Flickered By Innocence (Crossing The Line Series 4) ✅

F.B.I-23

"As you can see, the profit in our Laguna resort slightly went up by 2% this month. This is not yet half of the profit that we gained from Cebu, Bohol, and Antipolo," I said, pointing at the presentation on the monitor.

Kaagad na nagbulungan ang mga staffs ng resort at bakas ang pangamba sa kanilang mga mukha. Ang ila'y nagpupunas ng kanilang mga luha habang ang iba'y walang emosyong ipinakita. Nanginginig ang aking tuhod pero kailangan kong maging matatag.

The pressure was on when dad gave me a fierce look. "So... what's your judgement, anak?"

I gulped before I spoke in a proud manner. "We're not going to reduce our staff or those cute freebies that we're giving to all tourists."

Napakamot ng ulo si Mommy. "Baby, we really want to keep our people, but we need to have a good plan. Do you have something in mind?"

I pouted my lips. "Wala po, pero isa lang ang alam ko... I don't want our staff to lose their jobs. Some of them are still studying despite their age, while some are working to have something to feed their families."

Ang agarang pagngiti ng aming mga tauhan ay sumisimbolo ng pag-asa. Wala man akong plano kung paano masasalba ang bawat isa sa kanila ay handa akong gawin ang lahat para sila'y manatili. Hindi ko na kayang mawalan pang muli.

Masakit. Napakasakit.

Dad tapped my shoulder when the staff left the conference room.
"You're really an adult, anak! We can't believe it. I still remember the day you pooped in your pants—"

I stamped my feet to stop him. "Dad! I'm already 21, so don't make me remember that day. That was the most embarrassing moment of my life, I swear!"

Pinunasan ni Mom ang kanyang luha sa sobrang kakatawa. "Nakakaawa nga si Gellian noon, eh. Ayaw mong sumakay ng van kaya simula school hanggang mansyon, hinatid ka—"

Desperation envelopes me and I feel so down in just a brisk. That name is something I'm trying to avoid hearing. It's funny how old memories flash across my mind very swiftly. 

"I'm okay, mom." I said in a small voice when she made a worried face.

Six years have passed since Gellian left, and a lot has changed. From being a happy-go-lucky child, I'm now helping my parents with managing our resort. While they handle our different resorts scattered around the Philippines, I was given the opportunity to supervise our resort here in Laguna.

I completed a Human Resource Management course a year ago. I just enjoyed studying and didn't put too much pressure on myself, so I was surprised that I got the highest GPA amongst my colleagues.

Kyle graduated with Latin Honors in a course for BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration). Despite being a graduate of an accountancy course, Ezra decided to pursue his career in modelling. Meanwhile, Levi, on the other hand, broke up with Roque five years ago when Roque went to New York for his studies. Levi is now working as a photographer in a good agency.

Napabalikwas ako nung tumunog ang aking cellphone dahilan para bumalik ako sa reyalidad. Gumuhit ang ngiti sa aking labi nung makita ang pangalan ni Aaron na tumatawag. Simula nung highschool, hindi siya nakalimot na kamustahin ako araw-araw. Minsan nga'y saulo ko na ang mga kwento at mga banat niya.