Rise, Fallen Angels, Children of God

                                                                                            RISE                                                                                                                                      FALLEN ANGELS, CHILDREN OF GOD                                                                                 BY         MVMANALO                                                                             COPYRIGHT. PERKS. 2023        “Breathe in, breathe out!”, Hmm…, doing yoga isn’t that easy!, Alexa silently said.  She’s doing some flexes, twisting her leg to sort of breaking it though not then the same thing done to the other. After that, she went down and spread her hands up, thus, bent down, butt on top In a push-up position. Did five or more push-ups and laid her back on the mat (ground) and did a half positioned sit up, to improve the ‘abs’. “Just so you know, my abs haven’t made that pack, not yet, maybe, in two years time or so (He! He!). Alexa smiling, while imagining what it’ll be like when that happens. Since she was very inspired to do the work outs to improve her health and to impress her love. It’s so sad to think I’m loving someone who is so popular and Jodie Moon, isn’t someone who just love and really fall in love with an ordinary person. Yet, I know as a star she knows what she wants and always gets it. I’m good now. After my prolonged break-up from my womanizing boyfriend of 10 years, I am just relieved we ended up as friends now, maybe so. Okay, maybe not as good friends, but we talk occasionally. Hey! Alex…what are you doing?, Shane asked, my annoying but cute sister, who kept on interrupting me while I exercise. “Stop….(Shane touching my face…)…stop it.,” while I get up and position my self sitting with hands on top of my folded legs. Alex!, teach me yoga!, okay!, Shane said irritatingly. Oh!, Shane stop, I can’t concentrate. Please!, Shane insisted. Okay, okay!, later!... how about now!!!. Alex tickling Shane who wanted to escape her grasp, but it was too late. Alex was already over her and Shane was giggling hard until she almost cried.  Alright, I’ll stop! Ha! Ha!, How about joining me now? Shane looked at me and shook her head in tears. No!, some other time!....and ran out of the door. Haaay! I sighed. Silly girl! Sometimes I just want to bite and pinch her cute face in adoration. I love her so much! Done with yoga. Now I need to check on my emails, f*******:, i********: and Twitter. Being a photographer and blogger isn’t really an easy job but not as difficult as it seems either. I survive on artists, models and showbiz personalities who cater and support my work and talent. By the way, I’m Alexandra Steele, Alexa or Alex for short. And this is my story, your story, our story all together. My parents grew up in Manila, Philippines. Yet my dad who I call ‘papa’, travel abroad, to and                                                                         fro, since he is a dedicated and highly-respected businessman by profession. He is very rich, and his dad was a renowned architect and politician from the province of Bulacan. My mom who hailed from Bacolod, also had her share of wealth since my grandmother was the late Fil-Am soldier’s wife thus later became my grandfather’s partner for life. Okay! We were never rich, but we worked hard our ass off to succeed and until now strive to become richer, secured. My brother became a millionaire at the age of 34 years. And I’m doing my best to become one too, a happy millionaire not only with money but with beautiful experiences in life. Back to our story…I never knew how to do yoga. My ex-boyfriend taught me to exercise and learned in their group how to meditate and listen to the universe. What it wants to say to me in silence.  I have learned so much on this group that I still carry their practice and way of life until now. Oh! Fudge! I’m late! While looking at my watch since I needed to be in a photo shoot in a bout an hour. Lenses, cameras, stand, digital cam., polaroid, in case I needed some if lightings not good in the area we’ll be doing the photo shoot. Off we go to Boracay. I’m with my best friends and fave colleagues , Sanjay and Basil. They helped and supported me all throughout my highs and lows, sad and happy days. In good and in bad, they’re there for me no matter what that;s why I love them so much. I’m not really an experienced photographer, I ventured on this profession because I appreciate and love art. I think I have a good eye looking and analyzing nature, people, bodies, faces in photos and paintings. I mostly love the bodies and faces of singers and showbiz personalities, glorify the universe for these beauties we are blessed with forever. “I love my life…” Ha! Ha!, is what I always say when I see my favorite artist, my master piece, Jodie Moon. You know, my true passion is blogging, writing about stuff and anything under the sun. But I focus more on stories about love, being in love and falling, rising in love…! Hey!, what’s with Alex? She’s been quiet lately!, Sanjay asked Basil very concerned. I don’t know, but she’s always like that before photo shoots, diving seriously into her craft in silence, He! He!, she’ll come around, don’t worry!, Basil added reassuring Sanjay while walking towards Alex who is typing something on her laptop. Alex, we’ve been here in the boat (Ro-Ro) for an hour and you haven’t spoken to us, like, for ages? What’s up?, Basil now seated beside Alex still without reaction and doodling something on her laptop. Don’t mind me!, she said. I’m good!, I just remembered Jodie and have been thinking about her lately! I dreamt of her actually, that she’s here with me and all…Hmm! Just a dream, well, I hope it’s true! Because I miss her so much, Alex added, breathing heavily. Hmm…okay! Take your time whatever you’re doing. You know that we’re here for you, right? Okay!, Basil giving his hand to Alex to touch it in a friendly manner. Alex, smiling at Basil sweetly. Jodie Moon! Who is Jodie? My dear Jodie!. I’ve known her for, maybe, all my life. Since we were little. We were the best of friends, buddies, soul mates…Best gals for life, until Ian came. I remember, we used to have fun doing sleep overs and story tellings at night at her house. I always tell her stories about a Prince Charming saving his Princess trapped (by dogma, fears, religion and culture) in a far away dungeon somewhere. Actually, I was the princess she always saves and she was my protector (all the time). Until we were in out teens, she protected me from bullies (imagine a beautiful girl with polished nails, wearing make-up and shaped brows), punching those who are trying to make fun of me because I wear eyeglasses  bigger than my face (literally like a bumble bee) and somewhat a nerd, since I was smart, that’s what I hear from my classmates. She, this pretty girl, Jodie, was my hero. When I was sad, she makes me laugh. She always says. Hi! Often, with that angelic face smiling at me from heaven. She has her girl friends who also make me smile and laugh because of their funny jokes. They are like these fandom or flock or flamingoes that stick together no matter what happens, come hail or high water.  They love taking pictures, polas with faces, memes of her and her friends for public use. She was given a polaroid camera and a turntable which I loved so much. My grandmother used to have one where she used to play tangos, and old music while she dances on its tunes. Those were the days when I was so happy with her. Jodie loves to tell jokes and make faces. She’s the sweetest angel I met who I still want to be with forever. Yes, but Ian came. I mentioned that earlier, right! Okay! He was cool, hunk of a guy in high school that Jodie had a crush on. I was very quiet and timid then, so I just run along with their dates, always as the third wheel. But it’s strange, when I get to like a guy, Jodie would seem to ignore me and like get mad at me. Well maybe I’m just paranoid. Anyway, they did many things together, like visiting ‘Aurora Borealis’ in Norway, the Bengal River in India and rode ‘huskies’ in the cold, snowy grounds of Alaska. They dated for years, yet Jodie eventually broke up with him because she was fed up of his womanizing, especially when she was in the height of her singing career.  Always catching him with another girl in parties or events. Ian got carried away with fame and it was a sad thing, most especially with Jodie. I’m always there for her and supported her all the way. I never left her side. She was there for me too and never forgot me, her close friends. She is very busy touring, especially now that she has a new album to promote. The first album was a big hit that almost all radio stations play her songs. Jodie Moon is very popular now more than ever.  I miss her so much, her company, the Jodie who’s always been there for me. Knock! Knock!, someone’s at the door. Oh! Yes? Alex answered. It’s Sanjay!, the model’s here, he said as if very excited he can’t stay put in one place. Didn’t Basil tell you, she arrived earlier than expected. Get ready with your cam! See you in  the next room in 15…,he added walking away fast, excited. Wait what’s her name…ah huh??? Hmm! A girl model…weird. Who set this up, anyway? Alex thought strangely. I didn’t even know her name!, Alex shrugged and left with her camera on her neck. The hotel is very extravagant! Wow…Cool view of the beach, trees, the solitude, the fresh air,  where you can only hear the sound of the waves. This room looks very expensive..hmm! Who is this mysterious model who I’m given this priveledge to take her photos. Ha! Ha! I wonder!. Alex was fixing her stuff while walking towards the room next to her. So, going back to Jodie, Okay! She became so popular she was invited to do shows in Dubai, Singapore, Indonesia, London, California, China, Germany and many more. Her song, “I Miss You”. And “To Be With You” were massive hits that they took No. 1 spot for months in local and international charts. Alex! Hey! Are you there?, Basil interrupted. Okay! I will be there in a minute! (I’m peeing though and just looking at Jodie’s old photos on my Canon, my old cheap camera bought on a second-hand store in China). Now delving myself into a DSLR and Nikon D7200 for more sophisticated and artistic shots for my models and photo shoots. Alright! I’m here, I shouted while feasting my eyes with the room I’m in now. I heard that this is the best room here, I thought to myself. A four star hotel, Henann Lagoon Resort in Boracay, really makes my summers tranquil and happy. Oh! Hi!....a familiar voice said while I was still appreciating the beautiful view outside the window of the the said room. Ahhh! When I turned around I saw…..Jodie?!!!!! Oh my God! Jay! I said so shocked that I stood like frozen ice. When Jodie hugged me so tight, I can’t even breathe. So, you’re my famous photographer! I heard a lot about you. Hmm! I didn’t know Alex is a girl…anyway! My P.A. and manager said you’re just A or Alex. Jodie said so happy to see me. Well! Same here. I didn’t know you are my model. I said, never imagining you will be my model, my very best friend and love, I thought. Alex, I’m so happy to see you, she said with me still frozen in time and space. Imagine that! For five years, we haven’t spoken or messaged each other, Jodie added still looking at me gladly. Yes! Imagine that! That was a very long time for a special friend to even say hi to me, since we are neighbors, Alexa thought smirking when she remembers it. Are you okay! Can you forgive me? And are you not happy to see me? Alex????, long silence. Jodie asked now teary-eyed. I really missed you, if you only knew!. Okay!, I got you! We’re good, Jay! Jay! I can’t breathe!, Alex said while catching her breath when Jodie released her from her grasp, assuring Jodie she forgave her while being tucked in and hugged very tightly. Though Alex is speechless seeing Jodie, she is very excited to work with her once again, for three days. This is going to be a wild and fun three days, I’m sure of it! I can’t wait! Yess!!!!  Me too!, Jodie said sitting on the bed wearing a red nighty, bare foot, with no make up on, not yet. She looks pale but still pretty. Wait!, you’re not wearing make-up? I asked. Yes! I will just wear lipstick and that’s it. They needed a photo of me on this silk night gown for my quote and quote sleeping habits. Then we will do other shoots for a clothing line and all, Jodie added tiringly. One by one, lights staff, Jodie’s P.A and make-up artist Loren, etc. came in. I told Jodie to lie down on the bed and made sure she feels comfortable with what she’s wearing before we head for the actual pictorial. I told her to feel natural so the audience, the readers would feel the same way she’s feeling every time she’s wearing the night gown. Jodie is a professional, so am I. She really made me  and the staff feel comfortable with the nightie she’s wearing and also promoting for the magazine. Jay! Put your hand on your head while lying on your side, your body facing me. Your left leg should be in front of the right, as if you’re inviting, opening yourself to be with the person you want to be with….the audience, or your special someone, perhaps! Alright! Ah, He! He! Like this, and I like that! Jodie positioned her self on the bed and did her magic. Jodie is not only just a good singer but also an exquisite model. Ever since we were children, she loved playing with her mom’s shoes, dresses and make-ups. I would always laugh when she puts on make-up and her lipstick smearing all over her mouth like a clown. But I always see her, her beautiful face, small round face with long eye lashes which can carry a lizard on them. Her hair so long same as mine. But hers were curly. I had long brown hair, her is long, curly, shiny and black. She has a tiny but tall nose. Lips so kissable, puffy, full, and pinkish. Mine is always red, the lips I mean. Especially when I cry, my lips and noise would turn red. I have a very white complexion. Jodie has fair skin but beautiful like an old garden rose. Plump cheeks but pinkish. Okay! Hey! Alex? Are we good?, Jodie asked interrupting me with my thoughts of her, ‘when will I be done on this position? It’s almost two hours now….Jodie added laughing. Oh! Sorry, Ha! Ha! Okay. We already had enough shots on different angles, so it’s a wrap. My team will just check on the negatives for the best ones to send to your manager for the mag. Okay! It’s a wrap, guys! We will start early tomorrow for your clothing shoot Jodie. Alex, caught blushing, while Jodie’s moving closer to her to catch her attention. Jodie then teasingly smiled. Ha! Ha! Okay!, I said giving her a wide grin. That’s a wrap! See you tomorrow. Get your dinner at the concierge and go get some cold drinks while you’re at it!  Good job today! I said, while everybody’s clapping their hands. We did the photo shoot for five hours. Not bad for first half of a day pictorial, I thought to my self. This is a first. Usually it can take 9-12 hours just to complete a set of wonderful shots. Hmm! Nice, I’ll have more time to write my blogs now!. I thought, when…”do you have other plans for tonight? Can we grab a drink and catch up on each other’s gossip, at the bar, later? I’ll just take a quick bath, yes? Jodie invited, strongly. Oh! Ahhh! I need to look on your photos to check on whether they’re perfect enough for your magazine cover. I said outright, as if escaping from a trap. Hmm! That is so sad!, Jodie literally said pouting. Oh! don’t worry Alex, we will handle it for you!, Basil intruding, while fixing the lights and lines. Yeah! It’s not a biggy!, Sanjay second-emotioned winking at Jodie. See! A, Alex, they’re good! So we’re good! Be back in 30 minutes, Jodie said running to her suite which is just next to Alex’s room. OMG! What am I going to do? I’m so scared to face and talk to her. It’s been years and what will I tell her? I thought to myself. Hmm! Alex, be cool. It’s just like old times. You can do this! I remember when I tried to call her one time when we were in college. Jodie didn’t answer the phone. I wondered why until now. I want to ask her about it, she was dating Vern then. They lasted long, I mean their relationship lasted long, which I was jealous about, because Jodie and I didn’t have much time together ever since. She never had time for me and she was with him almost all of the time. But I wanted to talk to her about our graduation date, which she totally forgot that time. Maybe she was with Vern making out or something, that’s what I can only think of during those times. Anyway, I need to shower too. Alright, what else? Wow. Their bath tub here’s very exquisite. I just want to live here for the rest of my life, for real! With a picturesque view of the beach, open air and bed I want to dive in all night long. I wonder what Jodie’s doing now? I asked my self in awe while plunging in the tub. The water feels so good, relaxing…ahh…this is life! Jodie on the other hand is in the other room, also immersing her self with liquid soaps and suds. All over she felt refreshed, free, calm and relaxed, mind, body and soul. It’s just now that she felt this tranquil before. Ahh!. What is Alexa thinking right now? Is she thinking about me too? Why would she anyway? She only thinks of me as her best friend, buddy or pal! 30 minutes seem forever. Why did I lose connection with her? Why did I let my fame cut my connections with her? Because I was so busy with work, touring, pictorials, modeling, travelling, I lost track of time? I lost her.  I lost my very best friend, love and all. I hope I can still make up for the lost times. If she only knew how much I missed her. If she only knew. Okay, so much for sulking. I know she’ll understand. She always do. Jodie, reassuring herself that Alexa still feels the same way about her. But Jodie seems confused. ‘What am I feeling anyway?”, she said to herself. I love her and I miss her a lot. Alexa is my best friend and she’s always there for me, she added, listening to Clairo’s “4ever” song. Jodie felt cold, alone, and searching for that someone to be with her. She always been feeling these for quite some time now. As if she wants someone to understand and cuddle her, simply saying ‘I’m here for you’, or ‘don’t worry’ and ‘I love you’. And wish that someone is Alexa. So, I love her?!, Jodie, thinking, wishing, yet automatically discarding the idea off her mind. It’s silly. Oh my God!, I lost track of time, it’s almost 8:45 P.M., I’m already 15 minutes late.  Jodie quickly fixed herself up, while on a bathrobe, a knock surprised her suddenly. Jodie!, It’s Alex, Are you ready to go?        Yes! Hang on for a bit! The door’s open, come on in and make yourself at home. Jodie said running to her bedroom and checked her clothes on one of her closets. She’s got so many clothes. Alex is already inside the living room, looking around, while catching on their old graduation photo from college on a golden picture frame above the side table near the sofa. Oh my God! Graduation day! Our old picture on graduation night, Alexa pulled a smiley face. You still have this? Wow! I looked funny here! I think I don’t really like the dress I was wearing. MY mom just had this made for the said day. Why keep the picture, anyway? Alexa added relieved and happy, while all along she thought Jodie forgot her that night on their graduation date. Oh! Why not? I love your funny smile. I love your charming and sweet smile ever since. And I never had the chance to say sorry for missing our date. Didn’t I tell you that Grandpapa died that night, why I wasn’t able to call or what. I was really devastated then, you know how much I loved him, Jodie said sadly. Oh! I didn’t know, sorry to hear!, I said honestly. So, I kept it to remind  me what I missed and will never miss again when I get to see you, Jodie exclaimed wearing her sexy light blue satin backless dress falling flawlessly above her knees. Amazing dress! You look very pretty, I said in admiration. Jodie smiled perkily posing for Alexa. But you’re not wearing those, Alex, seriously! A sleeveless top and fit pants matching with sandals, are you kidding me? Her eye balls popping out of their sockets. I brought new dresses from London. I’ve got one perfect, just for you! I wanted to give it to you as a gift but it can’t wait so wear it now, for me, pleaseeeee! , she added begging me. Okay! Okay! I’ll try it out just for you, I said. Black.... Oh! No, no, no…! Not a chance Jay!. Jodie insisted and she won this round. It’ll fit I know. Alright!, Alex said taking the dress off Jodie’s grasp. Okay! So you’ll just stand there and watch me undress? Alex said shoeing Jodie to get out of the room. Nope! I’ve seen you naked before, remember when we had our swimming lessons with Mr. P.? Ha! Ha! And you were very shy then changing to your swimsuit, Jodie with a wide smile. Wow! It’s been decades since then Jay! I’m a grown woman now and I’m different, I said while closing the door in front of Jodie still holding the wide grin. I won’t look or peak, promise! Jodie added opening the door slightly though decided to sit on the sofa while she waits for Alex. Alex  took off top and pants and quickly changed, putting on the dress is like a magical experience. I simple can’t believe it. I just turned from a tomboy to a a gorgeous lady, far from the usual Alex you see on pictorial sets wearing, shirts, hoodies and caps. I wore the dress with so much pride, not so crazy about the plunging neckline, with my breasts almost out but with a very fit finish,  the dress flowing above my knees. Awkward, really girly just like Jodie. The same old Jodie. Without stockings, as if I’m inviting guys for a rapescapade when they see me wearing this provoking dress, I thought laughingly. Here it goes! I said and then went out to check on Jodie’s opinion about the dress. Oooooh! youre very hot Alexandra! Wow! Jodie added her eyes shining like the stars. You look ravishing! Like a beauty queen, Jodie, mouth wide open. Come on! Let’s go outside in and walk in the sand!, Jodie added holding and pulling Alex’s hand outside the room to the beach. On this? I asked Jodie in disbelief. And why not? Jodie said proudly. On f…….dresses, Jay? I added pleading for mercy. On the beach. While we are walking, feeling the sand on our feet. I saw Jodie, so happy, running, jumping, screaming her heart out. Since it’s almost 10 o’clock in the evening, you can count the people walking on the shoreline. What a beautiful moonlit view this is? The moon is full lighting the alluring vastness, body of water. You’re crazy! I said smilingly. I miss this, I miss Jodie. I miss Us, I said quietly to myself.  As if you haven’t been  out for a long time, Jay! I said smilingly. Yes! True! I’ve been very busy, touring, for two years, that I forgot what sea looks and feels like. And it’s just now that I get to experience the sea again. And I love it!, Jodie added laying herself down the sand on her sexy dress. ‘I know we haven’t been talking for almost five years and I thought you have forgotten about me, ‘Alex said sadly. No!, I haven’t forgotten you A! My sweet, loving soul mate and best pal! Jodie said while sitting up straight positioning her body to face Alex. Sat in a a lady-like pose, since she’s wearing a dress. Let’s swim! Jodie added abruptly, which caught Alex off guard, Now Jodie is flipping her dress up leaving her with a two piece and ran to the water like a child. Oh no! Here we go again!, I said, reminiscing the time when we went to Antipolo and Jodie wanted to drink at Cloud 9 Rest Bar. We just did that in an impulse when my parents were asleep, thinking I was sound asleep too in my bed. Jodie threw pebbles on my window to wake me up and I slip through the back door and I got away with it. Her parents were on a formal engagement at a certain club then. Jodie’s mom and dad are one of the riches couple’s in Manila. They live at Forbes Park with four cars, two of them were Jaguars. With a mansion, swimming pool and mini entertainment room like the cinemas on malls. They also have a mini bar and a music room. I remember the time when I once played a guitar there and it was an amazing room full of musical instruments I could ever imagine.