Chapter 1

"The first day of the month year twenty-twenty," I whispered in thin air, eight months before my tragic birthday.

Naghihiyawan ang aking mga kapatid kasabay nang pag-ihip nila sa torotot na hawak-hawak. Nagtatalunan ito sa kaalamang mas tatangkad pa sila. Pangatlong beses na ako pabalik-balik sa panahon at lugar na ito ngunit hindi sila nakakasawang panoorin. Tila musika ang tawanan nito na baka sa susunod ay 'di ko na marinig o masilayan pa.

"Ate! Hindi ka ba tatalon? Bahala ka matatangkaran ka na namin!" Sigaw ni Caden, ang pitong taon kong kapatid. Nginitian ko lang ito habang nililitratuhan sila.

"Gusto ko rin mag-model, Ate Skye!" Usal ni Bianca. Yes, I'm a model, a famous one but now I realized that the money I have kept and saved was not worth it at some point. Mas mahalaga pa rin makasama ang mga mahal mo sa buhay, kaya sobrang nagagalak ako na nandito ako kahit hindi rin magtatagal.

"I'll support you, Bianca, just promise me you'll do great!" I smiled widely then stood beside them.

We stayed there for a moment until Manang appeared.

"Pumasok na kayo sa loob, nakahain na ang mga pagkain." She announced. We all nodded before entering the house.

Mom and Dad were busy. Lagi naman, paniguradong nasa ibang bansa pa sila dahil sa business trip nila nu'ng isang linggo. Nangako silang uuwi sila ngayon pero wala naman. Sa pangatlong balik ko dito, wala pa rin akong mabago.

"You look sad, Ate Skye." Bianca murmured while holding a chicken leg. At the age of five, she knew how to read emotions.

I showed her my radiant smile "Masaya ako, kumain kayo ng marami." That made her contented.

The next morning our parents got home they were really tired that's why they rested first. My manager sent me a message earlier but I was too busy watching Pets United with my siblings. At least nasasamahan ko na sila hindi kagaya noon.

[Ano ka ba naman Skye! Sayang, kapag talaga nagsawa na ang mga tao sa'yo hindi ko alam kung saan ka pupulutin.] Anito sa gitna ng tawag.

I rolled my eyes, that would be better! Minsan naisip ko rin na baka dahil sa career na pinili ko kaya may kumitil sakin.

[I'm thinking of changing my path, Abby, siguro nga dapat ko na talikuran ang pag mo-model.] I answered.

Siguro nga ngayon, may mababago na ako.

Trust the process, self.

[Wtf? I was just kidding earlier Skye Erin! Hindi ko naman alam na seseryosohin mo.]

I tilted my head a little while reflecting if I was doing the right choice [Pag-iisipan ko pa naman, I'm planning to open a cafe near the studio.]

Narinig ko ang marahas na pagbuntong hininga nito [Hindi na talaga kita maintindihan! Be here tomorrow at seven kung hindi, ako ang pupunta diyan.] May bakas ng seguridad at pinalidad ang boses nito.

I laughed a little, I remembered how I came back here after being stabbed to death by some random mysterious guy. Halos mabaliw na ako dahil kahit saan mo paraanin imposible ang nangyari, how can someone live again after being murdered.

But after all, I'm still thankful because I tended to be with my family even though they were always busy due to their work. May rason ang lahat, at iyon ang aalamin ko.

"Ate Skye you're getting really weird, hindi ka naman ganito dati. Lagi kang wala sa bahay tapos hindi mo rin kami kinakausap!" Caden ranted while arranging his lego toys.

I chuckled "Ayaw niyo ba na nandito ako?"

Bianca sat beside me "Dito ka na lang, I'll cry if you neglect us again!" She hugged me very tight, I got the sudden urge to cry but avoided it.

"I promise to be with you–" It wasn't a complete statement because shit would surely happen.

Kinabukasan nagtungo ako sa studio dahil hindi ko rin naman matitiis si Abby, mabuti siyang manager at kaibigan sakin, samin. Desidido na rin akong tumigil sa pag mo-model. I hope that something would change with this decision of mine.

"Hay salamat! Akala ko hindi ka pupunta." Bungad na sabi nito.

"Napag-isipan ko ng mabuti yung sinabi ko sa'yo—"

She cut me off "Tama! Dapat ituloy mo ang pag-rampa."

I shook my head "No, it's the opposite." Tipid akong ngumiti "The word thank you is not enough for all the help and support that you've given me, but I want to be with my family this time. Lahat ng narating ko pinagpapasalamat ko sa'yo."

She smiled with teary eyes "Nakakainis ka naman! But I want to clarify that your success is the fruit of your hard work and determination. Nakita ko naman 'yon, I'll surely miss you, Skye." We hugged for a minute until someone knocked while holding a sunflower.

My mouth formed into an o, it was her boyfriend. Hope all.

Lumipas ang araw at lumabas na rin ang balita sa pag-retiro ko. My parents were shocked but soon recovered. Sinabi ko na rin sa mga ito na magpapatayo ako ng café malapit sa studio na kinatuwa rin naman nila. I was so happy with the thought that they always support me.

Ngayon ako makikipag-usap sa landlord dahil ito lang daw ang araw na hindi siya abala.

I wore a yellow tube top, loose ripped jeans partnered with white sneakers. I took my sling bag and slid my phone inside.

Naabutan ko sila Bianca at Caden na kumakain ng cereals sa kusina "Aalis lang si Ate saglit." I kissed the top of their head before leaving.

Sumakay na ako sa kotse at dali daling nagmaneho. Nakita ko na ang landlord na nakatalikod habang minamasdan ang paligid.

"Good morning, Sir!" I greeted.

By the time he looked at me I got goosebumps, I never thought that he would be this attractive. Brown eyes, jet black hair, pointed nose, thin lips, defined jaw, and well-toned body.

"Good day, Ms. Claveron." He smiled a little "Pasensiya na abala si Dad kaya ako na lang ang pinapunta niya dito—" I was so distracted by his looks! Hindi ko na narinig ang mga susunod na sinabi niya. Mom told me that looks can be deceiving but here I am getting charmed by this guy.

We sat inside.

"Ms. Claveron?" That caught my attention.

I acted attentive "Y-yes?"

"Nakukuha mo ba ang sinabi ko?" Tanong nito.

I raised my brows "Ha?" This was getting embarrassing "I mean y-yes! I'm going to buy this property."

He gulped "O-okay?" Nilahad nito sakin ang binder kung nasaan ang kontrata "Just sign it here."

After signing the contract I focused my attention at the surroundings. May kalakihan ito at paniguradong gaganda pa kapag naayos na.

"Thank you for today—" I stopped for a moment a hint that I'm asking for his name.

"Cole Velasco." He extended his arm. "I'm a fan," He said that made me flattered.

I smiled then shook it.