*tiiit-tiiit-tiiit*

Tess’ cellphone signaled an incoming text message, “Happy Birthday Tess! I hope you have no plans for your birthday, can I invite you for dinner?” the message read.

It was Arnold. It’s been a long time since she talked to him, nor replied to his text messages. She didn’t understand why she replied now, “Thank you Arnold. But I don’t celebrate my birthday and you know why”

Arnold’s reply to her didn’t take long, “I know Tess, that’s why I am asking you out. We should remove the sad memories attached to your birthday. Please Tess, just this once?”

Irritated, but a smile managed to escape from Tess’ lips. Still the same old persistent Arnold, she thought. But she knows he’s right, she should be happy on her birthday.

“I guess you’re right. Okay, pick me up at 7 tonight,” she texted to him.

“Thank you very much Tess. See you tonight” was Arnold’s reply.

Thirty minutes before the appointed time, Arnold was already ringing the doorbell of Tess’ house. After seeing her mother, and asking permission to take Tess out for dinner, the two went on their way.

“So, where are you going to take me for dinner?” Tess asked.

“You’ll see,” was Arnold’s brief reply.

As Arnold was driving, Tess noticed the place where they were going. “I don’t know of any restaurants here,” she said.

“Because where not going to any restaurants!” said Arnold.

“So, where are we going?” asked Tess again.

“Here,” said Arnold as he stopped the car and quickly got off, and went around to open Tess’ door to help her alight from the car.

“Where’s this?” as she handed her hands to Arnold and got off the car.

“Welcome to my place,” he said.

“Your place? You live here? Alone?” came Tess’ series of questions.

“Yes, I live here, and yes, I am alone. Come inside. Make yourself comfortable,” as he guided her inside the house.

“So, you’re alone… and I am here with you, alone…” Tess said, while still standing near the doorway.

“Why? Is there a problem with that?” asked a puzzled Arnold.

“Hello! Just in case you didn’t notice, I’m a woman, and I am here with you alone!” exclaimed Tess.

“Haha!” Arnold laugh, “Have you forgotten who I am? You know you’re safe with me, Tess. We’re here to celebrate your birthday, remember?” he continued, “now, why don’t you be a good girl and sit on the sofa while I go prepare our dinner,” winks Arnold, and disappeared in the kitchen.

A relieved Tess went in and sat on the sofa. She knows she is safe with Arnold. He never tried anything… which she felt makes him kind of boring sometimes, actually. “Oh well, at least I’m safe,” she murmured to herself.

Then, suddenly it became dark.

“Arnold, why did you turn off the light?” Tess asked, although she cannot see where Arnold was.

“I didn’t turn off the light, Tess. I dimmed them,” he replied, and lighted the candles on the table.

Arnold emerges from the dining room, bringing a bouquet of flowers, and approached where Tess was seated.

“Happy birthday Tess,” and hands her the flowers as he kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you Arnold,” replied a smiling Tess.

“Come on,” Arnold gestured to Tess, and offered his hands again to assist her. “I hope you like what I prepared for you.”

Tess gave her hand to Arnold and followed him to the dining table, where he prepared a simple table setting for two, complete with candlelight.

“Hmm… Dinner by candlelight. How romantic!” exclaimed Tess.

Arnold assisted Tess to her chair and he sat opposite her. As if on cue, a sweet, soft music played on the background, while Arnold poured red wine on Tess’ glass.

“Red wine, just what the doctor ordered!” said Arnold.

Tess was smiling as he looked at Arnold and asked, “Arnold, are you trying to seduce me?”

“Seduce you?! No Tess. Seduction is hardly my game. That’s too childish and short lived. The only thing that I want to do right now Tess, is to make you feel special… because, you are special,” as he raised his glass and said, “Happy birthday to a very special lady.”

All she can reply was a smile.

She noticed Arnold to be different today. More composed and relaxed. He seems to be more confident and secure. A far cry from the intense and excited Arnold he knew just a few weeks back.

“And thanks to you, Tess” her thought was interrupted by Arnold’s voice, “I now know that not all pasta are called spaghetti.”

Soft laughter filled the air.

“I don’t suppose you were the one who cooked this fettuccine, right?” Tess asked Arnold.

“Tess,” Arnold replied, “I did say I want this to be special, right? What would make it more special than everything here being prepared personally by yours truly? Just don’t expect five-star standard please, I’m not a chef.”

“Not bad, really” said Tess, as she took a sample of Arnold’s cooking. “You really surprised me, Arnold… all these efforts, I am really elated. Thank you.”

“Anything to make this day special for you, Tess.”

“You’re my peace of mind, in this crazy world…”

Arnold looked at Tess, as the song Beautiful in My Eyes started to play… and he saw the sweetest smile and the most angelic face he has seen in his entire life.

A wordsmith just a few minutes ago, Arnold was suddenly lost for words. He didn’t know what to say, as he gazed at the beauty in front of him.

His hesitation however, was just brief. Arnold stood up and approached Tess, and once again offered his hands and said, “May I have this dance?”

Tess smiled, held Arnold’s hand as she stood up… and they dance in the beautiful song…

“You’re my Monalisa,
you’re my rainbow skies,
and my only prayer is that you realize… “

“Happy birthday Tess,” said Arnold who’s now facing her so close as they dance. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

“Thank you very much, Arnold… thank you for everything,” replied Tess, as she looked Arnold in the eyes…

“You will always be, beautiful in my eyes,
and the passing years will show
that you will always grow
ever more beautiful… in my eyes”

Barely two years after her separation from a failed marriage, the scars are still fresh and the doubts in her heart yet undiminished. But that night, Tess feels calmer… relaxed. In the arms of Arnold, she felt safe… she felt special… she felt loved.

Arnold was just happy, holding in his arms… and so close, the woman of his dream. He knows there are no guarantees… she’s not yet ready. Tomorrow may be a different story. But it really does not matter to him now.

What matters is at that very moment, he is holding her so close to him while they dance.

All he wants is for Tess to be happy, to make her feel that she is special… and with Tess resting her head on his shoulder while they danced, he knew he was able to make her feel that… even just for that very special moment…

…and it’s all that matters to him.

“and the passing years will show
that you will always grow
ever more beautiful… in my eyes…”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRKqxSZeq4s

Roy was all smile as he reads on his PC monitor

“What’s with the wide grin?”

“Well, Holly just called me a prolific writer. Can you believe that?!” Roy replied.

“She did?! Why? How? When?! I mean, why would she call you that?”

Roy, in a rather exasperated voice said, “Well, for your information, she mentioned it in her post about the Versatile Blogger Award and bestowed upon me honor of being one!”

“Vers — ver— hahaha! wahaha!”

“What’s funny? Why are you laughing so hard?” asked an irritated Roy

“Hahaha… so — sorry.. haha… I ca – I can’t help it, wahahaha! I can’t believe you fall for those stupid memes! Hahahaha!”

“Look, it may be a stupid… I mean a meme, but we both know that Holly wouldn’t give me that award just for the sake of passing it on. You know that! You know she meant what she said!” Roy is now mad.

“Hahaha! Yeah, I know that. Still, it’s a meme. wahahaha!”

“Hey! All this time, I’m trying to claim my place in this writing thing. Now, here’s an author with a reputation, giving me an affirmation that I’m doing something right, and you’re trying to hose me down?! Thanks a lot!”

“Oh, so sorry buddy, hehe… I just can’t help it. Okay, I’ll stop now hehe… so what does this award ask you to do now? I’m sure there is something you have to do, that’s how these memes work.”

“Yes there is… there are, actually,” Roy replied. “First I have to thank Holly for bestowing me the honor, which I did when I visited her blog. I have to mention seven things about me, and I have to bestow the same award to 15 other bloggers.”

“Hmm… you already have the list of seven things to make a fool of yourself?”

“Why would I make a fool of myself? They shouldn’t necessarily be ridiculous. Maybe something out of the ordinary, but not outright stupid,” said Roy.

“And what would those seven, out-of-the-ordinary things about you could be?”

“Well, let’s see…” Roy tried to think, “first, I still love watching cartoons, in fact I still couldn’t get enough of Looney Tunes! Second, I always talk to myself, especially when I have no one to talk too, and third, I hate telenovelas! They make mortals come back from the dead. They absolutely insult my intelligence!”

“Those are not out of the ordinary! Those are regular stuffs! Many grown-ups still watch cartoons, a lot of people talk to themselves, and most normal people hates telenovelas! Come on, be more creative man!”

“Okay, how’s this?” continued Roy, “I still have this fear of the thunder, especially when it’s followed by a sharp crackling sound of lightning. Reminds me of the darks days of the Pinatubo.”

“Getting better, proceed please. You have three more to go.”

“I don’t really like accounting, and until now I still don’t understand why I took the course!”

“NORMAL! Surprise me with your last two”

“A slice of banana cake would always satiate me anytime, especially when it’s accompanied by black coffee”

“Ho-huum…. Boring! Last chance”

“At this very moment, I am actually nursing a broken heart.”

“You don’t say! Really, tell me about it. Come on, come on.”

“Oh, stop acting silly, as if you don’t know. Shall we proceed?” said Roy

“Okay, now you should pass the award to 15 other people. Are you up to it?”

“Gee, actually I am not,” quipped Roy. “I haven’t really been going around lately. I know three versatile writers but I don’t think they are accepting memes – Jena is busy shepherding the Clin Chem Bloggers, Zorlone is currently Lost in Phonpei, and I don’t really think he wants to find his way back. He seems to be enjoying himself. And Jan… Jan isn’t really writing lately, and I dare not ask what he does to exhale at present.”

“So, that means you’re not going to pass that award right now?”

“Well, if those three I mentioned are willing to accept, I will be more than glad. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t pass it, not at this time, at least. I hope I don’t disappoint Holly,” said Roy.

“Oh don’t worry. It will take more than ignoring an award task to disappoint that woman… err I mean, lady.”

Just then, Roy’s daughter, Angel walked out of her room, “Daddy, who were you talking to?” she asked.

“Oh! No one, sweetheart. I was just… I was just… just talking to myself,” replied Roy with a smile.

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 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 paperwork, checking some documents, reading and responding to emails, and other stuff that he seem 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 come 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 cover 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.

The Strongest Link
(A short classroom presentation)

Ralph: Good day to all our viewers! Welcome to the hottest game show today – The Stongest Link! Today, we will learn from our contestants, who are all parts of speech, which of them is the strongest link. Let’s meet them and hear what they have to say.

Noun: I am Noun, and as you can obviously see, I am the strongest link! Without me, what would you call your mother? You wouldn’t have a pet dog… hey! You wouldn’t even have birthday without me! That’s why I should be the strongest link!

Pronoun: (Ehem) With all due respect, listen to the following sentences… My mother went to market. My mother cooks delicious food. My mother loves us very much. Hmmm… doesn’t it sound like a broken record. Surely, this sounds better… My mother went to market. She cooks delicious food. She loves us very much. See! It sounds better! That is why I, Pronoun, should be the strongest link!

Verb: Hey! Wait a minute! You’ve just proven that I am the strongest link! Without me, your mother can’t go to the market, she can’t even cook if there are no verbs. Just imagine a world without action… isn’t that boring?! I am really the strongest link!

Adjective: How can you be the strongest link? Without me, you wouldn’t even know the meaning of strongest at all! You won’t know how delicious your mother cooks or how much she loves you! There’s no question about it. When it comes to comparison, I am the strongest link!

Adverb: Well, you may have a point there. But just like Mr. Noun, you’re kinda boring by yourself. That is where I come in, I put more colors and meaning to you Mr. Adjective, and not only you but including Mr. Verb there. In fact, I put excitement to the whole sentence! Isn’t that what the strongest link should be?!

Ralph: Well, there they are ladies and gentlemen. We all have heard what they have to say, and honestly, each one has a point. Who then should be the strongest link?

The truth is, all of them are important, all deserve to be the strongest link. But here’s the news here, if you, my fellow students would learn how to use them all, together with other parts of speech – preposition, conjunction and interjection… without a doubt then, you will be the strongest link!

Goodbye! (wink)

(For the story behind and reason behind this script, visit the original post at my other blog. Thanks!)

“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…”