When Destiny Plays (Soon to be Published under Grenierielly Publishing)

Chapter 23

"Someone bought my artwork!" Tuwang-tuwa si Koeli nang ipaalam niya sa mga kasama niya ang magandang balita. It was her first time receiving money from her hard work by using her talent and skills.

"Wow! Sabi namin sa'yo e, mabebenta mo 'yan," Madison said proudly and wrapped her arms around Koeli.

"Sana tuloy-tuloy na 'tong maubos para makatulong tayo sa families natin," sabi ni Alishabeth. Wishing that someone would also buy her works again.

While waiting for the others to come, they felt the excitement as they prepare for Rei's incoming birthday. Koeli couldn't really wait any longer. Hindi na siya makapag-antay na makausap si Rei at maging kaibigan siya, kahit kaibigan na lamang.

"O, ayan na pala sila e," sabi ni Madison, hawak-hawak nito ang cell phone niya at tatawagan na sana ang mga wala pa.

"Sorry kung ngayon lang kami," Glenn scratched his nape and felt awkward that the ladies even managed to come first before them. Girls are supposed to be late than boys, most of the time.

"Okay lang, at least nandito na kayo." Napatingin naman si Glenn kay Alishabeth, he smiled at her and she did the same.

Habang ang iba ay abala sa pagkakaroon ng sarili nilang usapan, si Madison naman ay naisipang magtanong kay Blake. "So, ano ang bibilhin n'yo para kay Rei?"

"You'll know later," Blake simply replied with a wink.

"Sana maging successful 'tong plano natin, 'no?" Ramdam ni Blake ang pag-aalangan ni Madison nang magsabi ito sa kanya.

"Oo naman, don't worry. Pinili talaga namin si Koeli instead of Eunice." Nang mabanggit ito ni Blake kay Madison, she looked at him and murmured something.

"Suggest ni Paul, gusto kasi niyang maging malapit sila sa isa't isa," maikling pagpapaliwanag ni Blake.

He got concerned when Madison's facial expression became dull and empty. "He prefers Koeli over Eunice kasi alam niyang nauna si Koeli kaysa sa iba," dagdag pa niya.

"I hope things will turn out fine, I want Koeli to feel that she belongs to us," he stated as he felt worried as well.

"Well..." Madison nudged him on his left shoulder using her elbow to cheer him up when she noticed he got affected by her reactions earlier.

"Kung ano ang mangyayari, 'yon ang mangyayari. Hindi natin mababago ang tadhana."

Maganda ang nabuong plano ng magkakaibigan para kina Rei at Koeli. She was set to spend some of her time with Rei even just for a minute or an hour. Hoping that she would enjoy it. Kahit saglit lamang, basta't makakasama niya si Rei.

"So, kumusta naman na si Rei?" tanong ni Carmine kay Paul habang naglalakad sa kabilang gilid.

"Okay naman na siya, binigay na rin namin 'yung mga assignments na kailangan niyang mahabol at ipasa."

For Carmine, Paul is the best example of a great friend. He's willing to help when someone is in need. He prevents negativity to come in his way. He doesn't want anyone to suffer because of hardships. If he can help, he will help without anything in return. Very caring too when it comes to other people—helping is his passion because it's one of his source of happiness. Seeing huge smiles from others and be able to lighten their mood.

"Salamat pala," pagpapasalamat ni Carmine ngunit nagtaka naman si Paul.

Paul continued staring at her and raised an eyebrow. "Bakit?"