Into the Woods

Chapter 17

Nate

I'm savoring my moment here at St. James Park because in a week's time, I'll be heading back home.

The sales of RNV Designs is picking up fast and steady ever since I arrived. I'm having so much fun handling our business and Rodrigo's digital advertising idea was a hit!

Being away from home made me realize the importance of not being dependent on anyone or anything, just myself.

A few weeks ago, I received a very disturbing news from Rosa and Stephen. My Mom and Drew had a serious fight. I didn't get all the details because they won't tell me and I have no idea what happened after that. I feel sorry for Drew. I know Mom. Sana lang hindi siya pinabayaan ni Kuya. Nung nalaman ko ang balita, gusto ko ng umuwi. I wanted to be there for her even for a few minutes. I've attempted a dozen of times to call her. I still care for Drew, hindi na mawawala yun. At mahal na mahal ko pa din siya. Pero nangako ako sa sarili ko. Hindi ko na alam kung tama pa ito, basta ang alam ko, nasaktan ako ng sobra. Mawawalan ng saysay ang healing process ko kapag nagpatalo ako sa emosyon ko. I want to leave the shadow of my past.

I want a fresh start. Iniisip ko nga na magtayo ng sarili kong negosyo. Since I am so fond of plants and flowers, gusto ko maging supplier ng mga flower shops. Ayoko ng shop kasi madaming maintenace. At least pag supplier, although mabigat din, pero sa tingin ko mas controlled ko.

Pinagmamasdan ko ang mga batang naglalaro. Nakakainggit ang mga bata, wala silang iniisip na problema. Ang problema lang nila kung ano ang lalaruin nila. Pagkatapos, may nakita akong old couple na naglakad sa harap ko. Ang tanda na nila but it's unmistakable that they are still so much in love. I guess close to 80 years old na sila. They are still holding each other's hands and laughing sweetly.

Hindi ko na sila kayang tignan at tumayo na ako. My next stop is Buckingham Palace. Someone spoke behind me.

"Do you mind if I join you?" A familiar voice asked.

"Hello there, Haley! How long have you been standing there? Are you stalking me?" I laughed hard.

"Bloody hell no! I'm on my way to buy some food. I took a shortcut here. That's when I saw you." Haley said.

"I don't mind at all. Come with me." I grabbed her hands and we walked out of the park.

There's nothing romantic going on between us. Pwedeng pwede ko na nga siyang ligawan dati pa. Pero walang spark. Wala yung kabog ng dibdib at lalong wala yung pakiramdam na siya ang gusto ko makasama until the end of time. Sayang nga. Maganda naman siya. She's very down to earth. May sense kausap. She has high regards to others, kahit na ibang lahi at kahit ano pa trabaho mo. Alam ko wala din siyang pagtingin sa akin. Sobrang magkasundo lang kami. Nasabi ko na nga halos lahat ng tungkol kay Drew sa kanya.

"So I heard you're leaving in a week." Haley interrupted my thoughts.

"Yes, I'm finally going home. But I'll come back soon." I smiled.

"Why? Do you really have to go back here? What about Drew? Are you going to let your petty quarrel get between the two of you?" She fired so many questions all at once!

"Too much questions! But for your benefit, I'll answer it one by one." I said. "Why? Because RNV Designs is mine and my brother's. It's about time I focus and contribute. Robert's been the one handling it ever since, so now, I have to help him."

Tumigil ako bigla. Kailangan ko pa ba talaga sagutin yung 3rd and 4th queries niya? Minsan itong si Haley wala din preno ang bibig! Napaka-prangka. Hirap naman hindi sumagot kasi hanggang mamaya kululitin ako nito.

"I'm not yet done." Mabilis kong sinabi nung nakita kong paumpisa na siya magsalita. "I want to shed light on my situation with Drew. Haley, it's not a petty quarrel. I hope you get that. That is one of the main reasons why I left home. Actually, that is the major reason. How can I fight for someone who isn't willing to be saved? You tell me."