• unrequited series: book one •
After a frustrating day of being rejected by another publishing company, Isaiah Rome Sandoval drowned herself with liquor. For someone who has a low tolerance of alcohol, it only took her a few glasses before she did...
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When the careful one between two friends suggested something, it was easier to accept it. That's why I did what she said. That's why I passed my manuscript for Pahina to review. That's why despite my hesitance, I leaped towards this chance. Kasi alam ko na pinag-isipan niya na iyon. Alam ko na bago niya sabihin sa akin, nakita niya na lahat ng possibilities na pwedeng mangyare. Except Carmella didn't foresee this one.
His brow lifted. "You what?"
Napalunok ako ng laway dahil sa tanong niya. I took a swig of my coffee and repeated, "No, sorry, I don't remember you. High school was years away, you know." Then, I looked away.
You're an idiot, Isaiah.
How did I end up saying that again? There was no way I would forget Raven Sage. Not in this lifetime and I bet not even the next. Pwede bang bawiin ko na lang?
I could feel his eyes on me. They were so intense that I almost downed my remaining hot coffee in one go. The more he stared at me, the more my stomach churned in nervousness. It's been years, dammit, and yet he could still make me feel like this.
After waiting for Pahina's response for a month, they emailed me a week ago. They informed me that the next step would involve introducing me to my agent and editor and signing the contract. We agreed where the meeting would take place kaya naman nandito ako ngayon sa coffee shop. Busy akong nagbabasa kanina habang inaantay ang staff nila when I had the urge to look at the entrance.
When I did, I was instantly pulled back to the past. Raven Sage walked through those revolving doors without a care to his surroundings like he did years ago. The only difference was that he wasn't the boy he was then. Years had sharpened him into a man. He walked confidently, looking everywhere but me. He was wearing a cream-colored polo tucked inside his black trousers. His DSLR dangled on his neck. Napansin kong ibang brand na ito sa gamit niya noong high school pa lamang kami. I almost smiled at that. Raven will never be Raven without his camera. I could picture him taking shots everywhere he happened to be before he arrived here.
Then, our eyes met. My breath hitched at the sight of his black ones finding mine. The same irises that could always suck me in without escape. They glinted in familiarity and fondness I knew all too well. I watched him trudge towards me, taking huge steps so he could be in my space as fast as possible as if he couldn't wait anymore. And I remained in awe.
God, Raven Sage is as handsome as he was the day he broke my heart.
Turned out he'd be my agent and I dreaded for the future of my writing career.
He chuckled, breaking my reverie. "Hmm."
Mabilis akong napalingon ulit sa kaniya. "What?" I asked, confused. I hated this. I hated that all-too-knowing expression of his.
Marahan siyang umiling sa akin habang nakangiti pa rin. I furrowed my eyebrows in return. "Okay, let's do that then, Isaiah. You don't remember me? I can go with that." He gave me an overall look and the smirk I've always known suited his face appeared, teasing me. "But I do remember everything and I never forget people most especially you."
