Monday, October 19, 2009

10 Days - Chapter 2

Journey 2 – The Long Road



“A ticket to Baguio, please.” Terrence told the lady behind the counter. The lady gave him a ticket, and Terrence paid for it. He walked towards the waiting area and waited for his bus to come to the loading area. He looked at his watch, it's still 6 AM and his bus will leave in an hour. He then decided to go to the convenience store to buy something to eat. Meanwhile, Danielle decided to stop in front of the convenience store to buy some food. She parked her jeep in front, and went down. It will be a long drive for her, and she needed food to fill her up. She gathered all the food she could carry with her. Terrence saw her grabbing all the food she could get, and all he could do is shake his head. Somehow, she found the girl really amusing. “Is she starving or what?” he thought. Danielle walked towards the counter to pay for her groceries. She placed her Polaroid camera on the counter, then reached for wallet to pay for her goods. She immediately went out of the store and then got inside her jeep. Terrence was right behind her at the counter, and noticed that she left her camera on the counter. He placed his food on the counter, and then took the camera. “Miss, the lady left this camera. I'll follow her, and give this to her first.” he said. The saleslady just nodded her head.

Terrence rushed outside the store, and saw Danielle on her jeep. “Miss!” he shouted at her. Danielle looked at her, confused as to why he was calling her. She got out of the jeep, and walked up to him. “Anything wrong, sir?” she asked. Terrence nodded his head, and showed her camera to her. “You forgot this inside.” he said. Danielle realized that she almost lost her precious camera. She flinched, and hit her forehead. “Silly me! How could I forget this!” she said. Terrence just laughed at her. She took the camera from his hand, and then she smiled at him. “Thank you. You don't know how much this camera means to me...” she said. “I understand. Take care of it. You might lose it again.” Terrence said. She nodded her head. “Thank you very much, sir. I hope one day I can repay your kindness.” she said. Terrence smiled at her as well. “There's no need.” he said. Then, he went back inside the store to pay up for his food.

--

It was a long travel indeed.

It's already 9 AM, and Terrence is still on his way to Baguio. There was a stop over a long the way, and there will be the next and the last stop over in a while. He looked at his watched, and then turned his eyes outside the window. “i should get there by night time...” he thought. Just then, he felt the bus made a the side. He stood up, and saw the driver and the bus conductor get out of the bus. “What's wrong?” he thought. He waited for them to come back, and for the bus to get going, but 30 minutes have passed and nothing happened. “I think it's not a flat tire. I think the bus broke down.” He heard one of the passengers say. Then, he saw a smoke coming from outside the bus.

Panicked, he and all the passengers got out of the bus. “What's wrong, manong?” he asked the driver. “The bus's engine failed. We already called for help, and they should be here anytime now.” the driver said. Terrence just sighed and shook his head. With the bus breaking down, it seems that he have to stay in Baguio for a day, and it just ruins all his plan. “Do you think we could just hitch at the next bus that will come?” another passenger asked. The driver nodded his head. “Yes, but the next bus will come in two ours or so...” the driver said. Terrence let out another sigh. “Great. I have to wait for 2 hours for the next bus, and it's unsure if that bus is full or not...” he thought. He walked towards the road to see if there would be any vehicle coming to their direction, but the road is empty. It seems that they are stranded in a deserted road. An hour have passed, and no help came. The driver and his helper is still trying to fix the engine, to no avail. “Great... this is just great...” he said as he leaned on the bus. Then, he noticed a yellow jeep coming to their direction. The jeep seems to familiar to him, but he couldn't remember where he saw it.

Danielle was driving and singing to the tune on her radio, when she noticed a bus that broke down. From the side, she saw a familiar guy leaning on it, and waiting for the bus to get fixed. She was a few meters away when she realized who that guy is. She looked at him through her side mirror, and smiled to herself. “Well, time to payback your kindness, I guess...” she thought. She began to drive back, and stopped in front of Terrence. “Hi!” she said, smiling at him. Terrence gave her a confused ans suspicious look. “Hi...” he said in an unsure tone. This made Danielle laugh. “I'm the girl at the convenience store a while ago. The one who forgot her old camera inside the store.” she reminded him. Terrence finally remember her. Then, he smiled at her. “Ah, yeah... I remember.” he said. “Seems like you're stranded here. I don't think the bus would get fixed anytime sooner... and buses don't always take this route. Can I give you a lift?” she said. Terrence gave her another suspicious look. “Don't worry, I'm not a serial killer, a psycho, and definitely not a rapist nor a mugger. I just want to repay your kindness... for giving me back that camera.” she explained.

Terrence laughed at what she said. He found himself getting curious about her. He doesn't know why that camera is too important to her. He folded his arm, and walked up to her. “What's with that camera?” he asked. “Let's just say it' my very first camera that's why it's important to me. So... want a ride?” she said. Terrence had no choice but go with this girl. There's no way that the bus will get fixed anyway. “Let me just tell the driver I'm going ahead.” he said. Danielle watched Terrence as he said goodbye to the bus driver. Then, he rushed up to her, and got inside her jeep. He put his bag at the back of her jeep. “Thanks for the lift.” he said, smiling at her. “No problem.”

Danielle started the engine, and began to drive. “By the way, I'm Danielle. Got a name?” she asked as she was driving. “I'm Terrence.” he said. Danielle smiled at him, and nodded her head. She turned her attention to the road after that. “Nice meeting you, Terrence.” she said. “Are you always like this?”
“Like what?”
“Giving a lift to some guy who found your camera.”
“No, I don't.”
“You don't usually give a lift to some guy who found your camera?”
“I don't always lose my camera. Just today, I almost lost it. And no, I don't go giving lift to some random cute guys.”
Then, she looked at him, and smiled again. “Not that you're cute. It might get into your head.” she said. Terrence just laughed at her. “So, where are you heading, and where should I drop you off?” she asked. “My bus is supposed to go to Baguio, but I'm actually heading to this small town in Benguet.” he said. Danielle smiled again upon hearing what he said. “Interesting. I'm supposed to Benguet as well. So, are you going to this town near the mountains? The one that's secluded from civilization... the one that's almost on the mountains?” she asked. Terrence gave her a surprised look.. “How did you know?” he said. Danielle threw him a meaningful look gave him a playful smile. “I'm a good mind reader, am I?” she said. Terrence just shook his head. “Fine... if you say so...” he said. “Honestly, you can't get on that village in by afternoon. With the road condition they have there, you're most likely to reach that town by night time.” she said. Terrence threw a confused look at her. “How did you know?” he asked. “Simple. I've been there once. And believe me, going there is not a piece of cake, but it's all worth it.” she said. “That... that's... nice...” he replied. “Yes it is. The scenery is more beautiful than what you see on the glossy magazines. There's something more to it than what you read on the travel magazines.” she said. Then, she looked at him. “If you're wondering, I'm the one who took the pictures of that place and wrote about it in Travelogues February edition.” she said. Terrence nodded his head in surprise. “Oh!” he exclaimed. “So, she's the girl who took pictures of it...” he thought. “So... you're a photographer?” he asked. “Photography is my passion. I'm not a professional though... I just love taking pictures of beautiful things.” she said.

“Hey, I have an idea.” she said all of a sudden. Terrence gave her a wondering look. “Since we're both going to the same place, how about if we become travel buddies? I mean, you're new to that place, and I've been there... I can tour you around.” she said. “I'm OK with it...” he answered. “Well, you have to say yes, because the people from that town don't usually welcome strangers. At least they know me. They will probably welcome you there.”
“They're not cannibals, aren't they?”
“Of course not. They're just a bunch of people wanting to protect their home from people who wants to destroy their place.”
“Hey, I'm not going there to vandalize their town, OK?”
“I know. And I bet you're there to have a self-retreat, am I right?”
Terrence gave her another surprised look. He wonders if Danielle could really read minds. Danielle looked at him again, and saw the wondering look in his face. “I'm just guessing.” she said. Terrence let out a sigh of relief. “You scare me there. I thought you're a stalker or something...” he said. She laughed as she shook her head. “Hey, this morninDg is the first time I ever saw you.” she said.

Danielle reached for her radio, and turned it on. “I hope you don't mind listening to rock music.” she said as the radio turned on. The rock music on her CD began to play, which annoyed Terrence. He just couldn't appreciate rock music at all. “Actually, I do mind... I don't listen to those kind of crap.” he said. “Oh, and since you're hitching from me, you have no other choice but to listen to my kind of music.” she said. Their silence was replaced by the loud rock music from her car stereo. Terrence could only sigh in frustration, and shake his head. “You listen to these kind of stuffs?” he asked. Danielle nodded her head. “I do. I mean, not just because it's loud and upbeat... but if you listen closely to what the lyrics is saying, you'll find out it represents something more... deeper... it's like telling what you're supposed to know... what you're supposed to see... what you really feel...” she said. The loud music ended, and it was instantly replaced by a more toned-down rock song

Sometimes when I hold my head in shame
I forget that I'm the one to blame
If I fall aimless on an endless journey
I'm beat up, broken, busted, angry
I can't explain but it's true
Used to walk slowly, now I'm running
Catching up's getting hard to do
Tell me now, tell me now, what's got into you?
Whispering softly, now I'm screaming
Tell me now, tell me now, when will you explain?

Terrence looked at Danielle as she sing with the song. He doesn't know why, but the song just hit his spot. It was exactly what he's feeling now – frustrated, angry, burnt out. At this point in his life, he's unsure if he's happy with what he's doing with his life. He have always wanted to be a lawyer, yes, but he felt that he was forced to be one because he is the son of one of the top lawyers in the metro. He wanted to Alyanna to be happy, even if her happiness means he's not part of it. But he felt it's wrong for him to let her go just like that, and give her up without a fight. And yes, he is to blame because he felt he wasn't strong enough to fight for what he wanted. “I like this song...” he said. Danielle looked at him, and smiled. “See?” she said. “I know you'll learn to appreciate this kind of music.”

--

A few hours later, and Danielle stopped the jeep. She grabbed her camera, and dashed out of her jeep. Terrence could only give her a wondering look. “Why are you stopping?” he asked in an annoyed tone. Danielle walked towards the side, and watched at th beautiful view of the mountain before her. “I've never seen such a lovely view.” she said. She then took her camera, and took pictures of it. She was lingering too much, taking pictures, which makes Terrence irritated. “Look, if we linger here more, we won't get to that place by night time.” he said. Danielle looked at him, and smiled. “Relax. Enjoy this view, will you?” she said. Then, she turned away from him, and took pictures again. He took a deep breath, and got out of the jeep. He walked up to Danielle, and waited for her to finish taking pictures. “You're a guy who seems to be always in a hurry...” she commented. “I wanted to be on time.”
“You're the kind of person who seems to plan everything.”
“Better that way that have no plan at all. At lease I get to know what to do if I mess up.”
“You're the guy who just wanted to go on to the next stage in a short time, aren't you?”
“What's use being in the same position for a long time?”

Danielle looked at him, and smiled. “If you're always in a hurry, you won't get to experience the beautiful things around you. You wouldn't be able to appreciate the scenery before you. Life is too short to be always in a haste.” she said. Terrence gave her a confused look. “Why are you so philosophical?” he asked. Danielle just let out a laugh. “I'm not philosophical. Witty, maybe.” she said. Terrence could only shake his head and sigh. “What's with this girl?” he thought. He looked at her, still wondering what kind of a person he is with. “How old are you?” he asked. “I'm 23.” she answered. He let out a faint laugh, and shook his head. This made Danielle confused. “What?” she asked. Terrence just shook his head, and went back to the jeep. Danielle followed him. “What's with the laugh... will you tell?” she asked in an irritated tone. She hopped on the jeep and started the engine. “For a 23-year old girl, you seem to think like a grandma.” he commented. Danielle just laugh at him. “And how old are you?” she asked. “25.” he said. “For a 25-year old guy, you act too childish. You're so impatient.” she said. Then, she accelerated the jeep, as the jeep moved in fast pace, Terrence could only lean back on his chair. “Slow down, Danielle... will you!”

--

Labels: 10 Days, original story

10 Days - Chapter 1

Journey 1 – Terrence's Life



The truck halted in front of a two-storey house inside a posh village. The moving men got out of the truck, and opened it's back to take out all the furnitures and things inside. Tailing behind the truck is a shiny black BMW. After it stopped behind it, a man in his early 30s got out. He went up to the house, and opened the gate, and let the moving men inside to take his things inside. “Please put that at the den.” he instructed one of the men. The man nodded his head.

The man stepped back a little, and then adored at the house in front of him. “Finally...” he thought. He smiled to himself as watched the house from where he is standing. For years now, he have been thinking of giving up his condo unit (his bachelor's pad) to a more homey type of house. He is not getting any younger, and one day, he will decided to settle down with the girl he loves.

“Terrence!”

He looked back, and saw his friend and new neighbor coming up to him. “Jeff!” he said. The two gave a high five, and then went back to eye at his new house. “So, finally you're moving in, huh? Is this all part of the big plan for you and Alyanna?” Jeff asked. Terrence just let out a smile, and shrugged his shoulder. “I don't know... all I know is I needed a bigger space so that I could move around. I guess investing in a house is a good idea. Who knows, me and Alyanna might decide to get married in the future.” he said. The two men walked inside the house to check on how the moving men have done. “You know, Terrence, you have to propose to her. I mean, how long have you been together? 10 years? 15 years?” Jeff said. “Make it 9 years. We broke up for a year, remember?” he said. Jeff just smiled and nodded his head.

They went up to the stairs, and headed to Terrence's room. There was a king size bed at the center, a study table at one corner, and boxes all over the place. “So, you need help in taking out your stuffs?” he asked. “Sure, do.” Jeff headed to one of the larger box, and then opened it up. He began to unpack all the things inside, which consists of Terrence's law books. Then, he saw a tin can inside, and took it out. Curious, Jeff opened it, and the first thing he saw was a picture of him in a wacky pose, and a girl beside him also doing a funny face. He assumed it was taken using a Polaroid camera. He looked at the white space under their picture, and saw what was written on it – June 23, 2004.

“Hey, Terrence... who is this chick?” he asked. Terrence looked at him, and saw him holding his tin can, and a picture. He walked up to him, and saw his picture with a girl. He stared at it for a long time, and then took the picture and the tin can from him. “Oh, this is nothing. Just someone I met before. I forgot her name.” he said. “Someone you met while you and Alyanna broke up?” Jeff asked. He smiled, and nodded his head. He walked up to the study table, and then but the tin can inside the drawer. He paused, and leaned over the table after putting the tin can away.

It has been Five years.
But he still have not forgotten.

Five years ago, he met a girl. A girl he never thought would change his life forever. He have never forgotten her name. It will always be in his memory, just like the memory of her smiling face.

Five years ago, he met her.
It was when he started out on a journey that would help search for himself.

--

Five Years ago...

“I just don't think things are working between us, Terrence...” he heard Alyanna say. It was supposed to be a happy day for them, for it's their 5th year anniversary, but here they are in a fancy restaurant, having an expensive dinner, and the love of his life is breaking up with him. “Was there something I've said? Something I've done? Or something I've not done?” he asked her. Alyanna folded her arms, and shook her head. “No, Terrence... it's not you... it's me... I need space and time to think things through...” she said.

It was all clear to him. He is being dumped. And Alyanna chose to dump him on their anniversary, on the day where Alyanna answered him. He put his hand on his pocket, and felt the small, velvety box inside. There goes his plan to propose to Alyanna tonight. “I'm really sorry. Terrence... it's just that I felt like I'm being suffocated in this relationship... and I'm not happy anymore. I... I'm falling out of love with you...” He looked up at her, and he could see her trying to avoid his eyes. He knows he have been busy lately with his work, and that he wasn't able to spend as much time with her like before. He knows he have been neglecting her. He was working for a big case, and he have explained it to her. But then, he felt something is wrong. He felt there is another reason why Alyanna wants to break it off with him. “There is someone else, right?” he asked. Alyanna looked at him, and gazed at him for a long time. She wasn't answering his question, but her silence have confirmed his hunch. There is someone else. “You will not say that you don't love me anymore if you haven't fallen in love with someone else.” he continued. “I'm sorry, Terrence...” she said in a low voice. “I... I didn't mean to fall in love with Oscar... I... I'm sorry...”

He felt as if he was splashed with cold water on his back at what she said. Oscar is her colleague, and he knows the two of them are close. He never thought that something is going on between them. He took a deep breath, and composed himself. He took out the box from his pocket, and placed it on the table. Then, he stood up, and took his wallet, placing the money on the table. “Happy anniversary.” he said in a furious tone. Then, she left her alone, walking away from her with anger and a broken heart.

--

Terrence looked at the man before him, and was surprised with what he said. “What? You're taking me out of the case?” he asked again. The elder man nodded his head. “We felt the case is too overwhelming for you, Atty. Mariano. For now, concentrate on the Lagos-Cortez case for the mean time.” the elder man said. “But, Atty. Pineda... I can prove to you that I can handle it. We will win that case against Yunan Corporation.” he said. Atty. Pineda only shook his head. “I'm sorry, Atty. Mariano. But... it is our decision. You are a bright young lawyer, but I believe to win this case, we should let a more experienced lawyer take on this one.” he said. Defeated, Terrence have no other choice but to agree to what the elder man said. “I understand, Atty. Pineda. I'll focus on the Lagos-Cortez case for the mean time...” he said.

He excused himself from his senior, and went out of his office. He went back to own office, and went back to work. After a while, he heard a knock on the door. Jeff, his friend, opened the door, and peeked inside. “Hey, man!” he greeted. Terrence just threw a quick glance at him, and then turned his attention to the document he is holding. “So... how was the proposal last night?” Jeff asked as he went inside his office. Terrence sighed, and shook his head. Jeff threw him a confused look. “She turned you down?” he asked. Terrence sighed again, and looked up at Jeff. He doesn't want to talk about it, but then there's no helping it. Everyone will knew one day, anyway. “She broke up with me last night. We're through.” he said. Jeff was surprised at what he said. “What? She broke up with you?” he asked as he took the seat in front of him. Terrence nodded his head. “But... but why? You guys have been together forever. Why would she broke up with you?” he asked again. “There's someone else...” Terrence answered. “She said she have fallen out of love with me.” Jeff could clearly see the sadness in his face. He knew how much Terrence loves Alyanna. His world revolves around him, and he could understand how hurt his friend is. “I'm sorry to hear that...” he said in a low voice. Terrence let out a faint smile. Then, he turned his eyes on his computer, and worked again. “Man, do you want to talk about it?” Jeff asked. He shook his head. “Maybe one day I will... but not now. I want to finish this case...”
“Don't bury yourself with work, Terrence.”
“I have to, Jeff. Need to finish this...”
“I know this is a big case for you, Terrence. That case against Yunan Corporation is your big break, but don't bury yourself with work just because Alyanna broke up with you...”
“I'm out of that case, Jeff. I'm working on the Lagos-Cortez case.”

Jeff gave him another surprised look. “What?! You're out of that case?” he exclaimed. Terrence looked at him, and nodded his head. “They said I'm not experienced enough to handle it. How can I gain experience if they'll take me out of that big case?” he said. Jeff just shook his head in dismay. “This is a bad week for you... I sympathize you...” he said. Terrence forced a smile, and nodded his head. “Yeah. Worst week ever.” he said.

--

Terrence's case have finished the following month, and unfortunately, they lost to the complainant. It's a case regarding full child custody of a separated couple, and the custody of the child was not given to their client, which is the father of the child. “Dude... it's OK. I mean, it's your first time... we all lose somehow...” Jeff said as they were getting out of the court room. Terrence let out a sight of dismay. “But it's a simple case, Jeff. I thought all our evidences would be sufficient for Mr. Cortez to have a full custody of his daughter...”
“Don't take it to heart, Terrence. You did your best. And besides, we can always appeal to the high court, right?”
“I just feel bad for Mr. Cortez. He loves Andrea so much. I know he can take good care of her daughter.”

Jeff smiled at him, and tapped his shoulder. “That's the problem with you, Terrence. You're too emotional. No wonder you were taken out of the Yunan Corporation case.” they heard someone say. They both looked back, and saw their colleague, Anthony walking towards then. Jeff rolled his eyes at him, and looked at Terrence. “It's so windy today, isn't it?” Jeff commented. Terrence could only laugh at his friend. They both have known Anthony since college days. He always considers Terrence as his rival, and he would do everything to put him down. “At least I have a heart that cares, Anthony. How about you? All you care about is your ego.” Terrence told him. Anthony let out an evil laugh as he walked towards them. “Oh, do I?” he said. He stood before Terrence, and glared at him. “I'm so sorry to hear that, Terrence. But with that kind of case, you don't need a heart. You need to have a head full of knowledge so that you can bring your opponent down. Look at you, you lost a simple child custody case. How do you expect to win a big case like Yunan's?” Anthony said. Terrence let out a smirk. “Well, it's not my loss that they took me out of the Yunan case. I should be the one feeling sorry for you, Anthony. Too bad... you've got your hands full with that kind of case... I guess I'll just leave it out for you. Besides, I don't need this kind of break to be a famous lawyer.” Terrence said. Then, he turned his back on him, and walked away with Jeff.

“Man, that's the coolest thing I've seen you're done!” Jeff said to him as soon as they were away from Anthony. Terrence just smiled at him. “Well, I guess that case is really not for me. Let him take all the big cases, I'll do the small ones. You know the saying, sometimes small opportunities can give you big opportunities in the future.” he said. “Then, let's remain hopeful, OK?” Jeff said. Terrence just smiled, and nodded his head.

--

Terrence opened the door of his pad, and what greeted him surprised him the most. “Kuya!” It was her sister, Timmy, who greeted him. She ran up to him, and then jumped on to him. “Whoa! Easy, girl!” he told her. Timmy kissed her brother on the cheeks, and then let him go from her hug. “You missed me, kuya? Huh? Did you?” she asked. “Of course, I did!” he said, pinching her nose. They walked towards the living room, and settled on the couch. “So, what brought my little sister here?” he asked. “Well, I'm here because I want to treat you out.” she said. Terrence gave her a confused look. “Why would you want to treat me out?”
“Because. Now, do you want to go, or not? Because if not...”
“Wait, are you threatening me?”
“I am... that is if you won't go with me.”
Terrence smiled at his sister, then he ruffled her hair. “Fine. I'm going with you.” he said. Timmy smiled at her brother. She stood up from her seat, and pulled his brother up. “Come on now, kuya! I'll treat you to your favorite restaurant.” she said.

“So, why are you treating me out?” Terrence asked Timmy as they went inside the restaurant. “It just so happen that I got an honor this quarter. Mom said I can treat out anyone I like as a reward, so I decided to treat you out.” she said proudly. Terrence gave his sister an amused look. “Oh, really now... and I thought you want to treat your friends.” he teased. Timmy giggled, and shook her head. “Mom said if I get high grades this quarter, I can have a party for my party.” she said. “'Then, you should start studying for the next quarter.” Terrence said.

As they were scanning through the menu for what they're going to order, Timmy noticed someone familiar enter the restaurant. “Hey, kuya... look! It's Alyanna!” she said. Terrence looked back, and saw Alyanna enter the restaurant. Timmy was about to get on her feet to call her, but then a man tailed behind her. As soon as he is beside Alyanna, he put his arm around her. Alyanna looked up at him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Timmy got confused at what she saw, then she looked at her brother. “Kuya Terrence, what's going on?” she asked. Terrence looked at his sister, and saw her glaring at Alyanna. Her sister is fuming mad, that he knows. He stood up from his seat, and pulled Timmy towards the exit before she could make a scene with Alyanna, but Timmy was trying to break away from her borther. “Kuya! Let me get that -”

Terrence looked back at Timmy and stared at him for a long time. “We broke up, Timmy.” he finally said. Timmy was tunned at what her brother said. Suddenly, she felt sad for him. “Oh...” she said in a low voice. Terrence lowered his head, and walked outside the restaurant. Timmy immediately went outside the restaurant to follow her brother. “Kuya!” she shouted. She saw him by his car. She walked up to him, and gave him a hug. “I'm sorry to hear that, Kuya...” she whispered to him. Terrence hugged his sister tight. He heard her muffled cries as she hugged him. “Why are you crying, silly girl?” he asked. Timmy looked up at him, and wiped the tear from her cheek. “I'm crying for you, kuya. I know you can't cry... because you want to look strong. That's why I'm crying for you...” she said. Then, she hugged him again.

Terrence was stunned at what Timmy said. She was right. All this time, he remained strong, and was trying to be strong even during the time he feels weak. He have to act brave in front of a lot of people, not letting them see the hurt inside him. He was taught that boys don't cry. He was taught that guys should not be too emotional in front of a lot of people. But at that moment, he felt weak. The pain inside him was overwhelming him, and he have to let it all out. Seeing Alyanna in the arms of another man breaks his heart completely, and he couldn't bear the pain.

As he hugged his sister, he closed his eyes. And for the first time, he let a tear roll down his cheek.

--

Atty. Pineda looked at Terrence after he read his resignation letter. “I don't see any reason why you should resign right away, Atty. Mariano. You have a bright future ahead of you with this law firm.” he said. “I... I needed some time alone...” he said in a low voice. “If you need some time alone to think things through, then how about a bargain?” Atty. Pineda said. Terrence looked up at the elder man, waiting for him to speak. “How about if I give you an indefinite leave. I know you're burnt out since you've been working for us since you graduated from law school. You can go back to work anytime that you're ready... how about that?” he asked. Terrence looked at him for a long time, then he smiled. It's better than losing a job. “I... I'll take it.” he said, giving the elder man a faint smile. Atty. Pineda smiled with content. He took his resignation letter from the table, and tore it apart.

--

That afternoon, he came home early to rest. He slumped on the couch to rest for a while. He doesn't know until when he would be on leave, and he doesn't know until when he is on vacation. “What should I do? I don't want to sulk here in my pad during that time...” he thought. Then, he saw a travel magazine lying on the coffee table. Curious, he took and, and scanned through it. Then, something caught his attention. It's a place somewhere near Baguio, which is known for it's beautiful scenery from the mountain top. Then, and idea hit his head. “A vacation... in this place...” he said to himself. He stood up from his seat, and went to his room to pack his thing.

He have decided to go on a journey to this place. And maybe while he's here, he would be able to think things through.

--

She opened her phone, and soon after, messages came in. It was all from her mom. She sighed as she decided to read one of her messages. “Danielle, dear, where are you? Call me as soon as you got this message.” it read. She let out another sigh after reading it. “Why should they always worry about me... it's not that...” she thought. Then she shook her head to erase that thought, and turn her phone off again. She looked around her empty apartment, and then stood up from her seat. “Well, this is it...” she thought. She took her back pack, and carried it on her shoulder. “The very last adventure of Danielle Esguerra...” she said to herself.

She walked towards the door, and then, put her note on it. “I'll be back... I promise you that... you just have to trust me this time. I won't run away... I promise. Just let me have this last journey...” she said. She reached for the door, and walked outside the apartment. As she closed the door behind her, she knew it is the start of the last adventure that will change her life forever.

Labels: 10 Days, original story

10 Days - Forewords

He is a man who planned everything for himself.
She is a carefree girl who lets fate take her anywhere.

He went on a journey to search for himself
She is on her last adventure before she makes a crucial decision of her life.

Then, they met.

They were two souls searching for the meaning of life, and of love...
Who'd ever thought they would find the answers they needed from each other,
And would eventually fall in love in 10 days?

Will they give each other a chance?
Will they run away from their feelings?
Or will they let destiny come between them?

--

She folded the paper into three, and placed it inside the envelope. Then, she took the pictures from the table, and stared at it for a long time. “Terrence...” she whispered. She turned her eyes on the man sleeping peacefully on the bed, then she looked back at the picture. It is their last day together, and she doesn't know if she would see him again after they have gone home. In a short span of time, she have learned to love this man, and being separated from him only breaks her heart.

But she have to do this. She have to go and continue with her plans.
She have to leave Terrence behind because of her plans.

Funny how someone right would come along at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Not that she have any regrets that she met Terrence, it's just that it wasn't the perfect moment for them. He was broken hearted, while she couldn't move on from her past. He have everything planned for himself, while she could only rely on fate to run her life. For the first time in her life, she have made a crucial decision in her life. She went ahead and let her parents decide for herself, and for once, she went with their decision for her. She said to herself she would stick with it, but then Terrence came along. It made her want to back out, and stay with this man.

But she had already made a decision long before she met Terrence.

She put the picture inside the envelope, and sealed it. Tomorrow, when they part ways, she will let him go. She will leave him, and maybe never to come back into his life.

She just wish that sometime, destiny will play another trick on them, and that they will meet again...

Labels: 10 Days, original story