An Angel's kiss.

Chapter Two

When she saw that I had the grades and the potential, she believed I could fulfill the dream she'd been forced to leave behind.

The only problem was... It was never my dream. More than anything, I wanted to bake. I dreamed of opening my own bakery someday, a cozy little place filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, pastries, and desserts that could brighten someone's day with just one bite.

Medicine had never fascinated me. In fact, I was terrified of blood. Even the smallest cut was enough to make my stomach churn. The metallic smell alone made me feel lightheaded, and seeing more than a few drops sent my heart racing. The thought of dissecting cadavers, stitching wounds, or standing in an operating room wasn't exciting to me—it was my worst nightmare.

I tried telling my mom that I wasn't cut out to become a doctor, but she never took my fears seriously. She believed I would eventually get used to it, that fear could be overcome with enough exposure. No matter how many times I tried to explain myself, her mind had already been made up.

So here I was... A first-year pre-med student at Kingsford University in New York City, chasing someone else's dream while quietly setting my own aside.

"Hey, Angel! Earth to Angel!" I felt Janice gently nudge my arm.

"Huh?"

"What now?" she asked with a laugh. "Why are you zoning out? Please, just say yes."

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. this would be the first time I'd ever do something without my parents' permission. The thought alone made me uneasy, and I had no idea what I'd tell them if they ever found out. But Janice had done so much for me.

Bahala nan ga. "Fine," I finally said. "I'll come with you." I smile.

Her smile widened from ear to ear. "Yeees!" she cheered a little too dramatically. "I knew you couldn't say no to me! Trust me, it's going to be fun."

I could only roll my eyes, fighting back a smile. Sometimes, Janice was just impossible. OA Talaga!

****

Hindi ko na alam kung pang-ilang buntong-hininga ko na. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, still wondering if I was really going through with this.

I had large, light brown eyes that everyone said were shaped like a cat's, a small pointed nose, and naturally rosy lips. My face was smaller than most Filipinos, and my fair, milky complexion often made people joke that I looked like I had a ring light following me everywhere.

My long, wavy chocolate-brown hair had never been cut short. Mom loved keeping it long. According to my relatives on my father's side, I inherited most of my features from our Spanish ancestors. They'd always admired my looks, but I never really thought much about them. To me, it was just the face I saw in the mirror every day.

I had absolutely no idea what people wore to house parties. This would be my first one.

After changing my mind more times than I could count, I finally settled on a white, long-sleeved mock-neck dress. It draped loosely over my petite frame, the hem stopping just above my knees. But it was modest, comfortable, and the closest thing to confidence I could find in my closet. I took one last look at myself in the mirror before letting out another quiet sigh.

Hopefully, I wouldn't look too out of place.

"Kalabaw!"

Napatalon ako sa biglaang pagtunog ng doorbell. That had to be Janice. I hurried downstairs and opened the front door.

"Ready?" bungad niya, a wide grin already plastered across her face.

Hindi na siya naghintay ng imbitasyon. Dumiretso siya sa loob na parang bahay niya iyon, saka ako sinuyod ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. A slow smile spread across her face.

"Wow..." she breathed. "You look gorgeous."

"T-Thank you." Hindi ko napigilang mamula.

She tilted her head, giving me a once-over. "Hmm..." She pursed her lips. "Sorry to say this, Little Angel, but you don't exactly look like you're heading to a house party."

Napakunot-noo ako.

"You look like you're on your way to Sunday Mass."

Napababa ang tingin ko sa suot ko.

"This is the shortest dress I own," depensa ko. "The rest are even longer... and more conservative." I looked back at her and raised an eyebrow. " And excuse me, Ms. Barbie Doll, " I shot back with a grin. "Don't 'little angel' me. I'm taller than you, just so you remember." I finished with a teasing wink.

This was how we were with each other. We could throw playful jabs back and forth without anyone getting offended because we both knew where the boundaries were. Our friendship had always been built on trust, laughter, and the unspoken understanding that no joke was ever meant to hurt.

She clicked her tongue. "Height isn't everything."

"Says the one who's five-three."

She narrowed her eyes at me before breaking into a grin. "Anywayz, mywayz!" With that, she lifted the paper bag in her hand and gave it a little shake.

"Good thing I came prepared."

I eyed the bag suspiciously. "What's in there?"

"A miracle," she replied without missing a beat.

"A miracle?" Napataas ang isang kilay ko.

For you," she said matter-of-factly. "Trust me, Angel of God. By the time I'm done with you, you'll actually look like you're going to a house party." She wiggled her eyebrows.

****

Hindi ko maiwasang mamangha sa laki at ganda ng bahay ni Jacob. Alas-sais na ng gabi, at nagsisimula nang dumilim ang kalangitan. The entire estate was beautifully illuminated by warm golden lights, making it look even more breathtaking against the evening sky.

Pagkapasok pa lang namin sa mataas na wrought-iron automatic gate, halatang napakayaman na ng pamilya nila. The car slowly drove along a wide driveway lined with perfectly manicured lawns, towering palm trees, and neatly trimmed hedges, all softly lit by elegant landscape lights. Habang papalapit kami sa main entrance, bumungad ang isang napakalawak na circular driveway na may engrandeng marble fountain sa gitna. Crystal-clear water danced gracefully beneath the lights, creating a stunning display that instantly caught my attention. Sa likod nito ay nakatayo ang isang napakalaking mansion with towering white columns, elegant stone walls, and a grand entrance framed by massive double doors. It’s perfectly symmetrical design, steep slate roof, and multiple wings stretch across the estate, making the house look more like a private luxury resort than a family home. Soft golden lights highlighted every architectural detail, giving the mansion a warm yet majestic presence against the evening sky. It was the kind of house I had only ever seen in movies or on the covers of luxury magazines. Several luxury cars were parked neatly along the driveway, their polished exteriors reflecting the warm lights from the mansion. Every corner of the estate screamed elegance and sophistication.

"Babe, you have to close your mouth before we go down," Janice teased with a laugh, glancing at me.

I hadn't even realized my mouth had fallen open. Embarrassed, I quickly closed it. "This is huge, Ja! Where are his parents? Are they okay with him hosting this kind of party?"

She simply shrugged. "I honestly don't know. I think we're good to go."

Obviously, he invited a lot of people. Wala nang bakanteng parking space. kaya sa gilid na lang ng driveway ipinarada ni Janice ang kanyang Mazda3, kasunod ng hanay ng mamahaling sasakyan. Pareho naming sinuyod ng tingin ang mga nakaparada roon.

Napangiti na lang ako. Sa tabi ng mga iyon, biglang nagmukhang mumurahing laruan ang Mazda3 ni Janice. Sabay kaming bumaba at natahimik habang nakatingala sa napakalaking mansion.