NEON LIGHTS

Dear God,

Today, God, I’m tired.

I’m tired of faking my smile and pretending that I’m fine all the time. I’m tired of holding back my tears each day so no one will tell me to stop being weak. I’m tired of hiding all my insecurities and telling everyone that I’m strong enough to handle everything by myself. I’m tired of struggling on this battlefield which I don’t know how to win. I’m tired of facing those rejections and disappointments. I’m tired of having a heart which always needs mending. I’m tired of always worrying.

So, God, please help me to go through this.

God, I’m scared of what will happen to me in the future. Will I ever be happy?

You’ve shown me how the real-world works. You’ve shown me that this world is cruel, how humans can be so greedy and ungrateful for your blessings. How so many people are glorifying money and power. You’ve taught me how to be strong, to get back on my feet whenever I feel like I’m on my knees.

So, when the time comes, I hope you’ll finally make me understand why you put me in hard situations. That you’ll help me find peace with what you decreed for me. To make me realize that those storms are one of the signs that you love me and you only want the best for me. I hope you’ll always be near me whenever I have one of those days where I couldn’t carry on and my heart is so torn with anxiety. I hope you give me patience, courage and an infinite belief that eventually, you’ll give me everything in the most mysterious yet beautiful way ever.

God, thank you, for always guiding me in the right direction and for knowing what is best for me more than I do, for the many times you have forgiven me whenever I deviated from your path, for always reminding me that sometimes you are the only one I can trust, you are the only I can talk to and you are the only one who is truly listening, and for all these blessings that I take for granted on a daily basis. Thank you for sending me people to love, for the love you have shown me through family and friends. Thank you for healing me when I was broken.

For whispering into my soul when I almost felt dead inside, thank you.

God, whatever you give to people in this world, I hope that you’ll always bless us with beautiful patience.

May every person always believe in You, for indeed, in Your remembrance do hearts find true rest and tranquility.

~j.b.

You are like a shadow i can’t see clear,

Simple an illusion, a perfect hallucination.

You are like a ghost i wish i didn’t fear,

Freakishly weird, but stuck in my imagination.

My ghost, where have you gone?

I could not feel you in your body sleeping next to me.

My love, what have you done?

I’m losing my mind and my sanity.

~j.b.

Every day without you is painful

even if I’m acting like a fool

I don’t know if you’re safe or injured

but I hope that you’re secured

I remember the day you left

I am worried to death

because you are far away from me

when will you come back home, where you used to be?

I remember that day when I was so excited that I woke up earlier than usual. I was so excited because we were going to Cavite to visit out relatives there. We left early in our house to get there by lunch. We were with out family friend to join us going to Cavite and it was so fun when we were in our travel.

We first went to NAIA because our family friend said that the were going to get some boxes that was sent for them. We waited for like 2-3 hours in the parking lot that we got bored on waiting. When I came out from the van to play with my family friend’s children, my grandmother was calling out for me. So I walked towards where she was sitting and she was pointing in some direction, I looked where she was pointing and I saw my mom walking towards me with her luggage. I was crying so hard when I saw her that I ran towards her as fast as I could and hugged her because after 7 years in another country, she finally came home. I also can’t believe that they surprised me and they said that we were not really going to Cavite.

When we were going home, I was holding her hand like I don’t want to lose her again. We got home by afternoon and she asked us if we want to go to the SM Clark and we said yes. We were enjoying for the rest of that day when I asked her until when she will be here in the Philippines and she said that she will be here for only two weeks. I got sad when I heard her answer but I didn’t show it to her. For the rest of two weeks, we were always going out to bond.

Love is just a word but deeply desired. It can make you happy but mostly feel pain. Why is love so cruel in my situation as if I have sinned a lot and God is punishing me by ripping my heart into pieces? Am I ugly? Am I not worthy to love and to be loved? Am I useless? Am I careless? Am i just too imperfect? Those are the questions that kept bothering me over and over again.

"You are beautiful, Ri. Why can't you see that?" Jorge asked as I looked at my reflection in the mirror while his arms are wrapped around my tiny waist.

I never really appreciated my looks. My long, straight, auburn hair, my hazel eyes, and my tall and skinny body. All I ever see are flaws and imperfections, I didn't even know how I managed to have a boyfriend.

"Because I'm not." I turned around and looked at him and now we're face to face and only a few inches apart.

As I looked into his eyes, I asked him with sincerity, "What did you even see in me?"

He took a deep breath and looked into my eyes with honesty and adoration and said, "I see a lot in you that I can't see in other people. You're unique, Ri. You never failed to amaze me and I love you for that."

After that he smiled at me, I have never felt so loved and important. I hugged him tight and tears started dripping out of my eyes as I remembered some of the worst memories that led me here to who I am now.

I was thirteen years old at that time. I saw my older sister bruised and tired, crying and screaming as if everything that she is feeling on her body is pain, full of pain. I only watched from afar inside the closet whileshe was beaten by both of our parents. I wanted to get out of the closet and scream at them loudly to stop what they are doing to my sister but the fear of being hurt also came over me, and there I stayed inside.

"You are useless! You shouldn't be trusted with anything!" My father shouted as he did another slap on my sister and my mother kicked her on the stomach, shouting names at her. She screamed in pain and cried. At that time, I can't do anything to stop them because I was just a little child. That night haunted me for the next 5 years, which is now.

That memory of my sister being abused is still haunting me in my nightmares, which is why I never really get a proper sleep. Though she looks alright now, I still won’t forgive my parents for what they have done to her for it is cruel and shouldn’t be done by parents because what they should do is love their family and protect them not making them suffer and hurting them physically, emotionally, and in every other aspects.

As I’m hugging my boyfriend he asked, “Are you alright?” clearly with concern in his voice and rubbing my back soothingly for me to calm down.

“Yeah, I’ll be ok don’t worry.” I pulled back from the hug and smiled at him, thinking of how lucky I am to have him become a part of my life.

“I need to go home, thank you for letting me stay in your house for a while.”

I slept here in his house because I know that my father came home last night drunk and I don’t to meet him on that state because I still fear him that he might do the same thing to me as he did to my sister.

“I’ll call you later ok?” and kissed him on the cheek.

I was about to go out of the room when suddenly I was pulled back and the door slammed shot as my body was slammed on the door.

“I don’t want you to leave yet, stay here for a few more hours.”

I got scared with the tone of his voice and how deep it is applying how serious he is and his face is also near me and his eyes piercing me. If looks could kill, I’d be dead by now. I feel so confused why he’s acting this way and I’m also terrified of what he’s about to do to me if I don’t listen to him.

“What is wrong with you Jorge? Why are you acting like this?”

So many questions are popping in my head right now and many scenarios are coming up to my brain on what are the possibilities that might happen after this. He looks angry and intimidating and scary as he locked me with his body and my back on the door as if threatening me that if I ever escape I will be in big trouble.

“I just don’t want you to leave, I’m bored here and I’m thinking that we should do something fun.”

He looked at me with lust in his eyes that I have never seen before. He smirked at me and chills went through my spine, not because I’m excited but because I’m scared of the things that he might do to me. I don’t know anything about these kinds of things and I really don’t want him to force me to do ‘it’ with him. Besides, what he’s doing right now is wrong and he’s crossing the line which kind of pisses me off but I can’t be mad at him because he might do something terrible to me right now. He’s starting to kiss me but I’m really not feeling it at the moment so I didn’t kiss back and I pushed him.

“I really need to go home, my parents will get mad if I didn’t come home early. I’m sorry Jorge but it’s not the right time.”

I opened the door quickly and rushed to go downstairs not waiting for him to reply. As I go downstairs I hear his footsteps following me and again I was pulled back and harshly pushed me to the floor.

He shouted at me saying, “I told you to stay didn’t I? So stay! And don’t you ever try to stop me from what I will be doing. I’ve resisted for almost 8 months and I waited for you that long so you better obey me because I am not in the mood right now for your crying ass!”

I looked at him with tears on my face, terrified of what I’m experiencing right now.

“Get up!” He stated angrily as he stood me up and pulling me back to the room even though I was resisting it’s like he’s too strong and I have no power against him.

We’re back at the room and he pushed me towards his bed and he started undressing himself and is walking towards me with a lustful look on his face. I need to escape, I don’t want this to happen. I shouldn’t have trusted him. The only way I think I could escape is that I will make him think that now I’m interested and lure him in my trap. Now I’m also undressing myself slowly looking at him with a fake smile on my face, standing up and walking towards him making him close his eyes.

As he closed his eyes, I slowly went to the door and told him to just wait. I saw a chair outside and used it to lock him inside and there I grabbed my things and ran as fast as I can feeling the adrenaline pumping.

‘I escaped’ I thought as I got out of his house and ran up to the next street. My heart beating faster than ever, tiredness overcame me as I sat in the bus travelling back home. I’m thinking of ways on how I’m going to move on from the fact that I almost got raped by my boyfriend, well ex-boyfriend.

I got home safely and I opened the door to my house. I got inside and I covered my nose for it reeked with alcohol and guess what, I came in at a bad timing. It’s my father sitting on the couch drinking bottles of alcohol. He looked at me with anger in his eyes, he stood up and wobbled towards me because he is very drunk. I feel so nervous, frightened, and just freaking helpless at the moment.

“Why are you late Ria?” he asked angrily,

“You are always outside and you never do anything inside the house, you ungrateful little brat! You should be punished, you asked for it.”

There I experienced my biggest fear and the nightmare that’s always hunting me for the past 5 years.

I’m now accepting the fact that I will never be loved, then might as well die.

In these caves my plants are dwelling

Memories can be heard singing

Dancing under the faint light of moon

To faint, i know it is soon

For the faint light I know I hope

There are no reasons for I to mope

Even the Forget-me-nots are peeping past these walls

The grains on my feet are stuck on my skin, as the breeze passes through the hems on my clothes. I see two seagulls flying side-by-side landing on a nearby rock. Though the waves gush over them, they wouldn’t bother flying along side each other to another tryst where they would be blithe with nothing else but with each other. I look to my feet and again to the horizon. I see you walking my way, but only now you forgot how we were once those seagulls.

Me and my family were driving back home from a vacation. When we passed by a cemetery and my grandma suddenly tells a story about our hometown and how it came to be. And she said this with complete seriousness.

During the mid-1920s, there is a family living in a small village. The family consists of a loving daughter, a caring mother and the most trustworthy father. They were the perfect family indeed. They were living a simple and a precious life. The daughter would play outside with her friends in the village while her mother cooks a meal for their family. His father would then walk in the streets-to come home from his work in the fields. He brings along with him, his daughter from the streets to go home and eat.

They have built a small and humble home on a small lot, and beside the home was a giant tree, older than anyone in the village. The parents taught the daughter to offer food under the tree, because they believed it to have a living entity dwelling in it. And so the daughter does offer food unto the said imp and was fascinated by how the creature would look like. And every passing day that the girl would present a meal, she would talk to the tree or to whatever was said to be in it, in hopes of one day the creature would come into view.

And one day, something did appear. There came a small and adorably looking sprite, looked up to the girl. It asked if he could play with the gracious little girl. She said yes and showed lots and lots of wonderful games. She jumped on and off the chain of rubber bands, she hopped pass a log, and ran here and there. And the pixie was pleased. It enjoyed every bit of everything. And he said, "As a gratitude to your kindness and enthusiasm, I will do anything to protect you and your family." And the cheeky little girl, nodded without understanding its true meaning. The elf faded into the air as the leaves fell down from the gushing wind. The girl ran as fast as she could to tell her parents what she saw and what she did. And the parents had a big smile on their faces and thought that it was another imaginative thought of their lovely daughter.

The girl grew older, and so did her parents. A decade passed by and the war started, disturbing their town. There were rumors that the Japanese soldiers were heading their village, and so the family started to panic. The closed all doors and windows and huddled together, and they looked very bothered. The daughter was so confused and alarmed; she did not know what to do. She cried under the tree and wished upon the little imp she remembered when she was young. She was not sure if it was even real anymore but she had nothing else to do but to hope for the safety of her family she was promised. The sprite did appear and he knew exactly why she was crying and he said, "Go straight into the woods, and turn left on the second largest tree you will see. There is a cottage lit by a single lamp. Inside it are food supplies enough for you to last a year. Bring your family there. No one will find you there." As soon as the elf finished his sentence, the girl said thank you and quickly told her parents about the cabin. They became furious about her behavior and said that it was very ignorant of her to talk about fantasies when they are in the middle of a war and in the verge of dying.

The daughter was so hurt by how her parents responded. She ran out to the wood with thoughts of how she only wanted to help and save her family. She ran into a large tree and remembered her friend's directions. She hurriedly ran to the next large tree and did what the elf told her. And the last thing she knew was; she was inside a warm and cozy cabin lit by a lamp. It was true. It wasn't a fantasy. She knew that the cabin will save her family from the invasion and they could live their life peacefully in that cabin. She grabbed the lamp and brought it back home. It was the evidence she needed; that they could be saved and that she was telling the truth.

But as soon as she got close to their hut, everything grew quiet. The girl saw their oddly opened door. She pushed it slowly and to her grieve, she saw her family cold and still on the floor. Her respected and trustworthy father she knew was now a chilly corpse lying on his own blood bath, looking at the eyes of his beloved. And her mother, obviously harassed, has her skirt pulled up to her torso without anything underneath-a tear dripping slowly down her cheek.

And right at that moment, something switched in the mind of that young lady. With a heavy walk, she went out to the street and saw the horrific sight of her village. The place she once filled with childhood memories and wonderful moments, is now a melting pot of burnt houses, blood drenched cadavers and tears of the frail. She wiped her tear and got a shovel. There was no trace of the humbling village she knew, it is just a wasteland now, with a thousand of unjustified lives residing six feet below.

Years have passed the young lady became a lady on her own. Grew up with what the lessons her parents left for her. She lived in the cabin with her friend elf. She saw how the village progressed after the great massacre, but it will never cover up the stains of the past. She washes her clothes on the nearby river of her cabin. She soaked every bit of stain and fury she still have left. But as she looked up, she saw two Japanese soldiers approaching her way. They asked the name of her village. She stood up without a flinch. She clenched her fingers unto the damp cloth resisting every ounce of urge to avenge her parents. The emotions and the terrifying scene came back to her and overflowed through a tear in her eyes. And with gritted teeth she sharply said, "Cutcut mete."

Cast of Characters

Azzy: She is Arc’s twin sister, she grew up with an abusive father and a helpless mother, who trained them to become professional criminals. The Gemini twins possess extraordinary abilities, Azzy possess manipulative and transportation abilities. She is possessive and stubborn towards her twin brother, and tends to become selfish at times. She grew to become fearless and can sometimes be cruel and hateful but at other times she can help others and be kind. She knows her worth and exercises her ability to use her voice to make a change. She tends to not care about what others would feel or think and she makes actions based on her own decisions.

Arc: He is Azzy’s twin brother, he grew up with an abusive father and a helpless mother, who trained them to become professional criminals. The Gemini twins possess extraordinary abilities, Arc possess telekinesis/telekinetic abilities. He has the duty to protect and defend Azzy at all cost, and this was a promise to his father. However, he fell in love and everything changes. Although, he has a love-hate relationship with Azzy, he always considers Azzy’s safety first in every decision. He is adorable, charming, easygoing, respectful, and trustworthy. At times, he tends to trust too easily, and this leads to terrible consequences.

Eliza: She is an intelligent, brilliant and kind person. As a young girl she wanted to prove to her father that she is better than him and that she’d make a difference in the world and now she has stumbled into the opportunity of a lifetime. She is also undercover to catch the Gemini twins. She is one who studies or is highly interested or proficient in a technical field, especially hacking systems. She is one who specializes in technology or computers.

Father: An abusive father, who has anger temper issues. He often comes back home drunk and will initiate in an argument with his family.

Mother: A helpless mother, who is submissive towards her husband. She fears her husband’s capabilities. She deeply loves and cares for the twins that she would sacrifice herself in order for the kids to be unharmed.

Setting

Icarunia City

Time

20th Century

Act 1/Scene 1

[At Lauvre Museum in Icarunia City. In 1982, Arc and Azzy are about to commit the biggest and most important project. They have been planning to steal the most expensive and famous painting in the City for many years. Azzy uses her manipulation abilities to instantly alter reality by telling a lie to the guards. Arc uses his telekinesis abilities allowing him to influence a physical system without physical interaction.]

Arc

Remember, execute the plan. Get what we need and leave. Okay?

Azzy

Yes brother, I was listening.

[They walk towards the entrance in their matching black suits.]

[Azzy uses her abilities to make the guards do whatever she desires.]

Arc

Good job sissy. Hurry before anyone sees us.

Azzy

Hmm… I have to admit. That guy was really cute.

Arc

Stop fooling around Azzy, focus.

Azzy

Right-right, so where do we begin?

Arc

The painting is upstairs.

[They placed every dazzling jewelry they could find in the bag.]

Azzy

Hey, did you hear that?

Arc

Hear what?

Azzy

Nothing… I-I must be hearing things.

Arc

Hurry! Place the painting in the bag.

Azzy

Hey! Look! We should get that too. It’s really pretty.

Arc

No, we’re only here for the painting.

Azzy

B-but brother. Please!

Arc

Fine, but get it quick.

[Azzy uses her teleportation abilities to go beyond the line.]

Azzy

Got it! Let’s go.

[but before they could teleport out of the museum, there was a loud voice.]

[loud voice.]

Eliza

Stop!!!

Azzy

uh-oh…guess someone saw us already. [she whispers.]

[Arc stares at Azzy with annoyance.]

Eliza

Take another step and I’ll make sure the alarms comes on. Believe me, that would be a big problem for you two.

Arc

What do you want?

Eliza

Oh, that was quick. You’re not even going to ask my name? How rude, Arc.

Arc

How do you know my name?

Eliza

My name is Eliza Smoak, daughter of Noah Smoak. The famous supervillain of Icarunia City, the calculator, known for his cyberpath abilities.

Azzy

And… you’re telling us this because?

Eliza

I want to join your team. You see, I hate my father for abandoning my mother and I to pursue his crimes. I want to prove him that I am better than him.

Azzy

Oh, well you see, we are not recruiting so… bye.

Eliza

Wait! I have footages and other evidences to prove that your both guilty of multiple crimes. I could get you arrested, anytime. It’s your choice.

Azzy

We really don’t believe you. Right brother?

[Arc looks at Azzy.]

Azzy

Right???

Arc

We could really use her help Azzy. She might be useful. Can you hack the dark web?

Eliza

I most certainly can. I’m an expert in many areas.

Arc

Let’s go. Your coming with us.

Azzy

B-but why?!

Arc

Let’s go Azzy!

[Azzy groans and teleports out of the museum to their hidden lair.]

Azzy

Why did you bring her here!? You’re exposing us! You’re making a terrible mistake Arc!

Arc

Calm down Azzy.

Azzy

For the record Eliza, I don’t like you and I never will.

Eliza

I’m not forcing any of you to like me or to accept me into this team. But believe me, you will need my help.

Azzy

Are you crazy?! You’re blackmailing us?!  I can’t believe this. This is ridiculous.

Arc

Why do we need your help?

Eliza

My father is planning something against the city. He wants to rule the city, to take over everything.

Azzy

Again, and this is our concern because?!

Arc

For the record... We are just thieves; we don’t save the world.

Eliza

I know, but I need your help too. I can’t let my father rule this hell hole. With your abilities combined with my capabilities, we would be unstoppable. I could help you steal whatever you desire, and you could help me stop my father. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.

Azzy

Oh please, we?!

Eliza

Yes. Will you please help me stop him? Arc?

Arc

Fine, but you have to follow our rules.

Azzy

W-what?! Are you forgetting?! We are the bad guys. We don’t do “good”!

Arc

Trust me.

Azzy

Whatever brother.

[Eliza smiles at Arc.]

 Act 2/Scene 2

[A couple of months after, Eliza and Arc were getting really close. Azzy was extremely jealous because she was used to having her brother’s attention all to herself. Eliza was getting ready for the next team project.]

Arc

Do you need help with that?

Eliza

oh, um… I’m fine. Thank you. [She smiles.]

Arc

No, I insist. Let me carry that for you.

Eliza

oh, um… Thank you.

[pause.]

[awkward silence.]

Eliza

So, Azzy still doesn’t like me huh?

Arc

Apparently, yea… she thinks you’re a threat. She’s just not used to having other people around.

Eliza

I can see that.

Arc

You mentioned your mother when we first met. Where is she?

Eliza

Well, she died. Years after my father left us. She got really sick. Unfortunately, I was the only child and… I didn’t have anyone else.

Arc

I’m sorry.

Eliza

Oh-no, it’s fine. I got over it.

Arc

I’m really glad I met you… umm I mean… what I meant was I’m glad you joined the team. [He stutters.]

Eliza

oh ha-ha, you’re really funny… and cute. [she chuckles.]

Arc

What?

Eliza

Huh? Oh nothing.

[she looks at him, and smiles.]

Arc Eliza, you have beautiful eyes.

Eliza

Thank you.

[He firmly pulled her body against his and he brushed her lips with his. Staring into her eyes, he lightly slid his tongue across her bottom lip, she drew deep, staggered breath in response to the wave of heat she felt flushing through her. Arc smiled at her. Then, he softly kissed her, he lightly swept his tongue between her lips, pressing his warm, soft lips to hers.]

[Azzy walks in.]

Azzy: W-what is going on here?!

[Azzy dashes out, tears began to fall.]

Arc

Wait! Azzy!

Eliza

I’m sorry…

Arc

Wait here.

[Arc goes after Azzy.]

Arc

I’m sorry.

[Arc hugs Azzy.]

[Azzy pushes him away.]

Azzy

How could do this brother? You and I were meant to die together.

Arc

I don’t know what to say.

Azzy

Do you love her?!

Arc

W-what?

Azzy

I said, do you love her?!

Arc

I do…

Azzy

Do you want to be with her?!

Arc

What do you mean?

Azzy

Now I know.

[Azzy teleports out of the room.]

[Arc sighs.]

 Act 3/Scene 3

[Before going to their next mission, Arc and Azzy gets into a heated argument because Azzy couldn’t get over the fact that she is no longer the only women in his life. She begins to show attitude towards Arc, and Arc begins to get annoyed with her attitude. Eliza and Arc are still deeply in love and not even Azzy could change that.]

Arc

Are you ready Eliza?

Eliza

Yes honey, this is probably… um…. [counts with her finger.] our 5th mission? I know the drill.

Arc

Right. You look beautiful. [kisses Eliza on the forehead.]

Azzy

There goes the love birds. Disgusting. [she whispers.]

Arc

What the hell is wrong with you Azzy?! You’ve been acting like spoiled brat ever since…

Azzy

Ever since what? Huh? What’s wrong with me? Really? Have you forgotten?! We were supposed to be duos, Arc. Not a triad. We’ve been through hell together, and just like that. [snaps fingers.] Eliza comes and everything changes. She won’t do good to us! [Azzy turns to Eliza.] You! You did this to us! [back to Arc.] And you were stupid enough to believe this demon. You both are selfish! Selfish! [cries furiously.]

Arc

I can’t believe you; this issue was a year ago! You still can’t accept her. Haven’t you gotten over it yet? I love Eliza, Azzy. Why can’t you just accept reality?

Azzy

Easy for you to say. You were supposed to be my twin. You were supposed to have my back no matter what, Arc. You were supposed to protect me. You made that promise when we were younger. Remember? [wipes tears and looks fiercely at Arc.]  

Arc

Until now, this is still about you? What about my happiness? Why can’t you just be happy for me?

Azzy

When the times comes and everything doesn’t go according plan, and I turn out to be right about her. Don’t come begging for forgiveness. Because I can’t give you one.

[Azzy walks away and slams the door.]

Arc

Right, go ahead and walk away again. That’s what your good at!

Eliza

C’mon let’s go.

Arc

Don’t let her bother you okay? What matters is that I love you.

Eliza

I know… I love you too. I’m sorry… for everything.

Arc

You have nothing to be sorry about.

Eliza

Yea… I hope so… [shows a worried face.]

 Act 4/Scene 4

[Arc and Azzy were caught by A.R.G.U.S also known as Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans. Turns out Eliza was working for them; she was undercover on a mission to catch Azzy and Arc. Apparently, everything was planned out.]

[A man places power-dampening cuffs refraining them from using their abilities.]

Arc

W-what is the meaning of this Eliza?!

Eliza

I’m sorry, Arc. I-I’m sorry.

Azzy

Sorry your face.

[gives Arc a disappointed look.]

Arc

I’m sorry… this is my fault. [he whispers.]

[Arc looks down.]

Azzy

Yea… it actually is. This is all your fault. Everything was perfect before Eliza came and you let her manipulate you. Before you welcomed her into our team. This is on you and I can never forgive you for this. You’re a fool… brother.

Azzy

and you! [she shouts.] When I get out, I’ll come for you. I swear, I will kill you.

[Arc displays deep regret.]

Man

C’mon let’s go big guy.

 Act 5/Scene 5

[On June 8, 1952, two twins were born. Azzy was born with beautiful hazel eyes, just like her mother. Arc had beautiful ocean eyes, just like his father. As they grew older, they were trained to become strong. To become brave and fearless. Every day, they would train and train with their father. While, their mother would watch over them. Little do they know; they were being trained to become professional criminals. ]

Father

Is that all you’ve got boy? C’MON SHOW ME WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

Arc

I can’t dad.

[His father pushes him against the ground.]

Father

What did you say?! No one, in this family is allowed to give up. No one.

[Arc groans in pain. ]

[He slowly gets back up.]

Father

Now fight me boy, fight me.

[Arc hits his dad with his bamboo stick.]

Father

Nice one! I’m proud of you boy. Remember, you are the man. You must protect your sister at all cost. No matter what. If something bad happens to us, do whatever it takes to keep her safe. You must strive for the best. Go beyond your limits. Do not let anyone stop you from reaching your goal. No one.

Father

Now from the top!

[Trains.]

Act 6/Scene 6

[Father comes home drunk.]

Father

Azzy!!! GET ME A GLASS OF WATER!

Azzy

Coming father.

Father

What is this?! This isn’t cold water. How dare you?!

[He slaps Azzy.]

Mother

Luther! What is going on here?! Why did you slap our daughter?!

Father

What did you say?! Did you just raise your tone on me?! How dare you?!

[Strangles his wife.]

[Azzy cries out loud.]

Arc

Dad! What are you doing?! Y-you are hurting mom! Please stop!

[Pushes Arc.]

Arc

Dad, please, she can’t breathe. Please show her sympathy. I beg you.

[His father let’s go.]

Arc

Mom! Are you okay?!

Mother

Yes honey. Mother’s okay. Go to your room okay. I’ll take care of this.

Arc

B-but mom…

Mother

Go! Take your sister with you. Everything’s going to be okay.

[Arc takes Azzy to their room.]

 Act 7/Scene 7

[Every day for 10 years it happened again and again. Their father would constantly get drunk and would beat his wife up. She suffered the same violence over and over again. Until one day, Arc found his mother hanging from a rope. She couldn’t take the violence anymore. She had lost hope. One day, Arc decided that It wasn’t safe for him and Azzy. So, they decided to run away. Far away from their father. With the advantage of having extraordinary abilities, they used this opportunity to steal from people. At first, it was just food. Then, money. Then, jewelries and this happened every day for 10 years.]

[In a high-tech prison cell.]

Arc

I wonder what dad would say if he was here. He would probably tell me how weak and stupid I am.

[Azzy doesn’t response.]

Arc

Are you awake?... I’m really sorry…

Arc

I know you can hear me Azzy…

Arc

I know I wasn’t the best brother to you. I know I was selfish for choosing my happiness without considering yours…

[Azzy opens her eyes.]

Arc

I know that I hurt you very badly. But believe me, I don’t want to do so. It was my greatest fault. I want to protect you from all bad things. But Instead I led us to this…

[sighs.]

Arc

You are my one and only lovely sister. I love you more than anything. I wish you understand. I am not a perfect brother; I too make mistakes.

Azzy

You’re so dramatic.

Arc

Do you forgive me?

Azzy

hmm… I’ll think about it, you fool.

Arc

I’ll give you all the time you need.

Act 8/Scene 8

[Eliza comes to visit Arc to apologize about the betrayal and lies she told. Eliza confesses that she really did love Arc and all of it was true. Arc later discovers that A.R.G.U.S is creating a cure to remove all extraordinary abilities. Eliza wants Arc to take the cure so that they’ll both be together and free to live a life without abilities.]

[Eliza visits Arc in his cell.]

Arc

What are you doing here?

Eliza

Arc, I’m sorry. I had to do it.

Arc

You fooled me, you made me believe that you loved me. You made me turn against my sister. You expect to forgive you?

Eliza

I know an-and I’m sorry. Arc, I really did love you. I didn’t expect myself to. But everything was real, I promise.

Arc

Stop lying to me.

Eliza

I’m telling the truth. I will be waiting for you. I will be with you throughout the process. I will never leave your side. Please, help me prove how sincere I am.

Arc

What process?!

Eliza

A.R.G.U.S is creating a cure for all extraordinary humans. This cure will help you turn into a normal person Arc. I hope you will take it. Please.

Arc

What?! Now, I’m a lab rat. Amazing. What else do I not know?!

Eliza

That’s all Arc. Please think about it. This place will help you to become a better person. One’s everything is over; we can be together again. Please Arc, think about it.

[Eliza kisses his forehead and walks away.]

Act 9/Scene 9

           [On December 15, 2002, the twins were released from prison. Apparently within those 20 years of imprisonment. A.R.G.U.S succeeded in experimenting the cure that would remove abilities from a being by making them normal human beings. For 20 years, Eliza constantly visits Arc. Apparently, they still love each other. Arc took the cure, however, Azzy decided not to.]

Azzy

So… [pause.] I guess this is the end for us.

Arc

Where will you be going?

Azzy

I will go as far away as possible. Far away from you.

Arc

I’m really sorry sis. I really am.

Azzy

[nod.] I know you are.

Arc

So, um… I’ll be moving in with Eliza…

Azzy

Guess love always wins. Does it?

Arc

I guess so…[pause.] I hope you’re going to be fine Azzy.

Azzy

I hope so too. I will start over again. It’s never too late to become happy, right?

Arc

I hope you find that happiness. I know I have.

Azzy

I’m glad you have.

[Eliza walks towards Azzy.]

Eliza

Hey… [soft smile.]

Azzy

Hi…

Eliza

Um… I never got the chance to apologize… and I’m sorry…

Azzy

[sighs.] Forget about it. Don’t worry. We’re good. I wish you both a happy life. It’s never too late to forgive, to grow and to heal.

Eliza

Thank you.

Azzy

So… [pause.] I guess this is it… goodbye, brother. [soft smile.]

Arc

goodbye.

[the twins hug.]

[Arc kisses Azzy on the forehead.]

Arc

[sighs.] I will miss you sis. [whispers.]

Azzy

I know you will, brother. [soft smile.]

I lost myself for loving the wrong person

Yes it made me happy it was an 

unforgettable feeling 

but at the end it broke my heart into a

million pieces,

and here I am still finding myself 

It’s hard, it’s like I’m inside a dark room 

and I’m all alone

It happened in an unexpected time

The pain I felt was an unending pain 

But at the end I still pretend that I’m okay.

     Monday morning, around 2 in the morning I felt pain in my chest and I started gasping for air. When I recovered from what happened I felt sleepy. I heard my alarm, that’s the time for me to stand up and start preparing for school, but It’s like my body has a mind of it’s own because I didn’t want to stand and I felt lazy and I started feeling the pain in my chest again just when I realized that my asthma is attacking me. It was hard for me because every time I moved I got the feeling of not breathing like anytime I could die because of lack of air. My grandmother did not want me to go to school because she saw that I was having a hard time because of my asthma but I needed to attend to school because we will have a reporting on a certain subject. When I saw the time I hurriedly went to the bathroom and took me 20 minutes because I was feeling like I wanted to vomit because of my cough. when I finished my morning routine I left home.

      I rode a jeep to school, it was an hour travel from my home to our school.  I was listening to some OPM songs then I felt the coldness of the air that brings shivers down to my spine. at exactly 6:30 am I arrived at Holy Angel University. while I was walking on the way to our building I was already gasping for air because our building is so far away and it was like a challenge for me because my asthma is killing me like hell. When I entered my classroom, I was numb and dizzy I wasn’t feeling well and I can’t focus on my class lessons. When it was our break time my classmates started burning some paper as their design for their creative reporting to our next subject and when I smelled the smoke coming from the burning paper my asthma was triggered and my eyes began to water. Lunch break came and still I wasn’t feeling well.

       I just realized that my whole day at school was full of negativity and just wanted to go home and take a rest but sad to say I still had 2 subjects left before I can go home. Like I couldn’t even write properly because my hands were shaking due to my asthma attack. I tried sleeping in class but my teacher keeps waking me up and I had no choice but to listen to his discussion and keeping myself awake in class. When dismissal came I felt relieved because after a long tiring day I could finally take a rest.

      My mother is the strongest person i know. She was my very own wonder woman. She is wonderful, beautiful and loving. Even though she had nothing, she always tried her best to give me everything. She is my inspiration and my strength. Whenever i cried, i could see in her that she felt pain because she disliked seeing me cry. She always reminded me that i should always be strong, wise and loving. My mother had the best hugs. She was selfless, she always puts her children first before herself. My mother was goofy, she would make jokes that didn’t make sense and she would sing and dance even though she was really bad at it. My mother is very supportive, unique, diligent and intelligent. I loved everything about her and if i was given a chance to choose my mother, i would still pick her because she is perfect to me. 

When we arrived at Boracay Islands, I felt the ocean breeze and the smell of sea salt welcomed me. The sun was so bright and the sky so blue. The palm trees were so high and swayed against the wind.

As we have arrived at the beach, it was sunset and it was so beautiful. The sky was filled with the colors of orange, blue, and pink that it looks so majestic. People are walking by the beach, taking pictures and enjoying the view, watching the sun to set.

The feeling of the water flowing towards my feet and the sand so soft and white as I took a step feels good. When I closed my eyes, I heard the ocean waves but then felt something wet that splashed on my face. I opened my eyes to see my family playing and swimming in the water. Laughing and enjoying each other's company, and I never felt so happy.