Year 2010: The Year of Living Beautifully!

 

The Year of Living Beautifully!

Before the first month of year 2010 ends, I wanted to greet you all a beautiful new year!

I hope that this year will give me time to meet my year’s goal. (finger-crossed) Well, there’s no problem with hoping right? I hope I can finish two MS a month and have it approved. Hahaha! Nothing is impossible if you are motivated naman. (with fingers still crossed.) 

My Second Book is already out

Matagal nang pinapangarap ni Alesia si Tristan ngunit isang kid sister lang ang turing nito sa kanya. Suntok sa buwan na mapasakanya ito dahil may ibang laman ang puso nito—si Jolie.
Pero isang di-inaasahang pangyayari ang nagbigay-daan para mabigyan siya ng pagkakataon na makapiling at mahalin ito. Ngunit taliwas sa kanyang inaasahan, hindi pala kaligayahan ang madarama niya sa piling nito.
Kakayanin ba niyang tanggapin ang lahat ng paghihirap para lamang makuha ang pagmamahal na inilaan na ni Tristan para sa ibang babae? Hanggang saan ang kaya niyang gawin para tuluyang maangkin ang inaasam niyang pag-ibig nito?

Time for a Second Chance

 

Because I am missing my wife.

Memories can be so fragile. That is what I have learned. It is because whenever I go back to the past I end up crying or sad at the end of the day. And that is what I am feeling at this moment.
I tried to compose myself as I watched the man of my dreams entered the hotel’s main door.
“I’m sorry I am late,” he reached for the chair in front of me and sat there facing me.
I nodded once. “Nothing to be sorry. It is me who’s early.”
“Okay. So are we going to discuss this annulment over the court or shall we fix it on ourselves?”
I was taken off guard by his directness. But I shook it away before he noticed it. “I’ll sign the papers. There would be no problen on my side.”
I saw him frowned.
“What?”
“What’s with you?”
It’s my turn to frowned. “What’s wrong with me?”
He shook his head. “No arguments this time? No bitchiness?”
I flinched at his last question. “Bitchiness?”
He nodded. “You looked different. What’s with the changes?”
I got tired. I wanted to say that because that’s what I am really feeling. I am tired pretending that what is happening doesn’t affect me when it does. And it hurts me. But he doesn’t need to know that.
“Nothing,” I answered.
I can see he didn’t believe my answer but he didn’t question me about it. He just stare at me. Trying to analyze me.
“Hand me the papers so I could go.”
He gave out a deep sigh. “I don’t have it with me.”
“What?”
“I don’t have it here with me. But I’ll make sure my lawyer will send it to your office within the day.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “If you didn’t have it with you then why did you set this meeting up?”
He squared his shoulder and smiled ridiculously.
“I can’t believe this.” I stand up and gathered my things. But before I could leave him he reached for my hand.
“Can’t you stay for a dinner? Even for old time sake.”
I gloat at him and shove away his hand.
“I don’t have time for this Benedict. Try setting another date if you want.”
“Must I set another time when you are already here? Why don’t you try it yourself today? Squeeze me in your schedule. Set another time for me.” His eyes was slightly pleading. If that was only an act then, he’ll surely get an award for best actor.
“Set a time for you? Why should i do that?”
He looked straight at me. Seriously. “Because I am missing my wife.”
I was stunned. I don’t know what to say. I know I should stay unaffected. I must not make him see my pretense is starting to wear off. But I was, literally, taken off guard by his reply.
“I am missing you, Meredith.”

Sugar Cane Love Story - an excerpt

 

 Huwag mo akong gawing tanga.

“Ganito ang gawin natin. Hatiin natin ang mga bilihin para mapadali tayo. Eto ang bilin mo,” anang binata na hinati ang hawak nitong papel at inilagay sa palad niya.
Malakas niyang binasa ang mga nakasulat duon. “Kamatis, sibuyas, bawang. Galunggong?”
“May angal ka?” dumukot ito sa bulsa at naglabas ng limang daang piso.
Umiling siya. “Gaano kadami?”
“Kalahating kilo ang sabihin mo pero humingi ka ng dagdag.”
Natigilan siya. Hihingi pa ko ng dagdag para sa gulay? Nagpapatawa ba itong halimaw na ito? “Dagdag?”
“Makipagbaratan ka pa kung gusto mo sa presyo.”
“Gulay lang babaratin ko pa?” nakasimangot na napahalukipkip siya.
“Galunggong ang pinag-uusapan natin Sugar.”
“Oo nga. Alam ko.”
Nakita niya nang naguguluhang sa iba nito ibinaling ang paningin. Sa tingin niya ay binabalikan nito ang mga isinagot niya.
“Alam mo ba kung ano ang galunggong?” nakakunot ang noong muli siyang binalingan ng binata.
Puno ng kumpiyansang tumango siya. Ginagawa ba akong tanga nito? Of course, alam ko iyon.
“Ano ang galunggong?” hindi nakaligtas sa kanya ang isang nagbabantang ngiti sa labi nito.
Iritadong iningusan niya ang binata.
“Huwag mo akong gawing tanga.”
Tuluyang nang lumabas ang sinusupil nitong ngiti. “Bakit ayaw mong sagutin ang tanong ko?”
“Kasi walang sense ang tanong mo. Ginagawa mo lang akong walang alam.” Pero dahil sa tanong ng binata ay napaisip siya. Tama namang gulay ang galunggong, ‘di ba? Iyun iyong madalas na ulam ng mga katulong nila sa bahay. Pa-adobo pa nga ang luto, eh. Tama naman. Tama nga ba?
“Sige. Sasamahan kita. Ituro mo sa akin kung ano ang itsura nang galunggong,” hamon ng binata sa kanya na iminuwestra pa ang palad sa daan at pinauuna siya.
Pinagtitripan ba ako nito? Matagal siyang nakipagtitigan dito bago padabog na nanguna na sa paglalakad. Dahil sa wala naman siyang alam sa kung saan pupuntahan ang hinahanap ay halos nagpaikot-ikot pa sila sa loob ng palengke bago niya nagawang makita ang sadya.
Pasimpleng sinulyapan niya ang binata na kagat-kagat ang pang-ibabang labi sa pagpipigil na matawa.
Napapahiyang itinaas niya sa mukha nito ang nasa kamay na mga dahon. “Galunggong.”
Malakas na pagtawa ang isinagot nito sa kanya. Sa mata ay nangingislap ang nangingilid nitong luha.

Enthralled

 
He’s looking at you.

 
I sat quietly as I watched him from across the room. He was…what?…the most beautiful creature I have ever seen in my twenty years of living. He was huntingly beautiful that I just can’t keep my eyes from looking where he was.
“He seems to be from a different time, noh?”
I look up at my seatmate. She was Nicole. A beautiful lad who always bug me when I’m too caught up with my own thoughts.
“Ha?” Was I that obvious? Goodness!
“You can’t keep your eyes from him.”
“Hmm. Well…”
“I can’t blame you. I felt the same way though I felt edgy at times.”
Edgy? I wanted to ask why but I stopped myself. I focused my attention afterwards at the screen of my laptop.
I am here to study and not to wander around to look for someone interesting. I might as well dismiss the habit of looking at his way.
Then, I felt a slight nudge at my arm. “He’s looking at you.”
“What?” confused. I look across the room and met his grayish-black eyes. It looks dull and yet dangerous.
He didn’t look away and intently lock my stare to his. There was really something hunting in him. I can’t name what but it makes me more intrigue. I hold my breath when his stare became fierce. I wanted to look away but I can not. It was like he was literally holding my gaze to lock his. It was hypnotizing.
“Uh-oh.”
That broke the moment. I gasped for air. I was able to breathe again. I look away and look at Nicole at my side.
Nicole was clutching my arm tightly. It would bruise afterwards. That I am sure.
“Why?” I asked her. Sweats are forming in her temple.
“You didn’t see that?”
“See what?”
I saw her shake her head.

It is such a small world we are living.

 

“Going away from me, again?”

He must have sense my stare. It is because from across the room he met my gaze. I shied away and look the other way.
It is not really my habit to stare to other people most specially when they were eating. It’s rude to stare. I wouldn’t even want others to that to me. But there is something with this man that i found so appealing.
“Why are your face so red?” I heard Colette asked me.
I glanced at her and covered my face with my both hands. “Is it?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Yes. What’s wrong with you?”
I squared my shoulder and glance once again to the man from across the restaurant. He was not looking anymore.
“Oh!” I heard her gasped.
“He just look so familiar.” I immediately said.
“Of course, he would. He is the famous drag racer of the country. Hugo Fraser. I can not believe you don’t know him.”
My eyes narrowed as I heard the name. Hugo Fraser. Who would never know that name? It has been written to every guestlist of the events she’s been handling as an events coordinator. And of course, how could I ever forget him? How could I? But it was nine years the last I’ve seen him. He grows a lot taller and leaner. His face matured.
“Yeah, I know him.” My voice sounded sad.
“You should. Anyway, he’s looking this way, too.”
I stiffened. Did he recognized me? What if he recognized me? What should i do?
I reached for my bag and drank the iced tea on the crystal glass at the table.
“Where are you going?” Colette grimaced as she look up at me.
“I forgot to do something.” But I was only lying, of course.
I was about to get my other bag from under the table when someone grab the bag on my shoulder. I panicly turn my head to see who it was. My eyes narrowed.
“Not so fast, Loryn.” it was him. Hugo Fraser. His eyes firm and dark.
I was left speechless while I was trying to ignore the confuse look of Colette at my side.
“Going away from me, again?”

Released last June 17, 2009

 

It’s already out! My own. I’m so thankful for the opportunity. Thanks to the PHR Staff for doing a great job to my first masterpiece!  (if that’s what you call it.)

PHR 3077 My Second Chance To Love by Yzabel

Maraming buwan na ang lumipas pero nahihirapan pa rin si Kate na kalimutan ang ex-boyfriend niyang si Jasper. Nag-iwan ng malalim na sugat sa kanyang puso ang pagpaparaya niya rito at sa babaeng ipinalit nito sa kanya.
Para sa kanya ay hindi na mababalik ang dating sigla niya.
Mali pala siya.
Dahil nakilala niya si Ethan, ang makulit pero simpatikong abogado na pagkatapos niyang makabanggaan ay nagpakita ng interes sa kanya. Misteryoso ang dating nito sa kanya pero dahil sa sweetness at espesyal na atensiyong ibinibigay nito sa kanya ay unti-unting uli siyang natutong ngumiti.
Ito na nga kaya ang lalaking mag-aahon sa kanya mula sa malungkot na kahapon at aakay sa kanya sa masayang bukas na pinapangarap niya?

Soliloquy

 

I know there are things I need to do. I have to move on now. But his memory is still lingering in my mind. He has always been my greatest heartbreak. How could you ever make yourself forget someone you thought of having your forever?

I sat on the wooden swing in our backyard. It was the most peaceful place in my world. In times of solitude, it was comforting.
I know there are things I need to do. I have to move on now. But his memory is still lingering in my mind. He has always been my greatest heartbreak. How could you ever make yourself forget someone you thought of having your forever?
Hah! I need a reason to go on. But what would it be? There is no easy answer to it. And I’m more than afraid now.
What now? What would it be?
I took a few deep breathes to loosen up the tightening on my throat. Well, I think it is not making anything better. My throat felt like it was closing. Not letting the air in. It was suffocating.
It was excruciating.
Unbearable.

Life stuff called pain

 

“Life makes a lot of that stuff we called pain. But it is up to us on how we deal with it. If we keep running from it, we will never find true happiness that lies amidst the pain.” 

I saw him from a far. In the middle of the party, a glint in his eyes shows boredom but tries to hide it with his famous lopsided grin that shows his gorgeous not so innocent looks.

I groan inwardly as one girl flirtatiously embraces his arm.

“Are you going to be always like this, Jelyka?”

Frowning at my friend who was standing beside me sipping champagne in a tall wine glass, I took one shallow breath.

“It was so tiring.”

“Then stop watching me.” I smirked at her.

“I can’t help it. I can’t stand mingling with other people while you’re here making your night miserable.”

“I am not miserable.”

“Yes you are. Why can’t you just approach him? You’ve been wanting to do that since we get here.” A bored looked was written in her place.

“Why can’t you just mind your own business?”

“Ah!” A fake surprise look replaces the boredom. “It has a lot to do with fear.”

“Fear for what?”

It was my turn to look bored. But it was all a cover up. The truth was I am really afraid. I am afraid of what to say or how to act in front of him. I am afraid I would make a great deal of fun out of me.

“Fear of whatever would be the outcome of your actions.”

I was taken off guard. I know she can see through my masks. Marigold has always been able to look behind my cover up.

“You can always stop pretending when you’re with me. Stop putting on all of those masks you have.”

I can feel the heat of tears in the corners of my eye. And if I will not leave this place, all the hardships I have endured to build all of my cover ups would be all put into waste.

I have to leave. I have to escape. I am not ready for another showcasing of my weaknesses.

“Life makes a lot of that stuff we called pain, Jelyka. But it is up to us on how we deal with it. If we keep running from it, we will never find true happiness that lies amidst the pain.”

I know. But I can’t deal with it right now. I just can’t.

One last look towards his direction and I find myself half-running the distance out of the door. Leaving him. Leaving all of my masks behind me.

That’s what I do best ever since I got my heart broken. Running away. From him.

Lie that sets free

 

“If its lie that sets her free then I would lie a million times just to give her a good life.”

He would have tried to embrace her. Her tears make him weep too. But the hatred in her eyes is too much for him. His lie has certainly hurt her.

All he is hoping now is for her to cope up and forget him sooner. That would make his suffering lighter. Lighter. He has always wanted the best for her. Even if that doesn’t include him.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t pretend that I still love you when I really don’t.”

Pain crossed her eyes and tears started to fall.

He avoided her eyes and walked away from her.

Cowardice.

“You should have told her the truth.”

He hastily turns at his back only to see Marigold. Tears are forming in her eyes.

“There’s no need for that.”

“Why?”

“If its lie that sets her free then I would lie a million times just to give her a good life.”

She lowered her eyes and didn’t mind as the tears fell from her eyes.

“I-I…She’s badly hurt.”

He let out a deep sigh.

“I know.”

“You love her that much? You sacrificed your own happiness for her.”

“Sacrifice both our happiness. Is that what you called love?”

“The moment that you value more of others sake over yours. Yes, I think that’s love.”

“Now I’ve proven love is not really a good thing.” He smiled at her though the pain is still mirrored in his eyes.

He saw her weep more but now she tries to conceal it by turning her back on him.

“I can’t stand seeing you like this Hugo. It kills me.”

“What can I do? I’m a bitch’s son. There’s no other way I can change that.”

He can no longer stop the tears from falling. The sob that he kept trapped in his throat quickly made its way out. It was a burning sensation that if he tries to still avoid it, it will choke him to death.

Death. It seems to be an entertaining thing for him now. That would take the pain away. That would take all the tears from spilling.

He felt gentle hands wrapped in his body as Marigold embrace him tightly. “Can you forget her?”

He shook his head. “I don’t think I can, Marigold. She is all I ever wanted. She is my all in all.”

Amidst the pain, my love for her will remain. Shall remain.

For optimistic people

 

He said, ‘Love is for optimistic people.’
Well, does that make him a pessimist?
Perhaps, he’s just lying..that’s what he does best.

From across the cafeteria, I can clearly see his handsome face. Innocently young and gorgeous. He was the tallest among his friends.

Some of them are laughing. Some just sat there staring blankly, amused. It was like some hideous news has been reported to them.

I crossed the distance from where I stand to the table the men have gathered. If he noticed me, it didn’t shows in his eyes.

He was having some conversation with his buddies. They are bullying one of their friends. From what I have heard, the man is about to get married.

“That’s hell, pare! You can’t just simply say you have fallen.”

“Well, that’s what happened. I just woke up and…bang!”

“Dang it! You are really serious.” I heard him spoke at last.

“Dead serious. Get ready ‘cause you are going to be my best man.”

“Ugh! I’m getting jitters now.”

“Wait ‘til love give you the same feeling, pare. It wouldn’t be just jitters.” The man laugh.

I saw him winced.

“You got to experience love.”

Of course, I know what would be his reply. Yes. He has experienced it already way before. With me. Together they spent one summer. I waited for him to speak.

He laughed then he said, “’Love is for optimistic people.”

Roars of laughter were heard in the cafeteria that made some people glance their way.

For optimistic people? Well, does that make him a pessimist? He is not. It’s not true. He can’t be saying that. Perhaps, he’s just lying..that’s what he does best. Lies and false promises.

I know.

He had made such things to me.