One Day

Introduction

Author’s Note:

The story was originally published in Filipino (of the same title) and has been translated into English. We’re giving you the two versions for you to enjoy.

The English translation retains the manners and quirks of Filipino culture — including how words and dialogue are spoken — which you will find both amusing and lovable. Additionally, certain words that cannot be translated accurately have been kept in their original context to maintain the authentic ambiance of the story.

* * * * * * * * * *

Joshua only have one day to win over the girl of his dreams. It’s a chance meeting or destiny as others would call it. Can Joshua do it? Can he take advantage of the opportunity given to him on a whim or will he bungle it? Just one day, no more and perhaps less. So it’s definitely a race against time. Can he do it?

* * * * * * * * * *

ONE DAY lang para mapa-in-love ang girl of her dreams. Si Joshua... mabait, matulungin, always willing na tumulong, syempre pa kung ang tutulungan niya ay ang girl na feeling niya... the one and only. Dumating ang opportunity in a place na hindi niya inaakala. Chance meeting ba o destiny? Kakayanin kaya niyang mapa-in-love ang girl sa loob ng ONE DAY lang? Correct... ONE DAY lang ang chance niya para makuha ito... no more, no less. So, it’s a race against time. Kakayanin ba niya?

Chapter 1

Love Struck

W ow! That girl is definitely my type, exclaimed Joshua as an attractive girl not far from him caught his attention. He had just finished cleaning and repainting his parents’ burial tomb and is resting for a while. While idly looking around, he chanced upon the lovely young woman.

"Hahaha! For sure, beautiful girls can’t escape my eagle eyes. Ummmm...wait a second — If I’m not mistaken, which I’m not, especially when it comes to hot babes, she’s the same chick that caught my adoring fancy last year.

Joshua had made it a habit to clean his parents’ grave site every All Saints’ Day. He preferred doing it himself rather than hiring someone else. It is his way of communing with his parents and bonding with them spiritually.

Without being obvious, he looked at the girl more intently. Joshua mentally compared the woman before him from his photographic memory (so he claims!).

I’m very much RIGHT!!! My gigabyte memory is spot on...it’s her definitely. Ahehemm..and what does this mean...is this a coincidence, divine intervention or fate? What does it mean for a cutie pie like her to again cross paths with a handsome guy like me two times in a row? Hahaha! Should I enter her life and make her world colorful with a hot and handsome boyfriend like me?

He studied the woman more intently.

Hmmm, let me see — what is she doing right now? Hohoho! What can I say...it seems like destiny is really paving the way for us to know each other. She’s cleaning their tombstone, just like lil ‘ol me.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Just look at her. She’s obviously working hard, but I can see no improvement — the tombstone looks the same…if not dirtier. (Chuckle!) I’m so biased comparing her work to mine. Maybe she has just started. Noooo, I’ve noticed her already earlier, I just didn’t give her much attention. I think she’s been here at the same time I did. It’s obvious now that she doesn’t know how to do it