Midnight Breeze (Chasing Dreams Series #3) | C O M P L E T E D

Chapter 36

"Are you sure about this? Are you really going, Hailey? I thought you already landed a job in your company..."

Hinilot ni Menandro ang kanyang sentido at muling inangat 'yung form. I just confirmed that I'm really going to Grand Rêve. Ngayon nama'y sinabihan ko na ang asawa ko upang ipaalam sa kanya na pursigido na ako, hindi dahil gusto kong hingiin ang permiso niya na payagan ako.

I sat on the study table and crossed my arms. "Yes, I'm really sure. Sayang naman ang opportunity, 'di ba? Isa pa, libre lang 'yan kaya hindi ko dapat tanggihan."

He sighed as he laid back on the swivel chair. Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi niya at natulala sa hawak na papel. Then his gaze went up to my face and sighed again.

"But what about your job?" his voice softened as if he was pleading.

Ibinaba ko ang mga braso ko at pinagsalikop naman ang aking mga daliri. "Mom already said yes. Pwede ko naman daw ituloy ang trabaho ko pagkatapos ng tatlong buwan. She told me that she'll support me and I shouldn't waste this chance."

"Right. This is something you really love. Something that makes you... happy." Itinulak niya 'yung form sa gilid ko nang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin. "Don't worry, I won't hold you back. You're free to go."

As if nothing happened, nginitian niya ako bago ipinagpatuloy ang pag-e-encode ng grades sa laptop. I jumped off the table and hugged him from behind. I snaked my arms around his neck and closed my eyes.

"Thank you..." I whispered softly.

I kissed his cheek and closed my eyes. Mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa leeg niya nang kumapit siya sa mga braso ko. This might be the last time that I'd be able to hold him this close. I wanted to feel him like I own him... for the last time.

"Mahal na mahal kita..." my emotions flowed like the ocean. I did try my best to hold them back, but my own tears betrayed me.

Itinagilid niya ang ulo niya, pilit na tinatanaw ang mukha ko. But he'll never see how weak I am. Sa akin na lang iyon.

"Hailey, bakit ka umiiyak?" Ginalaw niya 'yung swivel chair kaya ibinaon ko na lang ang mukha ko sa likod niya. "Hey. What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy to know that my husband supports me," my voice was breathy so I did everything to stay calm.

He sighed and I felt his gentle touch in my arms. "Of course, I will. This is what you want. I can endure the longing 'cause I know it'll be worth it. I can wait. And who knows? Maybe after three months, you'll realize that you want to pursue a different path..."

He, then, kissed the side of my head. "Just remember that I'll always be your fan. Please keep that in mind."

I exhaled deeply, bracing myself as hot tears pooled my eyes. I nodded my head and hugged him tightly. One last time, Menandro, I want to feel your warmth. For the last time, I want to remember how would it feel like to hold you in my arms.

A big, honest part of me knew where our relationship is going. But there's a small part of me wishing that things should've been different. Sana walang Lizzy na pumasok sa eksena. Sana maibalik na lang 'yung dating kami. Kaya lang, hindi na iyon magbabago pa. Kailangan ko nang sanayin ang sarili kong gumising araw-araw ng mag-isa. Kailangan ko nang tanggapin na hindi magiging maayos ang mga buhay namin hangga't walang bumibitaw. Kailangan ko nang harapin ang katotohanang hindi kami para sa isa't-isa.

Ako na ang magpaparaya...

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa amin ni Menandro habang tinitingala namin 'yung Grand Rêve. Napalunok ako sapagkat mukhang mapapasubo ako rito. Mahigit tatlumpung minuto na kaming nakatayo rito dahil ang hindi ko maisatinig na dahilan ang nag-uudyok sa akin para samahan muna ang asawa ko. Pumasok na sa loob ang karamihan sa mga trainee. At, handa akong magbilang ng mga langgam sa lupa nang sa gano'n ay mas lalo pa akong tumagal dito.