The morning was as old as the coffee on my desk. Nadia tapped its murky surface to break the thickening skin and watched the new gap grow. The frigid brown drink dripped from her finger, the ripples spreading toward the rim in ever larger circles. She know that she's spoilt, so used to the finest beans, always freshly brewed and served with half-and-half. She still crave a subtle undertone of hazelnut and her cup to be a festive colour with cardboard around it to protect her fingers from the heat. Instead it is the instant muck, served warm in polystyrene – depression served without a smile. It suits the place though, it matches the beige walls and the melamine desks, it's as welcoming as the unguarded strip lights and the worn blue carpet. The only thing alive in the room is the ticking clock, Nadia thinks that the rest of them died some time ago

"Tay, alagaan n'yo po 'yung anak ko, pakisabi narin sa kanya na mahal na mahal ko s'ya." Umiiyak na sabi ng isang kaluluwa habang hawak-hawak ang telepono na may kapangyarihang makausap ang mga kamag-anak nito, lahat ng mga kaluluwa na may naiwang pamilya sa mundong ibabaw ay sa opisina ng may kataas-taasang katungkulan, supremo, at Chief executive officer na si Chase Fuentes pumupunta

Nagsalin ulit ng kape si Nadia mula sa coffee pot, matapos ang naging usapan ng babaeng kaluluwa sa kanyang tatay at akmang iinom na sana ang dalaga mula sa kanyang tasa para maagapan ang antok magmula sa sunod-sunod na graveyard shift ng biglang umingay ang bisagra ng pintuan na iniluwa ang naghihingalong si Fritz, dahilan para mapatayo kaming lahat sa aming kinatatayuan

"M-may itim na k-kaluluwa ang nakawala sa Room 205." Saad ni Fritz in between his ragged breathing and his teal eyes starts to look intently at Nadia

Nadia felt unease as she was the one responsible to look after the evil soul staying on Room 205

Nagkukumahog sa paglisan ang mga staff sa opisina ni Chase Fuentes at akmang sasama na sana si Nadia ng pigilan s'ya ni Miguel, isa sa mga housekeeper nila sa Hotel. Pero patuloy sa pagmamatigas si Nadia ngunit natigil lamang ang dalaga ng marinig n'ya ang boses ng kanyang boss

"Stay inside Nadia, they can do it on their own." Chase said in a very authoritative tone while imbibing on his glass full of blood. Nadia just stared at his boss, He was nothing like the story-book vampires: pale with overgrown canines and a dislike of garlic. He was like a regular guy, almost. His skin was a little on the waxy side and he wore shades in the daylight, which Nadia didn't bother at all

They're both filled with silent, not until Chase shatters it

"Mahal mo ba siya?" Chase said to Nadia at the same time moving its way to the lady who's stupefied by what his boss said, 'di n'ya alam kung paano ito sasagutin kaya umiling na lamang siya

"Good. Because I'll be firing that Miguel." Chase said apathetically while showing its fangs to Nadia, indicating that he's serious about anything

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Nadia sa takot. "Dahil ba sa kapalpakan ko?"

"Hindi mo kasalanan. Ayaw ko lang sa competition. Ngayon, p'wede na ba kitang ligawan?"

Bumilis ang tahip ng dibdib ni Nadia, ang kaninang takot ay napalitan ng kasidlakan na animo'y isa s'yang puno na mabunga at mayamungmong

"Bawal! Nasa company policy 'yon," ani ni Nadia pero ngumiti lamang si Chase, the way Chase lips lifted upward. The way his one dimple crinkles. The way his teeth are perfectly aligned. It's exquisite

"His smile is a ray of sunshine, and I am a sunburn." Nadia thought of it while looking intently at his boss' beautiful smile

"I'm the boss, I change the rules whenever I want." Nadia was lost of words to respond, she was just totally aghast to the point she forgot that Chase is inching closer to her and its making her heart pound so fast

Chase was now hugging her while its chin is on her neck and clavicle

"All my life, I've been into bloods of animals but now that I have the chance to get near to you, it makes me want to taste your blood." Chase just keep on sniffing the neck of Nadia while the lady just nod like she doesn't apprehend anything due to the loud beating of her heart

Nadia felt an endorphin like feeling when the fangs of Chase penetrates on her skin as if there's a feeling that has been aroused around her body

Matapos ang lahat ay biglang hinalikan ni Chase si Nadia sa pisnge habang inalalayan nito ang dalaga na namumutla

Nadia smiled at Chase, "If this is love then I want it."

There had been times when Nadia knew, somewhere in her, that she would get used to it, whatever it was, because he had learnt that some adversities became softer after a very little while.