"Miss Laura, ito po bang mga boxes niyo? Isasama natin sa eroplano?" I look at my PA who is holding a big box organizer.

"Ano pong laman?" I ask,

He opened the box to see if what's inside. "Ahm.. mga notebook, books, pens, stickers, and crafting materials." He said and I slowly nod.

"I-donate nalang po natin sa orphanage. Baka magustuhan ng mga bata." I said and he nods before walking towards the pile of things that are at the side that we will be donating.

We are here at the company right now. Sorting my things if we will bring it to the Philippines, or if we will throw it away or donate it. I don't really want to bring lots of things in the plane and on our way back.

May limit lang sa kilo ang mga maleta so I had to choose wisely kung ano ang mga dadalhin ko. And of course may mga lumang gamit naman ako sa Pilipinas. And I'll buy new things so I don't need to bring the others there.

I'm leaving tomorrow. All the things in my Condo are already packed and ready to bring. The condo is already sold and once I leave the new owners will immediately live there.

"Ms. Laura tapos na po tayo. Yey!" My PA cheered and I smiled.

"Here.. grab a donut first." I said and hand him the box of Crispy Creme donuts. It's just me and him fixing my stuffs. Since no one serves me here anymore. No one is helping me that isn't paid by the company. And starting this month. I'll be the one giving salary to my PA.

But it's okay, I don't mind. At least I'll now have freedom I guess. I was able to buy donuts and drinks without worrying about diet. Though I still need to be healthy of course. But I don't need be in that strict diet again.

Before my body is fine as well. Even when I'm not yet a model. It was fine, when I was 16, I don't really ate much so my body is okay. But when I entered the industry. I had to undergo strict diets even though I feel like my body is okay.

But now, if I'm craving fro a box of donuts, no one can stop me. Not even my PA. Since we already talked about this, he will do the almost same things as we were doing before. But he doesn't have to remind me about diets and workouts anymore.

Like what I said, I'm free now, sort off.

When we finished sorting things, we brought the things that we will donate to the orphanage. No press are involved but staffs in the orphanage ask for pictures and so are the cute kids.

When I'm finished giving the gifts, and just watching the kids enjoy their new notebooks, books, coloring materials and toys that we bought yesterday. I can't help but to look at this one particular kid.

"Hi.. what's your name?" I asked her while stroking her beautiful blonde hair.

"Hi miss Laura, my name is Ami, I'm 4 years old. And someday I want to be just like you." She cutely said and I can't help but to giggle. I slightly boop her nose which made the both of us chuckle.

"You will, you can, you can do anything you want in life. As long as you work hard for it." I said and the little girl nods.

"That means I can be a chef while I'm a model?" She ask and I nod, faking a gasp.

"Of course you can! You can do anything! That's actually a good idea, you're a model in the morning, and you're a chef at night. That's great Ami!" I said and she giggled. Another kid called Ami so she excused herself and had to leave me. I watch as she run towards her friend and I can't help but to smile as I stand up.

"Miss Laura, pag uwi mo ng Pinas, ready na rin ba naging mommy?" I look Lester with my eyes wide.

"What!? No, I'm just 27, masyado pang maaga." I said and Lester chuckled.

"Pero pwede na ha? Mayaman kana, may condo kana, maganda, sexy, papi nalang ang kulang." He said and I started laughing.

"Hay naku, let's just bid goodbye to the kids and let's leave. Let's take a sleep because maaga pa ang flight natin." I said and Lester  nods.

We bid goodbyes to the kids and took more pictures before driving back to my condo. As I was about to sleep. Some media already posted article about me donating sa orphanage and they also talked about me leaving the country tomorrow.

The next morning, we leave the condo early and gave the keys to the land lady  for the next owners. At the airport there are some press waiting for us so it was a bit hassle since I don't have body guards anymore. But guards from the airport helped us.

Our flight took around 18 hours before the plane finally landed to the runway. And the sun is up by that time and I still have a jet lag.

Though while we're in the plane my mom called me and told me to go straight to their house and I did. They prepared foods for me and ask me things. On how my life there, and how was study. I even had my diploma at my hand bag to show them and I saw how happy they are.

When the little celebration ended I took a sleep on my old room and I didn't bother changing clothes.

By the time that I woke up, Lester immediately told me that I am at the Philippine news saying that I am back at the country. Of course I know there will be article. When we arrived yesterday, there were lots of fans and media at the airport.

Lester also told me that a talk show immediately emailed him and he told me I'll have an interview with them. So from my parent's house, I had to go to my first schedule.

And when I  tell you I was out of my right state of mind during the interview, it means I'm taking seconds before answering a yes or no question.

My old company, here, immediately called me, they congratulated me and offer me a shkrt contract to their company but of course.. I rejected it. I'm really tired. Maybe I won't be signing a contract to a company but will still accept just some few projects.

When the day ends, I checked our group chat and there's no messages at all, but they have changed our nicknames into some weird ones. I don't even get it.  But Lory told me she have applied to a bank and started working as an accountant. Then I slept of course, for around 14 hours to gain energy that I spend these past days from flights to the interviews.

Today, I just came from few things such as I visited the lot I bought and had some ideas to what business I'll put there. But I'm still a bit tired so I want to go to my condo.

"Happy to say Ms.Laura, wala po kayong kahit anong schedule for today."

My secretary/ personal assistant said, smiling. The side of my lips rise a bit and look at his direction.

I adjusted my sun glasses "Are you sure?" I asked and he nodded checking once again my schedule

"Sure maam, none.. as in wala talaga.. clear. Maam, hindi naman na ganun ka tight and schedule niyo katulad ng dati." He said showing me his iPad while his email is flash in the screen. I smiled thinking all the things I can do today.

Just for this day, this day is the only day I'll be free. Because I'm sure tomorrow I'll be busy as heck again. I was busy these days, since I'm back here, the news immediately spread around the country. So I got invited to talk shows and some interviews. Akala ko pa naman ay makakapag pahinga agad ako.

"Phone." I said to my PA, he immediately search for my phone inside my bag. When he found it he handed it to me.

I opened my phone and immediately tap on Messenger app. My brows furrowed as I saw the last message sent in that our group chat.

The last message in that group chat is when I called when I was still in New York which is almost 2 weeks ago.

Heck, are they that busy?

I shook my head and started typing..

From Laura The Richest Bitch:
Hey guys, I'm free today, I have nothing to do. Any plans?

After I tap send I look if who's online right now. Its only Ali And Gwen who's online except me.

I got excited when I saw Ali have already seen my message.

I pursed my lips as she started typing.

From The girl who puts ketchup on her noodles:
I don't know, wait for the others to reply. I'm in naman kung meron.

Ali replied, I sigh and lean on the chair of my Mercedes Bens.

From Laura The Richest Bitch:
Ali, aren't you and Gwen work at the same hospital? Can you ask her, she's not replying or even reading kasi.

I hit send and look outside, I realized how Philippines changed. After staying in New York for 7 years feels different. Roads are much better, wider and cleaner. Not much traffic just like before.

It just feels so different, the moment my plane landed here a week. I already feel excited. To meet again my friends and have fun. But it seems that they're busy. And so I am. That's why I wasn't able to meet them immediately. I had to fix things in my condo and other things. So today that I have nothing to do, I can finally meet them.

I snap out of my thoughts as my phone beeped

From The girl who puts ketchup on her noodles:
She's busy rn, even the whole hospital. May aksidente kasi sa may bandang Apex, gotta go, I'm needed as well.

My brows furrowed, Apex? Hindi ba't we're along Apex road right now?

"Ah!" I almost hit my face sa likod ng bangko ng driver. My brows furrowed looking around the van.

"Kuya dahan dahan naman!" Sita ng PA ko sa driver.

"Sorry po sir, may banggaan po kasi eh. Mukhang sa ibang ruta po tayo makakadaan." Ani ng driver..

"Just.. go kuya, I just need to rest. Kahit saan pa tayo dumaan." I said and the driver nodded.

We took a u-turn at may maliit kaming daan na dinaan.I feel a little bit uncomfortable since medyo nakakatakot yung daan. But I have no choice, kaysa naman mag hintay kami doon sa accident area.

I once again put my attention back to my phone, but now to scroll through my social media.

I saw a post from a Filipino reporter about the accident that we just saw. It was a major accident. A bus, an oil tanker and a trailer truck.

Heck! The bus looked so squished! The oil spread on the road mix with bloods.

There are still people inside the bus!

I read more about the article. It says there that oil from the tank started leaking making the ground greasy. The trailer truck slipped on it hitting the bus who's going to the opposite way of the oil tanker and the trailer truck.

The bus got squished by the two humongous vehicle making the people inside the bus barely survive.

I turned off my phone. Taking a deep breath trying to calm myself down. The pictures just looks.. horrifying.

Minutes later I arrived at my condo unit. My PA fixed my bags while I took a shower. I just wear a simple silk pajamas together with its pair. Yes, it's around 6am but I'll still take a nap. I just feel tired since I just came back from my parent's house.

I woke up and the sun is probably set by now. I remove my eye mask and immediately checked my phone. It's 11pm, I'm not surprised at all. But what I'm surprised about is that my friends already replied to my messages.

From #LoryWillRobTheBank:
It's up to you Lau, are you sure you're not tired?

From Jax For DreamWorks:
Oo nga Laura, di ba kaka galing mo lang sa parents mo?

From #LoryWillRobTheBank:
Tho sayang naman, lets have a drink kaya mamayang gabi?

From gWEn's ApPlE BoTTom JEANs:
Saan ba? The Gutter? Mic Drop?

My eyes widened when Gwen just sent a message, just now.

From Laura The Richest Bitch:
Omg! Gwen! You finally replied! Pwede kahit saan😝

From The girl that puts ketchup on her noodles:
Shut up superstar, ayaw naming pagkaguluhan. And Gwen, why do we have to drink sa malapit sa UP?Baka may mga prof tayo na makita doon then kamustahin ka pa. It'll be awkward for you girl.

I rolled my eyes from Ali's reply...

From Laura The Richest Bitch:
Then let's take a VIP room, my treat naman eh.

From Tobilicious:
Game!

I burst into laughter as Tobi came out from nowhere. He wasn't even reading but he suddenly pop out of no where?

From Jax For DreamWorks:
Ayan! Kapag libre! Game agad!

From #LoryWillRobTheBank:
Tsk tsk tsk! Typical Tobi.

From Tobilicious:
TT!

I chuckled and started typing a reply

From Laura The Richest Bitch:
Is Ali and Gwen are still in the hospital? Have you guys eaten lunch na? I haven't pa. I'll bring you guys lunch if you want..

I sigh and waited for a moment, hoping that they haven't. I badly wanna see them already. I can ask my PA to order food for us. But that will just be boring as heck!

From The girl that puts ketchup on her noodles:
Not yet, I'll have pork chop, kahit saan binili basta mahal.

From gWEn's ApPlE BoTTom JEANs:
Putragis! Buti nag tanong ka! Bibili na sana kami ni Ali, fried chicken sa 'kin! Bilisan mo! Gutom na ako Laura Kassandra!

I bursted into laughter making my PA look at me who just went out the bathroom.

Why does it seems that I can hear their voices? Specially Gwen.

I jumped out of bed and pick some decent but elegant clothes. I took a half bath and put on the clothes I've picked. Put a small amount of make up, put on my shoes and grab my purse and ready to go.

I'm with my PA on the way to Chowking. Wala kasi akong ibang maisip na bibilhan ng foods na sinabi nila. Then I realized na may Pork chop sa Chowking and chicken.

I ordered a simple sweet and sour pork for myself and a Lauriat for my PA and Driver. I also ordered a bucket of chicken just incase Gwen ask for more.

When I got my order we immediately drove off to the hospital where Ali and Gwen works.

As we arrived there I saw a lot of police and a lot of ambulance. With my driver and PA, they guard me to get inside. I ask the receptionist if at this time where ia Ali and Gwen but of course indicating their surnames.

At this time Ali is probably at her own office, and Gwen as well.

I took the elevator and pressed 13th floor. It wasn't really a great floor but I know Ali have changed already from being a scaredy  cat she is.

I walk through the hallway finding that certain door which have Ali's name.

"Dra. Alejandra Elazar." I mumbled and smirk before knocking on the door.. I heard a small 'Wait' then the door opened.

As soon as Ali saw me she immediately pull me for a hug.

"It's you! Its freaking you!" She said while both of her hands were at my cheeks.

"Pasyente- putanggaris! Laura!" Sigaw ni Gwen na galing CR bago nag tatakbo papunta sa akin at niyakap ako. Sabay hampas.

"Aray naman!" Singhap ko habang hawak hawak ang braso ko..

"Ay malakas ba? Sorry naman.." Ani niya at nag peace sign pa. Pumasok na kami at inayos na ng PA at driver ko ang mga pagkain.

"Saan sila pwedeng kumain?" I asked the two doctors in front of me..

"Sa cafeteria.. ground floor kung okay lang.." Ali hesitantly said..

"Okay lang ba if sa ground floor na kayo kumain?" I asked my PA and driver.

"Sure Ms. Laura, it's fine. Tara na." Sagot ng PA ko at inakit palabas ang driver. The moment the door closed Gwen immediately started talking.

"Putragis kang babae ka! Ang tagal-tagal mo sa New York! Asan pasalubong ko?" She asked while preparing her food.

I chuckled "Nasa condo pa, mamaya ko nalang ibibigay pag labas natin.." Sagot ko and she nodded..

"Ang daming tao nga pala sa baba, puro pasyente?" I asked while we are eating..the two nodded their heads

"From the accident sa Apex.." Sagot ni Ali And I nodded.

"I saw sa Instagram post ng isang reporterc the pictures are so gross! Like..ughh!" I even made a facial expression making Ali laugh a bit..

"Yes.. I wasn't really supposed to be there kanina. Si Gwen ang unang tinawag since may mga major injuries na kailangan ng operasyon. Then they suddenly burst through my door saying na may buntis daw na kasama.. so ayon.." Ali explained, I slowly nod my head while eating..

I was looking through our food then realized we are missing some drinks.

"I'll go get us drinks.." I said and grab my wallet..

"Dapat magpabili ka nalang sa PA mo.." Pigil ni Ali And I shook my head..

"No need, they're probably eating as well. I'll be back." I said as I closed the door of Ali's clinic. I once again take the elevator to ground floor to get us drinks.

Gladly there's a soda machine sa cafeteria so I won't take long. I got Mountain Dew for Gwen, Royal For Ali, and Sprite for me. Hoping it is still their favorites.

I was heading back to Ali's clinic when I suddenly bumped into someone making my wallet and the drinks dropped.

"I'm sorry!" I heard the guy said..

I adjusted my mask so that this guy in front of me would recognize me at all..

"No it's fine.." I said as I pick up my wallet and Sprite since he grab the other two drinks. As we both stand up and I met eyes with him. My jaw immediately dropped and my eyes widened..

"Thank you.." I immediately grab the drinks at his hands and run through Ali's office.

It's him!

The guys I'm afraid to see again, the guy I spat too much hurtful words onto his face.

The guy I pushed away, the guy that make me feel loved and special. But hurt his feelings.

Jiro Engrasio.

Our eyes met once again before I turn my back at him. I fasten my pace and rush back to Ali's clinic. As I shut the door, I saw how the two snap their heads up and look at me confusedly.

"Gaga, anong nangyari sayo?" Gwen asked, her brows furrowed. I walk towards them and shake my head.

"Wala naman.." I replied before putting down the drinks I bought for them.

"Mhmm, softdrinks." Ali said which made me chuckle a bit.

"I remember that Ali don't drink soft drinks that much before." I said and Ali's head snap up.

"Yieee, ikaw talaga. Crush mo talaga ako noon e 'no?" She said making me chuckle a bit.

We ate our lunch there while laughing at the same time since Gwen won't stop telling us funny stories of her when she was in her med school or when she was still new here and don't know anyone.

We are done eating when someone knocked on the door and a nurse showed up.

"Dra. Elazar, oras na po ng pag ra-round niyo sa pasyente." The nurse said,

"Ah yes, oo nga pala. Sorry napasarap kwentuhan namin. I'll be there, don't worry." Ali said and the nurse nod before leaving.

"Ay shems, back to professional na siya. Sige na, mauna kana. Involved ka nga rin pala sa aksidente kanina." Gwen said and Ali nods before picking up a stethoscope and a board.

"Una na ako ha? Message niyo nalang ako kung tuloy mamaya. Free ako around 11, wag niyo i-lock pinto wala akong dalang susi. Bye Laura! Kitakits!" She said before rushing out of her office.

Me and Gwen stared at each other.

"Ikaw ba? Akala ko involved ka rin sa aksidente?" I asked Gwen.

"Ayaw naman kitang iwan 'no. Kaya ka nga pumunta dito diba?" She ask and my eyes widened a bit.

"No no, it's fine, una kana. I'll just fix these then I'll leave. Okay? May mga aasikasuhin pa rin naman ako eh." I said and she look at me with squinty eyes before nodding.

"Oh sige, chat nalang mamaya." She said and stand up, I nod and stand up as well. Fixing the containers we used.

"Una na ako ha? Bye! Ingat!" She said and waved her hand from the door. I smiled at her and waved back before throwing the things we used and leaving Ali's clinic but I left a note saying I had a great time talking to them.

While walking through the hallway of the hospital I can't help but to think of the face I saw a while ago.

It's him.. it's.. really him.

"He looks different.." I mumbled,

He really changed, his appearance, his looks, he looks more manly than before. With those black specs he's wearing. He looks so attractive.

But I still feel the same feeling I have towards him as before. I still feel comfortable despite the changes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•