The Obsession To Ex-Convict

Chapter 1

"Mendez, you have a visitor!" the jail guard yelled at me so I jumped up.

I fixed myself first before I left my cell and headed to where the visitations Area was. I still looked around because I didn't know who would visit me.

I smile because my best friend is Jessie. I thought he could visit next week because he is busy. I quickly came to him and hugged him tightly.

"I thought you wouldn't visit this week?" I asked and sat in front of him.

"I came to visit because I miss you," he answered.

"How are you here? How are they treating you? Maybe they are hurting you?" he asked one after another. I took a deep breath because I was fine.

"I'm fine. Jess is used to it because I've been here for a long time," I answered while playing with my nails.

"How are they, ma'am and papa?" I asked because the last news I had from them was that they had returned to the province.

Life in Manila is hard. Especially since I can no longer help them with their financial status. I miss them too because they only visit me once a year but I can't do anything about it.

"They're okay. They're living and I'm not neglecting them. I visit them from time to time," he answered, making me nod.

"Anya?" he called me so I looked at him.

"I'll try to talk to Attorney Sebastian but he didn't even address me," he informed me.

"What happened? I felt his anger towards you and me even deeper?" he asked.

"Anya? Please talk, because she is your only hope to get out of here and nothing else," he added.

"Leave him alone. He wants me to rot here," I answered and looked away because the Attorney was angry with me for a reason.

"There's something you're not telling me. How can I help you with that?" he asked but I shook my head.

"Jessie, even if I tell you everything. Levi won't talk to you. He won't listen to you and he won't let me out of here because he hates me," I answered him.

"That's it, he was already mad at you even before the tragedy happened to your cousin," he told me.

"Leave him alone Jess. Maybe this is my destiny. I'm doing everything, eh!" I answered.

"I know you love him until now, Anya Belle, but I can't imagine that he would do this to you," he said in confusion, making me laugh out loud. My tears falling down while I play with my nails.

"He's not here Anya, he's in the U. S ata because that's the information I got. He's studying again and working," he informed so I just nodded.

"Thanks for the visit Jess," I thanked.

"There is nothing for us to be friends with."

"Just say hello to my parents, then don't visit me too much because I'm bothering you. You also need to find a girl to love," I said to him with a smile.

"I have and don't you worry. When you get out I will introduce you," he happily answered so I nodded. If I can get out of here.

"It's hard for me to get out, you know that," I answered sadly.

"I'm not going to get tired of going back and forth to your ex's house until I can talk to him properly," he said seriously.

"We won't get anything from him and he won't listen. He doesn't accept explanations especially when he has evidence," I answered.

"Leave me here. I accept my fate. Let's all accept it. Let your life be happy and move-on. Don't worry about me anymore," I told him because I knew he would come back there again and again. My Levi won't face him anyway.

"Visiting time is over!" the Warden shouted so I stood up and wiped my tears.

I am not strong even if I tell them I'm okay but here I am still crying in front of them.

"Thank you for everything," I said to him and hugged him tightly.

"Take care always. I'll be here for you!" he also answered me and kissed my forehead.

I turned back first and bit by bit what he brought for me. I am very grateful to him because he never abandoned me since then. But he deserves to focus on where he will have fun, whether he is a boy or a girl, rather than going back and forth because I have no hope.

I went back to my cell and lay down again. You have nothing to do here in prison but lie down and eat. Repeat every day like this and think about something.

Being a prison is not easy? it's so hard you can't do the things you want to do. You are not free. It's like the amount of time here inside is not the same as outside that it just moves faster. It's a different world outside and here inside and you'll see nothing but bars, yellow t-shirts and the same faces.

So it's just a pity for those imprisoned who are only accused especially that they can't achieve the freedom they want because those with position and money are more powerful than the innocent.

This is a reality of being a prison. It's not everyone's fault, others are just accused. According to those I have talked to and interacted with here, they are almost innocent and have also lost the case like me that has been emphasized.

When I first entered here, I just cried, but no one can kill you but yourself. You are yourself and they will tell you that you are weak, poor. Even if you defend yourself to them but still nothing because they think you are a criminal even though you didn't do it. Who will believe you? Are they also criminals? They will just laugh at you. The better thing to do here is to shut up and sleep.

"Mendez?" The Jail guard called me, I just finished taking a shower because it's hot.

"Yes?" I speak politely.

"You have a call," he answered and opened my cell.

"Who is it?" I asked him.

"Don't ask too many questions, just talk!" he answered and pushed me out of the cell.

There are people who do not treat fellow human beings as well. We are human beings too, we need respect too, aren't we imprisoned? They think little of me but the reality is we have no voice here so I just follow him.

The telephone was given to me so I immediately reached for it and answered.

"Hello?" my answer.

"Hello, who are they?" I asked again but he didn't answer. I only heard a sigh. So I looked at the Warden who was also looking at me. She gave me a little smile and he nodded at me.

"Is this you?" I'm betting that maybe mom just doesn't want to talk, maybe she's sad for me.

"Mang, please speak up if it's you? I'm okay here. Don't worry about me. I miss you and papa so much. I'm sorry for what happened in my life," I said and the tears started to flow. I had tears but I just heard that I had been called so I sent it back to the Warden.

"Thank you!" I said before turning around.

"You can get out of here too, just be nice."

I didn't expect the Warden's speech because he was labeled wild here and grumpy because no one is forgiven. It's the same with the jail guards who you think look perfect and clean.

"That's unlikely to happen. The person who put me in jail is so angry with me," I also answered him.

"Atty. Noah Lev is a Devil in the court. No one is forgiven. No one misses that so he always wins the case and is handsome," he said excitedly. He admired Levi because his eyes twinkled. Don't be mine, my mind said.

"See! I can't get out of here," I said with a smile and left lest he wonder why I'm still smiling.

As time goes by I get used to everything. But there is the time that our life here is a lot of straggle's, even if you are in your cell, don't trust because later you will be on your side but later it won't be. It's good that there are only two of us in the cell, nothing has been added yet.

Face the reality because I'm not going anywhere but to my cell, hang out, lie down, stand up, eat, sleep and in the morning we also get sun, there's community service inside that's the only route of my life. I don't think about when I can get out of here because I know the answer. As long as that person is angry and closed minded towards me. He will suffer and I will be helpless.

"What are you thinking?" said another prisoner, Hana. So I looked at her, Hana was the only one who talked and made friends with me, but it was difficult for other prisoners like me.

"My parents," I lied to him.

"Parent or the one who imprisoned you?" he asked me with a smile and poked my side I kept smiling and shaking my head at him.

"What else can I get from the one who put me in prison but Lifetime prison," I laughed and answered him and made my bed.

"I'm about to be free, Anya," he said goodbye to me so I fell silent. I ruffled his hair.

" Be nice outside," I said happily but I was sad because he was my only friend here.

"Of course, it's hard here," he answered me.

"Promise me that you won't come back here, Hana. Whatever your fault is, don't repeat it," I also told her and hugged her.

"I'll miss you," I said.

"Me too," I answered shortly.

"Fix your things, I'll help you," I excitedly told him.

"You know your Ao too, no one is going to fix things yet," he said to me and sat next to me and put his arm around me.

"You can get out too, just have faith, just be positive and pray, the one who sent you to jail has softened your heart," he encouraged me.

"So that we are happy," he said to me.

"Do you think he'll ever forgive me?" I also asked him sadly.

"If the man loves you more than his life, you are lucky because forgiveness is easy but to forget is hard," He replied to me before lying down.

"It's just the same, Hana, you just extended it. Nothing will happen yet," I frowned at him, but he just laughed and shook his head.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

"Mendez, you're here!" a guard shouted as he opened my cell.

Hana and I are resting because we just finished community service outside. I looked at Hana before standing up and straightened myself up and changed into a yellow t-shirt because it's not allowed when you go to the Visitor's area without wearing the detained uniform. I knew Jessie was my visitor so I didn't ask the guard because he wouldn't answer correctly.

He hasn't been able to visit for three weeks, but this is what I want them to forget about me because even if the world turns upside down, I still can't get out of here.

I am slowly accepting that this is where I will grow old because I have to. I don't want to hope because I have nothing to hope for.

My life here is waisted.

I went out and headed to the visitors area. I was surprised because Jessie wasn't there so I stopped and looked for her with my eyes but she wasn't really there. I was about to approach the guard again and ask but I just held back because even Jessie's shadow wasn't here, maybe this Jail guard just tripped me so they couldn't do anything in their lives.

I was about to return to my cell when I noticed someone familiar to me. He turned his back so he couldn't see me yet. Could he be my visitor? But why? Why is he here? My mind asked.

A guard approached me who was very kind to the prisoners and really had a heart. He knows the grievances of the prisoners because not all are bad but others look down on us for not being human. Even though we have no fault and do nothing to them. The reason is because they were found guilty and you say you are innocent.

"Mendez is your visitor," he said and pointed to the person I didn't expect to visit me.

I don't want to approach him because I'm shy. Maybe he just went to the wrong place or visited but the guard called me and it wasn't just a trip by a guard.

"Don't stand there, go first. Those are special visitors, they don't need to hurry," he smiled at me and pushed me to walk towards my visit.

It was as if I was short of breath as I approached him. My knees were getting weak so I took a deep breath. Why is he here? I asked in my mind. My feet were heavy as I approached him and I first looked at the kind guard who was also just watching me. He nodded and just smiled.

"It's up to you," I said before I faced my guest. I swallowed three times before calling him by his last name.

"Mr. Sebastian?" I call formally. He turned around and just looked at me seriously, which made me even more nervous. Why he's cold amber eyes that seem terrifying. This is what I'm saying.

I'm nervous.

"Have a seat," he said seriously so I immediately sat in front of him. I just bowed and played with my nails. While waiting for what he would tell me.

"I am here to talk about your case," he said as I looked up and our eyes met.

"I'm sorry for what happened. I didn't mean to disturb you," I said first and bowed.

"Forgot the disturbing things Anya Belle. Im here to discuss your case not anything else or nothing else," he said seriously. I raised my head again and he was still looking at me. You have something you want to convey or say.

"Your friend talked to me. He asked me for help so I'm here right now in front of you."

"Now tell everything and I will listen to you. For the sake of your case," he said and propped his two elbows on the table and sat casually. After all, he's a special visitor, so even if he's here until tomorrow, it's okay.

"It's really Jessie," I blurted out and scratched my head because the father who put me in jail was also bothering me.

"I don't know where to start," I answered and held both of his hands.

I want to be free but what am I going to do when you, Sebastian, are my enemy. Maybe when I get out, I'll be in jail again in less than twenty-four hours, I said in my mind.

"You want to be free right? Then, this is the right time to open up your side, I'll listen."

"It's time for Anya Belle because if I change my mind I won't help you if we just stare at each other," he offered so I spoke quickly.

Even though I know these are special visitors. I need to have everything explained so I can be free even though I'm still afraid of what my life will be like outside just in case but it's fine as long as the important thing is that I can be free. Tears began to flow as I thought about everything that had happened.

"I-I really want to be free. Sympre who doesn't. I'm getting tired of it because the morning, noon and night routine is repeated over and over again and also I've been here for a long time. But what else is my life in out just in case? If I can't go back to my old job."

"I'm gone. All my dreams are ruined because of the tragedy that wasn't my fault or because of my fault with him," I answered and wiped my tears. I wanted to release the hurt in my heart but it wasn't the right time.

"If only I knew. If only I knew," I said while shaking my head at him.

"What is my life here? I'm alive dad but I'm not existing. I wish I'd just died so I wouldn't have to experience this again! This is not what I want in my life! I'm in pain daddy, it hurts so much!" I said and cried in front of him.

"Im here to help you. Don't you worry," he comforted me.

"Yes! I have my mistake and I'm wrong in that part but I do everything," I told him.

"But if you just ask me to return the lives of the two people who disappeared because of what happened, I say that I can't return that to you," I also said.

"Like I've said I am here to help you. I didn't come here to ask. I will help you get free Anya Belle. Your hu-- I mean, my son is not here right now he is in the State now for his studies and work ."

"I know my two children as well as you, Anya, you don't even want to tell me, but I don't want to interfere with you, but the tragedy is not the reason why you are here now, but you hit his ego," he told me.

"It's good that I visited my son's house and I saw your best friend there. I talked to the guard about why he was there and he said that Noah hasn't faced him since then. I don't know what happened why you have reached this point but I only know one reason and that includes the fact that you approached me then," he said sadly to me so that I bowed and nodded. Yes! he is right

"I confronted Jessie and she told me everything," he added.

"I know you were gone before he became your cousin's girlfriend, but the question is why?" he asked me so I nodded again.

"I don't want to break up with you but he is the one who doesn't want me," I informed him so he nodded.

"I have my power to dismiss you but if you haven't gotten out yet and my daughter Anya Belle comes back, I won't be able to help you because she will replace me. So just cooperate with me now. I'll take care of my daughter don't worry about him anymore," he was serious about what he was telling me.

"I was shocked by what my son did to you and I'm the one who apologizes to you. I don't know why you have reached this point. You two can just talk about what to do," he preached. yet.

"Now I know what your case is. I'll file Parole for your dismissal and if you're released, don't show Noah because you might end up back in jail. I won't be able to help you then," he said and nodded. I.

"I have to go Anya. Don't lose hope, just hold on and fight, heart!" He said and stood up. I smiled and didn't move because of the pity I feel. If he can help me, I will be very grateful to him.

I blinked because even though my tears were about to fall, I didn't realize that he was no longer in front of me.

"Judge Sebastian?" I called him and ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much daddy Lorenzo. Thank you for accepting me as a part of your family before," I thanked and buried my face in his chest.

He let me sit and I also felt his hug in return. Feels good. That someone believed in me. When I knew I was okay. I was the one who spontaneously broke away from our embrace. He smiled at me and looked into my eyes. He is a good father.

His Amber eyes like his son, if only his son Levi was his age they would be mistaken for twins and also his daughter whom I have never seen in person. I only saw it in the picture because he is in Spain now.

"You knew then that I wanted you for Noah Lev. You are a part of the family since then, even though you are no longer with my son. I'm so glad Anya Belle that you still call me daddy because Judge Sebastian is very formal , " he said and ruffled my hair.

Until he left and I went back to my cell. I changed into a T-shirt and sat on my bed with the hope of life. I know I'm still smiling to this day.

"When can you come out, Hana?" I asked Hana who was reading the word of God or the Bible.

This is the important thing here when you are in a mountain that must be learned. You can talk God and read his word and share his word to your fellow prisoners. Except for Community services, my bible service is also when M-W-F-S even if the time is minimal, at least the word of God is taken to heart.

"If you can get out," he answered in a whisper but I heard it.

"What?" I will ask.

"I said soon," he replied with a smile.

"I hope I can get out," I told him and lay down.

"Don't lose hope we can get out of here too," he said before he closed what he was reading and adjusted it before laying down next to me.

"Stand in faith even if you're having the hardest time in life. Always remember that God is with you all the time," We said together and arranged the bed.

Later, he fell asleep.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

"Anya Belle Mendez," I heard my full name called. I turned to see who it was but I didn't care that it was the Warden so I got up. I'm also wondering why he came to our cell and was still holding papers that he shouldn't have.

"You're free!" he said excitedly. I was stunned and couldn't move. I heard what he said but my whole body felt stiff and my heart was beating so fast that I was about to faint.

That's free! That's free! That's free, my mind kept signing in, so I held onto Hana, who was sleeping peacefully.

"This is the dismissal papers Mendez and ordered," he said and held up the papers he was holding.

"Hana?" I called Hana.

"Hana?" I called him again because he didn't even get up.

"They say I'm free Hana, is that true?" I said to her and shook her shoulder to get her up. I couldn't believe it because maybe I was just dreaming because Hana didn't move either.

"It's okay," I said and someone stepped on my foot. I'm bored.

"Anya Belle, I know!" he replied and rubbed his eyes as if complaining why I woke him up.

"You know? H-How do you know?" I will ask.

"That Warden's voice must be so strong!" he answered with a frown and turned his back on me so that he could go back to sleep.

"Hana Naman, did I dream?" I asked and shook him again so he wouldn't fall asleep. I'm really going to tease him because I'm just going to sleep and he doesn't seem happy.

"Pinch me?" I ordered him.

"I'll kick you there, Anya Belle, you can really see even if I'm already punished," he said rudely and was about to kick me but he looked up so I walked away.

"It's ugly," I said sadly. It's sad because he's not happy and even more embarrassing because I disturbed him.

"Mendez, get your things first. Judge Sebastian is waiting outside," the Warden ordered me so I quickly got ready. Hana slowly got up and helped me.

"Acting will also help," I whispered to him but he hugged me.

"We can be free," he said excitedly, making my forehead furrow.

"What did you say?" I asked as I pulled away from his embrace.

"One day we will meet again because I will be free from this too. You were just ahead," he said and smiled. I just ignored the first thing he said because I was already so excited.

"Of course. I'll miss you Hana, Thankyou for all your help," I thanked.

He has been a big part of my life since I entered here, as if my life had no meaning, but when he came, I felt safe when he was always by my side because since he entered here, he was the only one who protected me. I was just one week ahead of him and then he followed and he was also sentenced for a murder case, so there are only two of us in the cell, but when you think about the other cell, it's almost full and they're crowded, they can share in our cell, but no Possible.

I said goodbye to Hana and left my cell. He just smiled at me and waved before returning to his bed.

"I hope we'll see each other again," I blurted out as I adjusted myself and my sling bag with just a few things as I walked out. Since Jessie came to visit me until now, she hasn't visited me yet. She didn't know that I would be able to get out of here and I'm sure she'll be happy about that.

I know how to find him but right now it might just be busy. I'm going to go home to the province to change my life because I can't go back to my job, maybe later I'll be behind bars again.

I left the jail but I turned back to where I came from before I opened Judge Sebastian's car that had been waiting for me. I was shocked to know who was inside the car because I am not expecting why he was here.

I thought, I just thought. My tears started to fall and quickly entered Judge Sebastian's car and hugged my uncle.

"Mamang ko," I called him crying and buried my face in his chest.

"I thought! I thought, I won't be able to go out and I won't be able to hug you like this every day," I said while emoting.

"God has mercy son," he said and made me stop crying.

"We will take you to the Province," Jessie said so I looked at her. I still thought he didn't know I was out. By the way, he is also updated.

"Thank you for always visiting and always buying my things and food," I promised and hugged her tightly because she was also behind.

"It's nothing Anya Belle. It's a small thing because we're best friends," he answered.

While patting my shoulder and then I adjusted my seat and leaned my head on mamang's shoulder.

"Judge Sebastian, Thank you! " I thanked Levi's daddy so he looked in the front mirror.

"Judge again," he frowned and later smiled at me and nodded.

"I will not come to your province Anya Belle. My driver will take you there," he informed me so I just nodded.

"Thank you again," I said politely and bowed.

"No problem Anya. I will talk to you in my office before you travel home," he said so I just nodded because I still need to see something at their house.

It was a few minutes before we arrived at Judge Lorenzo's house. He got off and I followed him while they waited in the car. We went to his office and I closed the door.

"Have a seat Anya Belle," he offered so I sat in front of him.

"I know you will have a hard time in your life now in the Province but I know you can do it," he said and opened the desk drawer and took out a white sweater and handed it to me.

"Don't," I refused. I didn't take it because he was already helping me. What's important to me is that I'm freed and I don't want to show her anything, especially her son.

"You need that for your family Anya," said and put it in my hand.

"T-Uncle?" I hesitated to call him because he was very helpful.

"Daddy," he said. So I'm shy to smile.

"My son secured your Identity. No one knows if you were imprisoned or not. Even your name is clean. You are still free to find a job in your province Anya and if you want to continue your work you can still apply," informed he nodded and gave me hope in life.

"Thank you. Tito Lorenzo," I thanked and stood up.

"Daddy," he corrected me again.

"It's embarrassing," I said. It's just as embarrassing to call him daddy, we're not his son anymore.

I hugged him first before saying goodbye. I left his office and walked when my eyes landed on the living room. I looked up at the big frame and smiled. He's Amber eyes. His bright eyes that you think are sleepy when you look at them, but when they are angry, they seem to be on fire. His eyebrows are drawn more beautifully than a woman's. I came closer just to look at his picture. His piercing nose and his lips are soft to kiss.

I blinked because something else came to my mind. Even if I turn it upside down, Atty. Noah Lev Sebastian captures my heart and I will still love him.

I also looked in front of Noah's and there was the picture of his sister, Kezia Adah Elisha. When you go upstairs, the Sebastian couple will be in the big frame and their smile will greet you. They are perfect couple.

I looked back at Levi's picture and smiled. His hair is of medium length that suits his small face, even with a beard. His beard is one of the most attractive. He is a goddess for me, perfect man, perfect look and a strong body that is nice to kiss and hug.

"Hey!" I ejaculated. I shook my head before taking a deep breath. I gave one more glance at the big picture frame before I left the Sebastian's Mansion.

"Fish! Fish there! Fish," I shouted.

"You have fresh meat or vegetables!" they also shouted, but I would not give up.

"Fish there! Fish!" I shouted again to catch a customer.

Let's exchange shouts. I don't care anymore because this is my life now. The market is noisy but it's fun no matter how I am entertained and no one will judge as long as you sell properly and don't interfere with others.

This is what we started with. We used the money Tito Lorenzo gave me. We also built a small sari-sari store, but at night we have a Resto Grills business and in the morning here at the bank.

"Fish there! Meat! Vegetables are still fresh," I shouted to the customers who were walking here and there.

"Whose tag is that big bangus?" asked the customer who came to our place.

"Ayna ma'am! It's just big," I answered her.

"How many kilos are there?" I will ask.

"Ayke maysa laeng naneng," he answered me so I took a bangus and bit it.

"200 po," I informed politely and reached for the one kilo bangus.

"Thank you ma'am," I thanked him as I handed over his payment.

We are here in Lalawigan ng Ilocos Norte, Probinsia ti Ilocos, is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region. The dialects here are Ilocano, Pangasinense, Tagalog and English. understand.

I grew up here so our word is Ilocano, yes I am an Ilocana and I will not be ashamed of it. They said that the Ilocanas Ilocanos are criticized because my skin is brown but I also want to get whiter.

I only went to college in Manila and graduated. Then, he found a job and also fell in love a lot, then he was imprisoned. I just shook my head. My goods are about to run out and mom started to stock up because we will be going home soon and I will take care of our Resto Grills.

By God's mercy, many people go there, but we don't open it. We have been truly blessed since we started doing business. We also have two waitresses and two men for the grill area of ​​the dishes they will cook.

Two months since I got out and moved here in Ilocos. I've thought about what I need to do so I can't think about the things I should think about. I spent every day and time in the business so that somehow we could earn money and save because I also plan to save so that I can return to uncle Lorence what he gave me in the beginning.

"Intan Anya Belle," mamang urged me to howl so I immediately straightened myself up. No matter how slimy I am, at least my work is honorable and I don't aggravate anyone.

"How are you, son?" mamang asked me softly as we walked home. In my two months here, he only asked me this now. He probably knows I'm not ready to talk about everything yet.

To Be Continued...