All we have is now

FAYE went out of the bar hopelessly. It’s her first time entering the bar since Liam's disappearance. Damn that man Guevarra, If I just didn’t need him I wouldn’t go here. It’s been five years and I still don’t have a sensible lead.

I drove my Lamborghini Veneno and stooped at the convenience store then went home. I went to my office where no one is allowed to enter. I took out the documents from the envelope then put it all on my investigation chart. I saw a new face again, so I searched for the person but then again it has been dead for two years. Out of frustration, I threw the things on the table, I kicked my swivel chair. No, I can’t break down right now.

When I got out I saw Nana Sally waiting for me outside. She looks so worried. “Nana, I’m not hungry just eat without me and please tell the others don’t disturb me” I smiled at her then entered my room.

The water dripped to my hair, I felt the cold as it hit my naked body. When I got cold I went out of the bathroom. I dried my hair using my towel then blow-dried my hair.

Finally, I jumped on the bed and lay down. I suddenly miss Mommy and Daddy. I fell asleep and woke up when I heard my cell phone rang.

“Hey, sweetheart. How are you? You've been busy these past few weeks that you even forgot to call your dad back” said her mom in the other line. “Mom, I’m sorry I’ve been busy lately. The company that I worked for, we’re preparing for the new launches for our product” Well we’re indeed preparing for our new product to launch this coming May 13th.

I heard my mother sigh. “Are you still looking for your brother, Crystal? Is that the reason why you don’t want to work for our company? I’m telling you right now Crystal Faye stopped investigating your brother's case and let the authorities handle that. I can’t afford to lose you too, baby” I got up and sat on the bed. I’m sorry Mom, I can’t afford to lose my Brother Liam too. I ended the call with a heavy sigh in my chest.

Faye woke up to the knocking sound on the door. I was still drowsy when I stood up to open the person knocking loudly on my door. I was stunned to see my best friend grinning looking at me. “Oh, you are still alive? I thought you were dead” Faye said sluggishly.

“Is that how you greet your best friend Crystal Faye Conception?” Gianna raised her eyebrows. “I haven't seen you for over 6 months. So, I thought you were dead already. You didn't even think to call me, Gianna Farrah Dela Cruz” Faye said, and turned her back to go back to bed. Gianna laughed as she followed Faye inside.

“C’mon, It's not my intention not to call you. My manager confiscated my phone, part of my job not to hold my cellphone while we are taping” Giana sat on the bed. “Ugh, I missed you, you are always busy. That girl Zaylee Quinn Mendoza is also busy chasing a man who doesn’t like her. Why is she forcing herself to the man who is just pushing her away tho” Faye said annoyingly.

“Let her be, she’s in love. Zaylee is happy every time she’s with him” Gianna said. “ He better shouldn’t make Zaylee cry because I will bury him alive whoever that man is” She reluctantly hugged her.

Faye and Gianna ended their day shopping, watching movies in the cinemas, and eating at their favorite restaurant.

“Hey girls, it is nice seeing you both here again. It’s been a while” Maxine Sanchez the owner of the restaurant. “Hi! Maxine, you seem to be even more beautiful now than the last time we saw you, I mean you’re gorgeous as always it just that you look more stunning right now. Hmm.. let me guess, is it because of a guy?” Gianna teased Maxine.

Maxine touched her face and smiled. “You are good at guessing”. “Gotcha,” Gianna said while clapping her hands. “So, who’s the lucky guy?” Faye said. She was excited to know the man who had caught Maxine’s heart. “You will know him soon,” Maxine giggled in excitement. After at Maxine’s restaurant they left immediately and decided to visit their long-time high school best friend Lindsey Arlette Anderson, half Filipina half American. When they arrived at the Anderson mansion one of their maids assisted them inside and took them to the swimming pool area.

Right there I saw the man named Leonard Guevarra, her private investigator. Faye raised her eyebrows as she approached Lindsey. “Hey, girl! who is the hottie guy next to you?” Gianna’s flirtation function started again as she saw Leonard winking at her. I rolled my eyes to let him know that I did not like what he did. Protect my best friend at all costs. I chuckled at the thought of Leonard old fashioned moves.

“I missed you, girls.” Lindsey stood up to hug me and Gianna. Leonard is still not moving and just stares at me. I rolled my eyes, once again. Then he stood up and faced me. “Nice to see you again Crystal,” Leonard said as he raised his hand to shake hands with me. I just stared at it and passed him to sit in the empty seat behind him.

“Woah, fierce as always,” Leonard said with admiration. I just give him a fake smile. I saw my two best friends looking discombobulated to each other. “Don’t ask me about how we knew each other, long story” Faye said. Lindsey and Gianna sit beside me. “Make it short then,” Lindsey said in excitement. I sighed, this day will not end if I will not tell them. I know these two very well. “He’s my private investigator”. They were silent and did not ask any more questions. Leonard let us girls bond and leave.

The three of them- Lindsey, Faye, Gianna- had enjoyed a lively supper of chili and cornbread, seasoned with plenty of laughter, sitting around Lindsey’s kitchen table and Gianna had stayed to help clear away after the meal.

Faye, explaining that the effects of her afternoon nap had worn off, excused herself from the kitchen and made her way to the guest room. The next day Faye woke up early because Ashton texted her to go to his house before heading to the office.