My Only Exception

Chapter 10

"How long are we talking about? Months?"

"No. Three years contract," she said and continued packing her things. "Pays better."

He walked up to her and took her things from her, returned her clothes on the dresser. "No one's leaving."

"Ethan? No. I would go. I already said yes. And why would you say no? I want that. I want to leave. I want that job," she said, wanting to get an explanation.

"No. You wouldn't leave."

"Bakit nga? Bakit mo ba ako pinipigilan? Gusto ko dati pa ito. Pagbigyan mo naman ako," she pleaded.

"No. Saka bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi sa akin? Why are you deciding on your own? Hindi na ba mahalaga sasabihin ko?"

"Ethan, ayan ka na naman e! Hindi mo na naman ako iniintindi. You're thinking of yourself again. I want this. Sasabihin ko nga sayo pero you do not consider what I want," she complained.

"Because what you are asking of me is too much!" his voice was raised.

She became quiet. "Naiisip mo yung mga hinihingi ko sayo but even for once, do you know how much I lost just because I gave in to what you wanted?"

"I can't give you that. I'm sorry," he lowered his tone and went inside their room.

They didn't talk for days and no one changed their mind about their stand about her leaving. She already applied for her working visa and it was scheduled to be released in ten days.

That night, they were both lying on their bed and no one talked until she felt him go to her side and embraced her on her waist. He buried his face on her neck.

"I missed you," he said but she didn't speak. "Talk to me please."

"I haven't changed my mind," she said.

"I know," he said. "Pwede naman kita puntahan dun di ba?"

"Yes," she said.

"I'll think about it. I am not saying yes but I promise you I'll give it some thought," he said and kissed her on her neck. "Is that fair enough?"

"Sort of," she said.

"Sorry, that is what I can give you at this time," he said. "Where are you heading by the way?"

"Maryland," she answered.

His mood suddenly changed and leaned away from her.

"O? Bakit ka lumayo sa akin?"

"Nothing. Just go to sleep," he told her and remained facing away from her.

••

"Hi Akira," Raffy smiled and kissed her on the cheeks. It was a Sunday and they went to Ethan's family for lunch. Akira was on her room reading.

"Oh it's nice to see you!" she said happily. "We haven't seen each other for a while. How has it been?"

"I'm good," she said. She actually got her visa the day before but she hasn't told Ethan about it.

"Seff sent something a few days ago. Did he give you postcards?"

"He did," she smiled.

"Well, he sent some items too. Seems he earns a lot. He'd been roaming the US in just a few weeks," she said. "He got you something but I didn't tell Ethan."