by anjwrites

Image by Kamille Sampaio on Pexels. (All photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free).

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Rise and shine, mon petit chou! It is a brand new day, filled with adventure. I can’t wait to spend it with you so please open your eyes and wake up… 

Two conflicting, relatively loud noises coming from two separate objects woke Lex up from her slumber. Without opening her eyes, she reached out for the alarm on the bedside table and turned off the incessant ringing set at 7 a.m., every day. All that was left was the love note-slash-alarm her boyfriend Pat recorded. She, then, reached for her phone and swiped on the screen to silence the alarm.

After opening the curtains to let the sunlight in, Lex got out of bed and began doing her daily morning stretches. Slowly, her awareness of her surroundings also awakened. “Where’s Pat?”

It was a Saturday morning, and on a typical, normal Saturday morning, she wouldn’t have heard the voice alarm because Pat himself would be waking her up with a tight hug or numerous kisses. He could only stay over on Friday and Saturday nights because Pat’s schedule and lifestyle was opposite of hers. He lived in his studio where he could be messy and create art on weekdays. He let inspiration take over his body and painted at odd hours when “the monsters and the muses dance together to create something beautiful,” according to him at least.

After her morning stretch, she went about her routine, starting with a shower. But before she could begin, Lex noticed a Post-It note on the bathroom mirror (Check your Messenger, Alexis) in Pat’s handwriting. She chose to ignore it, regardless of the sternness of the note, and went on with her shower. 

When she finished and opened her drawer to get dressed, she saw another note from Pat, which asked her to “Remember to check your Messenger–and please wear blue. It’s the prettiest color on you. PS: Like the blue dress in your closet.” Her phone was outside of the bathroom, so she opted to just finish her routine and wore her random house clothes, not really thinking of the blue dress mentioned.

When she got out, she headed to the kitchen to get her breakfast cereal. She opened the kitchen cabinet and saw another note, asking her to take notice of his video message. The same message was stuck on the milk carton inside the fridge. Lex sighed and began to collect the notes as she grabbed her phone from the bedroom’s side table.

Once Lex got settled stilling on the kitchen barstool, she opened her Messenger and saw a video message from Pat.

Hello, sweetheart. Thank you for finally opening this message. I’m sure you’re now eating breakfast while watching. Right, right?

Lex chuckled. He knew her so well; they’ve only dated for three years but it felt like they’ve been together forever. Surprisingly enough, despite their opposing personalities, her stoic and serious nature complemented his free-spirited and playful personality. Her cold, minimalist apartment that used to be in shades of gray now has spots of color and warmth because of him and she loved him for it.

So, ducky, I have a mission for you. You have to go to three places. Each stop will give you a gift if you succeed in the task and eventually, it’ll lead you home. Not home-home, of course. But me-home. Think of it as Lex’s Adventures in Pat-Land. You won’t encounter talking flowers and creatures but keep an open mind and welcome the adventure.

While Lex didn’t particularly like riddles and games, Pat knew how to appeal to her curiosity. That was how most of their dates went, especially at the beginning. He fell first and fast, right after she was introduced to him by his best friend, who was her officemate and junior at the law firm. To Lex, it felt bothersome but Pat became a puzzle for her to solve when he kept showing up. After a while, she figured out the only way to solve it was to get to know him and see him entirely. He endeared himself to her naturally, as she discovered his caring and sensitive nature, his warmth, and his love.

I’ll see you at the finish line, where X marks the spot. Love you, sweetie.

The video’s last image was a map. An address was written under it along with the line: ask for directions. Lex didn’t recognize the address. It wasn’t too far away but far enough to require a car ride there. She didn’t really have plans for that day. After breakfast, she would have opened her briefcase and reviewed her ongoing cases until lunch. Since it was a sunny day, she’d grab lunch and coffee outside, probably read a novel in the afternoon, before heading back home to eat dinner.

If Pat were there, they’d probably be doing something out of her ordinary routine. He enjoyed planning out-of-the-box activities but one of the many things she learned over the years was that Pat’s not a great planner. His plans always had a hitch or two or three. Even so, Lex appreciated that he always found ways to make their relationship fun and exciting. It was the complete opposite of her life before Pat came barreling in it and it was a change that brought her so much joy and love.

Whatever this was, it was bound to be another adventure or misadventure to remember. With this realization, she changed into the blue dress Pat tagged in her closet and headed to her first destination: Aling Tinay’s.

***

As a city girl, Lex enjoyed a long, scenic drive away from the city. Her regular scenery was a concrete jungle called Ortigas. Seeing some large patches of green and small houses brought out a sense of calm and delight out of her. It was a signal to her body to relax. This particular journey started after an early lunch in the apartment so Lex felt recharged and ready for anything

According to Google Maps, Aling Tinay’s was somewhere in Antipolo. There weren’t photos of the store online so she was on the lookout for a typical sari-sari store: a small storefront with a variety of items from food to toiletries and other basic necessities hanging on mounted hooks and kept in jars. Stores like this usually had a large signage with a big food brand or a mobile brand. While this was a common-looking store, the store seemed to be in a remote location and Lex hoped it was the only sari-sari store around.

Some time passed and things looked a bit greener and more remote than usual. Lex felt like she was lost but when she turned right, her navigation app advised her that she reached her destination. She looked around and saw a small store attached to an apartment with a sign that said “Aling Tinay’s” and a soda logo was painted on top of it. It was most likely the garage before it was converted into a store. Some large snacks were indeed hanging on the wall and the counter was made of glass and showed some toiletries, feminine care items, and stationery items inside it. On top of it, there were some plastic jars with cookies and other types of snacks.

Lex couldn’t see anyone around. She called, “Tao po?”

A little girl popped up behind the counter. She looked around eight and had chocolate crumbs on her face and fingers. When she saw Lex, her eyes grew wide with surprise and immediately left the store, yelling “Mama! Mama!” with excitement.

Moments later, an older woman, mid-forties, with her hair held up by a rose-shaped clamp, came out and stood behind the counter. “Hello! How can I help you?” She had this bright and slightly amused look on her face, showing that she knew the answer to her own question. The little girl came back with her, at this point sporting a flower headband and hiding behind her mom, creating streaks of chocolate on the woman’s loose, light-colored capris. 

“Are you Aling Tinay?“ When the woman confirmed with a nod, Lex continued, “This is going to sound silly.” Lex paused for a short moment, doing her best to not laugh. “But I’m told to ask for directions here… but I don’t know where exactly to go.”

The shop owner only nodded and asked her daughter excitedly, “Nak, get the gift from Kuya Pat.” The kid squealed and scurried back into the house. “You must be Lex… short for Alexis?”

“Yes po.” Lex mentioned, “I’m guessing Pat isn’t here.” 

Aling Tinay nodded again and shared information. “We’re only the first stop, from what I gather.” She added, “But this isn’t the first time you came to my store; Sir Pat said so.”

Lex’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The area was completely unfamiliar to her. Neither she nor Pat had any reason to be in Antipolo…unless it was for a special occasion. Nonetheless, hearing Pat’s name gave her some assurance that she succeeded in the first mission. But she needed more information and the promised directions she’d get from Aling Tinay.

Seeing the look on Lex’s face, Aling Tinay chuckled. “I probably had the same expression on my face when Sir Pat came here the other day.” She leaned forward and began explaining, “He said he had this really big favor to ask. At first, I thought he was crazy. Then, he said that he was here three years ago with a woman on their first date. They got lost on their way to the art museum in the area. The girl didn’t want to ask for directions but the signal was pretty bad so their internet wasn’t working. In the end, he went down the car and asked for directions here because the girl wouldn’t give up on finding directions online.”

All Lex could do was nod as she tried to piece her memories together. Lex met Pat through her officemate, Leo. They were best friends and hung out in a hidden bar at Tomas Morato. Leo brought Lex to one of their gathering as a way to celebrate the end of a hellish work week. She did try to get out of it but Leo said that it would take her mind off work.

Leo and Lex were in their office wear while the bar patrons were in casual wear. Pat was in some sort of ’70s outfit, bold and bright and loud. It was a very visible contrast to her overall look and aura so she made sure to sit far from him. Lex wasn’t particularly social and had that resting bitch face that discouraged people from approaching her. But Pat made his way and sat beside her. He had always been transparent and vocal about his thoughts. Upon facing her he immediately declared, “I am interested in you, Attorney.”

Lex was obviously shocked. “What?”

“Go out with me. Next weekend. Let’s go to an art museum.” He had this big, goofy grin on his face, hoping it would convince Lex to say yes. Funny enough, it reminded her of a golden retriever and that was how Pat’s friends would describe him.

At this point, everyone was watching the exchange. When Lex didn’t budge and give any positive indication, Pat only smiled and said, “Challenge accepted.” 

After an hour of drinking, sharing old college stories and recent events, and a game of truth or dare that ended up with Pat daring Lex to go out with him, Lex actually did say, “I’ll send you the address where to pick me up next week.” Pat celebrated by buying everyone a drink and talking about an art exhibit in Antipolo.

Lex surmised that they were going to that exhibit and prepared herself for it. However, Pat was only half-prepared and they did get lost. They wandered off in an area with low cellphone reception. She wanted to trace back their steps but Pat insisted to stop and ask. “There’s no harm in asking for directions.”

Pat left the car, and Lex stayed inside. Lex was stewing over the lack of preparations, the time being wasted and the low cellphone reception. After a few moments, he came back with some snacks and drinks for the drive. 

“Here are a few sweet things to lighten up the mood.”

Lex curtly replied, “I don’t eat in the car. Too messy.” But her stomach gurgled right after she said it. Both of them laughed because of it. Lex admitted defeat and accepted the snacks. 

She wanted to check again with Pat about his plans but he was still laughing out loud. All he said was, “That’s the first time I heard you laugh.” He promptly added, “Such a lovely sound.”

Soon enough, Lex was whisked back to the present as the little girl came back with a small bouquet of flowers, which covered most of her face. It was a mix of daisies, lilies, white roses, and a single tiger lily.  “These are for you, Miss Alexis.” 

Aling Tinay reached out and handed the bouquet to Lex. “You’ve completed your first stop, Miss Lex. The next directions are in the note.”

***

After thanking Aling Tinay and buying some snacks for the road, Lex sat inside her car and opened the note.  

Hello, ducky! Congratulations on completing the first mission. Did it bring back some not-so-fond memories for you? Haha.

Meeting you and asking you out immediately was a leap of faith that I would never ever regret. You were so beautiful but so serious and seemingly untouchable. I wanted to peer through the glass cage you were in and see the real person behind the pleasantries. I was so certain that there’s a warm, loving person under all that gray.

I was right, of course. You are more than your serious exterior. You care a lot and laugh brightly even at my lamest jokes. Your kindness glows. Your love… God, thank you for letting me have her heart even if it took a while for me to earn. You truly won my heart and soul after hearing your stomach grumble and sharing a hearty laugh in the car.

Thank you for giving this, us, a chance to exist, my love.

Now, you must go to the nearest gas station on your way out. If you don’t remember, Aling Tinay told me to go down the road and go right. If you keep going straight, you’ll end up in Sumulong Highway. There’s a gas station in the corner. 

Go there and ask for Ate Pilar. She’ll give you the next instructions.

After folding the note and leaving it on the passenger seat, Lex did as she was told. She couldn’t help but ponder on the need to go to the gas station. She didn’t need to fill the tank. The long drive prompted her to fill up before heading to Antipolo. Then, Lex recalled what happened during that first date. After leaving Aling Tinay’s, they needed to get some gas.

The gas station wasn’t one from a big franchise. It was a small, provincial gasoline station. It looked pretty bare bones, with only two gas pumps and a cashier booth in between. Back then, she only stayed in the car while Pat dealt with the payment. It was a very quick stop too so Lex couldn’t figure out how this particular place mattered.

Lex parked her car on the side and stepped out of the car. She approached one of the attendants and asked for Ate Pilar. 

The attendant, a slight young man, left the car he was filling up. He approached the cashier booth and knocked on the window. “Ate Pilar, you have a guest!”

The cashier booth’s door swung open and Ate Pilar came out, making sure to lock it before leaving the booth to see Lex. She was a stocky, no-nonsense woman and rather foreboding. Without exchanging pleasantries, Ate Pilar pointed to the fence where chairs were. 

As soon as they were settled into their seats, Ate Pilar took a pack of cigarettes from her pocket. She offered one to Lex but she refused. 

“So, you know why you’re here, right?” Ate Pilar had this gruff voice that scared Lex a bit. 

“Yes,” Lex said, “you have a mission for me from Pat.”

Ate Pilar gave Lex a once-over and snickered. “I figured you’d be some prim broad. Opposites do attract.” She took another drag of her cigarette. “That fruity man with a prim broad. Ha!” Lex didn’t know what to say after that.

The silence was getting a bit long, considering that Ate Pilar’s cigarette was getting shorter by the minute. But before Lex could ask a question, Ate Pilar beat her to the punch. “Did you know that he didn’t have cash back then? All he had were cards and e-wallets but we were cash-only back then.” Lex shook her head. Pat never told her about this.

A hearty, smoky laugh came out of Ate Pilar. “Ha! Secrets are gonna kill the love and the vibes eventually. I guess that’s why he’s doing this now…” Smoke came out of her mouth after another drag. “Better late than never, I guess.”

Ate Pilar dropped the cigarette butt and squished it with her shoe to fully extinguish the fire. “You know what he did then?” She began talking about how Pat sweet-talked her into accepting a barter.

I’m with this amazing girl and it’s our first date. I don’t want to fuck it up but so far, the journey hasn’t been great. But with your help and letting me barter off my watch, everything would go well. I’ll go back for it for sure.

Lex admittedly didn’t notice his missing watch back then. She was fuming and hungry for an actual meal. As she reflected on their first year as a couple, she recalled how Pat rarely showed any other emotion beyond his jolly, hyper self. He was overly optimistic and always looked at the bright side of things because that was his survival instinct, similar to how Lex overly prepared and double-checked everything. It took them a while before Pat was able to be honest with her and before Lex became comfortable with surprises and adventures like this. They learned how important it is to listen to one another intently throughout the years. This way, they rarely fought and were able to grow in the last three years they’ve been together.

“He’s a man of his word, got his watch back the day after. Speaking of a watch…” Ate Pilar took a small box out of her other pocket and handed it to Lex. “Pat told me to give this to you. It has the next instructions.”

As she held the box into her hands tightly, Lex said, “Thank you.” She proceeded to open it while Ate Pilar watched. Inside the box was a watch, a bunch of red string, and a note. 

Seeing the contents, Ate Pilar was satisfied with her accomplished mission and stood up. Before walking away, she said, “That man is rare. Loves you like you are life itself. Keep him close, babe, or else I’m gonna steal him away from you!”

***

Lex went back inside her car, feeling very much alive. They went on adventures like this whenever they’d visit a city and go museum- or café-hopping. This adventure had everything to do with her, which made her more determined to get to the end. She unfolded the paper and read the note carefully.

Hello, my darling. You found the second clue! I’m glad you met someone who is pivotal to our relationship. Ate Pilar saved me back then and with her help and trust, we did reach our destination and had a pretty awesome first date.

I love how you looked at the paintings with real curiosity and how you listened to me babble and gab about them. After that, I loved more and more things about you. I love how you scrunch your nose when something smells off. I love how your eyes would grow wide when I share scandalous art world tea over dinner. I love how you hold my hand before we go to sleep. I love how your body relaxes whenever we spoon. I love how you let me love you when you thought you weren’t worthy of being loved.

This watch is a perfect match to mine. I hope that our time together will never run out.

I think you left the apartment after lunch and that would mean you got this around late in the afternoon. To make sure you get here safely and on time, this clue is going to be very straightforward. Remember the restaurant we went to after the museum on our first date, Gardens in the Sky? That’s where you need to go next. 

I added the string because that’s an important clue to the last location. It will lead you to the X and that’s where I’ll be waiting for you.

Love you, ducky. Drive safely. 

This prompted Lex to drive higher up the mountainside. The sky was already in different shades of orange and purple by the time she reached the last location. Gardens in the Sky was a lovely and partially hidden garden restaurant a few kilometers away from the museum they visited on their first date. The al fresco area had a wonderful view of the city below and felt like paradise with all the greenery and the delicious food they serve.

Upon entering the restaurant’s gateway, it seemed like someone was waiting for her at the driveway, a tall, stocky man in a black suit. As she got closer, she recognized the man as Leo.

When Lex got out of the car, Leo immediately greeted her, “You made it just in time, Lex.” He immediately asked for her keys and offered, “I’ll park your car. Go inside by following this.” Leo handed over a red ribbon that snaked its way towards the restaurant entrance. “It’ll lead you to where you need to go.”

Lex began collecting the ribbon as she followed it. She did her best to keep calm and not run to get to the end. It was one of the things Pat taught her–to enjoy the moment by not rushing through everything. The red ribbon led her through the empty restaurant and into the garden at the back. The garden was lit by fairy lights and lamps on the path. Gumamelas, zinnias, and more flowers were all over the garden. There was a gazebo in the middle of the garden. The ribbon was attached to an X sign in the middle of the gazebo. 

As she approached the X, classical music began playing. A few steps more, she saw a shadowy figure move into the light. As expected it was Pat, who dressed up and looked very dapper in khaki slacks and a floral button-down polo. He had that same goofy smile on his face but Lex noticed that he looked pretty nervous… and that the red ribbon was actually tied to his wrist and not the sign.

As their distance grew shorter, all Pat could say then was “Hi.”

Lex, at this point, was aware of what was happening. They had conversations about this moment a while back, with the latest one while watching The Proposal the other weekend. She recalled telling Pat to just surprise her when he asked what kind of proposal she dreamed of. 

Once she got to the other end of the ribbon, Lex held his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Hi, Pat.”

“Glad you got here on time.” Pat kissed her forehead. “You never fail to be prompt. It amuses me.” Both of them laughed softly at this.

Taking a deep breath, Pat reached out for Lex’s other hand. “Lex, the past three years we spent together has been the happiest adventure I’ve lived so far. I am so thankful to Leo for bringing you to Kanto. My life has never been the same. I am a better man with you… and I am grateful.” 

Lex saw how hard Pat was trying to get the words out of his heart. She gave his hands another reassuring squeeze so he could continue with his speech. 

“We’re like the sun and the moon and despite our differences, we make much sense together, you know.” He paused as he put his hand on his pocket. “And the only thing that doesn’t make sense is how we’re not formally and legally forever bonded.” 

Lex too was feeling nervous and excited and everything in between. The smile on her face wouldn’t fade away even if she was starting to get teary-eyed. The entire surroundings just faded away. All she could see was Pat.

“All I’m trying to say is…will you marry me?” He let go of her hand and held up a ring that he fished out of his pocket. Lex’s attention went from his face to the ring and back to his face. All Pat could do was wait for her answer with all the butterflies fluttering inside him.

Lex’s grin grew wider as tears of joy began sliding down her cheeks. “Yes, definitely.” 

About the Author. At the young age of ten, anjwrites started to dream of being a published writer. She has written many stories and poems on notebooks, scraps of paper, and social media pages. A few of her stories are accessible in a flash fiction website called The Five Hundred. Her poems have been featured in a number of poetry accounts on Instagram, a literary journal called Ghost Heart Literary Journal, and a local art journal called Woman, Create. 8Letters Publishing released her first novella, One and Only You in 2024 and her first zine, written snapshots in 2025.

Her one wish is to have time to write more often and share her work, whether prose or poetry, with the world. To see her existing and on-going work, you may visit her Instagram account (anjwritespoems), her WordPress page (anjwrites), and her Wattpad page (anjwritesagain.)