Dale Daniel's POV
"Pa, I'm here," I announced and then put down a bouquet beside my father's tomb. I shoved away some dried leaves from it.
"Pa, I've got some stories to tell," I began. I sat down on the grass, near his grave. "You'll listen to me, pa?"
"Time flies fast, isn't it, pa?" I looked up to suppress the tears formulating at the corner of my eyes. I heaved out a deep breath and resumed. "I met mom." The tears managed to flee even though I didn't consent. I cannot hold it back anymore. It just falls on its own. "But she has a son already. He is a fine man named Ledger. Ledger Rius."
"I thought of it, his son was undeniably lucky, Ledger. He experienced being cared for by a mother." The pain inside my chest rapidly grows. "You know, pa? I tried hard. I tried enough to accept the fact that he is my bro. That I have a brother now. But later, I just found out about Zyah's dad's true identity," I stated, feeling weak. I wiped the tears on my face with my hand. "The weight it had on my heart, it's unbearable, pa. . . "
"You know pa, I've been building a wall for my heart. During my college days, I didn't have any plans to start a relationship. But when she appeared, I was caught off guard, putting my guard down," I confessed. The pain in my words was reflected in those colorless tears pouring down my face. 
"I took the risk and opened my heart for her but. . ." I stayed and let out a cry, "but who would expect that she's the daughter of the man who caused your death. Pa, I couldn't accept it. Why did we even meet in the first place?"
"Is that even possible? That you believed that she was the perfect woman for you but actually she was the reason why you are bleeding again? Causing you to be plunged into deeper misery. I thought that was a dream." I chuckled a bit even though there was a tear in that laughter. "It was indeed a dream but it was a nightmare."
"Pa, when you first saw mom, did you have the same thought as mine when I first saw my woman?" I looked at his tomb and touched his name inscribed on it. "Did you also create an image in your mind, pa? Like living your life happily, building up your dreams together?" I shook my head. "But look, mom also left you. Our love both fails, pa. Cheers to our shattered hearts."
"Pa, if you were here, I am sure that you would scold me before giving me an incentive because of this drama. I am also sure that you won't agree to the decision I'm about to make but for now, this is the only way I know, pa."
"I am going somewhere far. I can't visit you while I am away," I said before I rose up from being seated. 
Even though my dad passed away for so long, I still have the habit of talking to him. I have the feeling that he is still listening to me. After being vulnerable with my father, I turned my back and took my suitcase away. 
Loud noise. Shots of tequila. . .
Most people believe that alcohol can somehow make you feel numb from pain especially at times when you are broke. I heard them saying that it gave them a sense of relief. 
But why won't it work for me? I felt the burning feeling inside my chest but the pain was still there. The unbearable pain was still here. 
I already flew a thousand miles away from her but she is still haunting me. Her smiles still exist in my mind; it becomes a clearer image the more I want to chase it out of my mind. Even though it caused me distress, her laughter still played in my head, like a rhythm that my ears were eager to hear. I wanted to run off but why does my heart keep holding on? Why is that? 
After taking another gulp from my aqua vitae, I noticed a blonde-haired lady took the seat next to me. Getting a glance at her sideways, she is in an angora feminine coat.
"Hey, man. Want me to accompany you?" she began, kinda teasing me.
I firmly shook my head. "No need."
"Got some dilemmas?" She faced the bartender and asked for another liquor.
"Oh," I simply replied, playing my hand on my glass.
"That's normal," she said. "Life is not life without pain."
I turned my gaze to her and analyzed her features. From the way she talked, she seemed like an adept negotiator. 
"I saw you sitting here alone so I thought of accompanying you since I'm here alone too."
"What brings you here?" I asked. I wonder how someone likes spending a night here. 
"Got some life issues," she replied. "Having a fight with my husband."
I was about to let out a word but was halted when I felt someone touch me from behind.
"Sir Cuego, it's Trish," he introduced himself. "Sir, it's time for you to go home," he said next.
I faced the woman next to me and declared my goodbye. "Gotta go."
I left my seat and Trish followed me. I feel a little bit dizzy but still I can manage. 
"Sir, after the meeting this afternoon, you need to attend a dinner at 6," Trish informed me.
I heard him but I didn't mind facing him. I am just gazing outside. My office is on the 17th floor of the building. The outside view was breathtaking. I could see tall buildings before me. 
"That's all for today, right?" I asked and turned to him.
"Yes but tomorrow your schedule will be very tight," he informed me once again. "Madam Dionalita allowed you to lessen your scheds, sir. There are a lot of places waiting for you here in NYC."
"No need. I can manage."
"Sir, you've been so focused on working but you need to take care of your health," he said, bowing down.
"More work. Less thoughts of her," I replied and started reading the papers he put on my table. 
Yeah, I need tons of work. 
Clarriese Zyah's POV
I engaged myself with the things that would keep my heart alive. I had the chance to do things that I've been wanting to do for a long time. I've been dreaming of managing a website and I have it now.
The credits would be given to Ledger. Without him, I couldn't make it. 
One day, I received a call from an unknown number and it turned out that's from Ledger. He said he wanted to apologize personally to me but he was a little bit late. I am already about to go on board for my flight. 
Our conversation began, full of awkwardness. He felt that way, so am I. We both began apologizing to each other. I know it wasn't easy for both of us but thankfully, we got through it. He opened up and stated his reasons, what drives him to do such things. He was saying endlessly, his apologies could even hurt my ears. I am aware that he was sincere.
To ease his burden, I told him to drop the apologies because I already forgive for what happened. To be honest, I had that hate at him when things got out of control. The moment he let that sarcastic smirk the day he fought with Dale, I was mad. I was mad about why he needed to do it to that extent. But I didn't let that hate consume me. Even though I hated him, it couldn't change anything. That was really going to happen, we couldn't escape our entangled fate. That day has already been set and no one could change that. 
About Ledger's story, I didn't ask more about it. I don't want him to feel obliged to tell me everything. The conflict between him and Dale has nothing to do with me. I shouldn't needle because I don't have the right to do so. 
Regarding my website, I mentioned it to him while we were at Riona. He recently asked me if I already have one. When I told him that I hadn't created one, he recommended that I help me. He said, it isn't a big deal. He wanted to do something good to me, he added. Of course, we went through legal processes to avoid issues. 
"Your website is doing great. Soar high, our journalist Zyah." 
That's the latest message I received from Ledger. Even when he was in the Philippines, he did not forget to send me messages. Everytime I think of the past, I can't help but smile. I never knew that I could be friends with Ledger after what happened. I know a lot more about him, even more than when we were at Dreamnote University, our college days. 
But there's one more thing I am thankful about. He didn't mention anything about pursuing me or such. I am afraid that if he ever brought that up again, I may hurt him. Because even a year after, I know within my heart that it is still him.
Yeah, still him.
With my camera in my hand, I wander around to capture some scenarios that I'll feature next to my website. It is my goal to have daily updates. It seemed so easy for me to do because it made me happy. I had the willingness in me to do it. And I received good feedback too! 
While taking photos of the place, my eyes caught a happy family, having a picnic. With that image, suddenly my dad came into my mind.
"Zy, come! Get the newspaper for me! Let's add the volume of the kite's tail!"
"Sweetie, why am I the one who needs to braid your hair. It was your mom that was supposed to do it."
"Zy, don't be confused with your name. The i goes first followed by e. Clarriese not Clarreise!"
"Here you go, multiplication. If got each correct, you'll have a peso reward!"
"Zy, look here! It seems that I have gray hairs already. What if someone else mistook me as grandpa?"
"You already finished elementary, sweetie. You are about to set off for high school. That wasn't easy for you, for sure. Just always remember that you don't need to pressure yourself in your studies. Those "honor" things, that would only be a bonus. Always put in mind how crucial the learning is.
The next day I really prepared a lot. Today, I'm gonna explore authentic cafes and parks.
🚩 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur
Lot of people were strolling around the Champ de Mars, a 60-acre garden. The place was scenic and relaxing. From where I am standing, I could see the panoramic view of the tower's upper level. I stand still, mesmerized by the beauty of Eiffel.
I also caught some couples having a picnic. Their sweet gestures and genuine smiles didn't escape from my eyes. 
I tightened my lips and closed my eyes. "Did I go to the wrong place?"
I walked closer to the couple who caught my attention.
"Excuse me?" I started, interrupting their date. 
Opps, you sound bitter, Zy. 
"Hey, lady!" the man said. "What's up?"
Good thing, they speak English.
The woman with curly charcoal hair smiled at me. "Wanna join us?"
"Ah? Would you mind if I take photos of you?" I asked. "It's for my blog."
"Oh, really?" the woman smiled, excited. "Sure thing."
🚩 Place du Trocadéro
Exquisite flowers of the gardens, and fountains and lawns welcomed me at the grandiose complex. The place includes twelves fountains that each throw a water column 12 meters high. There are also water arches and small fountains around the area. 
Kids are rejoicing with ice cream on their hands. Again, I lift my camera to capture such an iconic moment.
🚩 Peruse the Palais de Chaillot 
I wrapped up my day with a walk along the esplanade. With my laptop on my lap, I started creating stories for my contents. From my place, when I raised my gaze, the Eiffel Tower appeared before me, giving me bits of insight on what I should write on my blogs. 
With a month of dwelling here, I already witness a lot of the city's pride, the sublime landmarks, savory foods, and also witness how the fashion is. 
While I was having dinner, I heard my phone ringing. It was my mom. 
Again, what happened before I went here came back to my mind.
Flashback
"Zy? What happened to you?" My mom caressed my hair. "Look at yourself! Look how messy your hair is!"
"Ma. . ."
"You have swollen eyes? What happened to you, huh?"
I felt a warm liquid run down my cheeks. I could see my reflection in my mom's eyes. A messed up Zyah.
Yes, I resigned from work. I locked myself up. For almost a week, no sunlight ever touched my skin. I couldn't get any sleep because my mind was full of thoughts I didn't want to think about. I broke down. I spent my whole day lying on the bed with my tears never leaving a second. I won't be surprised if I ever looked like a lost zombie right now.
"Ma?" I started sobbing. "Is that true?" I brought it up even though there's something blocking my throat.
"What?" my mom asked, worried.
"That dad killed someone? Because of the car accident?" I asked, full of pain.
My mom stayed still with her eyes wide open. She also gets her hand off of me. She looked so alarmed. It's more like she didn't expect what I just said. Too frightened that I found out the truth?
"Zyah? That's. . . She panicked, there was sweat visible on her forehead. "Let me explai-"
"Ma!" I cried out. "So, it's true?" I couldn't help but to increase my tone. 
"Zy. . . It's-"
"Ma, it was Dale's dad who died that time!" 
The pain is getting deeper, my chest tightens.
My mom held me and hugged me. "Don't lose your breath, baby," she warned me. Maybe she noticed that I am crying hard.
"Ma, why didn't you tell me sooner?!" I asked, still crying.
"I'm sorry," my mom answered, repeatedly.
End of flashback.
"Hello, ma," I greeted her when I answered the phone.
"Baby, how are you there?" she asked.
"I am doing fine, ma," I replied while chewing my food. 
"Take care of yourself, hmm?" 
I nod. "I know, ma."
"Oh. Your dad is coming back next week. Have you had any plans to go back home?"
My body went numb and I don't know what to say.
"Alright. Take your time, baby. It's okay if you're still not ready to face dad," she surrendered.
"Ai ni, ma!" 
[ai ni - love you]
I was about to put my phone back where I got it when another caller ID appeared on the screen. This time, it was Dwight who was calling. 
"Oy, babae! Where on earth are you right now?" She said as soon as I clicked the green buttons.
"Paris, France."
I heard her scream at the other line. "Are you crazy? What are you doing there? It's February, are you having a date?"
I chuckled. "I came here for fun, can't I?"
"Ngi? For fun or to torture yourself. You don't even have a boyfriend and you're wandering there?"
"Hmm? What can I do? I am happy being this way."
"Fine. Fine. I was just teasing you."
I heard her giggles at the other line. "Love is sweeter for the second time around. Does he still stand a chance, girl?"
I giggled because of how naughty Dwight is. 
"Still isn't done teasing me?" I replied.
"Peace! Is the Eiffel Tower really that marvelous, Zy?" she asked.
"Yeah, super. Can you come? I wait for you."
"Nah. I just browsed randomly on the internet and found the website "Drizzles of Yellow." You know that website?"
I smiled and nodded. "I do." Of course, I know that website more than anyone else.
"I love its contents. Very heartwarming and inspiring."
"Hmm. Why mention the Eiffel Tower?"
"Because she's there! The author!"
"I see. I see," I agreed with her.
"Zyie, we all missed you. When are you going back? It's more than a year already."
"Did you really miss me?"
"Yeah. Why would I lie to you?
"I still need time, Dwighty," I admitted.
"You still can't accept the truth?"
"It's not easy. I'm still not prepared to face my dad."
"Time eventually heals everything, Zyie."
When Dwight ended the call, I glanced outside where I saw the decks of the Eiffel Tower.
I thought of my dad. I am learning to accept the fact. I hope when I see him again, I fully forgive him for what happened. It's an accident after all. That was unexpected. I know that if Dad could turn back the time, he wouldn't do that.
I am alone yet I managed to explore the city of love. 
Yes, I am glad that I am still fine.