Rommel sat at the end of the couch wearing a long, sad face…

*sigh*

He noticed the phone beside him… hesitantly,  he picked it up, and slowly dialed a number. He wasn’t even looking, it’s as if his fingers have a mind of their own, knowing just which numbers to push.

*R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g*

He felt nervous as he heard the phone rings at the other end…

*R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g*

Rommel almost wanting to hang up

*R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g*

Third ring and still no answer, just one more and he will hang up

*R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g*

“Okay, that’s it. She can’t say I did not try,” Rommel said to himself. He was about to hang up when suddenly he heard a voice from the other line.

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

Rommel  only sighed… he misses his girlfriend. They had a fight two days ago and she asked for breathing space. Now, he realized how much she means to him.

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

He paused for a while, as he listened to the monotonous voice of the lady at the other line.

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

Rommel took a deep breath before he started to speak, “Hello Liza. I’m really sorry about the other day, I hope you can forgive me. I miss you, Liza. I need you.”

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.” The monotonous voice continued without missing a beat.

Oblivious of the voice on the other line, Rommel went on talking. “Please, Liza. Give me another chance. I promise I’ll change. I’ll be a better man!”

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.” The message went on, even as Rommel speaks.

“Please Liza,” Rommel continued to plead, “give me another chance. I beg you, Liza. I love you!”

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

“Just tell me what I need to do to make you come back to me, Liza. I need you, Liza. I love you. Please believe me!”

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

“Please Liza,” Rommel’s voice was almost crying… he was in fact crying, “come back to me Liza.”

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

“Liza, please….” his voice now trembling

“We’re sorry… WILL YOU CUT THAT OUT. YOU KNOW I CAN’T STAND YOU CRYING! AND DON’T CALL ME AT WORK, DO YOU WANT ME TO GET FIRED?!”

“Liza, I can’t stand to lose you. I miss you. I love you, Liza.”

“I love you too, honey. And to be honest, I miss you too, but I just need some time off to think.”

“Please come back to me”

“Okay, you win. I’ll call you soon. Now, why don’t you be a good boyfriend and put down the phone so I can get back to work. You don’t want me to get fired, do you?”

“No honey, I don’t want that to happen. Promise you’ll call me?”

“Yes, I will. Now, can I get back to work?”

“Yes honey, you may. Thank you very much. I love you, honey.”

“We’re sorry, the number you are calling seems to be unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try your call again later. Thank you.”

*click*

He took one deep breath before he closed the box. Carefully, he tucked it neatly inside his closet, under his clothes where his daughter will not find it.

It’s almost time. He drove her daughter to school, and after kissing her goodbye, he went straight to his office.

It was an ordinary day, just like the previous days – home, school, office, home.

He still could not understand though what compelled him to get that box from the store the other day.

That night over dinner, he was happily conversing with his daughter. Asking her how her day was, what she learned in school, as he also told her of his own day’s account.

That was how it has always been. They were happy… just the two of them. He couldn’t ask for more.

Or could he?

After dinner, a brief bonding moment over their favorite show on TV, and her daughter went off to bed. He was left alone in the living room, sitting on his favorite chair.

It was supposed to be an ordinary night… just like the other nights.

But that night, he felt he wasn’t alone. There was someone, rather something, that was there with him… taunting him.

It wasn’t the first time he felt it, but that night, the “something” seemed to be more intense… persistent… stubborn.

Then, he felt that “something” enveloped his very being… he wasn’t his own self anymore.

Standing up from his chair, he went straight to his closet where he kept the box. He picked it up and walked straight back to where his favorite chair was.

Passing by the door of his daughter’s room, he took a peek and saw an angel sleeping… calmly.

He went back to his chair and sat down.

Carefully, he opened the box… got hold of the thing inside it. The light that comes from the outside hit the silver object, making it shine amidst a dark room

Holding it in his hands, it felt cold.

Lifting it up, he observed it from end to end, front and back… he felt it beckoned.

Slowly, lifting it higher until the nozzle touched the side of head… closing his eyes, and without thinking…

*BANG!*

Silence

Is it over?

And as he lay there on the floor… cold… swimming in his own blood… an angel sat beside him crying.

*gulp*

There I was standing in front of him as he is seated on his throne, sizing me up with his baleful stare before he spoke to me, “And what are you going to give me if I grant you this wish of power, fame and fortune?”

“M—m—my…my soul?” *gulp* I replied hesitantly

“Your soul!!! YOUR SOUL?!!! Bwahahahaha! You’re offering me your soul! Bwahahaha!” the prince of darkness said in a rather sarcastic tone

“Ahehe… yes… my soul… hehe…”

“And why do you think I would want your soul?!” he asked, as he stood from his throne and walks toward where I stand

“Bu—but isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? I make a wish and in return I promise to give you my soul when I die?” I asked him

“Bwahahaha!” he now stands towering over me, “Bwahaha! Listen kid, either you’re watching too much fiction or you bumped your head on way down here.”

“Eh?” was my puzzled reply

“In these times, I would hardly lift a finger to get anybody’s soul. Souls are a dime-a-dozen today kid! Everybody’s very much willing to give their soul to the devil, and they are not even aware of it.”

By now, I don’t know if I’m puzzled, I’m nervous or I just want to get out of there

“People have sex, and they call it love. It doesn’t matter if they are not married or one of them is married, all they know is that they are in love and there’s nothing wrong with being in love, right? That is why they keep on doing it, all because love justified their lust.”

“but…” I started to speak…

“Oh, don’t butt in yet, I’m just starting…” he continued, “look at the progress that is happening around… new bridges, roads, schools, buildings – development! Who doesn’t love progress? But every time a new bridge is built, a new building erected or roadways developed, I get more souls, all because the powers-that-be were just getting their ‘fair share.’ I believe that’s what they call in your world S.O.P., and THEY ACTUALLY BELIEVE IT’S OKAY!”

He continued to speak as he walks slowly around me

“Aahh… technology, I’ve never had an able assistant since the dawn of the Internet. And I’m not even referring to those surfing on porn sites and watching nude photos online, those were given, hardly any challenge there. But I’m referring to those very cunning social media. Thanks to them, people would rather chat with their friends, tend to their virtual farms, upload their most recent photos, and even shop online… they are so busy doing all these things that they no longer read the bible… heck! They don’t even pray anymore!”

“So, you see, you are not really in a position to bargain with me offering your soul. What I’ve mentioned to you are just few of your people’s follies, and I can feel that they will keep on doing these things… and the more powerful I will become… AND I’M NOT EVEN DOING ANYTHING! Isn’t that great?!”

“Bwahahaha! Bwahahaha!” his laugher is beginning to annoy me now.

“A-hehehe… I see your point… I – I – I’m really sorry for wasting your time… I better go now,” and I tried to walk away slowly…

“NOT SO FAST! It’s not that easy you know, just by coming to me, you have actually given me your soul. You have lost more than your share of bargain… you people are such an idiot!”

“Wait a minute! You have not given me my wish! That’s not fair!”

“Fair?! Me, the devil? You want me to play fair? Bwahahaha!”

“BWAHAHAHA! BWAHAHAHA!”

“I tell you, he’s going to crack up”

“No, he won’t. I don’t think so”

“Yes, he will. It won’t be long now”

“He will not, he is tough, you know that”

“And that toughness is what’s going to betray him”

Roy looked around him. He’s sure he heard voices talking, but there’s nobody around. His kids have all left for school, he’s all alone in his house now.

Dismissing the voices he heard as some passersby who might be talking too loud, Roy looked at the clock. Seeing that it’s almost 8 o’clock, he hurriedly took a bath, get dressed and went off to work. Just another day of being late at work.

“Look at him, he seems to have no cares at all”

“He doesn’t, and you know that”

“I hope so… I hope so”

Roy went in his daily routine in the office. Doing some paperworks, checking some documents, reading and responding to emails, and other stuff that he seems to perform in a “mechanical” sort of way.

After work, he went straight home. It was almost 7 p.m. when he reached their house, where his three kids are already waiting.

Fortunately for Roy, his son can already cook, that is why dinner was already prepared. After changing clothes, he called on the kids so they can take their dinner.

“A picture of a happy family!”

“Yes, they are. That’s why I can’t understand where you’re getting your idea about Roy”

“Like I said, a picture of a happy family… only, there’s something lacking in the picture… someone, rather”

Roy looks at his kids, they were all conversing. Happily talking about the day that just passed. They all seem to be happy.

Roy wonders… it seems his kids don’t even hear a whisper…. only he is hearing the voices…

After dinner, the kids took care of the dishes. Roy checked on his email for a while, and then went to bed.

The kids also went to bed early. Such is their routine.

It’s more than two years since Roy’s wife passed away. He was left with their three kids – Ralph, Edgar, and Angel. He is thankful though that his wife raised them well. Young as they are, the kids are already responsible, they took the death of their mother quite bravely… they were able to move on.

Roy also went on with his life. Attending to the needs of the kids, trying to do his best to continue where his wife left off in guiding their children. He wasn’t really much of a good role model, but he’s trying.

His friends sometimes can’t help but admire Roy for his strong faith, like he can handle any storm that comes in his life… and there were many of them. The passing of his wife seemed to be the biggest blow of all.

Roy wasn’t used to being alone… much more, being in charge. Nobody knew it, but it was his wife who would always push Roy to give his best… she alone knows how to encourage him… she alone understands him.

But now, Roy has to continue… he has three kids to take care of. He can’t wait for anybody to push him, he needs to push himself… he is all alone.

Sometimes, he would take the kids out… either to eat, see a movie, or just spend time in the mall. He wants his kids to be close to each other when they grow up. So that when he’s gone, they would look after one another.

His daily routine would be like that… work… home… work. He never really had a social life. He never wanted any.

“It’s a good thing I did not take you on your bet, otherwise, you could have loss”

“Who says I’ve loss? I still want to take that bet if you’re up to it”

“You mean, you still believe that…”

“Of course, I do!”

Days went by with Roy’s daily routine. Nothing changes… day in, day out.

No one would suspect because he would always wear a happy face, with nary a hint of any trouble inside.

Everything was fine.

One evening, the kids were all waiting for their father… it’s almost 10 p.m. but he is not yet home. The kids were worried.

Night passed and the morning came, but there wasn’t a shadow of Roy in the house. There were no calls even. The kids were very much worried.

Ralph called on their grandmother, Roy’s mother, to tell her about their father. She immediately went to the kids, while Roy’s sister and nieces went around town looking for him.

They went to his office and asked, but all they can say was he just took off fine the other day. They went to hospitals and precincts to ask, but neither have any record nor heard about Roy.

No clues. Where could he be?

Days… weeks… months has passed, and there were neither signs nor news about Roy. His mother took care of the kids, making sure that they could go with their lives normally.

Still, they were looking for their father…

It’s been almost a year, while the kids have accepted the fact that they may never see their father, they still miss him and hope that someday they will find him again.

Meanwhile, in some corner in the street at the downtown, there’s a man who sits on the side of the street. He has a hair so long that it almost covers his face, and from the looks of it, it seems the man haven’t taken a bath for quite a long time. His face was beyond recognition, he was almost covered with charcoal… or was it grease?

He wore a white t-shirt that has many holes, or it more seem like, a hole with a t-shirt on it. His pants, ragged and all, can’t be assured if it was really black or it was all dirt.

Passersby would always move away when they approach his location, because aside from his scary looks, they can smell him stink even from miles away.

“See! I told you he would snap! It took longer than I expected, but eventually he did”

“Yeah, I really thought he won’t. I really wish he did not”

Just then, the ragged man stood up and approached the two individuals, “Who are you people? Why are you always following me?!” he asked in a rather harsh voice.

“What?! You mean you can see us?!”

“Why are you surprised? Of course, he can see us! He’s on our plane now. He can see us now… and so his other persona”

Just then, the three men were suddenly surrounded by ten people. No, more like twenty people… perhaps even more.

They come in different shapes and sizes – man, woman, kids, adult, old, fat, short, thin, tall, grumpy, happy, black, white, brown… but what’s funny, the ragged man noticed, all the people looked the same.

They all seem to have the same face… they all look like… Roy

(Note: While I’m still not able to come out with a decent story lately, allow me to post here an original story I wrote last year and posted in my Sugar Coated World blog. This story was written when The Struggling Blogger dot Com and Roysville dot Com were still new, and Roysville.wordpress.com still exists. And so it goes…)

It’s 8:03 PM, and Roy’s blogs are all gathered together for their quarterly round table meeting (I didn’t know they were holding meetings – Roy).  House of Puroy stood up from his chair and declared “We’re already 3 minutes late for our meeting, as your presiding blog, I declare that we start with our meeting and not wait for Roysville anymore.”

The blogs settled on their seats with the announcement.

Present in the meeting are REFLECTIONS, Sugar Coated World (SCW), Money OnLine (MOL), Be Inspired Now! (BIN), The Struggling Blogger (TSB), Subukan Taya Ing Kapampangan (STIK), more than just copy-paste (MTCP), Letters To Mama (Letters), the 3 new blogs, Etsetera! Etsetera! (ETC), The Struggling Blogger dot Com (TSBdotCom), Roysville dot Com (RVdotCom), and of course, the presiding blog, House of Puroy.

After calling the roll, House of Puroy said “Okay guys, our main agenda for tonight’s meeting is to officially welcome to our roster our 3 new brothers, Etsetera!, The Struggling Blogger dot Com, and Roysville dot Com.”

Everybody gave the 3 blogs a big round of applause in approval… everybody, except…

*BLAG!*

“I don’t get it!” said TSB, who could no longer hold his silence, as he stood up and slammed the table with his hands. All the other blogs were surprised by his action.

“Why on earth do Roy needed to create The Struggling Blogger dot Com?! Am I not good enough? Haven’t I done AND DELIVERED of what was expected of me?” (I’m not hearing this – Roy), “Why?! Why?! Why?! can anybody explain it to me?”

He faced TSBdotCom and said “Do you really think you can replace me? Do you really believe you are better than me?”

“Hey! Loosen up!” replied TSBdotCom, “we’re on the same side”

“Yes, why are you so cranky?” asked SCW, “that’s my job!”

REFLECTIONS approached TSB and said “don’t be so sensitive… it’s not what you think. You’re being too emotional.” TSB looked at him and said, “look who’s talking!”

BIN who was always a respected member because of his wisdom said “REFLECTIONS is right brother… it’s not what you think. We’re not here to compete with each other, it’s not a question of who is the better blog and who’s not…” he continued, “we are here to complement each other… to support each other. We all have our specific purpose, no blog is above the other.”

“Why do you always have to be positive?:” replied TSB, he faced the group, “yes, BIN is right, we all have our specific purpose, and we’re doing it perfectly. But I can’t see how TSBdotCom’s purpose is different from mine. Don’t you think I have a reason to act like this?”

“Look brother,” TSBdotCom tried to reason, “once again, we are on the same side. Yes, you are right, we may overlap on our purpose, but I don’t think that’s reason enough to hate me! I’m not here to compete or replace you, and I definitely don’t mean to show that I’m the better blog and that…”

*PAK!*

TSBdotCom was not able to continue whatever he has to say because a quick right landed on his chin. The next thing he know, he was on the ground with his feet raised in the air.

He quickly picked himself up as he wiped the blood from his mouth… “I can see you’ve been writing too much of Pacquiao.”

“And there’s more where that came from!” TSB said.

“You know, just for that, I’ll definitely show that I am indeed the better struggling blogger and you’re nothing but a has been. I’m tired of all these bullying. I’m no pushover you know… I’ll put you in your proper place!” TSBdotCom warned.

Undaunted, TSB whip back “that won’t change a thing…” and in his best Cherrie Gil peformance, pointed at TSBdotCom and said “you’re nothing but a second-grade, trying hard, copy-blog!”

But before he can throw his glass of soda, TSBdotCom beat him to the punch as he threw a bucketfull of water, who suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, at TSB which caused him to loose his balance.

All hell was about to break loose, when the two blogs, now already in fighting stance approached each other, when House of Puroy shouted “Hey! That’s enough, cut it out!”

“Aren’t you two ashamed of yourself?! And you call yourselves blogs! You don’t know how to communicate!”

“Look,” as he addressed TSB, “if Roy’s intention was to replace you, he would have deleted you or already redirected you when he created TSBdotCom, and you’ll be sent to kingdom come. But he didn’t! Because he knows and realizes you contributions, and he believes you can do more. If he thinks there should be two struggling bloggers, we should support him. Let’s trust Roy on this one, shall we?” (That’s my boy! – Roy)

“And you!” he pointed at TSBdotCom, “you maybe a dot com, with beautiful theme, a comfortable web host and all, but that doesn’t mean you can throw your weight around here. You’re still the new guy you know. You better behave yourself!”

“Now, why don’t you two shake hands and end all this nonsense”

“I’m sorry bro,” TSB said, “I’m sorry too bro” replied TSBdotCom, as they shook hands and hug each other. Everybody clap their hands and were so happy that it’s all over.

Roysville dot Com, who was silent all throughout the proceedings, breathed a heavy sigh of relief and blurted out “Oh boy! I sure am glad that Roysville is not here toni—”

*BLAG!*

The door suddenly swung open, and everybody looked towards the direction of the door and saw, standing there was… Roysville who looked straight at Roysville dot Com as he spoke, “you were saying?”

House of Puroy put his hand on top of his head and said, “Oh brother! not another one…”

To be continued?
(I don’t think so! – Roy)

Narrator: it was the first day of school and the students we’re very excited to know their sections.

Cinderella: “Veronica, wait for me!“

Veronica: “Faster!“

Cinderella: “I want to know what my section is. Please wait for me. “

(Travis & Cinderella bump to each other & Cinderella’s things fell)

Travis: “Are you ok Miss? “

Cinderella: “Yes I’m fine, sorry I’m just in a hurry.”

Narrator: Cinderella leaves without getting to know what the boy’s name is. Travis saw a small notebook left by Cinderella.

Travis: “Wait! Miss, you forgot your notebook!”

Narrator: Cinderella didn’t notice that she forgot her diary with $100. When they were already back at their dorm, Cinderella noticed that her diary was missing.

Cinderella: “Veronica, did you see my diary.”

Veronica: “No, why? Is it missing?”

Cinderella: “umm… yeah.”

Veronica: “How about your $100?”

Cinderella: “It’s in my diary. Now, I should find work to raise that amount. “

Veronica: “But how?”

Cinderella: “I don’t know.”

Narrator: Travis kept the diary with him, wishing that she would see Cinderella again. The next day, after school Cinderella went straight to a cafeteria near them. There she met Devi and Levi, her classmates.

Devi: “Hi Cinderella! Are you going to apply here?”

Cinderella: “Umm… yes”

Levi: “Just leave your application to us, we’ll give it”

Narrator: Cinderella was hired after applying. One day, while the students we’re taking their recess, the cleaners were asked to clean the room.

Miss Jen: “Class you may take your recess. Cleaners, please stay and clean.”

Levi: “You heard it already Cinderella, why don’t you clean yet?”

Cinderella: “But I’m not a cleaner.”

Devi: “This is your practice for your work.”

Levi: “Come on Devi, let’s leave her so she can clean well.”

Cinderella: “But…”

Narrator: Meanwhile, Miss Jen talked to Travis in the Faculty’s room

Miss. Jen: “May I ask a favor Travis?”

Travis: “What is it ma’am?”

Miss Jen: “I want you to keep an eye on Devi and Levi, but be sure they won’t see you.”

Travis: “Why?”

Miss Jen: “Just don’t ask, why ok?”

Travis: “Yes ma’am.”

Narrator: At recess time, after Devi and Levi finished eating at, they went straight to Veronica.

Levi: “Hi Vern, what you doing?”

Veronica: “I’m reviewing for the test.”

Devi: “Is that so? May we join you later at lunch?”

Veronica: “Umm… Sure, let’s just meet here.”

Devi: “Deal, be sure to come ‘cause will wait for you.”

Narrator: Recess has ended, and the students went straight to their classroom to take a test. Veronica got the highest score in the test. At lunch time, Veronica went straight to the cafeteria we’re Devi and Levi said they will meet.

Levi: “Sorry we’re late.”

Veronica: “No, it’s ok. Anything you want?”

Devi: “I want a very cold C2”

Levi: “Me too.”

Veronica: “By the way, what made you talk to me? “

Levi: “Oh, we almost forgot “

Devi: “We want to be with you.”

Levi: “Yeah, can you teach us?”

Veronica: “Teach what?”

Levi: “Anything”

Veronica: “I don’t understand”

Devi: “The truth is…”

Levi: “We want you to be famous like us.”

Veronica: “What if I don’t want to.”

Devi: “You can have anything you ask for”

Veronica: “Sorry, but I really don’t want to”

Levi: “Please, just come with us instead of Cinderella”

Veronica: “I get it! You just want that Cinderella would be alone, right?”

Levi: “Exactly!”

Veronica: “Sorry, but I don’t want to. I can’t leave my friend.”

Levi and Devi: “Please Vern! Please, please, please, please!”

Narrator: The three girls didn’t notice that Travis was there, listening to them.

Travis: “Levi, Devi, why do you want Cinderella to be alone?”

Levi: “It’s something personal, and none of your business!”

Devi: “Don’t mind what Levi said Travis. By the way, can you be the lucky guy to dance with me in cheerleading dance competition?”

Travis: “You talk as if I didn’t hear what you were saying before”

Levi: “Why are you listening to us?”

Travis: “Umm… It’s time already, I got to go!”

Devi: “Travis! Wait! Please, wait for me! Wait!”

Narrator: Travis went straight to the Miss Jen’s classroom.

Travis: “Miss Jen, that was so close!”

Miss Jen: “What is it? Tell me?”

Narrator: Travis told Miss Jen what he heard.

Ms. Jen: “Is that so? As soon as you reach your classroom, tell Devi, Levi and Veronica to go to the principal’s office, and also Cinderella.”

Travis: “But I don’t know who Cinderella is.”

Miss Jen: “Just ask to Veronica, she’s her classmate.”

Narrator: The bell rings and lunch ended but Cinderella only ate 1 piece of doughnut inside the classroom.

Travis: “Devi, Levi, Veronica and Cinderella, Miss Lynn wants to talk to the 4 of you later after dismissal.”

Devi: “Why?”

Cinderella: “We’ll go”

Narrator: When class ended and dismissal came, the four girls went straight to principal’s office.

Cinderella: “Good afternoon Miss Lynn, Travis said you want to talk to us.”

Miss Lynn: “Not actually to you, I want to talk to Devi and Levi.”

Devi: “What is it madam, are we going to get a promotion?”

Miss Lynn: “No, because of your misbehavior, you two will have a two-week suspension”

Devi: “What?! But… but….”

Levi: “Are we allowed to go the cheerleading dance competition?”

Miss Lynn: “Yes, but you will have to organize your room, without anybody’s help. Only the two of you.”

Narrator: September 12 came, Cheerleading Dance Competition started, Travis and Cinderella are now getting to know each other better.

Travis: “May I dance with you?”

Cinderella: “Sure, why not.”

Narrator: While dancing, Travis got something from his coat and gave it to Cinderella who was so surprised.

Travis: “I think this notebook belongs to you?”

Cinderella: “Thanks! Now, I don’t need any more to work in the cafeteria.”

The Author: Angel is my 11 year old daughter, the youngest in the family and the only woman in my life.

She wrote this script for their club presentation when they were asked to come up with a modern-day version of the Cinderella story.

“Good morning, honey! Did you sleep well?” I asked Matthew as he enters the kitchen.

“I don’t know Mom,” he replied, rubbing his eyes, “what’s for breakfast?” and seated himself on the table.

“Here you go honey, pancakes for you… soft and fluffy, just the way you like them,” as I plant a big morning kiss on my 6-year old boy. “and of course, your favorite chocolate syrup for your pancake.”

“Thanks mom! You’re really the best!” he enthusiastically replied, and gave me a big hug.

R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g!

It only took one ring from the telephone to bring me back to reality, where I found myself alone in the kitchen… with no Matthew around

R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g! R-r-i-i-i-n-g!

My coffee have gone cold, I wasn’t even able to take a sip, I was busy thinking

R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g! R-r-i-i-i-n-g!

I was not really in a hurry to answer the phone

R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g! R-r-i-i-i-n-g!

Maybe because I knew that it’s my mother, who consistently calls every morning to check how I was and maybe to find out if I made it through the night.

R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-n-g! R-r-i-i-i-n-g!

Finally, I stood and picked up the phone, “Hi Mom!”

“Liza!” said the voice on the other line, “why can’t you answer the phone immediately? I know, don’t tell me, you’re thinking about Matthew again, right?” my mother asked

I was silent… I didn’t reply

“It’s been six years already, why can’t you let go? There’s nothing more you can do now.”

“I know mom,” tears started running down my cheeks, “I’m trying my best mom, I do.”

“Oh, I’m sorry sweetie. I didn’t mean to be too harsh on you… I’m just worried. You want me to go there?”

“No mom, I’m just fine really. I understand you mom, and I appreciate it. Thank you very much mom. I really have to go now, talk to you later mom. Bye! I love you.”

“Bye sweetie! Take care of yourself now, I love you.”

I got my coat and went to the park… maybe some fresh air would do me good.

Seating on a park bench and taking a sip on my coffee, a ball rolled near my feet, followed by a cute little girl who picked it up, “Good morning little Becky! What a beautiful dress you’re wearing today! Are you having fun in the park?”

“Hi Miss Liza! I’m sorry if my ball disturbed you, I hope you’re not mad.”

“Oh, you sweet little thing, how thoughtful of you. Of course I’m not mad. You’re really a sweet girl, my Matthew would have loved to play with you”

“So where is Matthew? I’ve been hearing his name but I haven’t seen him yet,” she asked.

I was searching for words, I didn’t know what to answer the little girl.

Just then, Becky’s mother approached us and pulled her, she pointed to me and said, “Don’t you ever talk to my girl about your Matthew again, I don’t want her to have anything of it, you understand?!”

“Hey sweetheart, chill! Liza didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t be too hard on her.” That’s George, Becky’s father

“I’m sick and tired of all this Matthew talk, it’s not normal anymore. You should see a doctor girl, A-S-A-P!” Valerie, Becky’s mother, said to me.

“She just miss him honey, let her be”

“She brought it upon herself, George! She’s at fault! She deserved all this!” yelled Valerie

“You know,” said George, “as a mother like her, you should be the first one to understand her”

“She was NEVER a mother!” she quipped

That’s all I can take. I stood up and run as I was silently crying… everything that Valerie said was true… everything!

I run, not knowing where to go… not knowing what to do… and because I wasn’t looking, I bumped into another person….

“I knew I’d find you here,” said a man’s voice who helped me pick myself up after the collision.

“YOU! Get your hands off me!” I shouted when I recognized the face of the man. It’s Vinz, Matthew’s father… rather, supposed-to-be father.

I met Vinz when I was still a gullible 18-year old, he was 22 then.

Vinz was everything I was looking for in a man – in command, full of confidence, tough and yet does not hesitate showing his softness through his sweetness. He showered me with love, caring, tenderness… I thought it would not end.

I loved him so much, our romance lasted for almost two years… until I excitedly surprised him with the news that I was pregnant… but I was more shocked by his revelation.

“I’m really sorry Liza, I’m excited and all about our baby… but I can’t marry you… I am already married.”

I didn’t know how I reacted, or if I even replied or asked questions… I don’t remember anything… everything went blank… I can’t even recall how we parted ways… all I can remember is that, it was the last time I saw him.

Now, after six years, here he is again… standing in front of me…

“I miss you Liza. I’ve been looking for you. Where’s our child? He must be big now, is he?” he excitedly asked.

“You don’t have a child! You don’t have anything! How dare you show your face to me again! Get out of here! You ruined my life! I don’t want to see you again!”

“Please, let me explain Liza… I just went home to…”

“I don’t want to hear what you have to say Vinz…. I don’t want to see you again…” and when I got loose from his grip, I run again… faster this time…

“Liza! I came back for you… my wife, I mean my ex-wife and I are now legally separated… Liza… please…” Vinz was shouting… but I didn’t hear any of it. I was busy running, my mind was spinning… I’m lost, I don’t know what to do… I was confused, I just kept on running

I found myself standing in front of my mother. She was holding back her tears as she opens her arms and gestures for me to come to her.

“Mom…” I said, as I hug her like I was the baby that I used to be…

“Sshhh…” she said, “you’ve been having a bad day, sweetie.” She hugged me back, I miss my mother’s embrace… it was the most comforting place in the world, inside my mother’s arms.

“Come, let’s go to your room so you can rest.”

That night, I was back in the same room that I grew up in… the same bed I was sleeping in six years ago until I decided to be stupid and run away from home. I was scared to tell them I was pregnant… that’s when I went to Aunt Emmy, who took take care of me while I was still deciding on what to do with my baby.

“Mom…” I called her, she was seated on a chair beside the bed, just watching me, “mom, I’m really sorry…”

“Sshhh… don’t worry about anything sweetie… you need to sleep. I know you’re very tired. Go to sleep now honey… you’re home,” and she kissed me in the forehead… and just like that, I was peaceful again…

I don’t know how long I have been sleeping when I heard a voice call me,

“Mommy”

“Matthew, is that you?” I asked. I looked around but I can’t see a thing. Everything was dark.

“I love you mommy,” said the voice of a boy.

“I love you too Matthew, I do my son, I do”

“LIAR! You don’t love me, you NEVER love me!” he accused me.

“But I do, I really love you Matthew, please believe me”

“Why didn’t you give me a chance to feel that love mommy? Why didn’t you give me a chance to hold you… to touch you… to embrace you… to love you… to see you. Why didn’t you let me live mommy? You said you love me… but why mommy? Why?”

“I’m sorry Matthew… I’m really sorry… I was confused… I didn’t know what to do, I was alone… I’m sorry Matthew…” was all I can say while I was crying

“I love you mommy… I love you… I love…” he was saying, as his voice was slowly fading…

“I love you too my son… I’m really sorry… I’m sorry Matthew…”

“And this even have realistic engine sound!” Nico bragged, as he showed his new radio controlled car to his classmates in school. Gerry could only watch in envy as Nico’s toy car runs around them.

The school bell suddenly rang, Nico quickly picked up his toy and they all ran to their rooms.

That night at home, while waiting for their dinner to be prepared by his mother, Gerry approached his father, “Dad, Nico has a new toy. He brought it in school today, it’s a radio controlled car. Can I have one too Dad?”

His father puts Gerry on his lap and said, “Son, we both know that Nico can afford to have all those beautiful toys because his father is a seaman. I’m just an office clerk Gerry, my salary is just enough for our daily needs,” he continued, “tell you what, this weekend after we go to the mass, we’ll go to the park and we’ll fly kites together. How does that sound?”

“That would be great Dad!” replied Gerry, who’s always looking forward to a weekend of kite flying with his father.

Meanwhile, Nico was playing in his room. Trying to do some tricks with his new radio controlled car, making quick turns, sudden stops, trying to make the car run fast… everything that he thinks he can do with his toy car. But he is silent while playing alone.

His door suddenly opened and his mother entered his room, “Why are you not yet sleeping? It’s late? You’ll be late for school tomorrow?”

“When is Dad coming home?” Nico asked his mother.

His mother sat beside him in bed, “Nico, you know your father has to be on the ship. That’s his job as a seaman.”

“But I miss him Mom!” Nico exclaimed.

“I miss your Dad too, but we really need to make some sacrifices for us to be able to buy everything we need. You know what? For your birthday next month, Dad said he’s going to buy you that toy robot you always wanted! See, if you’re Dad isn’t on the sea, he might not be able to buy you that.”

Nico didn’t reply and he just looked at his mother, who tucked him in his bed and said, “go to sleep now son, there’s school tomorrow,” as she kissed him goodnight.

Gerry and Nico live in the same subdivision. They are actually the best of friends, they would go to school together and go home from school together. That’s why Gerry knows all of Nico’s new toys, even those he doesn’t bring in school.

Nico, also knows of Gerry and his father’s weekend activities. He always sees them at the park flying kite together every time he rides his bike around the subdivision.

In their young minds, each one wishes they have each other’s father. Nico wants a father whom he can play with especially at weekends, Gerry wish his father is a seaman too so he can have all those great toys.

During one of their breaks in school, while the two boys are having their snack, Nico tells his friend, “You know? I really envy you.”

“Huh?!” Gerry was surprised, “envy me?! It is me who should be envious of you! You have all those great toys! My Dad couldn’t even buy me one of those toys!”

“I may have beautiful toys,” replied Nico, “but my father is not here, I can’t play with him because he is in the sea. I always see you and your father fly kites in the park during weekend, I never experienced that with my Dad. That’s why I envy you.”

Gerry looks at his friend, he can see his sadness in his eyes. His 10-year old mind understands how his friend feels, and he suddenly appreciated his father better.

That night in their house, Gerry approached his father, “Dad…”

“What is it this time?” his father asks.

“Could it be possible…” Gerry hesitated, “What?’ asked his father again.

“Can Nico join us in our kite-flying on Sunday?” he was finally able to ask.

“Sure son, Nico can join us.”

And Gerry hugged his father very tight.

“Are you sure this is the right door?”

“Yes! I’m definitely sure it’s the right door! Go ahead and knock!”

“But you said that on the first two doors too! How sure are you now?”

“Hey! The doors all look the same, can you blame me? Now, I’m sure about this one. Do you want to see her or not?!”

Benjie has no choice really, hesitantly he knocks at the door… timidly at first, but it gets aggressive as he knocks some more.

“Looks like nobody’s home” he said.

“Just keep on knocking,” Vernon prodded him, “I’m sure somebody’s inside.”

Benjie was about to knock again when the door swung open, and in front of them stood a shirtless man in his early 60’s who looks so grumpy and isn’t so happy to see them.

“What is it?!” he asks.

“Ah, sir… is this the house where Miss Victoria Magabon lives? Here’s a picture of her sir, you might re…”

“Nobody lives here by that name. Now go away, I’m busy!” the man replied without even letting the boy finished, and slams the door close.

“Wow! Talk about grumpy!” Vernon blurted out.

“You said this is the right door! Which one really is it?!” Benjie demanded

“Look,” Vernon explained, “this is an 8-door apartment row, and they all look the same. My informant said it’s in one of these doors. We’ve been through three, we’ve only five to go, how hard can that be?”

“Geez! Some guys just don’t have any sense of appreciation!” Vernon whispered quite loudly

“What was that?” Benjie asked.

While they were having an argument, the door on the fifth apartment opened, and out came a lady in her late 40’s. Apparently she heard the noise and was wondering what the commotion was all about.

“Excuse me boys,” as she approached them, “I can’t help but hear you two. Is there any problem? Can I help you?”

“Yes ma’m!” Benjie replied excitedly, “I’m looking for Victoria Magabon, here’s her picture. They said she lives in these apartment, can you tell me which one ma’m?”

The woman looks at the picture and then at the boy.

“My goodness! Don’t tell me… are you Benjamin?”

“Y-yes ma’m. But please call me Benjie”

“My, you’re so big now. How times really fly so fast… look at you!”

“A-Are you Victoria Magabon? Are you my mother?” Benjie asked the woman nervously.

“No, my name is Margaret. I’m a friend of your mother. She used to live in this apartment with me,” the woman replied.

“What do you mean used to?”

“She moved out last week, she heard some people were asking for her. She freaks out whenever she learns of someone looking for her. The wife of one of her customer threatened to have her killed because she claimed your mother destroyed their family,” Margaret explained.

“Can I butt in?” said Vernon, who doesn’t want to be just an audience, “why would his mother destroy other people’s family?”

“You don’t know your mother’s job, do you,” said Margaret, “she was a prostitute and she goes with every man who fancy her, as long as they can sustain her caprice. It’s not like she wanted it, but she can’t live without the lifestyle she was so accustomed with.”

“My father said she went to live with another man because she can’t give her a luxurious life, he never said about my mother being a prostitute,” Benjie said, holding back the tears in his eyes.

“Aahh… your father is a good man. I can see he raised you well. Your mother would’ve been proud of you”

“So where does she live now?” asked Vernon, “I’m sure you know where we can find her, right? Can you tell us please?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know”

“What do you mean you don’t know?!” Vernon argues, “Come on, quit playing games with us! You said she’s your friend! Surely, you know where she went!”

“She didn’t tell me. She doesn’t want anyone to know really. The threat that she received has caused her to become paranoid, she doesn’t tell anyone wherever she goes,” Margaret explained.

“I guess there’s nothing we can do now,” Benjie said, as tears finally trickled down his face, “let’s go home Vernon. Thank you for your time ma’m.”

“Wait!” Vernon isn’t about to give up yet, “can we just leave a number? Just in case she comes visiting you, can you at least give her the number? Pleeeease?”

“Yes, I’ll do that,” said the woman as she gets the piece of paper containing the number from Vernon.

At the road, while Vernon was driving, “That was really a bummer bro! I mean, we were so close! If only we got here a week earlier, we could have caught her.”

Benjie was just silent, his eyes looking out the window…. he was thinking….

“Now, we have to start all over again,” Vernon continues, “and I need to pay more informants again to gather information. But don’t worry bro, even if I use the last of my allowance I’ll find her for you bro. What are we brothers for?”

“There’s something wrong,” Benjie blurted out, “I just can’t put a finger on it…”

Meanwhile, back at the apartment… Margaret is looking at a picture of a baby… she was crying…

“I’m sorry my boy… how I wanted to embrace you, to kiss you… but it’s better that you don’t see me anymore… it’s better this way my son. You’ve grown to be a fine young man…. I’m proud of you… I love you Benjamin… I’m really sorry…”

He looked around and sees nothing… yet he can hear footsteps… he can sense someone breathing… so close

The alley is too dark, and the moon hiding behind the evening clouds isn’t helping.

No sweat. He’s tough, he’s a mean guy, and everybody fears him.

He put his hand in his jacket and pulled out a sharp six-inch silver that has been his companion for the last five years of scaring people out of their wits, until he gets what he wants – money, clothes, jewelries, sex, and sometimes even just to see frightened eyes.

Holding a tight grip on the dagger’s handle, he turns around in the hope to surprise an unsuspecting attacker… yet he saw nothing. No movements, no shadows.

“Hah! I scared him!” he said to himself, so he continued to where he is going… but when he turned around he saw a figure in front of him.

He saw his face, “You!” but before he can react, a swift motion lands a baseball bat right on top of his skull…

As he lays on the ground and blood freely flowing from his head, he tried to look once more at his attacker… only to see another bat assault coming to him. Darkness.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!” laughter fills the dark alley, “that should teach you not to mess with me! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

“Ho-hum…” Ricky yawns and stretched after clicking the ‘Publish’ button. He has just posted another creation in his short story blog.

“There,” he said, “I can sleep now…” and soundly he did.

The next morning, while walking on his way to his work, he saw people gathered in an alley opening. Curiosity got the better of him and went to see what the commotion was all about.

He saw three policemen scanning the ground for some evidences… and right in their middle was a dead man lying, his face almost covered with blood… wait! He recognizes the man…

It was the man who attacked him just two days ago and robbed him of his hard-earned salary… he can’t be mistaken… it was him!

And beside the dead man, there was baseball bat… with blood all over it.

Ricky had goose bumps… he felt cold… he left the crowd immediately and went on his way… all the while the scene keeps on flashing in his mind.

In his work in a 24-hour convenience store, Ricky can’t seem to concentrate. As he was arranging the bottles of juices in the shelf, one slipped off his hands… and in his attempt to capture it, he hit those on the shelf… and more bottles fell, one after another… all broken, and a few broken glasses even pierced Ricky’s body, hurting him so bad.

His boss quickly rushed to the sound of breaking bottles and found Ricky in the middle of it, “You idiot! Look what you done! Get out of my store! You’re fired! Get out before you wreck the whole place! Get out!”

“But sir,” Ricky pleaded, unmindful of his wounds, “I need this job, please….”

“I don’t care! Get out!”

And he pushed Ricky out of the store, still with some pieces of broken glass in his body.

Ricky went home… hurting, and without a job.

“I’ll go back tomorrow. Maybe he’ll have a cooler head and he would take me again,” he said to himself.

The next day, he went back to the store. But even before he can approach his boss, he already saw him.

“What are you doing here?! Didn’t I fire you already?! Get out of my place! Get out!”

So Ricky just went home… thinking of what could happen to him now.

To take his mind off his problem, he went to his computer, logged on the internet, opened the control panel of his short story blog, and clicked ‘Write a new post.’

He feels like writing a story… and he did, as if his fingers have a mind of their own… keying in every letter as the story develops right before his eyes…

“No! Please! Don’t kill me! I beg you! I have a family! Please forgive me! I’ll take you back in my store I promise, just don’t kill me please!” the character in the story begs.

“Too late Mr. Santos… you had your chance yesterday. But now… just pray that you have saved enough for your family….” and he strangled him with the rope he’s holding… tightly… choking him to his death…

The next morning, Ricky woke up early. He thinks of going back to the store and ask his boss again. But when he arrived at the store, it was closed.

He knocked, hoping that somebody would be inside… soon his friend Danny came out.

“Why are you close?” asked Ricky “Where’s Mr. Santiago? I’ll ask him to give me another chance, I really need the job.”

“Sorry Ricky,” Danny replied, “he can’t give you a chance no more… the man’s dead. They said, he died in his sleep last night. Must be a bad nightmare… what’s strange though was that they said they found a rope beside him in his bed. The man must have choked himself to death, don’t know.”

“So we won’t be open for a few days, sorry buddy,” Danny continued.

Ricky walks home… his face blank… shocked…

Two events couldn’t just be coincidences?

He reached home still shocked… dropped himself on the couch and thought about what’s happening… yet he couldn’t understand anything…. everything’s vague… senseless.

He was deep in his thoughts when somebody knocked at the door… loudly…

“Hey Ricky! Open up! Open the door!” it’s Mrs. Penny, his landlady

As soon as he opened the door “So, do you have the money now? You’re three months overdue and I need the money! Where’s my money?!”

“I’m really sorry Mrs. Penny,” Ricky explained, “but you see, I’ve been robbed the other day, and I got fired and… “

“Oh! Don’t give me that crap! If you don’t have the money, I want your ass out of here by tomorrow. I have already talked to some people with money and they want to take this place. Got that?! Tomorrow, out!”

“But Mrs. Penny,” Ricky tried to reason to her…. but she already turned her back and walked away.

Ricky couldn’t believe what’s happening to him… three bad lucks in a row… what will he do now?

Seems like everything’s hopeless for him, he couldn’t see any solution to his problem…

Wait a minute! There’s a solution!

Ricky’s face lights up, and he now wears a grin on his face. He went to his computer and accessed his blog… and clicked ‘Write a new post’

He tied the old lady on the chair tightly, she couldn’t move… “Please… what are you going to do? Are you out of your mind?”

As if not hearing anything, he poured gasoline all around her… and all over her…

“Please stop… don’t do this! Please, I beg you! Stop!” the old lady begged….

“When did you say you need the money?” he replied, as he lighted a matchstick and threw it on the old lady…

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!”