ALISON
The days that followed Anthony’s generous offer seemed to blur into a whirlwind of planning, anticipation, and a touch of disbelief. Dani and I had grown accustomed to the gritty reality of our shack—its quirks and challenges had become almost endearing in their absurdity. Yet, the prospect of a new home, a place of stability and comfort, ignited a spark of excitement we hadn’t felt in years.
Anthony, true to his word, threw himself into the task with the determination of a man on a mission. He spent hours poring over real estate listings, visiting properties, and consulting with contractors. Each evening, he would return to our humble abode with updates and ideas, his enthusiasm infectious.
One particularly warm evening, Anthony burst through the door with a triumphant grin. "Guess what, guys? I think I've found the perfect place."
Dani raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Is it a palace?"
Anthony chuckled. "Not quite, but it's close. It's a spacious apartment on the quieter side of Quiapo. Two bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a balcony with a view of the bustling streets below."
"A balcony?" I echoed, unable to hide my excitement. "That sounds amazing."
"Yeah, and get this," Anthony continued, pulling out his phone to show us pictures. "It even has air conditioning units in every room. No more sweating through the nights."
Dani leaned in to examine the photos, a rare smile spreading across his face. "Wow, it looks... nice. Really nice."
"I thought so too," Anthony said, his eyes lingering on Dani's expression with a hint of satisfaction. "I've already put in an offer. If everything goes well, we could be moving in within a month."
"A month?" Dani repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That's... fast."
Anthony nodded. "I want to get you guys settled as soon as possible. Plus, the sooner we get out of this place, the better."
I glanced around our shabby living room, suddenly noticing the peeling wallpaper and the worn-out furniture in a new light. Adjusting myself in my wheelchair, I felt a renewed determination. "Yeah, the sooner the better."
Over the next few weeks, our lives revolved around preparations for the move. Anthony took charge of logistics, coordinating with movers and overseeing renovations at the new apartment. Dani and I sorted through our belongings, packing up years of memories and accumulated clutter. It was a daunting task, but every box filled with anticipation of a fresh start.
As moving day approached, a mixture of nerves and excitement bubbled within me. I couldn't quite believe that we were leaving behind the only home Dani and I had known for so long. But at the same time, the promise of a place where leaky roofs and creaky floorboards were a distant memory kept me going.
On the morning of the move, Dani and I stood in front of our shack, watching as the moving truck pulled away with our belongings. Anthony was already at the new apartment, overseeing the final touches before our arrival.
"Well, this is it," Dani said, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.
"Yeah," I replied, squeezing his hand. "It's strange to think we won't be coming back here."
Dani nodded. "Strange, but... good. I think."
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for Anthony and his unwavering support. "Definitely good. Let's go start our new life."
With that, we locked the door to our old shack for the last time and headed towards the future that awaited us in our new home. As we drove through the familiar streets towards the quieter side of Quiapo, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the possibilities that lay ahead.
****
The sun was beginning to set over Quiapo as Dani and I stood outside our new apartment building. It was a modest yet modern structure tucked away on a quiet street, far from the bustling chaos we were accustomed to. The facade gleamed under the fading sunlight, and a sense of serenity permeated the air.
Anthony met us at the entrance, his presence commanding even in casual attire—a fitted black shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and dark jeans that hugged his long legs. His smile was warm and genuine as he greeted us, and I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly handsome he looked, as if the move itself hadn’t fazed him at all.
"Welcome to your new home," he said, gesturing towards the building with a sweep of his hand. "I hope you like it."
I nodded, overwhelmed by the reality of it all. "It's... amazing, Anthony. Thank you so much."
He shrugged nonchalantly. "It's nothing. Just happy to help."
As we entered the lobby, the cool air from the air conditioning greeted us, a refreshing change from the humid Manila heat. Anthony took charge, guiding my wheelchair with care, ensuring I was comfortable at every turn. The elevator whisked us up to the fifth floor, where Anthony led us down a corridor lined with sleek wooden doors.
"This is it," Anthony announced, unlocking the door to our new apartment. "Go ahead, take a look."
Dani and I exchanged a glance before wheeling inside. The first thing that struck me was the spaciousness of the living area, bathed in warm evening light filtering through large windows. The floors were polished hardwood, a welcome departure from the worn linoleum of our old shack.
"Oh wow," Dani breathed out, wandering over to inspect the kitchen. "This is... nice."
"Yeah," I agreed, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's more than I ever imagined."
Anthony watched us with a soft smile, his eyes flickering between Dani's awestruck expression and my overwhelmed demeanor. "I'm glad you like it," he said quietly. "I wanted to make sure it felt like home."
"It does," I assured him, blinking back tears that threatened to spill over. "It really does."
Dani nudged me playfully. "Hey, Ali, check out the view from the balcony. It's not every day we get a balcony."
I followed him eagerly, Anthony carefully pushing my wheelchair out onto the small yet charming space that overlooked the bustling streets below. The sight of Quiapo at dusk was mesmerizing—a mosaic of colors and sounds that felt both familiar and new.
"It's perfect," I whispered, leaning against the railing. "Thank you, Anthony."
He joined us on the balcony, his presence comforting as he looked out at the cityscape with us. "You deserve this, Alison. Both of you do."
I nodded, feeling a swell of gratitude for Anthony's generosity and kindness. "We wouldn't be here without you."
As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door, and we turned to see movers carrying in boxes and furniture. Anthony had arranged for new pieces to furnish the apartment—a sleek sofa, a sturdy dining table, and a cozy bed for each of us. Each item felt like a gift, a tangible reminder of the fresh start we were embarking on.
"Let's get settled in," Anthony suggested, stepping forward to help unpack. "I'll make sure everything gets put in its place."
Dani grinned mischievously. "Does that mean you're assembling the bed, Anthony? Because I hear that's the ultimate test of manhood."
Anthony laughed, a genuine sound that filled the room. "You're on, Dani. Just try not to critique my skills too harshly."
As they bantered back and forth, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness welling up inside me. This new home wasn't just a place to live—it was a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the unexpected bond that had formed between the three of us.
Throughout the evening, as we unpacked and settled into our new surroundings, Anthony's leather-bound notebook and the elegant fountain pen he had gifted me remained by my side. They had become symbols of his steadfast support and the promise of new beginnings.
Later that night, as the city lights twinkled outside our window, Dani retired to his room, exhausted from the day's excitement. Anthony and I sat in the living room, the new sofa feeling surprisingly comfortable under us.
"You look like you need a break," Anthony said, his voice low and soothing. "Want me to get you anything? Tea, maybe?"
I shook my head, smiling. "I'm fine, Anthony. Just... taking it all in."
He leaned back, stretching his long legs out in front of him. "It's a lot to process, I know. But you deserve every bit of this, Alison."
I glanced at him, the dim lighting casting a soft glow on his features. "You've been so kind to us. I don't even know how to begin thanking you."
He tilted his head, that familiar teasing smile playing on his lips. "Well, you could start by promising not to turn this place into another 'before' picture for a renovation show."
I laughed softly, the sound almost foreign in its lightness. "Deal. But you have to promise not to break any more hearts while you're at it."
He raised an eyebrow, his smile growing more smug. "Who says I break hearts?"
"Please," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "With a face like yours and that playboy charm? I bet there are dozens of women out there still crying over you."
Anthony's gaze softened, and he leaned in closer. "Well, maybe it's time I stopped being a heartbreaker. Maybe it's time I started taking care of what's important."
I felt a flutter in my chest, the intensity of his gaze making my breath catch. "And what's important to you, Anthony?"
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from my face, his touch gentle yet electrifying. "You, Alison. You and Dani. Making sure you're safe and happy."
I blinked back tears, the sincerity in his eyes almost too much to bear. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," he murmured, his fingers lingering on my cheek. "Just promise me you'll let me be here for you. Whatever you need."
I nodded, my voice trembling. "I promise."
Anthony smiled, the teasing light in his eyes giving way to something deeper, more genuine. "Good. Now, how about we celebrate this new beginning with a toast? I think there's a bottle of something fancy in the kitchen."
I watched as he stood, his movements fluid and graceful. As he walked away, I couldn't help but marvel at the complexity of this man—so charming, so caring, and yet so enigmatic. And as I sat there, the leather notebook and fountain pen on the table beside me, I wondered about the women whose hearts he had broken and felt a strange mix of empathy and gratitude.
When Anthony returned with two glasses of sparkling cider, his smile was back in full force. "To new beginnings," he said, handing me a glass.
I raised mine, meeting his gaze. "To new beginnings," I echoed, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the drink.
As we clinked glasses and sipped the cider, the tension of the day melted away. Anthony's presence was calming, and the way he looked at me made my heart race. We chatted about the future, about Dani's schooling, about little things that made us laugh. His playful teasing continued, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Do you ever stop being so charming?" I asked, unable to hide my amusement.
"Not if I can help it," he replied, leaning closer. "It's part of my irresistible charm."
I shook my head, laughing softly. "I pity the women who fall for your charms."
"Do you?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes serious. "What about you, Alison? Are you falling for my charms?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. His intense gaze, his proximity, the warmth of his hand on mine—it was all too much. I felt my cheeks flush, and I looked away, trying to compose myself.
"You're incorrigible," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He chuckled softly. "Only for you, Alison."
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the city noises filtering in through the window. I felt a sense of peace I hadn't known in a long time, and Anthony's presence beside me only added to that feeling. I didn't realize how tired I was until I felt my eyelids growing heavy.
"Alison," Anthony's voice was gentle, pulling me from the brink of sleep. "You look exhausted. You should rest."
I nodded, too tired to argue. He stood up, and I felt a pang of disappointment, but he only moved to gently lift me from the sofa. His strong arms cradled me effortlessly, and I felt safe, cared for in a way I hadn't expected.
"Anthony," I murmured, my voice slurred with fatigue. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he replied softly, his breath warm against my ear. "Sleep well, Alison."
I barely registered him carrying me to my room and settling me into bed. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt the comforting weight of his hand in mine. I didn't realize until the next morning that I had fallen asleep in his arms, his presence a soothing balm to my weary soul.
And as the first light of dawn crept through the window, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead,
****