Broken Pot

It was the darkest day in Jerry’s Life. He never admitted to pain before even in his younger days, but now, he did. He felt like his heart is bleeding as he reads a part of Melanie’s letter that says:

…I’ve been following you in secret to see how well you have been handling this affair with that woman. Hoping that one day, everything will come to an end. Quietly, I tried to do everything I could to win back your attention again. But in vain, I guess. Because until now, you still go out with her. After seeing the two of you together again yesterday afternoon, I have decided to give up the fight. I will leave. I couldn’t stand the pain of losing you gradually. I couldn’t accept the fact that you don’t love me anymore…

“You shouldn’t have left,” Jerry uttered as he closes the letter with shaking hands, “it’s not what you’re thinking, Melanie. I could have explained things to you if only you had stayed. I love you very much…”

“He suddenly found himself grabbing the phone and dialing some phone numbers that belong to Melanie’s friends and relatives; a thing he hasn’t done before. Unfortunately, none of them can tell him her whereabouts. She left with Lantel, their two year old son. He knows he can only blame himself for what has happened.

“She’s a very pretty lady,” Melanie exclaimed while preparing his breakfast.

“Lady? Who?”

“I’m talking about the picture in your wallet.”

Surprised, Jerry almost blew out the coffee from his mouth. Melanie has found out about Jessica’s picture. He started to perspire.

“Hey, it seems you’ve been checking my wallet without my knowledge.”

“Of course not. It was an accident. It fell open while I’m preparing the laundry a while ago. Why? Is there any problem?”

“None. Actually, that woman is our new sales secretary. She gave that picture to me as a remembrance.”

“And what for?”

“I don’t know. It might be because she finds me charming,” Jerry said while laughing. Hoping that it could shake off any suspicion in his wife’s mind.

“But you were still keeping it. You even placed it beside my photo. Why? Is she that special?”

“No. Of course not. I just forgot to remove it. She gave it to me just yesterday. I don’t really want to take it but I don’t want to offend her. Come on, Darling. It’s not a big deal.”

He was lying! Actually, he has been keeping that picture for several weeks now.

“You shouldn’t do such a thing. You might make her feel like you also have interest in her. Don’t be too much of a gentleman.”

“Okay, sorry about that. I’ll take your advice.”

Then, he gave out a sigh of relief. It seems, his tactics to mislead her was a big success.

Jessica and him started having an affair almost three months ago. She’s new in the office and since her first day, she would keep on throwing glances at him. She continued doing that for days even if she knows that he was already married. After several days, she started talking to him in manners so sweet, asking him to help her with some things she can’t understand about the operation.

Day by day, she keeps on finding ways to get near him. He knows she’s flirting. He easily sensed the danger but no matter how hard he's tried to avoid being caught, it seems, this woman is crafty enough in getting what she wanted. So, he finally gave in. He was ensnared. Days passed and they began playing some kind of an unwanted game together.

“I’ll be late for dinner. I have an appointment with a client tonight.”

“But why at night?”

“Why do you ask that kind of question? I’m a salesman. It’s part of my job.”

“But you don’t usually meet with your clients at night.”

“Well, I’m afraid there has been some changes in the office. Things like this will happen frequently.”

Scenes and conversations such as this one became usual in the house ever since his relationship with Jessica began. There has been so much changes. So much lying. Sometimes, he wonders if Melanie could notice. She is always the quiet type. She doesn’t talk too much, doesn’t say a lot of words and keeps things to herself most of the time.

“Have you noticed my hair?” Melanie asked him one evening while they were having dinner.

Actually, it wasn’t just her hair that he took notice of. Gosh! She had a complete makeover.

“Oh, yeah! You look great. I wonder how much of our budget was spent for that fascinating transformation…”

He was joking here, of course.

“Almost half of it. Just to get you sending me flowers again.”

Now, he wasn’t sure if Melanie is joking. But those words were a slap to his face. Is she insinuating that he has been neglecting her?

Oh yes, there has been so many changes in her, too. He would often catch her staring nowhere. There has also been times of unusual quietness in her. She is often absent-minded. Like that morning, she fried eggs without salting them. Then, one of the plates fell asunder to the floor when she washed the dishes. And what’s the worst? She accidentally burnt his favorite shirt when she ironed it. But he can’t be angry with her. He just can’t. Knowing that what he’s been doing in secret is a lot worse. She should burn him to death!

One morning, when he woke up, he saw Melanie from the window of their room. She was at the garden, kneeling on the ground in front of a broken pot where her orchids were planted. She was crying, sobbing and not noticing him coming. He knelt beside her and watched her gather bit by bit the broken pieces of the pot.

“What happened?” he asked her. His voice surprised her.

“It fell. I don’t know why. I looked after it. I took good care of it. But after all, it fell…”

By instinct, he drew her near him and closed his arms around her. When he did so, she cried all the more. His heart was prickled while hearing her sobs. He felt he was the one she was referring to when she said those things. Melanie is a very good wife. Devoted…hardworking…too good to be true. And yet, he has managed to cheat on her. He wanted to slap his thick face and say to his numb conscience, “You should have been fair to her. If not faithful, at least, fair!”

He noticed the blood on her hands. Maybe they were cut by some of the broken pieces of the pot. Cut by the very thing that she has treasured and taken care of.

“Let’s go inside. I’ll take care of your wounds,” he said while helping her get up.

That day, he couldn’t concentrate in the office. As usual, Jessica, that devil in disguise, was there. But he hardly noticed her presence no matter how she tried to connect with him. He can’t explain why all of a sudden, he completely lost interest in her. All day, it was Melanie on his mind...his poor wife. He left the office at 3:00 p.m.

On his way home, he was thinking of making-up with her. He was planning to take her out for a dinner so she'll start feeling again that she is very important. That she is very much loved. Yet, he felt his heart beating fast when he reached the house. There is no one inside. No Melanie. No Lantel. And there was an unfolded letter on the center table of the living room. It was from Melanie. After reading it, he felt shattered. Broken into pieces just like that orchid pot in the garden.

“If you only know, I’m about to put an end to this craziness. I just need enough time,” he mumbled.

After making so much of those unsuccessful phone calls, he stood up and went inside their room. It was so meaningless to look at without his family around. Without hearing the laughter of his son and seeing the smile from the face of his wife. So, it was this painful. He hasn’t thought it will be like this.

He opened the window and from there, he saw Melanie’s orchids. He noticed that she didn’t buy a new pot for them. She just fixed the old one. And so, that’s what he’ll do. He will start fixing the broken pieces of their lives.

“Melanie, I will find you. No matter what the cost is. I will bring you back to this house. And onceI did, I’ll never let you go again. I will not let a thing like this happen to us again. I promise.”

Yes, it was the darkest day in his life. But in that darkness, a flash of hope sparked.

[I've written this short story more than 10 years ago. I got the inspiration to write this because one of my office mates asked for my help in finding a short story for his son's project. Since we cannot find an appropriate short story, I told her that I will just create one for her in less than 12 hours.]

Fireworks

“They are really beautiful!” exclaimed Amanda.

“Yes, they are,” Vincent said.

He can never ever forget Amanda’s eyes as she watched those lovely fireworks. She was lost in their glory.

“Amanda, I think I’m in love with you.”

Amanda looks stunned after hearing those words. She turned to Vincent; but after her breath stopped for a moment, she began to laugh.

“Is that serious?”

“Yes, of course...”

Amanda laughed again, "You know what, I had always wanted to hear those words from you.”

Vincent smiled and uttered, “Really?”

Again, he heard that soft laughing sound. Amanda doesn’t know what to say. But deep inside her heart, she cannot express how happy she was after Vincent said those words.

That night, when they celebrated New Year’s Eve together in Singapore, was so unforgettable.

They were both from Manila. Vincent is working as a Bank Teller and on his third month in Singapore, He met Amanda inside a grocery and they became instant friends. Since then, they would call each other regularly and meet during weekends. They were drawn closer and closer to each other as days go by.

“I promise you, I will love you forever.”

He heard Amanda’s tickling laughter after he whispered those words in her ears. They were on East Coast Park then. Sitting on a bench and watching some people enjoying the sea.

“But what if I can’t be there forever,” asked Amanda, “What if I'll have to go one day and leave you? And then, everything isn’t going to last?”

Vincent looked at her. Her eyes, however, were not on him. They were on the sea. Or maybe they were looking nowhere. He can’t understand why all of a sudden, he felt some kind of fear in his heart after she said those words. He took a deep breath. Amanda noticed his silence.

Until he finally said, "Then, let's just live one day at a time and stop thinking about forever." He stood up and took her hand, "Let's go for a walk..."

As they were walking, Amanda felt guilty because even if Vincent didn't show it, she can feel that he was affected by what she said. Especially when he exclaimed, "Today, we will pretend that everything won't have an end."

They had been on for eleven months. Short period but enough to share a lot of things together. The world almost evolved only between the two of them. Everything is great and all seemed perfect, but as they say, some good things never last. Some things were not really meant to be from the very beginning.

Now, it’s another New Year’s Eve and Vincent is walking along that park where he and Amanda watched the fireworks last year. Same place and same effects. The only difference is that this time, he's going to watch the lovely sky all by himself.

“Vincent, I’m here at the airport now. I will be flying back to Manila today.”

It was Sunday morning when Amanda called him.

“What? Why did you tell me just now?” he asked.

Instead of hearing a quick answer, he heard sobs.

“Amanda…what’s the problem? Why didn’t you tell me you have plans of going home?”

“Sorry I didn’t let you know that my contract is over. Now, I have to go back to my husband and son.”

“Husband? Son?” he exclaimed. He was so stunned.

“Please, don’t ever think that I poked fun on you. I really did love you. I didn’t tell you about them because…”

There’s been a moment of silence. Even Vincent can’t talk. Something blocked his throat and he doesn’t know why.

“I don’t know. I’ve grown to love you and I just wanted to be happy with you while I’m here in Singapore. I'm sorry, I know I sound too selfish, but...”

He heard more sobs than words.

“Amanda,” he grasped his breath, "You're confusing me."

“I need to go to the airplane now. I’m so sorry…I know I will miss you so much.”

Amanda hanged up on him. The earth stopped moving around him the moment she said goodbye. He was devastated. He still wanted to say a lot of things but she's gone. He doesn't even know how to call her back. Definitely, there will be ways to find her in Manila, but then, maybe it's best not to bother anymore.

Vincent turned his head and looked at the bright sky. He watched those fireworks steadily while listening the noises of celebrating people. But in his heart, he hears only pain. On the other hand, the strong desire to move on is also there. He knows that he deserves to be happy.

It is so lonely in Singapore. His loved ones are all in Manila. He had to make a sacrifice so he can help his parents send his younger siblings to school; but when Amanda came, colors were everywhere. She never failed to make him laugh and make every moment that they are together meaningful. There hasn’t been any dull moment with her.

The relationship he's had with her is like those fireworks; so beautiful, so warm, so pleasant; but it can only last for a while. You'd definitely forget everything around you for a moment while enjoying the breath-taking sight.

After a few minutes, the lovely fireworks disappeared. He could only sigh as he watches the sky turning back to its normal appearance. For a moment, he thought about Amanda and the fireworks she brought into his life.

“Goodbye, Amanda…” he whispered to himself. Those are the words he wasn’t able to say when she made that last phone call 3 months ago.

He took a few steps away from where he was standing but he accidentally bumped a lady who was walking opposite his direction.

“Oppps, miss, I’m so sorry. I didn’t notice you.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry.”

He looked at her face and he was glad, “Hey, are you a Filipina?”

“Yeah, I am. I’m Bernadette and you are…”

“Vincent….”

Well, he has to admit that she's cute and immediately, he felt the interest to get to know her better.

“Do you have a number where I can get in touch with you? Maybe you would like to go out during weekends with Filipino friends,” asked Vincent.

“Yeah, I would like to and yes I have a number…”

After exchanging numbers and talking for a few minutes, the lady said goodbye because she has to look for her cousin. She already made a few steps when Vincent called her back.

“Ah, Bernadette….”

Bernadette looked back with a smile on her lips, “Yes, Vincent?”

“I just want to ask, are you still single?” a question he failed to ask Amanda before.

Bernadette laughed, “Yeah, I am. I’m very much single.”

When Bernadette was gone and he was left alone, he said to himself, “I wish I won’t have to watch the fireworks alone next year.”

[I've written this a few years ago. In 2005 I guess. That was after watching the beautiful fireworks on the sky one New Year's Eve. Both this and "Broken Pot" are about infidelity. That is because one of my office mates then is experiencing this dilemmabecause of her ever gorgeous husband. 😂 I write better when it is about the experience of other people. I get inspiration most of the time from what's happening around me.]

Astral Lovers - In the Eyes of Aurora

Aurora has been studying in the School of Mysticism, a secret school that operates in the house of a very influential person, for more than a year though she had to keep it as a secret because her parents are devoted Catholic. She’s learned a lot under the guidance of her class adviser named Earl. She has a big crush on him that is why when he secretly approached her to offer a deal that he will be giving her advance lessons in Mysticism if she will agree to have a sexual relationship with him, she agreed. She always wanted to do Astral Travel, a subject which was not yet being taught in their class. She asked Earl to teach her how to do that.

Earl was very supportive of her and he does everything to make sure that she will excel in class. Some of her classmates who noticed that the professor is giving her special attention became indifferent towards her.

Earl always wanted her since the first time he set eyes on her. He finds her so attractive that he attempted to visit her astrally so many times in her dreams. He would always think of ways on how he can really be closer to her until he noticed her great desire to gain more mystic knowledge than the rest of the class, he thought he could use that to entice her.

The first time they attempted to do Astral Travel together was on a twilight time on the rooftop of his house. They spent time watching the beautiful dusk together and after a period of meditation, they’ve reached a state where both of them was in their target location, which is the Eiffel Tower in France. Aurora was enjoying every moment of it as she watched some spots on a bird”s eyes view, while Earl and her walk along the tower like they were dating in the Astral Plane. After each class the two of them would go to Earl”s house to spend hours of making love and then at the fall of Twilight, they will Astral Travel together. A routine that got both of them addicted that they could no longer break it since they both realized they have fallen in love with each other as well. They even enjoyed it more when they realized that doing astral sex is also possible between the two of them. Aurora’s classmates who envy her and who suspect that something is going on between her and their professor decided to tell their suspicion to her parents. Aurora’s parents got so mad because they believe that Aurora has committed a great sin by getting herself involved in Mysticism. Hence, they started to restrict her by not allowing her to go out of the house. They also kept her in a convent so she can repent from her deeds. Earl started feeling worried about her after so many days of not seeing her in his class. He felt demotivated to teach because she’s been his inspiration. Now his class became so dull after she’s gone. And he couldn’t ask anyone about how she is.

In the convent, Aurora was obliged to spend hours praying and cleaning rooms in the institution. This became her routine everyday. She was treated there like a maid .After a few days, her health started to fall because of overwork and loneliness. She is missing Earl but she cannot do anything. One afternoon, while doing some garden works, she was surprised to see Earl approaching her.

“I’ve decided to spy on your family to know where you are.” He said after hugging her tightly, ”Prepare yourself. I’ll take you with me. We will run away.”

Those words were music to Aurora’s ears. She embraced him so dearly like making up for every moment that he is not on her side. Without second thoughts and without caring where he is taking her she went with him. He was her hero and they went to live outside the city as husband and wife.

Their action drove Aurora’s parents insanely mad that they asked the help of the church to force the School of Mysticism to close down. And that left Earl jobless. He had no choice but to find a new job. He got one in another city and he told Aurora about it in excitement.

“It’s another teaching job but it wasn’t about Mysticism this time. It’s in a university. The only problem is that since it’s very far from here, I won’t be able to go home everyday.”

Earl had no choice but to stay in the university’s dorm most of the time. Sometimes he will be gone for days …weeks… and eventually, years... That upset Aurora very much and she got depressed. She wasn’t used to being alone without knowing when Earl will ever return. Due to frustration and loneliness, she decided to leave and go back to her parents. At least in her home, there will be people to look after her. That’s what she thought.

Earl returned after a year and went to their bedroom and the only thing he found on the bed was a folded letter where Aurora bid him goodbye.

Despite weariness, he quickly sailed to go to her parents’ house only to find her frail and very sick. He held her in his arms while watching her eyes flowing in tears.

“They never treated me well when I returned. They gave me tons of work to punish me for being a bad daughter.”

“I could not understand why you have to leave me. Have I treated you badly?”

“No but you always make me wait for you. I don’t even know if you will really come back. I felt so alone and forsakened.”

“Of course I will come back. You should have trusted that I will never forsake you. I’m sorry that you have to suffer this much all because of me,” Earl said in a low broken voice.

“Don’t be sorry. I felt so happy when I was with you. It’s just that I can’t continue to hold on. There are so many uncertainties between us.”

Realizing that Aurora is so weak and won’t be able to live any longer, he gave her one last kiss, held her hands and looked into her eyes. Those deep-set, lovely but lonely eyes that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
“I promise you. No matter how many lifetimes we’ll have after this, I will always search for you.”

With those soothing words from Earl, Aurora breathed her last. It's enough for her to know that he will come back for her.

Earl’s current persona would always have dreams about watching the dusk with a woman he couldn’t remember who and about touching her and gazing at her two lovely eyes that look so familiar to him. Each dream would feel so real .Since then, whenever he meets a woman he would look into her eyes to know if he will feel a certain familiarity with them. He’s had several relationships but he could not explain why there is a certain kiss, touch, warmth and scent he is looking for that he wasn’t able to find in the women he dated… and the look in those eyes. He would be willing to go places and cross oceans just to find what he is looking for. In fact he has travelled a lot not knowing what is in store for him and his search. He can’t even understand what he is looking for. However whenever he finds his Aurora and tries to have a relationship with her, something will always abruptly destroy the connection. She kept on running away from him...And the karmic ties continue lifetimes throughout lifetimes….

[This story was the inspiration behind the song I created which is entitled, “The Search.”]

School Service

Bakit ko nga ba naging paborito ang chocolate candy na M&M? Ito kasi ang initials ng kauna- unahan kong crush. Grade 4 ako nuong una ko siyang nakilala. Isang hapon nang uwian na, dumiretso ako sa school service namin at nadatnan ko si Robie na nakaupo sa tabi ng driver’s seat pero wala nuon duon si Mang Puchi, ang service driver namin, Marahil ay nakikipagkwentuhan sa ibang service drivers para malibang habang hinihintay ang iba pang mga estudyante na sasakay kasama namin. May katabi si Robie na hindi naman namin ka-service, maaring sinamahan lang sya nito habang, hindi pa umaalis ang service. Maputi ito, malinis magdamit, may kapayatan at napaka guapo. Isang bagay na napansin ko dito ng higit pa sa maayos na physical appearance ay ang kayabangan. Tila ba napakalakas ng hangin sa loob ng service habang nanduon sya.

“Anong pangalan ng driver nyo?”

“Puchi.”

Tumawa ng malakas ang kaibigan ni Robie. ”Ang pangit ng pangalan ng driver nyo. Parang pangalan ng aso.”

Ewan ko ba. Kung tutuusin, wala namang kakwenta-kwentang bagay pero nakaramdam agad ako ng matinding pagkaasar sa kanya.

”Ang hangin naman nitong isang ito,” I told myself, sabay tingin sa kanya ng matalim. Unfortunately, ganun ang tingin ko sa kanya ng mapalingon sya sa direksyon ko. Agad ko naman syang inirapan sabay tingin sa malayo. Mukhang ako naman ang pag-iinitan nya pagkatapos.

“Bro, what’s her name ba?” Tanong nya kay Robie.

Muli akong bumaling sa kinauupuan nilang dalawa. Ingat na ingat ako na hindi mapansin ng mahanging nilalang na nakatingin ako sa kanila.

Bahagyang lumingon si Robie sa akin, “Ah si Hilda.” Nuon ay Hilda ang pet name na itinatawag sa akin ng mga classmates at schoolmates ko.

“Maganda sana kaya lang mukhang suplada.”

Umusok yata ang tenga ko pagkarinig ko nuon. Ipinangako ko sa sarili ko na tatandaan ko ang mukha ng mahanging ito. Maya-maya ay nagdatingan na ang iba naming mga ka-service. Dahil dun ay nagpaalam na rin ang kaibigan ni Robie. Lihim ko syang sinundan ng tingin, sumakay sya sa isang sasakyan na gold ang pintura at may stripes. Iyon marahil ang school service niya.

Naging napakainit ng dugo ko sa kanya mula nuon at sa tuwing nakikita ko sya sa campus ay automatic ko syang iniirapan at ini-ismiran. Kapag uwian, may mga pagkakataon na sumasakay pa rin sya saglit sa school service namin upang makipagkwentuhan kay Robie. Kapag natanaw ko mula pa lang sa malayo na nanduon sya, hindi muna ako pupunta duon, bagkus ay tatambay muna ako sa bench o sa loob ng library para lang maiwasan na mag krus ang landas namin.

Sa kabila ng labis na pagkaasar na nararamdaman ko sa kanya, hindi ko naman maipagkaila sa sarili ko na sobra akong na curious sa kanya. Madalas e nauunang umalis ang service niya sa amin, at nakagawian ko nang lihim itong sundan ng tingin hanggang sa nakabisado ko na kung saang parte sya ng sasakyan umuupo. Pinagmamasdan ko rin siya kapag natatanaw ko siya mula sa bintana ng elementary building. Kaklase pala nya si Robie. Tinandaan ko ang room niya at lagi ko itong tinatanaw kapag mapapadaan ako sa bintana ng elementary building. First year high school na pala sya. Pati mga barkada nya ay tinandaan ko ang mga mukha. Kapag sinuman sa kanila ay makakasalubong ko, agad akong lilihis ng daan sa takot na baka kasama nila sya. Ayaw na ayaw ko syang makita pero kapag hindi ko naman sya nakikita ay tila ba kulang ang araw ko.

Madalas ko din syang natatanaw sa bintana ng elementary building na naglalaro ng basketball at nakikipag show down sa break dancing. Napakagaling niyang magsayaw ng break dance. Star player din pala siya ng basketball sa high school level. Sa ilang impormasyon na nakuha ko tungkol sa kanya sa pamamagitan lamang ng madalas at lihim na pagmamasid, hindi ko pa rin nalaman kung ano ang pangalan nya.

Hanggang isang araw, nadatnan ko na naman sya sa service namin na katabi ni Robie. Pagsakay ko, bigla naman syang bumaba na para bang napaso kung saan. Siguro, kung ang pakiramdam ko ay malakas ang hangin sa loob ng service kapag nandun sya, pakiramdam naman nya ay sinisilaban ito kapag ako ang nanduon.Mukhang nagkakaroon na ng tensyon sa pagitan naming dalawa kahit hindi naman kami magkakilala. Isa sa mga ka service ko na nasa senior high school na ang kumausap kay Robie.

“O, bakit umalis na si M------?”

Natuwa ako. Sa wakas nalaman ko na rin ang pangalan nya. Hindi ko na naintindihan kung ano ang isinagot ni Robie kay Charina dahil nuon ay sinusundan ko na ng tingin ang papaalis ng service na kulay ginto.

Makalipas ang ilang linggo, nagulat ako kung bakit madalas ko na siyang nakakasalubong sa elementary building kasama ng mga kaibigan nya. I found out na may nakababata pala syang kapatid na ka batch ko at sa tabi lang ng room namin nag ru-room. E di mas lalo pang napadalas ang pagkikita namin. Inalam ko sa dati kong classmate na classmate na ngayon ng kapatid nya kung ano ang buong pangalang ng kapatid nya. From that I figured out kung ano ang buong pangalan ng aking first crush. I gave him the alias MM dahil yun ang initials nya. Dahil duon ay na curious din ako kung ano ba ang chocolate na M&M at simula nuon ay hindi na maiwasan na maalala ko siya tuwing makakakita ako ng M&M.

Isang araw, may inabot na maliit na papel sa akin ang dalawa kong kaibigan. Bigay daw ng crush ko sabi nila. Inabot daw sa kanila ng makasalubong nila ito malapit sa basketball court. Nung binuksan koyun, isa itong note na isinulat sa maganda at malinis na sulat kamay, ang nakasaad duon ay:

Dear Hilda,

I love you.

M----- M-----

Nasundan pa iyon ng isang may kahabaang sulat pagkalipas ng ilang araw na bagamat hindi ko na tanda ang lahat ng laman ay hindi ko makakalimutan ang bahagi kung saan sinabi nya na gusto nya akong ligawan pero hindi daw pwede kasi maliit pa daw ako. Hihintayin nya daw akong mag first year at saka nya ako liligawan. Sana naman daw, pagdating nang panahong iyon ay huwag na akong magpakipot dahil alam naman daw nya na dead na dead din ako sa kanya. Sobrang nakakainis at over confident ang kalansay. Sa kabila nuon, hindi ko naman maitanggi sa sarili ko na kilig na kilig ako. Matagal kong itinago ang mga notes na iyon.

Hanggang sa napansin ko na sumasaglit pa rin ng madalas si MM sa school service namin pero hindi na para makipagkwentuhan kay Robie kundi kay Kaye na ka batch mate din nila. Observing them makes me realize na sila na pala. Sa dinami-dami ng babae sa campus bakit naman ito pang babaeng ito na mahaba ang leeg na labis ko ring kinaiiisan ang naging GF niya? Nakaramdam ba ako ng selos at ang pinagkakaingat-ingatan kong love notes galing sa kanya ay bigla kong naisipang itapon? Nanghinayang ako pagkatapos pero huli na ang lahat. Lumipas ang mga taon at naging Grade 6 na ako. Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na maging kaibigan ang kapatid nya at bahagya akong nakakuha ng impormasyon tungkol sa kanya. Ang tatay daw nila e babaero at marami silang magkakapatid sa iba't-ibang nanay. Namana daw ata ng kuya nya ang pagka playboy nito dahil bawat baranggay daw ata ay may GF ang kuya nya.

Sa kasamaang palad ay naaksidente ang papa ko at kinailangan naming lumipat bigla sa Caloocan. Kinailangan ko na ring lumipat ng iskwelahan dahil hindi na namin kakayanin pa ang tuition ng private school. Ilang araw ko ring iniiyak iyon dahil sa lungkot. Mapapalayo na ako sa mga kaibigan ko at sa mahal kong alma mater. Bukod duon, nakadagdag pa sa lungkot ko ang sinabi ni MM sa sulat nya na liligawan nya ako pagdating ko ng first year. Ngayong lilipat na kami, hindi na rin iyon matutuloy. Nang minsan akong dumalaw sa school para kunin ang mga naiwan kong gamit sa locker, ikinuwento sa akin ng isang ka-service ko na pumunta daw si MM sa service namin nuong hindi na ako pumapasok para hanapin ako at nuong sinabi nilang, hindi na ako pumapasok ay pumunta daw ito sa harapan ng service at hinampas iyon ng malakas gamit ang kamay nya. Bagamat tinatawag daw sya ng GF niyang ubod ng arte for me ay hindi daw nya pinansin. Dirediretso lang sya sa service nila, naupo at nangalumbaba.Nang paalis na ang school service namin, kinawayan daw siya ni Kaye habang isinisigaw ang mga salitang, "Bye M----!" na hindi naman daw nito pinansin. Sayang naman. Sana nuon pa nya yun ginawa...nuong nanduon pa ako.

Lumipas na ang napakaraming taon. Naalala ko pa rin sya kapag nakakakita ako ng M&M at ng school service. Nuong nauso ang Facebook ay hinanap ko sya at sa kabutihang palad ay naging FB friends kami bagamat hindi kami nakakapag-usap. Parang tulad lang nuong dati. Nandiyan sya, nandyan ako pero hindi man lang kami nagpapansinan. Masaya naman akong makita na may maayos na syang pamilya. Ako rin naman ay ganun din. At least, hindi si Kaye ang nakatuluyan nya. The maarte girl.

Mananatili siya sa alaala ko bilang kauna-unahan kong crush at malamang ay naging kauna-unahang BF din sana kung hindi ako napa-transfer ng ibang school.

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Campus Crush

Nuong nasa elementary ako, mayroong campus crush na itatago na lang natin sa pangalang Glenn. Crush na crush sya ng isang classmate ko na sya ring BFF ko ng mga panahong iyon. One day, pababa kami ng hagdan na napakakintab at napakadulas dahil araw araw pino floorwaxan at binubunot ng mga cleaners na Grade 3, nang matanaw namin si Glenn na malapit na sa dulo ng hagdan. Sa sobrang kilig ng BFF ko, aksidente nya akong natabig, nadulas ako at nahulog sa hagdan na paupong tumalbog-talbog sa bawat step. Naunahan ko pang makarating sa first floor ang nuon ay bumababang campus crush. Tinulungan nya akong makatayo habang nagtatanong,"O anong nangyari saiyo?OK ka lang?" Na taas noo ko namang sinagot nang, "OK lang ako.Thank you ha." Siyempre ayaw pahalata ng lola na pulang-pula na ako sa pagkahiya. Confident at  poised pa rin dapat ang peg.

"OMG, ang guapo naman pala nito talaga," I told myself not showing my BFF M na kinikilig na rin ako sa crush niya. Since then, tuwing makakasalubong kami ni Glenn sa loob ng campus ay agad nya akong ngingitian at tatanungin ng, "Kamusta ka na?" Natatawa siguro sya dahil naaalala nya ang insidente sa hagdan. Makes me feel embarrassed.

Naging dahilan iyong ng pagbabago ni M sakìn.Naging malamig na ang pakikitungo nya at nagpalit na rin sya ng BFF. Marahil ay nagselos sa atensyon na ibinibigay ni Glenn. Kumalat sa campus ang balitang crush daw ako ng campus crush. That gave me instant popularity sa school and people started seeing me as a campus queen. Pero nawala naman ang BFF ko. Isang pagkakadulas sa hagdan na itinuturing kong most embarrasing moment of my life ang nagbago ng aking buhay. Na develop sa akin ang confidence. Pwede palang magkagusto sa isang simpleng babaeng katulad ko ang isang katulad ni Glenn.

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A Little Friend

I love singing and I do have a good singing voice.I always sing whenever I do household chores.One day I was doing the laundry and I threw the water forcefully to the ground beside the wall of our house.I don't know if my eyes were deceiving me then but I saw a small man about 5 inches tall running fast. It's wearing a deep pink shiny outfit.

I felt suddenly nervous when I noticed that I have gotten it wet. As I stepped in the house, I suddenly felt so weak for reasons I can't understand and I realized that I am already suffering from a very high fever. It was severe so I had to stay in bed for almost a month. Since I got sick I would always have weird dreams.One dream I couldnt forget is I was walking in the neighborhood. Everything I saw are giants.The houses, the gates, the trees and the pets.One giant dog approached me and talked to me with human voice, "I want to play with you," it said. But I answered it with all coldness, "I don't't want to.You are so big."The dog got mad and the next thing I saw is it is trying to eat me and I am trying so hard to stop its mouth from closing with my hands.

Another dream I had is I was standing on the ground and the earth around me suddenly rose up and took the form of hands and arms that reached my legs and pulled me to get me into the soil.

In my waking hours I was trying to figure out what's happening to me.I'm already suspecting that I may have harmed a dwarf that's why I got sick.I went to different doctors who gave me different and far fetched reports about my health condition. I was already thinking then that I will die.

One dawn,I was awakened by a small voice.The small man I've gotten wet when I was doing the laundry is talking to me.

"I am Moalin..Dont worry you're not going to die. You'll be OK.You only got sick because I got sick too when you accidentally threw water on me.But now that I am well, you'll get well too."

And so after a few days,my fever was gone and I'm alright. Since this thing happened to me I developed a new respect for my environment. I started making sure to be extra careful before throwing anything anywherefie fear that I might hurt another innocent creature.

My dream where everything in my neighborhood are giants made me feel how difficult and dangerous it is to be so small.That is why I becam econsiderate even of ants.

And Moalin,he still visits me sometimes and I've made a small house specially for him where he can stay whenever he pays me visits to hear me sing so he won't get harmed again.I filled it with mini stuffed toys for his enjoyment.

I consider myself lucky because I have a newly found friend from another plane.

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Free Spirit

"Speak clearly! What happened?" Ken asked. He was on top of his voice as he was already in panic mode after hearing what his son said over the phone.

"I dont know. She's not breathing anymore when I checked," Joni answered while trembling. He was crying so hard.

"Why didnt you ask for help and rush her to the hospital?"

"There is no one I can call and I have no extra money."

"I'll go home now."

Ken hanged up after saying those words. He felt his knees weakened . He wanted to lose balance but he leaned on the wall beside him.

He knows his wife wont be with him forever but it's too soon. He was devastated when she was diagnosed with cancer months ago but nothing can be more devastating than to hear that she's already dead.

He had to keep his composure and presence of mind when he went home so he would be able to do what needs to be done and prepare for the funeral. Looking at his crying 13 year old son, he doesn't know if he will feel mad. His emotions are mixed. He feels frustrated and guilty for not being there when it happened.

After his wife was buried, she appeared in his dream. They were both sitting on their coffee table as she speaks.

"Please don't blame yourself and Joni for what happened. Nobody wanted it. If you'd only seen him then, you'd pity him so much. There was so much fear in his eyes. I know he felt so helpless. After all, he's just a kid.He did his best then. But maybe, it really is my time."

His wife held his hand and it felt so real."What's more important now is I'm free. Im no longer in pain. I can move swiftly.Dont be sad and tell our son not to be sad too. I won't leave you. I will continue to watch over you."

Since then, he would always see her coming into their room to touch his face and kiss his forehead and do the same to Joni who moved to his room when his wife died. The thought that she didn't really leave and that she's now in a better place consoled him so much.He lost the most important person in his life but what's beautiful about it is that it set her spirit free and her sufferings are over.

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Your Secret is Safe in Your Grave

It’s been a week already since Roman started experiencing breaks in his sleep because somebody is  turning his doorknob and knocks violently on the door of his room every midnight. Surprisingly, his wife remains sound asleep as if he is the only one being disturbed by the sounds. He promised himself that tonight, when it happens again, he will gather all his resolve and check what’s behind the door.

And so as usual, he laid awake on his bed at past 11:00 PM and waited until midnight. Then, his doorknob started to turn followed by the usual violent knocks on his door. He opened his eyes and glanced at his wife. She is snoring and must be very much asleep. He moved away the bedsheet that’s covering him slowly , sat up and slowly walked towards the door. Whatever it is, it is still knocking violently but the moment he reached the door it stopped. He took a deep breath before he reached out for the doorknob. He was trembling when he turned it. He quickly opened the door and he was terrified when he saw an apparition of a man going down the stairs. He thought to himself that he will follow it. There is no backing out now as he is strongly determined to solve this mystery.
When he was already at the bottom of the stairs, he saw the man sitting on his office desk.

“Who are you?”Roman asked angrily. Though his knees are shaking because noticing the physique of the man, he is already getting an idea who he is.He looked closely at him and he almost jumped out of fright when he clearly saw his face.

“Manuel!? This cant be. You’re…”

“Dead?”

Roman felt more terrified when the man laughed, ”Of course I’m dead.You had me killed, right?”

Those words made him recall what happened that tragic day. Manuel and him were business partners and they agreed that all the earnings of their business will be equally divided between the 2 of them. A few months ago, their business was able to close a big deal that will make them earn millions. Roman isn’t willing then to share those millions with Manuel because he thought he wasn’t able to put in equal efforts in the business which has become so profitable now. Hence he hired a hitman to assassinate his business partner while driving on his way home. The assassination was successful and Manuel died on the spot.

With his wealth now, the only thing he is wishing is to keep the crime forever with Manuel i  his grave.

Roman stepped backwards when Manuel stood up from his desk and started walking toward his direction.

“I know that you want to keep your secret forever. Dont worry, I am here to take you with me so you can keep your secret safe and sound.”

“No. Don’t go near me. Get out of my house!”

“I will go out of this house only if I can take you with me.”

“Karla, help meeee!”

That shout was loud enough to wake up Roman’s sleeping wife but it’s too late for her to rescue him.She immediately called an ambulance to rush him to the hospital only to be declared dead on arrival. The cause of death is cardiac arrest. He’s had a heart attack while conversing with the ghost of Manuel.

No one can ever find out now what really caused his death and the death of his business partner. Both their secrets are now safe in their graves.

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In Every Step

Carl always finds himself going back to that former field where he and his childhood friend, Debbie, used to play a lot when they were still kids until they were in high school. He goes there almost everyday to reminisce those happy days when she and he would run in the field barefooted reveling like there's no tomorrow.

Before she left to study college abroad, they went back to the field to play one last time but were dismayed to find out that the field is being developed into a subdivision. The grassy land is no more and was instead replaced by a still wet cement. They both decided to walk barefooted on it to leave marks of their soles, which they successfully did without being caught by anyone.

When Debbie left, Carl was so downhearted. He felt like he lost a very important part of his life. It was only then that he realized how much in love he is with his childhood friend. He missed her everyday and kept the hope that they will be together again one day. He wrote a lot of love notes for her that he did not intend to send. He kept those love notes in his closet like how he kept his feelings for her. Maybe one day, when the time is right, he will personally hand those to her, particularly, when he's got enough courage to let her know how he really feels about her. His longing to see her again grows stronger each day, until he received a phone call from her that she has already finished college and is coming home soon. That's the happiest news he's ever heard in years.

Though she never gave him the assurance when the long awaited come back will be, to know that she will be with him again soon is more than enough to inspire him to keep going each day.

In his heart he felt a promise of love that was not given the chance to blossom before but is coming to be. He started making different bottled decors that he plans to give her as presents when she arrives.

In all hope and excitement, he went to the former field where the beautiful memories of their younger years were embedded. He silently laughed when he saw their footsteps on the pavement, he took off his shoes and started walking barefooted while stepping on his own footmarks, pretending that Debbie is walking with him hand in hand like they used to. As the soles of his feet felt the ground under him in every step he took and not caring if other people saw what he's doing, he imagined himself professing his love for her there while murmuring to himself, "I promise, when you're here with me again, we will always walk together in every step of the way."

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The Coffin

“Oh no Granny. You wont be able to scare me again tonight,”Abby whispered while covering all the mirrors and glass frames in her room with clothes. It was late afternoon and she wants to make sure that all of them will be covered before the night falls. She’s been experiencing haunting from her grandmother every night since her remains were buried 3 days ago. Now , she has thought of covering all the reflective surfaces inside her room to make sure that she won’t see her ghost again.

So, she went to bed early that night. After going to the toilet, she quickly walked to her bed without looking around. Upon laying down, she covered herself with her blanket up to her head to make sure that her entire face will be covered as well. Of course, she did not turn the light off. After a few minutes, she felt a cold breeze passing near her. She did not move and pretended that she was already asleep.

But the cold thing seems to be standing right beside her bed. She felt a slight pressure on the bed near her left hip as if somebody sat there. And then, she heard her granny’s voice humming a song.

Abby was almost trembling because of fear but she tried to calm herself. Tears rolled down from her eyesbut it wasn’t because of fear. She pulled herself together and when she has gathered enough courage, she removed the blanket from covering her head. As she suspected, her granny’s ghost is sitting beside her.

“You know why Im crying? It’s not because I’m afraid.It’s because of sorrow. I know that I will always regret that I did not give you much attention when you’re still here and that I failed to shower you with love the best way that I could. I will always be sorry about that for the rest of my life.I will miss you.You don’t know how much I love you. May you rest in peace, Granny.”

Her granny’s ghost disappeared but Abby remain crying.It’s only now that she felt that much heaviness in her chest. She laid on her side and fell asleep after a few minutes.She dreamed about her granny. 2 men came to her house to take her granny’s coffin.When they carried the coffin outside the door of the house, she sobbed,grabbed the coffin and tried to pull it back but the men were stronger that she wasnt able todistract them from taking the coffin away.

When she woke up the next day, the sun is already high. She felt that her eyes are swollen but deep inside, her chest felt so light. She remembered her dream and thought that it might be her granny’s way of saying goodbye to her for good. She felt relieved because that will also mean the haunting and the nightly torture is over. Although the real haunting will continue in her conscience for not being more caring and loving to her during her last days on Earth.

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Beautiful Nightmare

“I don’t know why I always dream about that beautiful lady in red.In my dreams she would always tell me that I know her and I should go with her.”

“Did you go with her.”

“No, I didn’t get the chance because I would wake up then.”

What Gerald did not tell his best friend,Noel, is that he is sweating all over and almost catching his breath everytime he wakes up. Noel also isn’t aware of his drug addiction.

“You’ve broken the hearts of a lot of women. Your guilt must be haunting you in your dreams.,” Noel told him before saying goodbye.

That is a fact. He’s had so many relationships and after he’s done with the girls, he would suddenly break up with them for no clear reasons. However, he finds this girl in his dream intriguing not only because she is very attractive but also because he feels like he really knows her but can’t remember who she is.

That night he groomed himself well before going to sleep. If the lady in red in his dreams is just in front of him in his waking life, he would surely grab her in his arms and sleep with her. She is such a turn on for him.

When he slept that night, he dreamed about her again. This time she went to him on his bed and sat down on his belly. He struggled to breath but he cant move.

“So, you cannot really remember who I am after you enjoyed everything that night?”

Gerald shook his head while trying to endure the pain that is building up on his chest. All of a sudden, the lady’s face became bloodied , her eyes turned sharp and her hair all stood up.The sight is too terrifying for Gerald to bear but still, he cant move nor call for help.

“I am the prostitute you picked up that Friday night. You brought me  to an abandoned building and tortured me there while raping me.”

Gerard remembered about being high on drugs 2 Friday nights ago but he can no longer remember the other things that happened. He opened his eyes widely when the lady took out a knife.

Alas, he was able to say something, ”Don’t kill me…please….”

“That’s also what I told you then. Do’t kill me because my family is counting on me. But you didn’t listen.Now, why should I listen to you?

All Gerald can do is shake his head repeatedly. Hoping that the lady will just banish.

That morning, Gerald was found dead on his bed with open eyes. His parents suspect it’s nightmare that took his life.

Was it really just a nightmare due to Gerald’s guilt of an unrecalled crime or did someone’s aggrieved soul took her revenge because the law can’t give her justice?

The Celestial and the Human Being

According to lore, there aregigantic beings in the galaxy who are very powerful. They are about 2000 ft. tall and are called Celestials. Their duty is to guard the entire universe. One day, a human being contacted one of them.

CELESTIAL: What do you need?

HUMAN: We are experiencing massive psychic attacks. Please help us.

CELESTIAL: Sorry I can't.

HUMAN: Why not? You are big and powerful.

CELESTIAL: Because I have bigger concerns than you do. I am watching over the universe to make sure that everything is in order. Your problem is just a piece of cake.

 

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A Love Story with a Phantasmal Twist

The parents of my friend Angie are considered by their children as soul mates. They've been married for more than 50 years. Throughout the years of their marriage, their children witnessed how they loved, respected and admired each other. Yes they argue but they never fight and they are always in love.

Last year, Angie's mom died and her father was left with Alzheimer's Disease. Every time she would check on her dad, he would always tell her that her mom came ahead of her to remind him to eat on time, not to forget his medicines, that she always cares for him, and so on. He would also talk a lot about how busy his wife is in socializing with "relatives" and how younger and happy she looks by now.

Angie thought everything is just her father's imagination. Therefore, she chose to ignore his stories. Until one night, she woke up and saw her mother standing at the foot of her bed...and yes, she looks lovelier than when she was still alive.

To her she said, "I am not here because I cannot move on. In fact, there is no reason why I won't because I am confident that you and your siblings will not forsake your dad. But I know that he will surely miss how I personally take care of him. And that is also what I miss..."

Ang Lalaki Sa Bintana

Mayroong nag-iisang kapatid ang nanay ko na malapit sa akin. Nuong dalaga pa ako, naisipan kong dalawin siya sa bagong bahay na inuupahan niya sa Guiguinto, Bulacan at manatili duon ng ilang araw. Isang araw, naisipan kong maglibot sa lugar nila. Sa di kalayuan, isang kakaibang bahay ang nakaagaw ng pansin ko. Isa itong maliit na kubo na napakapulido ng pagkakagawa. Labis akong natuwa sa napakalaki at napakalinis nitong bakuran na napapaligiran ng mababang pader at “gate”.

Simula ng makita ko ang bahay na ito, wala nang araw ang lumipas na hindi ko naisipang puntahan ito at saglit na tanawin. Hindi ko rin maiwasang mag-isip kung sino kaya ang nakatira dito at paano sila nagkakasya sa napakaliit na kubo. Sadyang kahali-halina ang kalinisan sa paligid nito.

Isang araw, may natanaw ako dito na isang matandang babae na may hawak na walis tingting. Hindi ko nakita ang mukha niya dahil nakatalikod siya pero napako ang mga mata ko sa buhok niya na kahit puti na lahat ay napakaayos ng pagkakapusod.

Duon ako nagtanong sa isang mama na nakatayo sa di kalayuan, “Mama, kilala n’yo po ba ang nakatira diyan sa kubo?”

“Hindi ineng e. Hindi sila lumalabas. Pero ang alam ko, front lang yang kubo na yan. Ang totoong bahay ay nasa ilalim ng lupa,” tugon niya sa akin.

Nagtaka ako sa narinig ko. Sino naman ang magpapatayo ng bahay sa ilalim ng lupa at bakit nila gagawin iyon?

Nuong huling gabi ng pagtulog ko sa bahay ng tiyahin ko, bigla akong nagising ng madaling araw. Una akong napatingin sa bintana. Mayroon akong nakita na isang lalaking nakadungaw duon mula sa labas. Ang nakapagtataka ay hindi takot ang una kong naramdaman nuon; bagkus ay mistula akong natulala. Pinagmamasdan ko siya at kung may kakayahan lang akong gumuhit ng larawan ng tao, malamang ay maiguguhit ko ang napakaamo niyang mukha, makintab at unat na buhok, makinis na balat at balingkinitang pangangatawan. Nakasuot siya ng pantalong maong at wala siyang pang-itaas. Napakaganda niyang lalaki at hindi ko makakalimutan kailanman ang mga mata niya.

Nang mahimasmasan ako, duon ko naisip kung bakit may lalaki sa bintana. Tinangka kong sumigaw ngunit hirap na hirap akong palabasin ang boses ko. Maya-maya lang, nagawa ko ring sumigaw ng “May tao” na siyang naging dahilan kung bakit nagising ang tiyahin ko at ang asawa niya. Biglang tumalon ang lalaki at nawala sa dilim. Agad kaming lumabas ng bahay. Nakapagtatakang isipin na naakyat niya ang bintanang napakasukol. Hindi ito magagawang akyatin ng ordinaryong tao kung hindi siya gagamit ng hagdan dahil may kataasan ito at wala naman siyang pwedeng kapitan sa pader. Ang pader kung saan naroroon ang bintana ay gawa sa pinagpatong-patong na madudulas na grava.

Ang mga nagtumbahang halaman sa ibaba ng bintana ay patunay na may tumalon mula duon. Nasisiguro kong hindi ako nananaginip lang at ang lalaking iyon ay hindi lamang isang guni-guni.

Bago ako bumalik nang Maynila kinabukasan, nagtanong-tanong pa kami sa mga tao duon kung may kilala silang lalaki na katulad ng lalaking dumungaw sa bintana nang nakaraang gabi. Wala sa kanila ang may nakikilala o nakikita man lang na ganun, ayon sa kanila.

Bago ako sumakay ng tricycle, muli kong sinaglit ang maliit na kubong iyon. Tulad ng madalas kong nakikita, walang tao dito at malinis na malinis ang paligid. Nuon ko lang naisip, bakit nga ba ako pumupunta lagi sa lugar na ito gayong napaka delikado ng daan papunta dito? Upang marating kasi ang lugar, kailangan pang tumawid sa sapa gamit ang isang napakanipis na tulay. Mapuno rin ang daan patungo sa kubo at walang mga bahay.

Tila ba hindi ko na naiisip ang kaligtasan ko nang mga panahong iyon. Hindi normal sa akin ang lumakad sa mga ganitong klaseng lugar dahil sa malaking takot ko sa ahas. Idagdag pa, paano kung may mga masasamang loob sa lugar na iyon at basta na lamang ako hilahin kung saan? Hindi ko rin maiwasang isipin na maaaring ang lalaking nakita ko sa bintana ay konektado sa bahay na ito. Hindi ko rin maipaliwanag kung papano ko natunton ang lugar na ito nuong halos kadarating ko pa lang sa Guiguinto.

Kung may katotohanan man ang mga haka-haka kong ito o kung produkto lamang ang mga ito ng malikhain kong isip ay hindi ko na nagawang alamin pa. Mula ng makauwi ako sa Maynila ay hindi na natahimik ang aking diwa.

24 taon na ang nakakaraan mula ng nangyari ito sa akin. Nakapag-asawa na ako at nagkaroon ng 4 na anak; ngunit ang kaanyuan ng lalaking iyon ay malinaw na malinaw pa ring nakatatak sa isipan ko. Hindi ko rin maipaliwanag kung bakit may mga araw na tila ba tinatawag ako ng bahay kubong iyon. Gusto ko itong balikan, tanawin ulit at magbakasakaling makitang muli ang mahiwagang lalaking iyon. Parang lagi na lang may nagsasabi sa akin na makikita ko pa siyang muli.

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Baluarte - A True Ghost Love Story

Photo Credits: Edz Diaz

I started operating the Intramuros Ghost Walk (IGW) on January 23, 2016. It’s a unique tour that aims to help people explore Intramuros, share some knowledge about Philippine History, give some education about The Paranormal, help the indigent families of Tribu Ni Bro, promote walking since it is the best exercise and spread the advocacy of treasuring and safeguarding our heritage. This project is so successful and we get regular bookings from different types of tourists, local and foreign alike. I personally chose the place because I feel a very strong attachment to it that I can’t explain.

Being a ghost tour operator and a paranormal investigator, I am very much exposed to ghosts and other types of spirits. But the most recent ghost experience I’ve encountered is the most interesting for me.

My IGW guests would usually feel strange whenever I take them to a certain tree outside Fort Santiago. Some of my psychic friends I brought there told me they got the impression that some people from different eras have committed suicide there bystrangulation. They also felt a very heavy emotion accompanied by anguish and tightening of the chest. For some reasons, I find that tree very intriguing.

In the month of May 2016, I thought of going to Intramuros alone. While strolling at the Baluarte De Dilao, I noticed a man on top of the wall. I am certain that he is a ghost because his body is see-through and I cannot see his face clearly. He followed me all throughout the Baluarte De Dilao. Whenever my steps become faster, his steps become faster too until he was almost running after me. When his presence became stronger, it sent chills down my spine and I immediately ran down of the fort.

Since that incident happened, some of my IGW guests would see an apparition of what they think is a soldier. Whenever a guest tells me about seeing that ghost, I would just congratulate them teasingly; however, at the back of my mind, I kept on wondering who he could be and if he needs anything from me.

I don’t know what came into my head that I thought of inviting my teammates to investigate Fort Santiago. 5 of us went there last June 5, 2016. There is a spot there that serves as the mass grave of the 600 American and Filipino soldiers whose dead bodies were found in a tight cell inside The Dungeons. They died there of hunger and suffocation during the Battle of Manila in 1945. While 3 of my teammates were checking The Dungeons, I decided to go to the mass grave and take a shot of it using my cellphone. I uploaded the pic to our Facebook Group, Center for Paranormal Studies, and some of the members noticed that it was photobombed by a very handsome full-bodied ghost.

Since I captured that photo, I would get short dreams in black and white where that man is talking to me. One dream showed that he is giving me white flowers that look like Kalachuchi, which is very common in Intramuros. I would remember this dream whenever my guests and I pass by the spots where this flower is dominant. In another dream, I saw us walking on the wall and he told me that his name is Lt. Scott Daniel. In another dream, he told me, “I will help you with Intramuros.”

I see him a lot whenever I go to Intramuros, whether there is a tour or none. I also see him standing at the gate whenever it’s time for me to leave The Great Walled City. I would always look back and smile at him. There was a time, while I was walking on the wall with some guests; I heard a voice saying, “I am very happy that you’re doing well.”

Since the haunting is becoming prevalent, I got so bothered. The mystery about my new stalker has caught my interest so much that I started seeking answers. First, I asked The Validator of my team, JR Rodriguez IV, to validate the photo. He told me that it is a legitimate anomaly. I also showed it to Ed Gamo, Jr., a friend of mine who is selling antiques, because I know that he is knowledgeable about old uniforms. He told me that he is sure, what the guy was wearing on the pic is the uniform of theAmerican Soldiers during the Vietnam War. I consulted 2 friends of mine who werepsychic mediums. Both of them told me that this ghost and I have a past life connection and it involves romance. They also told me that he follows me whenever I am inside Intramuros; and that the stalking started when he first saw and recognized me on the wall.

In the month of July 2016, my mentor who is a New Yorker, took a short vacation to the Philippines. We had lunch and I told him about the ghost and what I’ve been told by the people I consulted. He offered to do a past life regression on me so we can dig the mystery behind this haunting. I agreed without hesitation because there is nothing to lose anyway. 

The memories that came back during this past life regression have affected me so much. I was crying so hard then and I couldn’t help it…

The period is post-WW2 and the year that registered in my mind is 1958 or 1968. I am a club singer and my name is Emiliana. I was singing the song “Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig” one night when Scott, an American soldier who is fulfilling his duty here in the Philippines, caught my attention. I immediately noticed him although he is sitting at a corner because of the way he stared and smiled at me, and also because of his good looks. To cut a long story short, we had a relationship and he frequented the club because of me. He fondly calls me by the nameEmmy.

https://youtu.be/YAW__Suh2RU 

After several months filled with happy moments, he stopped seeing me for reasons I am not aware of. He also stopped going to the club. I waited for days, weeks and months for him to return until the pain and sorrow almost killed me. I no longer want to sing. I no longer want to eat. I no longer want to live. The owner of the club named Alfonso, my father’s friend who adopted me after I got orphaned by the war, got so worried about me and encouraged me to forget about the American bastard who did not really love me; because if he did, he wouldn’t just leave without closure. He did his best to encourage me to eat; to remind me of how people adore me whenever they hear me sing; and to plead with me to do this not just for myself but also for him because seeing me like this makes him die every day.

When I realized the things that he said, I decided to move on and start my life anew. I started singing again and though I would still remember Scott, a new smile started to inspire me every time I perform. And that was Alfonso’s. He professed that he has special feelings for me and he’s been keeping those for years. I accepted his love. He is older than me by so many years but he is still single. A bit peevish but he is always nice to me. Eventually, we got married. He helped me a lot in healing my wounded heart and I became a devoted wife to him because of that.

One day, I sat at the entrance of the club to read a book. When I lifted my head, I felt so cold upon seeing a familiar physique walking towards my direction. With all excitement, the man walked faster when he recognized me. I slowly stood up and dropped the book to my surprise. It was Scott. He hugged me tightly and I was speechless. He told me how he missed me...how he was saddened when he came to the club that afternoon and was told that I am no longer there. He wanted to give me the news that he will be assigned to a different country and he has to leave immediately via cruise the next day; but he will come back after that assignment. He also mentioned about the tons of letters he sent me while he was away. I told him I didn’t get any letter from him. I also told him that I never left the club.

Angrily, he entered and went up to the second floor, which is our home. When he found Alfonso sitting in the living room, he quickly pulled him by the shirt and pressured him to say what really happened then. It was through their conversation that I learned that when Scott came one afternoon to the club, it was Alfonso who welcomed him. He lied to him by saying I stowed away because he reprimanded me for not asking permission whenever I go out on dates with him. Scott told Alfonso that he will send me letters after leaving the country, with the hope that I will be back after a few days. While in a mission, he suffered months of emptiness because he never heard from me again. It turned out; Alfonso received all the letters and after reading one, he would burn it in the furnace.

Scott almost beat Alfonso black and blue because of anger; and I was already in panic because of what’s happening. Scott asked me to go with him and leave Alfonso because he cheated both of us. But I can’t leave him because he took good care of me and he treated me so well. He is the only family I have since my parents died. Most of all, he is my husband now. Surprised and devastated, Scott ran away after hearing those words from me. I wanted to run after him but Alfonso cried out for help. He got bruises and I had to treat him immediately. I felt hate for my husband for what he did to me and to my one and only love but I had to consider all the good things he’s done for me. After all, we’re bound by our matrimony.

While treating him, he asked for my forgiveness and told me that he intended to take me away from Scott because I will not have a good future with a soldier who keeps on leaving for his missions. He knows that he can take care of me more and he won't be like him who will make me wait for a long time before coming back. Besides, I'll have no assurance if he will really come back. I heard every word he said but I don't seem to absorb anything. My chest felt so heavy that I wanted to pound it. I felt like my heart is about to explode.

The next day, I saw a number of people gathering around a tree outsideFort Santiago. A man hanged himself there to death. I covered my mouth in astonishment when I saw that it is Scott. That unbearable sight got my eyes flooded with tears. 

That’s the last thing I saw at the end of the regression. After that, I felt sad for a matter of days. Call it crazy but this is the first time I felt an attachment with a ghost. It’s like I feel his pain…his sadness…his longing. I even scribbled a poem for him just to release the emotions.

One day, I went to the tree outside Fort Santiago alone. I was trembling while approaching it because I can feel the usual heaviness around it and the goosebumps. I asked, “What do you want from me?” Scott’s apparition came out from behind the tree. I only heard the words, “I can’t leave Intramuros.”

When I met my mentor again, he encouraged me to light a candle for him and channel him so he can move on. He told me that if he really committed suicide insideIntramuros, his soul must have been trapped in there. I might be the key that can set him free, according to him. This made me think for a few days. 

I am not a devoted Catholic and I don’t observe mass for some reasons, but for Scott’s sake, I went to San Agustin Church and lit candles for him. While doing this, I felt him beside me and tears fell from my eyes. It may be Déjà Vu but the thought of us visiting this church a lot when he was still alive and lighting candles together just like this suddenly called to mind. Without turning my head to his direction, I uttered these words for him:

“I am doing this not because I really want to let you go. But it’s because I want you to have peace.”

I still see the handsome soldier whenever I go to Intramuros. But I no longer feel his sorrow. Maybe, he has already let go of whatever anguish his soul has. I am certain that his journey toward a better place will soon take place once he has completely detached himself from whatever kept him for a long period of time in the place that served as our "Baluarte", the very beautiful City of Intramuros.

Click This To Like The Book:

Baluarte - A True Ghost Love Story