I haven't been myself a whole lot lately. I was informed about the recent ordeal the Team Ruthless had went through.

I was out for a few days because I was preparing for an operation that I have planned to be able to penetrate into the Boss' agenda.

Ever since the day I had learned who the mastermind behind all my parents' demise is, I always wanted to kill him. With my bare hands.

But, I realized I don't want them to die just like that.

"Hui! Meme! Ene neng genep seye, dyen?" It was Bibi who broke me out of reverie.

I blinked and learned that I am in their salon.

"Oh, heto ang napakasarap na Orange Juice na tinimplahan ko para sayo." She added and I saw how Chichi raised an intriguing eyebrow at me.

She was busy trimming a teenager's hair at one of their posh stations and styling it into a bobcut. Obviously, Bibi got her attention, being the loudest among them.

On the other side of the salon, Kaka is busy doing pedicure on one of their regular clients, a woman in her late forties.

"Why so serious, Jessica?" Kaka asked not looking at me.

"Ay! Bakla pala sya? Sayang! Ang gwapo pa naman!" The teenager exclaimed in surprise and snuck a glance at me.

"Umayos ka ng upo, kundi papangit etong buhok mo, bruha ka!" Chichi said, widening her eyes at her. "Sa lahat ng ginupitan ko, ikaw pinaka-Marites at pinakamakulit!"

"Hmf! Oo na!" The teenager rolled her eyes and looked ahead at the mirror.

"Si ate girl pa din ba?" Bibi whispered and sat beside me.

I smiled weakly. I am too exhausted to explain. Besides, it is also too confidential and complicated to discuss it here with people around us.

Suddenly, I found myself searching my heart for Amanda.

Funny, I haven't thought about her a lot recently.

Kung kailan kasama ko na sya sa iisang kompanya.

Let alone, same department.

Weird.

But someone, with a name of Kristina, popped into my head instead.

I frowned and shake my head again trying to erase her from my memory.

Everything seems to be in chaos.

I cannot think straight.

I have lost my focus.

Was I being too fast for my own good?

Are things not going the way I have planned it that even my personal goals are coinciding with it?

My emotional state is also at risk.

Yes.

I think I need a break.

I think I need to relax.

"Uh, I have to go, gi-" Bibi's eyes widened at me signaling the teenager and the old woman inside the salon, "mga vakla! Una na ang meme nyo ha! May raket pa pala aketch! Sige na, vavu!"

I exclaimed enthusiastically and gave them each a peck on the cheek even if they are busy with their clients.

"Ingat ka, Meme, ha! Tawag ka lang pag may problema!" Bibi called out as I waved at her and hurried to my car.

I need a drive away from the city's toxicity.

I stepped on the gas as soon as I locked on the doors and opened the aircon. I tuned into my go-to fm radio station and made a drive somewhere.

It took me an hour before I reached the place. I made a sign of the cross and kneeled down.

Saying my gratitude to Him for all the good things He has done for me and my loved ones who are still with me.

Repenting for the sins I have committed and praying for His grace.

Praying for the good health and safety of all.

And above all, my own redemption.

I have been through so much living alone.

My parents' death were never given the justice they deserved.

I prayed for guidance.

I prayed for the right decision to come to me.

I prayed for forgiveness.