"I declare the meeting adjourned!" The judge declared and then he went out with some documents handed by the lawyers earlier.
Sighing heavily, I started to put my things inside my attaché case. The audiences who attended the court hearing are already leaving the court room until I noticed that there is one person who stayed in here, sitting on the table on the other side. A familiar lawyer that I have never spoken with when I returned here from Bohol.
I looked at Jameson who seem to be so dazed and spacing out while sitting on the other table. I noticed that he changed a lot when he came back here in Manila from Bohol. However, it doesn’t even bother me anymore ever since what happened in the province back then.
We're not friends anymore. Every time I think about how he managed to take advantage of my situation before in order to get me, I still can’t help myself from being mad at him. God knows how I wanted to stay away from him as I don’t want to see him ever again but I knew it won’t be possible as we’re working in the same field.
I put the last document inside my attaché case and then I stood up. I inhaled heavily and gathered all my courage and walked passed his table, as if no one is there. I just ignored his presence like I always does when he came back.
That's the saddest part when a trusted friend betrays you. Trust are already gone and friendship followed afterwards. In the end, all I could do was to ignore that person because I want to protect my peace and myself from him. That’s the best thing I could do given our situation.
That's what happened between me and Jameson. Now, after all the conflicts, he's just a stranger to me.
I went to my office and sat on the swiveling chair. I leaned my back on it, trying to relax myself a bit. I then closed my eyes and massaged my forehead. I am having a stressful week because of the list of hearings I need to attend to. The documents I need to finish and submit are piling up on my desk. I feel so tired… I stayed up all night yesterday just to finish my shorthand and even did a lot of proofreading. I yawned and shook my head to wake myself up.
How’s Evan today?
I opened my eyes upon remembering his angelic face. I then grabbed my bag and took out my mobile phone. I pouted my lips when I noticed that he hasn't sent me any text message yet. No missed calls from him either. It's almost lunch hour and it appears that he's still busy at work. I sighed in defeat. I miss him so much!
Chandria have told me the other day that I shouldn’t be so clingy to Evan if I want him to stay longer with me. I find it ridiculous but here I am, trying all my best not to be so clingy. In the end, I still listened to her and took her advise seriously as I am scared that my boyfriend will suddenly get fed up with me if I continue nagging him. Damn it…
I will just send him one text message and I’ll get back to work afterwards. I tried to think of a right message for him but in the end I just sent him what I really want to say.
Me: Rest if you can. I love you!
I smiled a bit. It’s okay if he doesn’t text me back. I just want to make him feel that he’s not alone and even if my father is against us, I will continue to stay with him.
I rest for a bit and then decided to take my lunch at a near café. I was texting Chandria all the time. She was kind of irritated because of her boyfriend, Sei. I am done ordering my usual coffee and pasta. While waiting for my food, I keep on texting her to at least made her feel better.
From Chandria: He knew I have goals to achieve! He doesn't even care! He’s being selfish again by tying me uo on him and what? Sooner or later he would ask me to stop my career as a painter? No way.
I breathed the scent of a brewed coffee. I don’t even know whether the smell of coffee or Chandria’s rants is making me feel alive. Perhaps both of it as I no longer feel sleepy.
Me: He loves you, Chandria. I am sure Sei will support you as you try to reach your goals. How did he propose to you, anyway?
From Chandria: He did it while we were on a bathtub! Like after we had sex, really! That’s why I am more irritated! He didn’t even prepare for it! And why is he rushing to get married? I am not running away, my goodness!
I laughed so hard because of her reply. I covered my mouth with my hand as I tried to stop myself from laughing so loud. After a few minutes, the waiter arrived in my table and served the food I’ve ordered. I thanked him and then composed a reply to my stupid bestfriend.
Me: Wow! That’s seem to be an unforgettable marriage proposal! You’re one hella lucky girl hehe
I sighed and just smiled. Sometimes, I tend to envy my best friend a lot. She's free to do what she wants... date whoever she wants... She has the support of her parents in everything she wants to pursue.
From Chandria: Duh! I am still irritated! He’s making me mad and I hate it! Send help!
Now that we’re talking about marriage proposal, I can’t help but to think deeply about it. I just thought of Evan… How would he propose to me then? I inhaled heavily as I felt my face heated in shame. I fanned myself using my hand. That thought made me blushed so hard.
Perhaps I would cry like a kid if that happens. It's a dream come true for every woman in the world. To be engaged and get married to the person they love the most.
Does Evan think about it too?I sighed weakly. I pouted my lips as I put down my phone on the table. He’s too busy with our company so he probably doesn’t think about his marriage proposal yet. Perhaps he doesn’t have a plan yet as he is still trying to earn my parents’ approval of him.
Chandria keep on sending me a lot of text message as I started eating my food. I let her whine while I was imagining how Evan would propose to me and how our wedding is going to be like.
I imagined myself walking in the aisle with beautiful flowers on my hand, smiling even I am on the verge of crying because of the priceless joy in my heart. Then Evan is waiting for me in front of the sacred altar. He’s smiling at me as if I am the most beautiful woman in the whole world and his eyes screams of happiness with no evident regret at all. He’s standing up there proudly, wearing his angelic smile as he looked at me sweetly…
I was spacing out as I chewed the food inside my mouth. I would be the happiest woman in the world once Evan and I finally get married… that’s sure!
But that’s not going to happen sooner.
I breathed in heavily. Just wait, Nathalie. That moment will come. Maybe not that soon but since it will be the greatest event of my life, it requires waiting.
***
"Kaira?" I called the familiar woman standing in front of our main gate when I went out.
It’s already seven o ‘clock in the evening. Chandria asked me out. We’re going to a high end bar in Bonifacio Global City.
I looked at them, confused with what’s happening. I did not expect that Chandria also invited Kaira. I mean that's totally fine, alright. I guess I am just surprised to see Clyde’s beautiful wife in here.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Chandria exclaimed in glee. She clapped her hands together and clung to Kaira’s arm. "Kaira will join us!"
I nodded and smiled at Clyde’ wife. She looks gorgeous in her black leather jacket with a inner white top, sparkling black leggings and a pair of black boots.
“How are you, Nathalie?” she asked me sweetly.
"I'm good, Kaira. I hope Chandria did not bug you so much about going out with us..."
Kaira chuckled a bit then she finger combed her hair.
"I didn’t bug her, alright?" Chandria pouted her lips. "I just need some friends because I am not feeling well! I am still irritated!”
"Don't worry, Chandria. We'll comfort you tonight..." Kaira uttered in a sweet voice. "Those boys... They have to understand that some things won't go their ways... They don’t have the right to decide what would be best for us.” She added firmly.
I raised a brow. Now I’m starting to wonder if Kaira and Clyde has an issue or is it just my imagination?
I just shrugged.