The day is come to celebrate the victory of the housing plan project for homeless people. Steve, who is busy in organizing things and a bit nervous to give his message. Joj approaches him and said,
“Steve, it’s okay. This is the most awaiting part of your life and I know you are the most astounding man in the universe tonight. Ang tagal mo tong hinintay, Love. You can do it.”
Steve whispers to her, “Thanks Love. Pero mas kinakabahan ako sabihin yung sa ating dalawa. I do not even know if masasabi ko ba ng maayos o hindi. Pero salamat dahil nandito ka at lumalakas ang loob ko dahil sayo.” They both smile silently aside.
There is only a bit of wait because the main investor is not there yet. Few minutes are left before the program starts. The theme of the event is a formal attire so everyone in the event wears their most excellent long gowns in women and best suits for men. After the program, they will go to the housing project to give the warm welcome for the beneficiaries. While the program acknowledges the guests, Steve suddenly feels strange headache. Joj is sitting beside him and notices the unusual behavior of Steve. She already knew it so she immediately gives the medicine and the support due to Steve’s condition. Afterwards, Steve sits comfortably, hold Joj’s hand and finally stands to give his message and he delivers it properly. When he is about to call Joj, he suddenly feels fatigue and his condition brings the blurry image of woman again and again. Joj immediately go to Ziqi to tell him to continue the program and she hold Steve’s hand carefully.
One hour went well and Steve’s condition seems going normal again. The program continues and everyone is much awaiting to finally see the person behind the housing project. The long wait is finally over, Ziqi call the attention of the people and announce…
‘Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to present to you the person behind the success of the housing plan project, please welcome, Ms. Anna Trishaline Z. Williamford! Everyone, please give her a round of applause!’
All of the people inside the event are amazingly surprised how awesome and alluring the beauty of Ms. Anna Trishaline Z. Williamford. Among all the people, Joj is stunned and completely surprised that his childhood best friend, Trisha, is the one whom they called as the major investor of the company. What made her even more stunned at the absence is, when he saw Steve is standing and staring at Trisha as if he had known it before.
“Steve, are you okay? Do you know her?” Joj asked.
“N- - -o. No idea.”
Steve sits beside Joj and she notices that Steve feels uncomfortably. Joj holds his hand and Steve grabs her both hands to make his feeling better. After the introductory part, Trisha delivers her message.
“It’s been a very long time since I went back in the Philippines. I always wanted to be back because my heart lives here. To everyone who makes this project successful, a big thanks and appreciation for all your hardship, efforts, and energy you exerted to make this project in reality. Honestly, it’s my step-father’s dream. He passed away due to car accident years ago. One of his dreams is to build houses for homeless people because he was once experienced it. Although we do not have the same blood, we treated, we loved each other dearly like a true father and daughter. He shows me what and how the world is. He’s my everything. Para ipakita pa rin sakanya na mahal na mahal ko siya, I came across to this thought na tuparin pa rin yung pangarap niyang mabigyan ng tirahan ang mga taong higit na nangangailangan nito. I contacted Mr. Sye to plan a housing project here in the country and do not worry for the budget because I am truly handling this. Kaya a very much thanks sa inyong lahat, I am indeed grateful to meet and looking forward in working with you all. Again, thank you very much.”
Since the moment of Trisha started speaking, Steve is in deep silence, listening and not even remove his gaze to Trisha’s face. His mind is confused, became even more confused when he heard Trisha’s message. The program went well and everyone in the event is enjoying the night. While Steve is still confused and heading back to Joj, he saw her talking to Trisha cheerfully. He felt he couldn’t cope with the things around him so he went back to the car and texted Joj that he would be waiting for her in the parking area. The event is successfully done and they saw how happy the beneficiaries are.
When Joj saw her phone, she immediately goes to the parking area for Steve.
“Are you okay, Steve? I am worrying.”
“Yes, Love. I felt bit dizzy due to medicine. Can we go home now?” Steve asked and drive going home.
While the long drive feels uneasy, Steve asked Joj.
“Do you know her? Ms. Anna Trishaline, right?”
Joj answered with excitement, “Oww, I forgot to tell you. Yes, I very much know her. We have been friends since when we were in High School. She was adopted and being abandoned kaya kinupkop siya ni Nanay. Kapatid na ang turing namin sa isa’t-isa at samin na siya tumira, sabay na kaming lumaki in a short explanation. She decided to find her biological family nung magsisimula na kaming mag-college. Noong nalaman namin na kukunin na siya at sa Australia na siya titira, we were totally saddened because she is part of our daily lives. Then now, he we are, pinagtapo pa rin in one company. How small the world is, right?”
“Hmmm, I see.” Steve said repeatedly.
“By the way, you seemed more surprised when you saw her? Kilala mo ba siya?”
“No. there was time na may meeting kami with investors pero hindi ko siya nakita. Ngayong lang.”
(Pero bakit parang kilala ko na siya noon pa, matagal na) Steve said in his mind.
“Sabagay si Mr. Sye lang nabanggit niya kanina. She is too busy handling various businesses inside and outside of the country”. (Kaya hindi ko maiwasan na ang liit tuloy na tingin ko sa sarili ko ngayon, I felt humiliated.) Joj suddenly thought out of her words.
The long drive made Joj asleep in the car so Steve carried her to her room. Joj feels his body and she seize the moment and hug him tightly. When they had reached the room, Steve replied a warm kiss on Joj’s forehead and drives back to his condo. On the other hand, Steve can’t stop thinking about Trisha and he really wonders who Trisha is in his life. in the car so Steve carried her to her room. Joj feels his body and she seize the moment and hug him tightly. When they had reached the room, Steve replied a warm kiss on Joj’s forehead and drives back to his condo. On the other hand, Steve can’t stop thinking about Trisha and he really wonders who Trisha is in his life.
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Due to opening of classes, it's kinda a long wait before I posted the next part huhu. Besides, I am emotionally tired these past few weeks but I am now healing.
The story makes me more wonder how life will go among Joj, Steve, and Trisha. Stay tuned! 😉
