Chapter 1: Memories

It's almost 7 o' clock when I received a text message from Gabriel. Gabriel Reyes, my long time
boyfriend. We have been together for almost 7 years. He’s caring, loving and patient. He’s also
protective type of guy that most of the time mistaken to be bossy.

“Anne, Your shift tomorrow is 8 o’ clock in the morning. That’s all, you can leave now.” Rianne
said. Ma. Rianne Espiritu my best friend. She’s also my assistant doctor. We met each other at medical
school. I was at my 2nd year and she’s just a freshmen. That makes me older than her. She’s like a sister
to me.

“Are you a psycho or what?” I grinned at her so she would get pissed.

“No, I’m not! How come a beautiful lady like me becomes a psycho?! Aha! I see your boyfriend
slash boss already texted. Friend, until when would you like to suffer with your bossy boyfriend?” she
said as she throws pieces of paper rudely at the trash can.

“Yeah, he did texted. He said that he would come here and pick me up after my duty”. I turned
my seat and try to find my prescription folder. “And for God sake Rianne, he’s not bossy he’s just
protective and that’s love! Oh! I forgot you don’t have a lover.” I said. I always get pissed off when
they’re telling me that Gab is bossy.

Her face darkened I walked towards her and hugged her. “Don’t worry; Bernard will soon realize
that he really loves you.” Even though, I always joke about Rianne’s love life. I always find time to make
up to her because she’s the only family I have. Since my family left to migrate in America she’s always
been there to comfort me. Suddenly, Laurence my personal nurse came.

“Dr. Bartolome, Alexia said she wanted to see you before she sleep.” Laurence left. Rianne and I
broke our hug.

“Rianne, you’re off right? Please don’t lock this room. I’ll be leaving my things here. I’ll be back.”
I bid goodbye to Rianne. I left my office and walk on the corridor (Since my office is at the corner of the
3rd floor). I stopped at the last room at my right.

“Alex? Alex?” I called her name as I knock at the door. I get inside the room and saw Alexia lying
at the bed. She saw me and I saw the smile in her face.

“How’s my favorite patient?” I sit next to her at her bed.

“I’m fine. I’m always fine because of you.” She said as she holds my hand.

Alexia is only 6 years old and she’s suffering from leukemia. Her parents gave up on her and I
was the one who take care of her until how I know it would be a miracle if she would get better but I will
never give up.

“Anne, I owe you a lot. I know I can’t pay but I will, in time.” She gave me an origami of a rose. I
was amazed because at her early age she understands the situation she have right now.
 “As soon as you get better, I will look forward on adopting you.” Her sad face glowed. It was
filled with happiness. She cried. I hugged her tight. I felt the love between me and her even though she’s
not mine. I know she needs encouragement at this time.

My phone rang. I wonder who’s calling me this time. I get my phone from my right pocket. It’s
Gabriel! I answered my phone immediately.

“Hon, where are you?” he asked in a harsh tone.

“I’m here at the hospital. Why? I’m just visiting Alexia.” I said. I stood up and walk to the
window.

“I’m here at the parking lot.” He said and hangs up the phone.

I’m starting to get worried. I feel nervous at that time. I bid goodbye to Alexia and kissed her
fore head. I immediately left the room and hurried to the elevator. I entered the elevator nervously. I
pushed the button for Ground Floor. Argh! The elevator is so slow! Can it go any faster!? What if he’s
angry?! Am I in a big trouble?!
Chapter 2: Notes

I finally reached the ground floor! As usual it was full of people. I walk straight towards the exit I
saw someone walk towards me. I thought it was Gabriel. I smiled. He walks a little more. I noticed it was
not Gabriel. He’s Bernard.

Bernard Monteverde, the head doctor of my department. He’s also the ex-lover of my best
friends, Rianne. He’s always been a pain in the ass for me and my best friend. He smiled at me and said,
“What’s with the nervous face, Dr. Bartolome?” Is he trying to piss me off or what?! “He’s waiting
outside.” He said as he left me standing there. I was happy hearing that!

I almost run to the exit door. As I approached the exit door I saw Gab’s black Porsche parked at
the front of the exit door.

I walked towards it. Nobody’s there! Where could he be? I noticed a note at the wind shield.

Look around. Even though I’m far away.

My love for you is not lost.
It’s like the wind.
You can’t see it but you can always feel it.

I smiled and looked around but I saw no one. I felt happy that my heart wanted to burst. A
feeling I never felt before. It’s like I’m in heaven. I looked inside his car but I found nothing. I noticed
another note at the side mirror.

I will tell you how much I love you.

The moon, the stars and the sky would be the witness of our love.

It’s like a riddle or something. The moon? The stars? Where could he possibly be.

“Roof top!” That word suddenly came out of my mouth. Right! It has the best view of the sky! I
rushed back to the hospital. I took the elevator and pushed the button for roof top. I was like a crazy
woman smiling while in the elevator.

The elevator stopped. I’m now at the roof top. My heart beats fast. I can’t explain. The elevator
opened slowly. It was dark. I can’t see.

“ Gab? Hon? Are you here?” I walk slowly forward when suddenly my phone rang. It’s Gab again.
Am I at the wrong venue? I answered the phone immediately.

“I know you can’t see me. But can you feel my love for you even you can’t see me?” What is it all
about? I don’t understand. It’s like he’s playing a joke or something.

“I don’t what is it but..” the sky glowed. The beautiful fireworks I wanted since I was a kid were
here. Unexplainable silence filled my body. I can’t talk. I saw him standing at the front of me while the
fireworks continue. I saw him standing at the front of me. My world stopped for a minute or two.
 “It’s better if my eyes can see you. Your beauty mesmerizes me.” He spoke slowly. He walked
towards me and turned the lights on. I hung up the phone. I saw the changes he made at the roof top.
He put bright yellow lights, red carpet, 3 tables; 2 at the side and one at the center and most of all the
violinist who’s playing “Moonlight over Paris”. He gave me a perfect date experience. He hugged me and
kissed my lips tenderly. He led me towards the center table and let me sit first. He gets the bouquet of
flowers from his seat. It was tulips, yellow tulips with red rose at the center. The red rose formed the
shape of a heart that stands out above the rest. He gave it to me and sits in front of me.

“Did you already eat your dinner?” he smiled at me.

“No.” I lied. Rianne and I already ate dinner but I don’t want to ruin this date so I decided not to
tell him.

“Me too. Let’s eat!” he said. The waiter standing next at the side table came with two plates in
his both hands, I noticed it was my favorite, lasagna.

“I made it. Hope you like it.” I smiled as he eats the lasagna. Since when does he cook lasagna?
Oh! Never mind! At least he had done this with effort. I pick up the fork at my right and started eating it.
He looked at me as if he’s waiting for my reaction. It tastes as good as the serving at my favorite
restaurant.

“You liked it?” he said and grabbed my hand.

“I don’t!” I said. I saw his face blurred. “I love it.” I laughed and continued eating. I saw his
wonderful smile. My heart melted like ice cream.

We finished eating and the waiter cleaned our dirty plates. He served again another plate. It’s a
slice of my favorite orange cake. Does he make this? I know when it comes to baking he sucks. Oh well!
There’s no harm in trying
Chapter3: Orange cake

I get the other fork at my left and started eating. This time I was the only one who’s eating. He
stared at me like I was the most entertaining TV show. He’s like waiting for something.

“It’s good! You should not stare at me like that! You know staring is rude.” I said. He didn’t say
anything he just smiled at me. He drank a glass of champagne.

While I was eating, I felt something hard inside my mouth. It’s like a metal! It tastes like metal.

“What then? Are you trying to kill me?!” I said as I get the hard thing at my mouth. He’s still
smiling. Was it a joke or something? I get the hard thing off my mouth. It’s a ring with a diamond on top
off it. I can’t spoke any words. I was speechless.

“I know I suck at baking, so I decided to ask Kaye to bake it and put the ring inside.” He said
calmly. He stood up and gets the ring at my hand and kneeled at my side.

“Ms. Denise Antonette Cruz Bartolome, after 7 years I now have the courage to tell you and ask
you. Can you be mine forever and ever?” he said.

It’s like the whole world stopped. My heart burst with joy. After seven long years of waiting, he’s
now asking my hand in marriage. I want to jump for joy upon hearing those words. These words filled
my night. I can say that God can get me now if he like. I can die right at this moment. He patiently waited
for my reply.

“Yes..You can.” I said slowly. I saw the smile in his face. He jumped for joy! I can’t explain the
way we feel. He put the ring at the left finger of my right hand.”I’m engaged.” I said to myself. I look at
my finger. The ring looks good at my hand like it’s destined for me, for us. He held my hand so I can
stand up and hugged me. He hugged me tight and elevated me from the ground. I felt his excitement
and happiness. The violinist played ‘Moonlight over Paris’ again. This is the most memorable moment of
my life. After that, we danced all night until our hearts content.

It’s almost 10 o’clock when we went down from the rooftop. All the people whom we met
congratulate us. How come they knew all about this?

“How?” I asked.

“I made them my accomplish. Only you and Rianne are the one who doesn’t have an idea.” He
said smiling.

“Even Alexia?” I asked, he held my hand tighter.

“Yes, even our future daughter.” It sounds pretty good when he’s the one saying it. Our? It
sounds great. I smiled and continued walking. My eyes can’t get off from his beautiful face. My future
husband and our future family.
 As we are approaching the exit doors, he immediately went back to his Porsche and opened it.

“How about my car?” I asked. I left my car at the car park. “If we’ll leave it here, how can I come
to work tomorrow?” I looked worried and sad. That’s my first car!

“Don’t worry. Bernard already drove it to your apartment. I asked him to fetch Rianne too so
you would not get worried.” He smiled and pointed out the front seat, I get inside the car without any
worries for now. Aha! We drove fast so I can get some sleep.

“Its kind an unusual to be called future Mrs. Reyes, don’t you think so?” I asked, smiled and
faced him.

“Nope. Its suits your name perfectly... Mrs. Denise Antonette Bartolome Reyes… It’s pretty.” He
faced me and grinned.

It’s not traffic so we got to our apartment half the time I was expecting He opened the door of
the car.

“So future wife, good night and sleep tight.” He kissed my lips again. His words are so
meaningful that I can’t get over it.

“Good night future husband.” I said. It was like a joke but I can’t help but smile. He gets inside
the cat and drove fast.

It was a day to remember. I felt tired but happy. I get inside the gate and noticed my silver altis.
My heart was filled with joy. I went up and get inside my room. I was too tired to change my clothes so I
went straight to my bed. “I better start planning for the wedding.” I said and closed my eyes.
Chapter 4: Premonitions

“Will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the priest asked. I looked
at Gab. He looked troubled or worried. Is he sick or something? There was silence in the place. Why
does it take him a long time to answer that question?

“I can’t do this!! I’m sorry!” he went away. I froze. I can’t move. It’s like he poured me
icy cold water! Cold wind brushed my long curly hair. It gave me a chill. At that moment all I can hear is
the whispering people.”I pity her.” “What a humiliation.” Those words echoed in m ears.

“Stop! Please! Stop!” I shouted as loud as I can but still nobody heard me. I can’t hear
even myself. It’s like no voice came out of my mouth. I shouted again at the top of my voice but still no
one heard me. Next thing I knew I was at the middle of the sea. I can’t swim. No one’s there to save me.
I shouted and then the gravity pulled me downwards. I tried to pull myself towards the surface but I was
so far from the surface now. I gave up. I just closed my eyes so I can’t feel the pain caused by the death
of not only of my bo0dy but also of my soul.

“Anne, wake up! You’re having a nightmare!” Rianne shouted and shook me at my bed.
That woke me up.

“What happened to you?” You’re shouting like crazy.” She added. She looked so
worried.

“I’m fine. I just had a nightmare.” I brushed my hair with my right hand. Rianne noticed
my ring.

“So? Mr. Bossy, proposed to you already?” she asked as she held my hand and stared at
my ring. She looked a little bit sad.

“Stop staring at it! It might get rusty if you’ll continue to stare at it.” I laughed hard.

*toot* It’s a message from Gab

Good Morning Hon! I love you. :*

To remind you, your shift will be at 8 o’clock.
Don’t be late.

I smiled and replied slowly to his text message. It’s my first day of being his fiancée. I
can’t explain the feeling. It’s like nervousness and joy combined.

Good Morning Hon. I love you more. :**

Thanks for the reminder.
You should not be late too.
Take care.
 Drive safe

I sent my message and stood up. I took a quick shower and put on my favorite shirt and
skirt. I look at the mirror and smiled. I stared at my ring once again. It reminds me of his love. It made
me smile.

I rode my silver altis and went to the hospital. It was 7 o’ clock in the morning when I left
our apartment. It was early so didn’t expect heavy traffic. Since I was living in Taguig, I just need 30-40
minutes to reach the hospital. When I was about to enter Alabang, my phone rang. I looked at it. It’s
Gab. I can’t answer his call. I’m busty driving and I didn’t have my Bluetooth headset. I let my phone
rang continuously.

“I’m sorry.” I told myself as I continue to drive. I was now approaching the hospital. I
parked my car at the front of the hospital. Before I left my car I grabbed my bag and my cell phone. I
locked my car and went straight to the entrance. As I walk towards the entrance, I get my phone and
started texting.

Hon. I was busy when you called.

I’m thinking if I’ll tell him I’m busy, he might get mad at me. So, I decided to delete it and start a
new one.

Hon, I’m sorry. I wasn’t able to answer your call.

I was driving at that time. I love you. :*

I sent the message and went to my office. Rianne wasn’t there her duty is at 11 o’ clock. So, my
assistant for today is Lia. Lia Morcell Quiambao, a 4th year college at Ateneo De Manila University
studying human biology. Manila is far away from here so she seldom visits and helps me here at the
hospital. She was at the door of my office waiting.

“Good Morning, Dr. Bartolome. Oh! Or should I say Dr. Bartolome-Reyes?” She grinned at me. I
tapped her shoulder and said.

“How did you know?” We entered the office and sat at my desk.

“You’re the hottest issue here.” She told me and smiled then continues to review the files at my
desk. I just smiled and get the folder at the front of me.

So everyone knows about the proposal yesterday? What? I blushed as I read the content of the
folder.

I’m the resident psychiatrist here so I don’t do much I seldom have patients so I’m always
vacant. I have a lot of time to plan my wedding.
 “So Ms. Anne, what’s the theme of your wedding?” Lia asked. I smiled and thought about it. Of
course! I should think about that first.

“Maybe, a garden theme should do it!” I said as I faced Lia. Her expression was full of
excitement. It’s like she’s the one who’s going to be married.

“Hm. Garden? It would be romantic if it will be held at a beach resort.” She pointed out the
brochure of a famous airline company. “Boracay would be a nice place.” She added.

“I think that would cost a lot of money, but it sounds great. I would think about that.” I smiled
and get back to work.
Chapter 5: Advices

It’s almost 12 o’ clock still no sign of Gab. No texts even call. I hope he’s not mad. I was writing
my plans for the wedding when Rianne opened the door and entered my office.

Rianne is late. Anyway, she’s always late. She sat at the chair in the front of my desk. I noticed
that she’s a lot different today (I’m a psychiatrist I can easily say that something’s wrong with her. In
fact, we knew each other that much.) She’s quiet and dull. I approached and tapped her shoulders.

“Hey Girl, Are you ok? You looked like you lost a million peso at the casino.” I cracked a joke but
she continued to be dull and quiet. What’s wrong? It’s the first time to see her like this.

“I think I’m gonna be..” she look pale. Is she in pain? She ran to the toilet inside my office. I
followed her.

After 5 minutes, she came out of the toilet, she looked exhausted. She’s like… In held her and
lead her to the same chair and relax.

“Wha…t happened to you?” I was curious at that time. The silence? The dullness? I’m a
psychiatrist but I can’t really understand her situation.

“I… think…” she said slowly. I waited patiently for her reply. Her facial expression was a
combination of sadness, excitement and joy.

“I’m… pregnant?!” she said as her face saddens. I was shocked. She’s what? How? Why? I can’t
explain my feeling at that time. “Before Bernard and I broke up, it happened. He was too drunk at that
time. I don’t know why I let him do this! I’m stupid!” Now this time she’s crying! “Where should I start?
Help me! I can’t face this alone.” She cried as she hugged me tight. I don’t know how to comfort her at
that time.

“You should let that child live. He deserves to live even though his father is such an asshole!” I
said. Thanks God! The tension decreased. We laughed hard. “You’ll make a good mother.” I smiled. She
hugged me tight.

I continued to comfort her, when Lia went inside my office.

“Dr. Bartolome, you have a special patient. She said she needs to see you immediately.” She
looked at me seriously and went outside. Rianne followed her. I was left alone at my office. I sit at my
desk and read again my folder. I remembered what Lia said. Who’s my special patient? Maybe it’s Gab?
Maybe he wanted to surprise me again.

Then the door opened I was a bit nervous. It’s not Gab. It’s a woman. She looks familiar, she’s a
lot like my mom but her kin is fairer than my mom’s. She’s wearing a white blouse and jeans. She’s also
wearing a necklace that looks like the one I gave my mom before she left. As I see her face clearer I
knew she’s my mom. Maybe years changed her. She changed a lot. Now I know 5 years is such a long
time.

“Mom!” I said as I rushed to her and hugged her. She’s different now even her voice changed. I
felt the excitement and joy when I saw her. I missed her a lot. “Dad?” I said as I kissed her cheek. I made
her sit at my sit at my desk. She just smiled. “Look I have my own office now. I’m now a psychiatrist. I
have an apartment and a car and in two years time I can buy my own house.” I was so excited that I
forgot to let her talk. 5 years had been a long time for us.

“Mom, I’m getting… married.” I spoke those words of joy. I raised my right hand and let her see
the engagement ring. Her face was full of sadness. She hugged me and starts talking.

“Are you sure about this? If you’re not, you can always ditch the wedding!” My mom said. My
family never wanted Gab for me; they think that Gab is a self centered guy and would make his slave if
we’re already married. I hate it when they’re giving direction to my life when they don’t even that was
against my will.

“Mom, Gab’s fine. He would make a good husband and a great father.” I assured my mom. She
continued to frown and then my father entered the office.

“My precious daughter.” He ran towards me like lovers who haven’t seen each other for 5 years.
He hugged me tight. He’s the one who told me to pursue my medical school instead of coming with
them in America. He looked thinner than the last time I saw him. “I heard you’re getting married? Anne,
marriage is not like newly cooked rice that you will throw up if you’re burned.” He said. I heard that
expression a million times.

“Dad, I’m sure with Gab.” I smiled at him as a sign of assurance. “He’s the one and I love him.” I
added.

It was almost 4 o’clock when I noticed that Gab didn’t texted me or even called me. I was
worried. My mom and my dad asked me. I was worried. My mom and my dad asked me if we can eat at
my favorite restaurant with Gab. So we can formalize engagement to y parents. But how can we go to
that restaurant if I don’t know where my fiancée is?

“You should call your fiancée now. You should not keep us waiting.” My dad face as serious but
suddenly he smiled so that the tension on me decreased. “I’m just joking.” He grinned. He didn’t
change! He’s still a joker. I called Gab but he didn’t answer. I was so worried! What if he’s being
kidnapped or a hostage of a syndicate or something? Or he’s just busy? Maybe I should call him later.
Chapter 6: Broken into pieces

It was 7 o’clock in the evening when I called Gab for the second time. His phone rang. It was
ringing for almost a minute or two when I was about to hung up the phone someone picked up the
phone.

“Hello?” the strange voice answered the phone.

“Uhm... Is Mr. Reyes there?” I asked the stranger. I pretend that I’m just a client. (Gab is an
interior designer and an engineer so he often works outside the office.) It sounded like a girl.

“Oh! Riel? He’s taking a nap. Call again later ok? Bye.” As she hung up the phone I felt my heart
broke. It was like my heart was broken into smaller pieces. I was dull. I cried. I want to cry hard. After the
proposal he will just cheat on me?! I felt bad for myself.

I noticed that my mom is approaching. I wiped my tears and pretend that I’m just yawning.

“Darling, are you crying?” She faced me and tapped my cheek. Her warm hands overwhelm me.
I felt her love. I remember when I was just a kid, when she and dad always hug me tight like a teddy
bear. I loved it. I felt safe when I’m in their arms.

“Let’s go?” my dad asked as he point the way out.

“Okay. Just a sec I’ll just finish some paper works.” I faced a smile so they won’t see that I’m sad.
I continued to read and sign papers. I can’t concentrate on what I read, the girl puzzled my mind.

7:30 p.m when I finished my paper works but still the stranger who answered Gab’s phone bugs
me! Who is she? Why did she answer the phone of Gab? Is Gab cheating on me? I decided to forget all
about that so I can enjoy the dinner with my parents.

We left the hospital and went to the nearest mall. I laughed and smiled as if nothing happened. I
was walking alone to the restaurant when I decided to text Gab. I get my phone at my bag and start
texting.

Gab, My dad and mom treat me dinner.

They want to see you too.
I hope you can come.
Same restaurant and mall like before.
Take care.
 I was having second thoughts if I would send this message or not. Nothing will be lost if I try. I
sent the message and keep my phone. I should not be waiting for his text. Maybe he’s busy again. I
walked around and decided to go back to the restaurant when suddenly…

*toot* It’s a text message from Gab.

Ok. I’ll be there as soon as I can.
I have a client right now.
I love you always.
Take care.
Send my regards to your mom and dad.

He has a client until now? I don’t want this relationship to end this way so I won’t suspect my
beloved fiancée of cheating. If he said he had a client then it’s true. He didn’t have a motive to cheat on
me, Right? He loves me and he will marry me. Our wedding would be a success. It will be the happiest
day of our lives.

As I’m approaching the restaurant…

*toot* It’s a message from Gab. What now? He can’t come? Argh! I’m starting to get pissed off
as I read his message.