Since Nine Book 3: Shattered

Under the Moon and the Stars

CHAPTER 44

MAY 2016

RAMCEL

The stars and the moon were visible on the sky. Cool wind had been caressing Ramcel's skin since she discarded her soft leather jacket and it's been sitting beside her on the soft grass. She contented herself on munching sour cream pretzels and drinking soda as she marvelled at the beauty above her.

Her wife made sure that the grass beneath the mango trees behind the restaurant were trimmed regularly because she knew Ramcel loved laying on the grass during afternoon while reading books or contemplating her next storylines.

Kapag may oras sya, pinupuntahan nya ang asawa rito. Habang hinihintay nya ang closing ng resto, sa likod sya tumatambay. Naglagay roon ng wooden table set si Victoria para makapagsulat sya saka sila uuwi ng sabay sa Reichter Park.

Pareho silang busy ni Victoria. There were days when Ramcel couldn't go home but her wife had been patient with her. Dahil recently lang nabuksan ang restaurant ni Vi, nag-a-adjust din ito sa schedule. Ganunpaman, pinupuntahan nila ang isa't- isa kapag may pagkakataon.

She heard the backdoor opened. Hindi na nya kailangang lingunin kung sino yun dahil kilala na nya sa yabag pa lang.

"Sabi ko na nga ba nagtago ka na dito," Victoria said amused. Umupo ito sa tabi nya sabay yakap sa kanang braso nya.

"Umalis na ba sila?"

"Yes," natawang sabi ni Vi.

Sa Cutleries ginanap ang book launching ng Hiwaga Sa Dako Pa Roon Book 4. Bukod sa mga bloggers, vloggers and reporters, marami rin sa mga fans ni Ramcel ang dumalo. Nagmistulang outdoor bookstore kanina ang harap ng restaurant kung saan ilang bookshelves ang nilagay roon, na naglalaman ng Book 1 to 4 hardbound and paperback copies ng libro nya.

Ramcel was overwhlemed when all of the books were sold out. She signed each one of them. Nakipagselfie pa sya sa mga fans nya. Dumagsa ang mga tao lalo na nang dumating si Alea Santos para personal na bumili ng libro at magpa-autograph. Ramcel's whole family also came to support her.

Nagpaunlak sya ng interview. Karamihan ng tanong ay tungkol sa mga librong gawa nya at hindi naiwasang mapunta sa kanyang personal na buhay. Ginamit na nya ang pagkakataong iyon para ipakilala sa lahat si Victoria, bilang asawa nya. Maraming nasorpresa dahil buong akala ng lahat, si Alea ang karelasyon nya.

Whether she liked it or not, Ramcel was already a prominent figure. Gumawa na sya ng pangalan sa larangan ng sining kaya naman nagtrending sya sa Twitter. Kaliwa't kanan na ang paglabas ng pictures nilang mag-asawa sa social media. She was thankful that she didn't see much hate comments. #lovewins was trending.

Nakatanggap na sya ng tawag mula sa kaibigang si Liezle, ang bagong Editor-In-Chief ng Metro Art Magazine, para i-feature sya. Wala naman syang choice kundi pumayag since para lang nitong ipinaalam sa kanyang i-interviewhin sya nito.

"Ram, please make yourself available next Saturday. I'll dropped by your house for your interview. Pakisabi kay Victoria I want Clam chowder. See you both!" Those were Liezle's exact words the moment she answered her call. Ni hindi sya nakapagsalita. Ni hindi rin ito nag-goodbye. Basta na lang syang binabaan.

Nagprovide ng food and drinks ang Big Three, ang Publishing company nya na pag-aari nina Kristine at Pris, para sa lahat ng dumalo. Pagkatapos ng interview nya, everyone got to enjoy the finger foods prepared.

Nakihalubilo sya saglit sa mga fans at maging sa mga kaibigan nya. Hindi na nakapagstay ng matagal si Olivia dahil maaga ang flight nito bukas papuntang London. Her friend was busier than ever. When she asked about Heinrich, Olivia's smile vanished. She didn't elaborate but she said something about the guy being an asshole.