Faith's POV

"Good day, fellows. Since I have some good news for you, let's share this simple meal in front of you," Sir Jaecob cheerfully announced, wearing a smile that seemed to hide a mix of excitement and joy. In that simple offering, you could feel the sincerity-it wasn't just food, it was gratitude.

"Wow! Look at that, Sir brought food!" Charls teased with a raised eyebrow and a playful tone. His real name is Carlo, but he prefers 'Charls'-says it sounds more fabulous. He's one of the people I lean on here. Like Charie, he's bubbly, unfiltered, but genuine. Charls is gay, but not into girly things.

"Yes, let's eat first before I share the good news. Come on, take your seats." There was a special energy in Sir's voice, like a child guarding a surprise.

"Jomer, sit here beside me. Here's your plate-I already put rice and your favorite adobo on it," Nicole said sweetly, though with a hint of drama. I could feel the sting of jealousy in her words. The kind where you want to say thank you, but you'd rather scream. As if I even wanted to sit next to Jomer. She can have him.

Charie, Charls, and I sat on one side of the table. I ended up at the far end. And of course, right across from me-Jomer. But the worst part? The only empty seat left was beside me. So here came Sir Jaecob, slowly sitting next to me while Charie kept nudging me, giggling. My face burned with embarrassment-I wanted to evaporate like water under the sun.

I noticed Jomer glancing between me and Sir. Then there was Nicole, shooting dagger-like stares. The kind that says, "Don't get too happy-you don't deserve it." Honestly, I just wanted to go home. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere without judging eyes.

"Faith, try the kare-kare."

"Faith, try the pinakbet."

Sir Jaecob and Jomer said it at the same time! They both tried to serve me food, but the dishes didn't even go well together. They exchanged sharp looks. The others at the table started coughing awkwardly. Me? I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

"Uhm... I'll just try the adobo for now, Sir," I said softly, but I knew they heard me. They both returned the serving spoons and resumed eating. The room fell silent, but the tension was thick-especially from Nicole, who seemed to have forgotten how to smile.

"Faith, would you like some juice?" Sir Jaecob asked, handing me a glass.

"Oh no, Sir, Faith is into healthy living. She doesn't drink that stuff. She only drinks fresh fruit juice. I'll take that instead, Sir!" Charls chimed in. I smiled. It was true. That's what I was used to-my mom is a dietician. Because fresh fruit juice has a lot of benefits for our body. I miss my mom.

Because fresh fruit juice isn't just a drink for me. It's a memory. A piece of home.

Every time I take a sip, I remember my childhood. Mommy would press oranges with her bare hands-no machine, just love. She'd pour the juice into a small glass, always the same one. "Drink this, anak. It'll make you strong, and happy," she'd whisper, tired but tender.

Back then, I thought it was just juice. But now I know-it was comfort in liquid form. A promise. That I was cared for. That I was safe. Fresh fruit juice is healing. It's sunshine in a glass. Natural sugars that don't just energize but uplift. Nutrients that don't just nourish but remind me that someone once made time for my well-being. It's simple, yes. But for me, it's everything. A drink that holds memories, healing, and love pressed and poured with hope.

"Hey! Faith! He just asked if you wanted juice, and you look like you're about to cry," Charie snapped me back to reality.

"Sorry, I just remembered something," I replied with a forced smile.

"Here's your water. Drink up so we can clean up."

"Thanks, Charie."

"I got you," she said with a wink. Honestly, even if she's a handful, she's the one who lightens my mood.

"May I have your attention now, fellows? Before I start-flowers for you, Faith."

And there it was again. Flowers. Spotlight. Where can I buy an invisibility cloak?

"Remember the A.G. Company that was choosing a school to donate a classroom to? As you all know, I asked Ma'am Faith to write the proposal, right? We were chosen! And not only that-each of you will receive your own printer!"

Applause and cheers erupted. But me? I was blushing, embarrassed. I looked around and couldn't escape Nicole's glare. A look that could burn you alive.

"You're amazing, Faith! Good thing you're with us!"

"No more waking up early!"

"No more late nights-thank you, Faith! My family will finally be whole again!"

Because every time he came home, his wife had already left for work.

Words full of gratitude. Honestly, they were nice to hear. But for me, it was enough to know I did something right. I didn't need flowers. I didn't need the spotlight. I just wanted peace.

"Oh, I just did what I could. It's all for the good of everyone-especially our students," I said shyly.

"Again, Ma'am Faith, thank you. You did great. Construction starts next month-just in time for the end of the school year."

Whew... thank goodness. At least the year is ending. A break from the noise. From the envy. From the judging eyes.

As I left the office, Nicole followed behind. And of course, she couldn't resist a jab.

"Feeling proud, huh? Congratulations, Faith! Pretty flowers-but they'll wilt in a few days. Just like your career. Tsk tsk."

Then she turned away. Like it was nothing.

"What's your problem? You're acting like you're not even a teacher. If I could kick you out of here, I would! I'd send you to Mars!" Charls was furious, ready to pull her hair.

"Charls, don't. Just let her be. She'll get tired eventually."

And me? I'll stay silent. Because sometimes, the real battle isn't in shouting. It's in choosing peace. And in a world full of noise, that's the bravest step.

Faith's POV

"You know what, Faith? Just a little more and I'm going to pull Nicole's hair," Charls said, fuming with anger, more intense than any woman I know. We were walking out the school gate to wait for their tricycle rides, while I planned to walk home after they left.

"Honestly, she acts like she's not even a teacher. Worse than our gossiping neighbors. At least they just do it for fun," Charie added, clearly annoyed.

"What's the difference between her and those gossipers who ruin lives with baseless rumors?" Charls said with a dramatic eye-roll.

"The gossipers don't have a license. That witch Nicole does," Charie replied with a laugh.

"Exactly! Haha! But they have the same goal-to bring others down."

"Hey, she's not my peer. I won't accept that no matter what."

"And why not?"

"Because I'm not a witch."

"Oh right, you're a dwarf, not a witch."

"And you're a tikbalang."

"Wait, that's harsh! Can't I just be a horse?"

I couldn't help but laugh at my friends' silliness.

"Oh, you're here, Faith?" Charie said, pretending to be surprised I was with them.

"Haha! I don't know about you two. Charls called my name first, but you two kept talking to each other. Hmmf!" I said, pretending to sulk.

"Sorry! We knew you'd just stop us from saying bad things about her," Charie said. And it's true-I don't want to waste energy on Nicole. I already have too much on my mind.

"You know what, guys? No matter what we say, we can't really do anything about it. That's just who she is. She knows herself. If she wants to change, great. If not, there's nothing we can do. It's her life."

"You're right. I just hope she changes jobs so we don't have to see her Monday to Friday. Ugh! She's so annoying. I feel like I'm getting wrinkles from the stress she causes," Charls said, his face showing pure frustration. If Nicole were in front of him, he might've folded her seven ways. Haha.

"Exactly. We'll just age and get uglier if we keep stressing over her. Let's just leave her be. She'll get tired eventually," I said, trying to calm them down since they seemed more stressed than I was.

"But Faith, if she picks a fight with you again, call us right away, okay? One snap from Charls and that stick of a woman will fall."

"Stick?"

"Yeah, stick witch."

"Haha! You guys are crazy. But thank you. You really make me feel better. What would my life be like if I hadn't met you?"

"If you hadn't met us, we wouldn't have met you either. Haha! Right, Charie?"

"You're really crazy, Charls. Haha! But we're always here for you, Faith. Just one call and we'll fly to you, okay?" Charie said, holding my hand. Her words made my eyes well up with tears.

"That's why I don't do heart-to-heart talks with you-you're such a crybaby. Come here, give me a hug." I stepped forward and hugged her. Even though I'm taller, I felt the sincerity in her embrace.

"Oh, my little sister. Stop crying or you'll get ugly. What if he doesn't recognize you next time?"

"Charie, come on," I said while crying.

"Hey, wait! Count me in. Group hug!" Charls said, acting flamboyantly now that we were outside school. Haha!

"Enough now, Faith. Let's hold on to each other. We're your allies. Think of us as your big brother and sister," Charls said while we were hugging.

"Big brother? Really, Charls?" Charie said, laughing and clearly not convinced.

"Yes! When it comes to you two, I'm your big brother. I can fight for you."

"Are you serious?" I asked, trying to end our dramatic moment. Haha!

"Of course not! Haha! With my beauty, I'd rather run home than get into a fight!"

We knew he was joking just to lighten the mood.

We were laughing together when Sir Jaecob's car passed by.

"Faith, come on. I'll give you a ride home."

"Oh no, Sir. It's okay. My house is nearby, and I could use the walk for exercise," I politely declined.

"Just come with us, Faith. Our tricycle service is here too," Charie said. She and Sir Jaecob are neighbors, so they share a ride to save money.

"Bye Faith, bye Sir! Take care of her!" they said teasingly, with Charie giving me a playful poke. I just watched them as they rode away.

Sir got out of the car to open the door for me. Once I was seated, he walked around to the driver's seat and started driving.

The school is only a few blocks from my house. Sir Jaecob drove slowly. The car was quiet, as if each second was waiting for the right moment to speak.

"Hmm... Faith," he finally broke the silence, his voice low and hesitant.

"Yes, Sir?" I replied softly, glancing at him, feeling shy.

He suddenly parked the car on the side of the road.

"Can I talk to you?"

"About what, Sir?" My heart raced, but I tried to keep my voice calm.

"About... us."

I swallowed hard. The air inside the car felt heavy.

"Sir, I'm sorry... but I'm really not ready to enter a relationship. You know my responsibilities. I just can't handle it right now."

I could feel I was hurting the feelings he was trying to offer me. But I couldn't give him false hope.

"Faith," he whispered, almost inaudibly. "I accept everything about your past... everything I have, I'm willing to give to you, to you both-just accept me."

Our eyes met. I saw the depth of his feelings-full of hope and fear. His gaze said everything he couldn't voice.

"Sir... it wouldn't be fair to accept you just because of what you can give. Especially if I can't give anything back."

"That's okay with me, Faith. Just being with you..."

"I'm really sorry, Sir," I whispered, trying to hold back tears. "But I'm not that kind of person. Love should be give and take. I don't want to be someone who only takes. And besides, there's someone out there-someone better than what you see in me."

I looked away. I couldn't bear to see his face trying to stay strong while slowly breaking.

He sighed deeply, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He slowly bowed his head, as if trying to swallow the weight in his chest.

"Then... just let me give you what I can... even if you don't love me back."

I felt the pain in his voice. I felt him letting go, even as he tried to hold on.

"Sir... how will you find the woman meant for you if you keep giving your attention to me?"

He didn't speak for a moment. It was like he was gathering strength.

"C-can I invite you tomorrow... for dinner?"

My chest tightened. I didn't want the conversation to continue, but...

"Sir..."

"It's my birthday tomorrow," he said with a forced smile, full of fragile hope. "I hope you'll grant me this. Just this once."

In the end, I agreed.

Austin's POV

"What the fuck! How many years have you been looking, but you still can't show me even her shadow? Are you really working or am I just wasting my time and money on your useless service?"

I closed my eyes at the intensity of the annoyance. I was trying to control my anger, but my blood was boiling.

"Three years! I've been waiting for three years, hoping, but still nothing. Not even news, nothing."

I tightened my grip on the cellphone. I didn't hear a single answer on the other line, not a single explanation, not even a hollow promise... nothing.

It drives me mad. Curses are all that come out of my mouth. I've used all my connections, I've squandered my wealth, but until now... Faith is like smoke flickering in the distance then suddenly, gone.

"Damn it!" I shouted and slammed my fist on the desk in my office, which created a sound.

This isn't just a business transaction. This isn't about closure. This is my life. This is the woman I can't forget. Seven long years. Seven years of unanswered questions. Three years of what ifs of where the hell could she be?

When I returned to the Philippines, I looked for her. But it was as if she deliberately disappeared as if she was running away from something. It was as if I was the one she left hanging. I was the one left, waiting... searching... hoping.

But until when? How much further do I need to go?

Where are you now, Faith? I just ran my hands over my face, trying to wipe away the fatigue, the pain, the weight in my chest. I was in that state when the door of my office opened.

I didn't bother to find out who it was. My breathing was still deep.

"How many fucking times do I have to tell you Eunice, to knock before entering?!" Eunice is my secretary who openly flirts with me, but is useless at work. She has the courage because Mommy put her in the position because she is her godchild and needs a job.

But it wasn't Eunice who entered. It was my friends.

"Bro, you're in a bad mood again. Any good news yet?" Glen asked.

"You're asking Glen? Seriously? The people you gave me are useless. Tell me, who wouldn't get angry if the answer is always 'we're still looking', 'we're still trying'? They can't even see Faith's shadow. Son of a bitch!"

"Bro, calm down. We won't get anything if you're just angry," Casniel said, trying to pacify me.

"The hell, how can I calm down if I still don't have any news about her? Not even a sign that she's alive, nothing. How? How can I calm down?"

I felt my tears welling up. Damn it. I'm a man, but I feel like I'm going to fall.

"There are only two things, Austin," Casniel interjected. "Either she doesn't want to show up or there's someone blocking her."

"Casniel has a point," Glen added. "But who? And why?"

The weight of the conversation was broken when Hero suddenly laughed in the corner, holding his cellphone.

"What are you laughing at, Hero?" Glen commented.

"There's a teacher live now. It's funny. She's doing a bag raid and then she's selling the contents of her co-teachers' bags. She said she'll sell her friends later too. Because she's beautiful."

"Are you waiting for the one to be sold or that teacher?" Glen teased.

"If she's single, go get her!" he teased.

"Here, let me show you. She's cute, right? And funny." Hero proudly showed the video.

"Woo! She's pretty bro. Chubby, but sexy. What's her name?" Glen asked.

"Charie. And back off, she's mine," Hero replied jokingly as he moved the phone away.

"It looks like we'll have to find two women," Casniel said, laughing.

"Find Faith first," I said firmly. "Before I completely lose my mind."

Everyone was silent. Until Glen broke the silence.

"Austin, what if we find her... but she already has a husband and children? What will you do?"

I looked at them. Without hesitation, I said:

"I will take her. I will take her back. Faith is only mine. No one can own her but me."

"Damn bro, you're so greedy! You're crazy!" Casniel said, laughing.

I just smiled. Yes, maybe I'm already crazy. But to be honest... If I see her happy, If I see in her eyes that she has a real smile

Even if I'm not the reason for that smile... I can let her go. But until I don't see that... I won't stop. I won't stop... I will look for Faith.

"Oh, here's the one for sale, her beautiful friend."

We immediately turned to Hero's cellphone. It got all of our attention.

"So here it is, sirs. First come, first served for my friend who is single and beautiful. Just comment in the comment section. 'Mine"

Charie, live, full of laughter and mischief. On the side, you can also see her companions who are almost dying of laughter.

I don't know. I don't understand what I'm doing there. Why I sat down, why I laughed, why I stared. Why I'm wasting time with my crazy friends.

I was about to stand up. I was about to leave until I caught a movement in the video.

A woman. Drinking water from a tumbler. The face is not clear, the shot is only side view, as if deliberately not shown. But that's enough. That's enough for me to feel the pounding in my chest that I've been keeping for a long time.

I suddenly grabbed Hero's cellphone.

"Hey, what's the problem-"

I was silent. Staring. Holding the cellphone as if I was holding my life.

"Are you bored, sirs? She drank, she got tired of practice. Here she is, 'Mine Faith' sirs! For the price of five million pesos!"

Charie was laughing while Faith was covering her face. She was also laughing, shy but she didn't know... She didn't know what effect her every move had on me.

"You're really crazy Charie, end it. Let's go back to school," Faith said while still live.

And in the comment section, it was like a thunderstorm.

"Mine Faith double the price!"

"Mine Faith! Fifty million pesos I will make her the queen of my life!"

"Mine Faith. No takebacks."

Everyone was happy. Funny, yes. But for me, this is not a joke. This is not a show. And that's where I exploded.

"Fuck you all, bastards! Faith is mine... mine alone!" I shouted. Angry.

I almost threw Hero's cellphone.

"Hey, bro! Relax, that's my cellphone!" he grabbed it from my hand.

"Hero..." I whispered, quieter but heavier, "You're really a hero, bro. I found her. I fucking found her."

"Please. Stalk Charie's account. Find out which school they work at."

The friends' cellphones immediately came out. Like an operation of crazy people. But they were serious, I was serious too.

"Gotcha!" Glen shouted. "One of the elementary schools in Castillejos, Zambales bro! Isn't your cousin the mayor there? What, are we going?"

He was more eager than me. More excited. But me, not yet. Not today.

I went back to my swivel chair. Slowly turned around. I played with the ballpoint pen in my fingers. Smiling. Not of triumph, but of certainty... This is it. This is the beginning.

"No. Not yet. Not today," I whispered while looking at the ceiling as if I could see the future.

"I have a plan. Fiesta there next week." I will fix what I need to fix in the company first.