My mind was occupied with thoughts about the three red roses the young girl gave me earlier and the content of the card she handed over. If it's Rozzean, then why didn't he give them to me himself?
No one else comes to mind who would do such a thing but him.
He's the only man in my life.
Who else would do this?
"Ma'am, it's already 12, you're just working half a day today, right?"
I looked at Alma. I didn't realize the time. Time flies. Those three roses are annoying. I glanced at where they were placed, right beside the card.
I miss you?
"Thank you for reminding me, Alma," I said to her, offering a smile.
I packed up my things and took the bouquet of flowers that I arranged myself to give to Luther's mother later. As I was leaving, I glanced at the three roses and the card. I picked them up and headed to my car. I was too stunned to speak when I saw the letter. Alma even thought it was from my fiancé Luther.
If it really came from Rozzean, why did he need to use a child to give it to me? Doesn't he have the face to confront me? Why?
"I have so many questions."
But I shouldn't hope anymore. It will only hurt me. His actions now hurt me even more than before. I was thinking that we would be okay, then in the end, I would see him with Klari again.
When I reached my house, I placed the three roses and the card on my bed. I changed my clothes and headed to my children's room. I saw that they were all asleep. Upon leaving, I went to the kitchen, took a cold drink from the fridge, and drank.
I took out my cellphone and immediately called Thes. It was a video call. She answered quickly, and I could tell from the background that she was at the office. Trying to make more money, as always.
She loves to earn money, even though her family is wealthy.
"Hey."
"Oh, what? Are you going to tell me another heartache story about Rozzean but won't listen to my advice to stop and forget him? Oh dear! Just backread my messages. Read my advice!"
I smiled at what Thes said.
"I haven't said anything yet."
"That's why I don't want to get involved in that love stuff. I hate it. It makes people foolish, crazy, paranoid. And then there you are, saying that there's no hope, but you're still holding on. Come on! Please, surrender!"
I know Thes is hurting for me too. That's why I'm trying.
"I am trying now, Thes. I talked to Luther too. I will stop my feelings for Rozzean."
I walked back to my room. When I told Luther about it, I was really determined. I don't want to lose myself because of the love I have for Rozzean. I am a strong woman, but because of the love I have for him, I suddenly don't recognize myself.
"Oh, you're really trying! If you weren't so weak! Maybe just one move from Rozzean and you'll give in again! Please, Tangi, you deserve better! Maybe that jumbo hotdog isn't for you. Seriously, I have a different level of anger for him and that witch he's with."
Thes can really turn my sadness into happiness. Jumbot hotdog! Really!
"You can still find a bigger jumbo hotdog out there!"
"Thes!" I couldn't help but laugh.
"What I mean is, you can find a man with a big heart who will love you deeply. Not like Rozzean, who might give you pleasure but will hurt you badly too. Oh, it feels good to punch him!"
I couldn't resist and burst into laughter at what Thes said. She kept going, spouting those words. I suddenly forgot about thinking about Rozzean and the pain I felt earlier.
I wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes from laughing. When I looked at Thes on the screen, I saw her face. Raised eyebrows as she stared at me, her nose also slightly raised.
"Tangi, are you going crazy?"
She asked softly. Her facial expression was also funny.
I shook my head, "I'm not going crazy, I'm just laughing at what you're saying."
I picked up the three roses beside me and the card.
"A teenage girl went to my shop and bought three red roses. Instead of taking them, she gave them to me. She also gave me a card that says 'I miss you' and mentioned that someone is sending them. The sender also said not to be sad--"
"Oh, Thaliana, huh..."
Thes leaned on her swivel chair. She raised her index finger towards me.
"I know what you're thinking. Rozzean, right? You're thinking it's Rozzean who gave them?"
I nodded. There's no point in lying to her because I really thought it was Rozzean.
"There's no other man in my life who would send me flowers and say he misses me. It's not Luther either because we met yesterday and discussed what you saw in Batangas. So, I really think it's Rozzean."
Thes nodded along.
"I thought so too, let's assume it's him, but Tangi, don't give in. I also don't know what's going on in his little mind. Why he's with another woman in Batangas, having a meal together. Why he didn't even call you after that night."
"I'm just telling you, Tangi. Please, know your worth. You don't deserve what's happening. I saw the woman, I even watched them after I ended my call to you yesterday. The woman was so close to him. She's talkative. Annoying."
I just gave a restrained smile. That's what I needed to see to wake up, especially after unexpectedly receiving flowers and that message earlier. But I won't be foolish.
"I will remember everything you told me, Thes. You are the master, after all. Even if you haven't fallen in love yet."
"Of course! That's why you should listen to me. You know, I always want what's best for you. We're not just friends; you're like a sister to me. Not by blood but by heart. The connection is stronger when it's heart to heart."
She closed her eyes, smiled, and nodded, as if boasting.
"But, okay, if you're really determined and not foolish anymore, repeat after me."
My eyebrows raised at what Thes said.
"I, Thaliana, will no longer be weak for Rozzean Cyron Valleje."
I repeated what she said.
"I, Thaliana, will no longer be weak for Rozzean Cyron Valleje."
"No matter how big his hotdog is--"
"Thes!" I exclaimed. Now, she's the one laughing.
Why did I even follow her lead?!