Fidelity

46th

Kulang sa kiss

It's been a week since I left home. Alam ko sa sarili kong wala na kong balak na tumapak pang muli sa pamamahay na yon matapos ang nangyari. I even had a moving company get my valuables from there. Wala kong kinuhang gamit na nanggaling sa salapi ng mga magulang ko. Ang tanging dala ko ay ang mga naipundar ko.

It's been a hectic week. Physically and mentally draining. Just imagine how my parents took what I've been doing. Lalo na nang ipahakot ko na ang mga gamit ko. I even started seeing a therapist because everything that has something to do with them triggers me. Their presence, calls, and even texts. I had to file a restraining order just so I could get away from all their attempts of getting to me.

Although verbal and emotional abuse are not explicitly listed as valid grounds for a restraining order to be granted, there are several specific acts that can be the basis for a restraining order, according to my lawyer. Sa ngayon, gusto ko na lang talagang mawalan ng ugnayan sa kanila. I want to completely cut ties with them.

"I miss you..." I sighed in front of my iPad, tightening my embrace on the pillow.

Sa isang penthouse sa Makati ako nagsstay kung saan malapit ang magiging pwesto ng first physical store ng brand ko. I think I might even be living here for good. Ngayon lang nagsisink-in sakin na talagang mag-isa na lang ako. Not the kind of alone I was back in London where I still had a family to keep in touch with even from miles away. This time, I'm l really just alone alone.

Austin's eyes blinked tenderly. "I'm sorry.. I really wish I was there for you.."

It's 10PM here in Manila habang alas-tres ng hapon naman sa London. He's basically in their headquarters wearing his uniform. Nakatago sa locker area dahil inaasar daw siya sa labas tuwing ka-video call niya ko. I can almost imagine him glaring at the guys every time that happens.

I forced a smile. "It's okay.."

"Three weeks," he licked his lip. "Three weeks na lang. Pangako, nandyan na ko bago po ang store opening mo. I'll already be there to help you with the preparations.."

We've already considered and talked about him possibly moving his flight on an earlier schedule but it's just not easy. Ayoko rin namang maabala pa siya.

I shrugged. "Pwede rin namang ako na ang pumunta dyan tapos sabay na tayo pabalik after three weeks,"

"What? Wag na... Sayang lang at mapapagod ka pa,"

"No, it's not sayang and hindi ako mapapagod. Besides, may kukunin din akong papers sa school," sabi ko kahit wala naman talaga just so he would be at ease about me going. I know he might not be comfortable of me going the extra mile just because he can't travel yet.

He even offered to get the papers for me just so I won't have to fly for it. I had to lie and say na personal appearance lang ang pwede sa transaction na yon. In the end, we both came to an agreement about me going back to London the day after tomorrow.

"Fifi!" Theo was spreading his arms wide to give me a welcome hug. "It's been what? A year?"

I chuckled at his exaggeration. Hihiwalay na sana ko sa yakap matapos ang ilang segundo pero hindi pa rin siya bumibitaw. Nakapikit pa ata at feel na feel, obviously trying to piss of Austin. I couldn't help but laugh even more.

"Tama na yan," ani Austin na siya na mismong humila kay Theo nang magpanggap pa ito na hindi naiintindihan ang sinabi niya.

"Why do you even have to live in the Philippines?" Theo grumpily said. "Just stay here. Austin's here anyway,"