds before he looked away. I don't know why I was kind of disappointed when he looked away. Those grey eyes, I fell in love at first sight.
Today is my interview day, I need to be professional. I need to show him that I am professional enough to get hired. Because I need a job like this to establish my life back on track.
"So, this is your first job ever?" He asked.
"Yes, Sir," I said in salute.
"I've read your resume. You graduated from Asfard University. A straight A+ at accounting. That's very impressive." He said kind of amused with my grades. I smiled in stealth.
"You are more appealing to the marketing. But my company doesn't have the job available for now. But I will consider your job application. I'll see what I can do." My heart just stopped beating for a second. I was hoping that this job can be my saving grace.
I put my brightest smile. "Thank you for your time, Sir." I stand up and walk out of the room. But I can feel like someone is eyeing me. I want to turn around so baddly, but that would make me look like a lunatic.
I just put my head up while I walk out from the interview room. I don't want to make other applicants feel more nervous than they already are.
I walk straight to where my son seated. He is still there, sitting with his colouring book.
"Come on, Leo. We are going to leave now." I caress the top of his head slowly.
"Okay, Mommy." He put his book i to his bag and slung his bag to his shoulders. He gets off of the seat and then I take his little hand in mine.
We walk side by side, making our way out of the building.
I sigh in defeat, but I won't give up just because one of my interview is being turn down. I still can find a job somewhere else, as long as it can pay my bills.
"Let's go," I said. I tug his hand and motion for him to follow me. We walks following the alley. I don't even know where I want to go. Going back home isn't going to solve the problem. So I just walked, hoping that I saw an advertisement for a job.
I feel my hand is being shake. I look down at my son. "What's wrong, Leo?" I asked.
"I want that." He pointed at a man on the side way.
"You want a Popsicle?" I asked and he nodded eagerly. I saw his eyes lit up when I pointed to a Popsicle stand.
"Because you have been a good boy today. We could buy you one." I said in a happy tone to cheer him up.
"Yay!" He happily jumping up and down while clapping his hands. How can I say no to this little life of mine? I would do anything just for him.
I smile to myself and take his hand to cross the street. We waited for the traffic light to turn red, so we can crossing the street.
When the lights turned red. I was ready to walk, but I felt my arm being pulled.
I look back and my eyes widen to see who is it.

Ella Maria is a woman, the strongest woman for going through a rocky life.

Because of some courage, she then decided to do what's best for her and her son's life. She left.

She built a new life with her son, struggling to have a better life. She met Marcel, a billionaire that have everything except love.

Will Marcel accept her when she suddenly walked in to his life with a problems followed?

"How do you feel about getting instructors for the girls?"

Today is a beautiful summer day, perfect for a mid afternoon, tea or is a late luncheon, outside. Despite the warm sun shining down the atmosphere is very cold and silent. Great job at ruining the mood grampa. It's dead silent except for the sound of mother choking on her tea, very elegant yes.

But alas pretty people look good no matter what, even choking, I'm no good around these sort of seemingly flawless types. She even cries prettily, which not even Lilyanne could do most the time growing up.

 It's up to Father to speak up first, holding mother to comfort her coughing with soothing motions all the while. What a whipped husband. I'm no good around gross couples either. 

"It may sound strange coming from me of all people but isn't it far too early for them?"

It's also a rare holiday break for father though they've been increasingly less rare since the kidnapping incident way back. Odd knowing him but well it makes mother and Lilyanne happy to see him around more. As my relatives used to say, happy wife happy life. 

"Frederick dear, my thought exactly! Oh papa you can't they're merely babies."

"At this age what could they possibly intake?"

Father gestures to a drooling Lilyanne who is currently attempting to chew on her own foot. Typically rude of him but hilarious, as an adult mentally I still can't hold back laughter at the comedic timing.

"Now now I'm not saying they'll start immediately. It would just be wise to start looking, perhaps interview and get a feel of the candidates."

"Well that does sound rather reasonable."

"Frederick!"

"Maria dear, many noble children start tutoring with a governess and private lessons after the age of two. It wouldn't hurt to look ahead."

"I still think two is too early, children should have time to be children."

Oh? Mother is quite passionate about the matter. I quite approve of her mindset, it's unnecessary to force children to adhere to too much especially too early on. It's something that happens both here to noble children and my own home world. School, classes, extracurricular, lessons, more classes, activities and repeat. It's not the healthiest system to have.

That is if I was a normal child. The idea intrigues me a little. I'm not looking forward to doing any actual work and would prefer to take it easy as much as possible in this life, but it does get boring around here at times. You can only play with Lilyanne and prank the maids a certain amount of times a week before it gets dull.

I hope this means I get more things and places to entertain myself with. 

"Well a governess and starting some lessons wouldn't make them any less children. I went through it and so do countless household and their children."

"Frederick it's not the same! You of all people would know how terribly cruel it is to pressure children too much, why your family!"

"I know Maria, I would never put the girls through what I had. But lessons will come soon enough and father isn't being improper in suggesting we start looking."

"Oh Frederick I'm so sorry I shouldn't have mentioned your family into this."

"No no it's more than relevant and my family is terrible and stuffy. and don't know a thing about children. I promise I would never make our girls go through that, traditional customs be damned. I'm sorry for not being clear enough and scaring you. 

" I'm so sorry for bringing it up darling, I don't mean to hurt you."

"My Maria you could never hurt me,  you-"

"Ahem- could we get uh some more juice for the girls? A refill for m too, yes"

Grampa's awkward interruption stopped my parents before they could get too lovey-dovey from gong off into their own world, It's rather horrifying to watch. I really am no good around such stupidly sweet couples.

Pay attention to your surroundings!

The married couple's still youthfully romantic exposure was getting too much for me to handle. My own parents were nothing like this, even before they separated, so it's quite awkward to experience. Even as an adult, this type of pda is a little too cringey for me to handle.  

I never had a long term love interest before I died but even then I could never be even a quarter like that. It's too nauseatingly sweet, like biting into cheap gas station sweets that never expire due to unknown chemicals and loads of sugar in it. Bleh, no thanks.

Mother's concerns are correct though, Rosalia went through a hell of a time with all of her 'schooling'. Getting literally abused wasn't enough no she had to go seek out even more suffering for herself, all the catch up to Lilyanne or bring honor blah blah. That would get her parents' love and affection, yeah sure. If anyone ever wondered where she learned such cruelty then why didn't they look at her education huh? Oh and then there was that god awful queen's training oh crap no anything but that again. 

Such a pitiful child really. Well I'll just have to have an extra leisurely life to help make up for it. Let's work smarter instead of harder, I only have my mind as a cheat here. Why couldn't some rare powers or dimensional space come with me too?

"Our apologies father."

"Papa! You're so embarrassing!"

"Now now Maria, it's quite alright. Father means well after all."

"You always side with papa, you and your darn hero worship."

"Maria, my dearest, don't pout, it's not about that. Father really brings up a good point about our girls. Surely you know the importance of early education."

Before the mother could squeak out a response, Grampa's obnoxious roaringlaughing takes over. 

"Ha! I remember how you used to cry with snot running all over your face about how much you hated studying! It was so cute and then I beat up whichever teacher made you cried so hard....well except the ones who were too weak to beat up, which was most of them. Still I got to threaten them silly, ahhh good times."

"Papa!"

"Don't be mad Maria, papa wasn't a very good student in his youth either!  That's why papa gets yelled at so much by his friends."

"Father...while I disagree on your excellency and many good points, I don't think it's helping. Maria, love of my life regardless of your childhood grades, please put down the plate."

"I hate you papa!"

-----

With that typical family afternoon tea, it was decided to search far and wide for qualified candidate hopefuls to educate the young twins of the infamous Ventrella Household. To mother and father that meant mentioning the matter to their social and work circles and having their capable people inquire around. Very reasonable and within range of their resources and position.

For grampa it meant literally posting a note on the bulletin board at the training camp. 

"Is this really appropriate Ronald?"

"You're right Geoff, it should be much bigger. I'll redo it."

"Sigh, that not what I meant."

We've been tagging along with Grampa to the training grounds a little more often lately. Not as much as I would like personally but it's a start. Not much I can do besides count and look around anyways. Occasionally when gramps isn't looking the soldiers and trainees play with me.

Show me your strength everyone! I won't bite, and even if I do it won't hurt much. Uncle Geoff is a capable nobleman and personally taught us before in the past, it would be more than acceptable if that's the case again. 

"I can make some requests myself, it hasn't been too long since my own grandchild was small. But in regards to some lessons, why not test and train them here?"

"Here?! With these brutes?!"

"You're the biggest brute here!"

The people here are too used to grampa's antics and tune him out. Don't worry, I'll be offended for you guys. Yes, he's a terribly rude man and can't appreciate what he has. In the not so far future, you should leave him for me alright!

"Anyways Ronald, they can fit in with the younger trainees lesson plans later on. IF that's still no good well what do you have all these overly specialized instructors here for? Just have a private class or send them over to your home. There's the history lectures, the mathematics courses, writing, we have the people to spare.  "

"But my babies..."

"The children will be fine Ronald, everyone knows them here. It will be like back in the day with Maria. Before she grew up to be a fine proper little lady of course."

"Alright but I get to pick which ones and they get all the breaks they want. They're my little girls after all, not rough and touch hero wannabees. Just let me convince Maria- no wait that will most likely never happen. Let me convince that Freddy, there that will work. "

"I'll work on Maria, she reasonably trusts me more on these matters. In fact I think she trusts a great deal of people more."

"You wound me."

I'd like to learn how to wound grampa, please. Teach me that, please and thank you. 

The start of our training and lessons is very early compared to before, or maybe I just can't recall that far back. Rosalia may have just blocked out those unpleasant memories, nope never mind she remembers them in scathing detail. Had at least 2 former governesses and a handful of instructors publicly flogged after all. Not the greatest for her reputation but I can't fault her personal code. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. 

She just needed a PR representative working for her and a lot of things could have been easily avoided or turned around. Again public flogging is a pretty obvious one. 

Luckily I have plenty of experience in that....okay it's one of the few things I'm really experienced in. I'm just a normal media graduate and employee, or well I was. A really overworked one but....Okay less thinking about the past, still too depressing. 

It would be safer to assume that sped up plans are due to grampa's nosy suggestion this time around. Hey isn't that essentially my fault then?

Well, it's more productive I suppose. I don't know how well Lilyanne will be able to keep up or how many lessons she'll be able to make with her weak body but I'm determined to drag her through a lot more than last time. This not revenge dear but cute little dumb sister, I promise. I just want us to learn lots and lot together!

Lilyanne gnaws on her bread loaf and babbles at me happily as ever, ah ignorance is truly bliss. 

I haven't been this excited for lessons since my own preschool days. School itself, eh not so much. I'm not getting my hopes here up either if the original good's memories on traumatic childhood tutoring sessions are anything to go by. Not that I'll let myself be so abused again. What's the point of living two lives if I can't avoid some petty tutors and bad lessons?

It will be interesting to have other regulars to mess with besides the maids though. We didn't start this early in the last time around, so I don't know if we're going to get the same people. Maybe not right now while I'm a pretty helpless mochi, bu perhaps later? When I'm older? There are some scores I wouldn't mind settling. 

Ah the other Rosalia was too careless and childish, a public flogging is only satisfying in the short term! To truly get revenge one must maintain their innocent alibi and mentally torture the other party to never dare cross you for the rest of their lives. Silly rich girl, she tarnished her own reputation that way. 

Oh well, we'll just have to see. I hope we get some useful instructors for Lilyanne. 

And so before we even reach 2 years old, playtime is technically over.

Just technically, I'll be playing a lot still don't you worry about that. Just don't think too hard about what sort of playing.

You've probably heard this sort of story before.

 

Once upon a time, blah blah blah a boy and a girl fell love and everything was beautiful and perfect, except for this thing called life getting in their way. 

He was this cool foreign prince and she was basically perfect. Really it's a very boring run of the mill story. I'll even spoil it for you, they kill the villainess at the end.

Not the type of story I'd read personally.


So where do I fit into this?

Apparently I'm her older twin sister and the very very lucky fiance to the foreign prince. You know, the dead villainess? Sucks I know. 

Now I get to do it all over again from the beginning.

Curse my life


------

Updates at least 2x a week,

----

Part 1 - Aftermath

What had just happened to the test had brought mental breakdown to some of the students and that included Drakios. To their surprise, they were told that half of them didn't make it out alive and fell to the ground. He could remember the exact words Arcus Vetrovius had said when they had just returned from the test:

" 543, that's the number of casualties we had for that single test alone, their souls has been sent to the underworld and Marcus Pollus Nero - the former general of the army is already there to guide them."

The general of the Athartian Army - Marcus Pollus Nero, said to be one of the greatest commanders ever in the history of Athartos. He defeated the barbarian army of the Visileans from the south. 

Part 2 - The Invasion

30 years ago, Loiyean Coast, South of Athartos.

"Men! Prepare to face the barbarians! This might be the final battle of your lives or keep fighting and we might just as well survive through this!"  shouted Marcus Pollus Nero.

The soldiers had high morale, they had their will to fight - to protect their families. They were planning on winning a decisive victory against the barbarians, to end their invasion once and for all. Surprisingly, that wasn't the result that they had achieved, thousands of bodies pile down the coastline, blood mixed along the waters of the shore. Vultures were already feeding on the bodies of the dead and Marcus Pollus Nero was there, mixed with the bodies of the dead. 

Even with the numbers of stabs on his body and mutilated limbs, he stood but wasn't who he used to be. His eyes were fiery red, and rage was all over his heart, he stood out from the crowd, like a demon from the underworld. 

The barbarians were slowly marching towards the nearest village and what was there was a small group of legionnaires to protect the village. It was clear that they couldn't defend it against the large horde of barbarians. The gates were quickly closed after the scout caught sight of the army from the distance about ten thousand or so, against the defenders who were only a thousand strong. They were well-disciplined but their numbers just couldn't stand up against the overwhelming numbers of the Visileans. 

With their numbers, they started to siege the village, climbing over ladders up to the wall and killing the guards that defended it, without much time consumed, they were in control of all the village. They started to settle in, and many of the inhabitants were either captured or killed. 

"Sire, that's all of them!" reported a guard.
"Good! Now we feast!" said the barbarian commander.

The barbarians started to cheer and feast, drinking wine made by the village people, ate meat from cattle that were grown by the people of the village. Basically, they were nothing more than raiders taking over resources that they didn't even work for. They were cheering from the victory they had just garnered, they've lost a few men but it was worth it. 

Meanwhile, outside the village hall that they were feasting in was a huge pile of bodies scattered all over the village, it looked like no one was going to bury them soon. 

The cheers inside the village were suddenly caused to halt right after a loud banging came on the door.

"Who dares bother our celebration?" asked the barbarian commander.

Then a barbarian grunt went towards the door to check who was on the other side, only to see an Athartian soldier. Upon quickly opening the door, the barbarians rushed to him and stabbed him from different sides. The soldier didn't have any reaction on his face, just a poker face. It was then that he started stabbing them instead with his gladius and then they were dead. When the barbarians started to fall, they started to rise again but started to stab their own mates instead.

"What in the world is happening here?" asked the Barbarian commander, starting to back out towards the door located on the other side of the village hall, only to be greeted by a giant growling three-headed dog and an army of the undead. 

"Zíto i aftokratoría (Long live the empire)," the athartian commander - Nero, said. For years until his death, he had served as the vassal of Hades, the god of the underworld. Now that he's dead, he has taken over Hades' role.


Part 3 - Brief Duel

"Here's the agreement booger! You sleep on the top of the deck bed while I sleep on the under, am I making things clear?" asked the girl.

"Yes ma'am, oh and by the way, we've known each other for quite some time now, so its better if you tell me your name and maybe afterwards, your habits, personality and other things," said Drakios.

"I don't know if you're asking for my name or for a job interview, either way, my name is..."

"Magos?" 

"Shut up! Stop calling me Magos cause my name is Maria!"

"Oohhh, nice to meet you Magos - I mean, Maria!"

"Fire..." said Maria, about to chant a spell as a magic circle began to form from the palm of her hands aimed towards Drakios. 

Drakios meanwhile, was freaking out but remained calm, confident that Maria wouldn't use a fire spell on him in such a place. 

"Impossible, there's no way she'd ever...," Prometheus started.

With all the confidence stacked over Drakios' head under Prometheus control, he stood there with a smirk on his face, Prometheus had it under control - or did he?

"... Blast!" continued Maria, scorching Drakios until every part of his body was as dark as charcoal. 

"What the f*ck...," said Prometheus.

The next day there both went to their respective classrooms, classes were about to start soon. Just by looking, it was quite obvious that only Drakios' had everything prepared: notebooks, pens, and other needed requirements for the school, though he wasn't the one who prepared everything for the school days but the forethinker inside of his body. 

"Woah! That's amazing! He has everything already!"

"The teacher hasn't even announced what to bring and look at him, all prepared with the necessities."

There were a lot of murmurs all throughout the classroom about how prepared Drakios was despite not being informed about anything. Most of the students around the classroom were forming a circle around Drakios in disbelief.

There wasn't a lot of students in that classroom - numbering, as well as in the other classrooms. In the two classrooms for the vassals, there was only half of the remaining amount after most of them had perished in the test that happened before they were even given access inside their classroom. Some of them were still broken down, not being able to move on from what had transpired in their first days inside the institution.

One of the students in the classroom, a man with red hair was the odd one out from the rest, he seemed to be calmed, not caring about the loss of students that had just happened, fearing not of the other tests that he may face in the following days.

"Alexander, you seemed unaffected, are you that emotionless?" asked someone, probably an acquaintance of his, or just one of his classmates. The red-haired young man turned his head toward the person asking a question.

"Why would I? I've seen what happens to people who die, they get to be sent to the underworld and become subjects of Hades, that's just what happens to everyone who dies. To be honest, don't we all die in the end?" replied Alexander, thinking rationally based on the experiences that he had made with his father in the past.

Alexander Joseph Nero, simply known as the vassal of the God of the Underworld - Hades. Seeing people die wasn't new for him, he had spent enough amount of time in the underworld to get used and understanding what happens after death and how life in the afterlife is. For him, there was no reason to fear death itself, you die, then you live in the afterlife, being subject of Hades - it was as simple as that. He was the son of Marcus Pollus Nero - the former vassal of Hades. 

Later that morning, Drakios moved from the classroom towards the cafeteria to get their daily dose of food. He met with Maria there and sat in the ate at the same table as her while holding a conversation at the same time:

"So how was your first day?" asked Maria, holding the meat with the fork while cutting it with a knife that she was holding on her right hand. She consumed her food, munching it inside her mouth, then looking back at Drakios, waiting for his answer.

"Weird, if I say so," replied Drakios, not even taking a single glimpse towards her - focused on eating his meal on the plate. 

"How weird?"

"Falling from the sky then surviving because I held your hand kind of weird," said Drakios. "What's more is that these two weird events that had recently happened to me were done by none other than Prometheus himself, always surprising me with his forethought. To be honest, most of the times when I sleep, he would take control of my body and do some stuff which I wouldn't even know about."

"Oh it's that weird," replied Maria, who just finished eating the piece of meat that he was just munching a while ago. 

While still currently busy eating their meal, their attention was suddenly taken by a sudden event from the distance, the main door connecting the cafeteria to the hallway slammed open and out from it came twelve individuals walking side-by-side. 

"It's them," said a voice from over the distance, near enough for Drakios and Maria to hear, taking their attention. They looked towards the twelve people standing on that main door, there was a big difference between the way Drakios and the others looked, and the twelve individuals; looking like they were totally from a different league - and they were. The group of people standing in front of them was the Student Council of Exaimistís and were chosen based on one thing alone, they were the vassals of the Olympian Gods: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes and Dionysus.

In the middle of this event, a familiar person stood up and confronted the members of the student council. A person with hair red as a red giant, he stood in front of them with hate on his face. The surroundings began to turn into darkness and everyone in the cafeteria noticed them, slowly surrounding the Olympians. 

"My, you dare stand in front of us?" said the person in the middle of them all, the one with the most prestige, with most power out of all the members of the student council. His hair was as white as the pearl of the shells and the clouds of the skies. His voice was deep, sounding like a titan over all the people.

"Alex, you still haven't learned have you? Your darkness doesn't work against the light which I bring," said one of the other members, standing while holding a miniature sun on the point of his finger, as easily as the dark crawled in, the brightness quickly swallowed the darkness and dispersed like it never existed. 

The members of the student council or the Olympians were considered as the most powerful in all of Exaimistís, being the vassals of the strongest gods and goddesses in all of the Greek Pantheon. They stood there like the brightest stars in the night sky, they were the ones being focused at, all eyes were on them. They were the epitome of power in that academy and the pride of Exaimistís.

"Those Olympians, still as prideful as ever," said Prometheus. "You just can't tell if you can trust them or not, they were the kind who cannot be read but that doesn't mean I can't. There's always a way to stop thing you see, and even those Olympians can be stopped."

"For once, you've said something great, Prometheus," replied Drakios, appearing to be talking to himself. This wasn't that weird for vassals at all, most of the times they would be talking with the gods inside them cause even gods needed socialization themselves. 

"What's your name?" said someone, Drakios was made to turn his head and look towards the man who was standing in front of him, bending his body to move his face nearer towards him.

"Drakios, My name is Drakios."

"Well, it is nice meeting you, now it would seem that we are out of chairs to sit on and if it's fine with you, could we share this sit with you?" asked the white-haired person.

"Not a problem," replied Drakios.

"Splendid! Now as a gift, I shall introduce my name to you, my name is Joules Caesar - Prince of the Athartian Empire and Vassal of Zeus, nice to meet you Drakios."

Joules Caesar looked at him with a large smile on his face, as cheerful and happy as he might look, even without the help of Prometheus, Drakios knew that the student council president was more than he looked.

Greece was the centre of all the Pantheons, atop Mt. Alymepeii stood the great academy of Exaimistís, known to be the birthplace of great warriors known as vassals; people possessed by the soul of the gods and given the abilities of the being itself.

As soon as I step foot on the campus, mostly of the students started  murmuring. Though I cannot hear them clearly, I know they are disgusted with me. This is the most embarrassing moment I've experienced for my whole life but I don't want this situation to ruin my ultimate goal which to become a successful someday. Without any hesitation, I continue my way and walk towards to our first subject. 

"For my girlfriend." he said out of nowhere while pouting his lips and handling the bouquet over and that really surprise me. With a questionable look I ask him silently.
"What are you doing?" 
"Just play along with me darling." he whisper to my ear. His lips almost touch my earlobe and it tickles me.  
"Are you nuts?" I responded him in whisper while smiling brightly to the students who stared on us intensely at the middle of the hallway.

"Definitely not Althea! If you want to save ourselves from this horrible situation we are in right now and wait until our marvelous scandal will lie down as soon as possible, let us pretend that we are in a relationship. Atleast it doesn't look that bad from their perspective!" Paul said sweetly like a real boyfriend material. I was about to explain my side but he place a kiss on my chicks unknowingly and suddenly left me out of the blue.

Students react positively about how sweet Paul to me. Some says "Ows, lucky girl!" "How I wish I was her." "What a perfect guy." In short, they are complimenting and praising him. However, I cannot deny that I felt something unexplainable inside for what he did. The bundle of red roses, tulips and other flowers wrapped beautifully in the white scented wrapper enough to complete my day. 

"Oh my God!" Maria exclaimed surprisingly then covered her mouth as if she cannot believe what she saw.
" Don't ruin my day Maria. And for the answer of your upcoming quick interview which I know definitely what it is about, this bouquet was from him." I said flatly unwilling to open the topic.

"I didn't say anything yet Althea but look how would you react! You are affective right now!"
"I'm just telling you not to ruin my day Maria. And beside all of this is just a damn lies. He want us to pretend as in a good relationship. Do you think that is good? Frankly speaking,  I didn't like this situation and didn't agree with this from the start." I honestly told her. We continue joyfully our conversation at the back corner of the room not until the instructor arrives.

"I can't believe this! The rumor about them are true indeed?" I heard clearly when the student in front of me ask her seatmate. Curious of what they are looking outside the room, my instinct let my body move to face outside and found him leaning comfortably on the door. I think he catch me looking at him and then our eyes lock to each other. I cannot dare staring at him long enough, beside his smile irritates me. He even listen attentively to our instructor while giving another performance task to  be made at home. At first I thought he will leave immediately knowing that the instructor did not dismiss the class yet.

"Why are you here?" I ask him blantly as as soon as the class was dismissed.
"Picking you up my girl." Chris Paul answered like he didn't notice my unwelcome approach. 
"I'm not your girl!" I reprimanded him the truth. 
"Definitely you are! Don't forget our agreement. You know you have an advantage for this also Althea." 
"And don't forget that I never agree with you for the whole time." and I smirk.
"Agreed or not agreed I don't care at all! As long as I can save my image!" 
"Damn that image Paul! Let me remind you that this is your fault. You owe me a lot! If only I can kill you...." he didn't let me finish my statement. Chris Paul suddenly hold my face and force himself to kiss me. But I didn't let him win this time. I push him hardly trying to escape from his kisses. Luckily, he stop and loosen his hand from my face.
"I warn ..." this time he pull me without any sign of warning and let his lips touch mine. At first, I did try my best to pull myself from him. But eventhough I will use all my force, it was useless since he was stronger than me. I can't deny that his kisses really felt good. His hands holds my back tightly like they are ready to assist me if in case I will lost my balance. His kisses was definitely seductive that brings some butterflies to my stomach and I didn't notice that I have responded already from his kisses and feels delightful. Realization suddenly hits me that leads me to push him hardly for his surprise. I saw the satisfaction smile on his face.

"That's really good Althea! I didn't expect that you are such a good kisser."
"Don't tease me Chris Paul! I swear to you maybe I'd slap you already if not because of the pairs of eyes gazing on us right now!" I said with greeted teeth.

"If that the case, then I'll make sure to kiss you once again before this barehands of yours would touch my handsome face my dear." he said teasingly while bringing my hands to his lips.

"You really out of your mind!" I said angrily. "You don't have any permission to kiss me anytime as you like! I'll make sure of it that this will be the last time. Mark my words!" 

"That may be happen if you can resist my appeal my dear."

"Wow! Great! Unbelievable! Never of my whole life I've encountered a guy like you." then I clap my hands. "I didn't expect that your innocence look outside is totally opposite inside! Yes, tall, dark, neat, handsome, brilliant, popular... " then I pause "however but you are full of yourself. Do you know what does the word boastful means? It really defines you!" 

"Tell me you didn't mean it Althea." he said calmly but I know he just control his self enable not to grab any attention of the students sorround us. But not on my case, I feel like I win against him when I know he was annoyed of me.

"Yes, of course I really mean it! You think all of the students here really wanted you? Then let me tell you that you are wrong. You can erase my name completely in your list!" then I smiled brightly satisfied of his reaction!
"Then you have to prove it to me Althea!" then he carry me and put to his shoulder without any hesitation. "Stop moving Althea or else I will carry you like a bride!"
"Put me down right now Paul! You really an idiot!" then I tried hardly to escape from his grip but he was stronger than me always.
"Where will you bring me? I said put me down!" I said while hitting his back continuously.
"Wait until we will arrive! I will make sure you will regret for saying those words."

"I was never been touched by anyone not until tonight!"

I woke up in someone's strange bed without wearing anything. My clothes were scattered on the floor. And I saw him sleeping comfortably beside me without a t-shirt. I saw few bloods on the  bedsheet. I felt something pain below my stomach as I slowly move.

Lost. Pain. Shame. Undesirable. Unacceptable. Unreasonable. All of those are enough to be horrify.
Yes! I was definitely horrified that ables me to screamed louder than I expected.

"What a joke! I can't believe I have a famous childhood friend all this time!" hindi makapaniwalang pahayag ni Keanne habang naglalakad pauwi. "That's just amazing! I wonder how the competition is going on right now…"
Binuksan ni Keanne ang kaniyang telepono at hinanap sa internet ang update ng kasalukuyang kompetisyon na sinasalihan ng kababata.
[Philippines, Valerie Salvador is set to take it all and represent Asia in the upcoming World Youth Piano Competition at Warsaw] 
(News: TOKYO, Japan---In what was truly an exquisite evening of music as Valerie Salvador qualifies as a finalist in the World Youth Piano Competition – Asian qualifiers and has shown the world that she's capable of living up to the name that was given to her.
Named as the Pearl Prodigy from Nowhere, Valerie had shown the world what she's capable of by showing immense talent and prowess during her road to glory over the past few days. She is set to be the first Filipino Pianist who managed to earn the top 4 spot in the said competition after other contestants before her falls short only in the top 8.
Only the Top 3 Asian countries can represent the continent during the World Youth Competition that will take place at Warsaw, Poland next year. Based on their past performances, Valerie outshined her other competitors and is on the verge of taking the Top spot during this competition. Despite being someone new to the international stage, she seemed like a veteran in showing her skills. She is most likely considered as a true prodigy without the training of renowned instructors and then facing offs veteran opponents with ease. 
Min-Jun Kim who, the South Korean representative which is on his second year gives praise to the Filipina artist saying that "her talent is top notch" and that even as a veteran, he even has doubts if he can even take a higher place than her. Nonetheless, the other two contenders namely Chen Changying from China and Sawamura Akira from Japan offers their statement saying that despite what the media are sharing across the world, they will give their best shot to win the competition and represent Asia in the upcoming Worldwide competition.)
"Whoa, she really made some serious noise out there huh!"  namamanghang sabi ni Keanne.
"Krrriiiinnng!" tunog ng telepono ni Keanne.
"Ah yes tito? Ano na pong update?" tanong ni Keanne sa kanyang Tito Neil na nasa linya.
"Well here's the thing, pagkatapos naming ma-examine ang dugong nasa crime scene, we found out that hindi lahat ng dugong nandoon ay galing kay Ray. Posibleng may isa pang duguan sa pangyayari. And unfortunately, mahihirapan tayo sa paghahanap sa kaniya sa mga oras na ito. But don't worry Keanne, we'll still continue the investigation at our best," ang sabi ni Neil sa pamangkin.
"How about those cartridges that I found po?" mabilis na tanong ni Keanne.
"Good question. About that, it came from someone else's pistol. We even examined the tree and found out that a sniper bullet had grazed its trunk. Unfortunately, hindi pa natin ma-identify kung sino ang may-ari nito. We believe the rifle was purchased illegally," eksplinasyon ni Neil.
"I see. Thank you tito for your hardwork. May idadagdag pa po ba kayo?" tanong ni Keanne.
"Uhhm, I'm truly sorry for what had happened. If only we were aware na ganun na pala ang sitwasyon, if only we came sooner, we could've saved his life," malungkot na sagot ng kaniyang tito.
"It's fine tito. Walang dapat ibang sisihin dito kundi yung taong pumatay sa kaniya," pahayag ni Keanne.
"How are you feeling? Are you with your mom right now?" tanong ni Neil.
"Mama is fine po, nandun po siya sa bahay ngayon. Pauwi na rin po ako, may dinaanan lang po ako saglit. Well as for me, I'm confused but also fine tito. I believe he's still alive though. Despite everything, I don't believe that my father is already dead. At least inside my heart," nakangiting tugon ni Keanne
**********
Papasok na ngayon sa bahay nila si Keanne. Habang hinuhubad ang kaniyang sapatos…
"Keanne anak!" muntik nang matapilok si Keanne sa gulat nang bumungad sa kaniyang harapan ang inang walang tigil sa pagtalon. "Anak, bilisan mo na sa loob! Yung kababata mo, si Valerie! May interview siya anak. Bilis na!"
"Woah. Easy lang ma. Tinatanggal ko pa tong--- Aray, aray!" hindi na natapos ni Keanne ang sinasabi dahil kinaladkad na siya ni Maria sa loob ng bahay.
Sabay silang umupo sa sofa at nilakasan ang volume ng TV.
Hindi mapigilan ni Keanne na mapangiti dahil sa ina. Dahil sa sayang ipinapakita ng ina, masaya na rin si Keanne.
"Anak naman, sa TV ka manood hindi sa akin!" napipikon ngunit tumatawang sabi ni Maria.
"Hahaha. Sorry po ma." Keanne held his mother's arms, smiled at her and finally concentrated on the television.
(On TV) 
Reporter: And now, live here in Tokyo, Japan, let's hear the Philippine's representative, Valerie Salvador!
Good, evening Valerie!
Valerie: Good evening po and to all those who are watching right now.
Reporter: Well Valerie, how does it feel to be able to have a huge chance of representing our country for the first time in the World Youth Piano Competition? Do you feel the pressure of carrying your countrymen's hopes during the competition?
Valerie: Umm, I'm really blessed to have this opportunity. As an underdog and as a contender who managed to be on the top spot. The pressure is there of course, but all I have to do is to carry on their hopes with me and represent their passion towards my performance. I'll just do what I need to do and hope for the best.
Reporter: Wow! I believe that the final performance will be assisted by the Harmonic Orchestra of Japan?
Valerie: Yes that's true! At pangarap ko noon pa ang makapag perform ng ganito, kaya it's an honor.
Reporter: Magaling! So Valerie, what is your motivation in achieving this feat?
Valerie: Uhhhm, palagi kong iniisip na para ito sa mga kababayan ko, sa mga Filipino fans na palaging sumusuporta sa akin all throughout my journey; and of course, to my family and friends as well. Ibig ko rin pong pasalamatan ang isang taong pinangakoan ko nang isang importanteng bagay. Keanne, I'm still looking forward into going back home and keeping that promise. You better not forget!
Reporter: Ayiee. I wonder what the promise is. Well, thanks for your time Valerie. Good luck on your competition tomorrow. Mabuhay ka at mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino! This is George Gayla, reporting back to studio.
"Anak! Ang ganda ni Valerie sa TV!"
Hindi maka-imik si Keanne. Nakatulala pa rin siyang nakatutok sa telebisyon, hindi makapaniwala sa kanyang napapanood.
Maya maya pa…
"Ma! Totoo nga!" nananabik na sabi ni Keanne habang inaalog ang ina sa balikat. "Akala ko talaga imbento ko lang 'yun! I thought that scene, the day we made the promise, I thought it was all made up! Akala ko dahil sa aksidente four years ago kaya ko naiisip ang araw na iyon! But it's freakin' true pala ma!"
"Keanne anak, relax," nakabusangot na sabi ni Maria sa anak.
"But the sad thing po is---"
Binitawan ni Keanne ang balikat ng ina.
"Ano?" sagot ni Maria.
"Hindi ko po maalala kung ano ang promise na iyon. I can only remember that we talked while walking after we had our music class. But I can't really remember what we talked about," malungkot na sabi ni Keanne.
Maria moved closer to Keanne at ginulo ang buhok ng anak. "That's okay. You can always talk about it pag nakabalik na siya dito sa Pinas."
"Yeah," napabuntong hininga si Keanne. "How are you ma? About last night---"
"Sssshh. I'm fine don't worry," Maria answered while smiling tenderly. "Everything will be fine anak. Soon."
Niyakap ni Keanne ang ina. "Yeah. It will."
**********
Kinabukasan ng gabi, excited na tumutok sina Keanne at ang ina sa TV. 
"I wonder how this goes," hindi mapakaling sabi ni Keanne sa sarili.
Maya maya pa…
"Anak, ayan na! Si Valerie na ang sasalang! Oh my God anak!" nanggigigil na sabi ni Maria habang pinipisil ang braso ng anak.
"Aray ma!" reklamo ni Keanne. "Mas excited ka pa sakin eh---"
"Sshhhh! Yiiiee, andyan na siya!" pagputol ni Maria sa anak.
**********
"This is it. This is for you Keanne." Valerie can't stop pacing back and forth in the backstage. She keeps on saying silent prayers and keep repeating to herself Keanne's name.
"Ms. Valerie, it's your turn now," tawag sa kanya ng floor director.
"I will nail this!" With her proud heart and the burning desire to win, Valerie confidently walked towards the center of the stage where the beautiful piano was set.
Ang lahat ng tao sa hall ay nakatingin lamang sa kanya. Hindi maiwasang mamangha sa natural na ganda ng isang pilipina. Wearing a sparkly red gown and hair in a messy bun, Valerie is indeed the 'Pearl Prodigy'.  
"Damn Val, why so beautiful," namamanghang komento ni Keanne sa kababatang pinapanood.
Ngunit, kahit presentableng tignan ang ayos at postura ni Valerie sa stage, mahahalatang kabado ito at tila ba hindi komportable.
Kitang-kita sa camera ang malalaking butil ng pawis sa kanyang pulang mukha.
"What's wrong Valerie?" pag-aalala ni Keanne.
Tinignan ni Valerie ang buong hall, pinikit ang mga mata at inalalang muli ang mukha ng tumatawang batang si Keanne. Napangiti si Valerie.
Huminga siya ng malalim at sinimulan na ang laban.
Umpisa pa lang, kuhang-kuha na ni Valerie ang keys ng piyesa. Manghang-mangha ang mga nanonood sa kanya.
"She's a prodigy for a reason," nakangising sabi ni Keanne sa sarili.
Nanatiling kalmado si Valerie hanggang sa kalagitnaan ng performance. 
"Keanne, are you listening? I hope you are!" ang nasa isip ni Valerie habang tumutugtog.
Ang malamig na musikang sinasabayan ng orchestra ang siyang bumalot sa tahimik na music hall. Tila ba dinadala sa isang paraiso ang kung sinumang nakakarinig nito. 
Ngunit, lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na nahihirapan nang kontrolin ni Valerie ang nararamdaman. 
Pinagpapawis at hirap na rin siyang ikalma ang mukha at katawan.
"What is this? My head is heavy. My God, help me!" ang sabi ni Valerie sa sarili habang patuloy na tumutugtog.
Nahalata ni Keanne na mas nahihirapan na si Valerie. Tila ba humihingi ito ng saklolo gamit ang musika. Hindi niya maiwasang mag-alala.
"The music! No, her music, it's calling out to me!" natatarantang sabi ni Keanne sa sarili habang nanonood. "Oh God…"
Malapit nang matapos ni Valerie ang piyesa. "Konti na lang. I'm coming home Keanne."
Dalawang measure na lang ng piyesa at matatapos na si Valerie nang biglang…
"Blam!" biglang nahimatay si Valerie at sumalampak sa piano.
 "Oh my God" "You can't be serious!" napatayo si Keanne at ang ina sa gulat.
**********
Matapos ang ilang oras, ibinalita na ang dahilan ng pag-collapse ng Philippine representative ay dahil sa crustacean powder na inihalo sa kinain nitong hapunan kung saan allergic ang pianista. At sa kalagitnaan ng kanyang performace ito umatake.
Dahil sa nangyari, bigong nakapasok ang Pilipinas sa top 3. Itinanghal na kampyeon ang South Korea at sinundan ito ng Japan at sa huling pwesto, ang China.
Naging malaking usapan ito sa Pilipinas. Marami ang nagpakita ng simpatiya kay Valerie ngunit mas marami ang nagpakita ng pagkadismaya sa batang pianista.
Ilan sa mga negatibong komento sa kanya sa social media ay:
[Pearl in the rough? Well, seems like it will never be polished!]
[Fake prodigy!]
[Too much pressure for the lame prodigy! LOL]
[Anubayan! Parang allergy lang eh. Tsk! Mas magaling pa 4 years old sa kaniya.]
[Sayang lang ginastos ng gobyerno sayo!]
**********
Makalipas ang ilang araw, habang naglalakad si Keanne papunta sa canteen upang bumili ng egg sandwich at juice, hindi pa rin mawala sa kaniyang isipan ang performance ng kanyang kababata. "I wonder what she's doing right now. Hope she's okay."
"Isa pong egg sandwich te," sabi ni Keanne sa tindera ng paborito nitong stall sa canteen.
"Paborito mo pa rin talaga yan ha. Sana ganyan nalang kinain ko nang gabing yun para hindi ka nag-aalala sakin ngayon," sabi ng boses sa likod ni Keanne.
Hinanap ni Keanne ang may-ari ng boses. Sa paglingon niya, "ouch!" tumama ang isang daliri sa kanyang mukha. 
"Hahaha! I'm sorry" the girl in front of him apologized, still sticking out her point finger. "Hello Keanne, it's been a while," she smiled.
At sa pangalawang pagkakataon, ang tanging nasambit ni Keanne ay ang mga katagang "Damn Val, why so beautiful."

[End of Chapter 4]




"Ganito, after 8 years promise me that---" 
ang tanging mga kataga na kaniyang naaalala mula sa pangakong ginawa kasama ang isang batang babae. Malamig at mapayapa ang gabi nang maputol ang panaganip na iyon ng 13 anyos na si Keanne dahil sa paggising sa kaniya ng kaniyang amang si Ray Collins na kasalukuyang nagmamaneho ng kanilang sinasakyan. 
Ang akalang tahimik na gabing iyon ay binalot ng isang nakakagimbal na pagsabog. Isang pagsabog na naging dahilan ng pag-aakalang patay na ang kanyang ama at nag-iwan ng pighati sa kanyang puso magpa-hanggang ngayon.

Makalipas ang apat na taon, ang mga ala-alang ito'y unti-unti nang lumalaho; kahit ang iniingatang pangako ay hinay-hinay na ring lumisan. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga nangyari, buo pa ring naniniwala si Keanne na buhay pa ang kaniyang ama at handa siyang sumugal mapatunayan lamang ito. 
Hanggang isang gabi, nakita mismo ng kaniyang dalawang mata ang patay na katawan ng kanyang ama na nakahandusay sa gitna ng sementong daan. 

---------------------------------------------
“If you are unsatisfied with the answers others have shown you, seek for that satisfying answer yourself.” – Keanne Collins

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