I went back to Philippines right away after our visit with Dad.
I'm glad Dad did not stop me from going back.
As I am waiting for Nanay, CJ saw me again.
"Sharlene, did you just arrive?"
"Just arrived," I answered.
"Is this what they said as destiny?" he joked.
Then nanay called me.
"I have to go."
"Bye Shar."
...
"Sharlene, did you meet your mom and dad?"asked Nanay.
"Uhm, mom even accompany me to visit dad."
"Then that's good."
"But I'm bothered to something."
"What is it?"
So Hyun told me I should not tell anybody so I have to stand on my promise.
"Nothing, just forget about it."
...
I saw Donny's schediul on my table. I called him on the phone but his mom answered it.
"Donny left his cell phone at home. He went back to the office."
"Aunt, are you back to Philippines already? How's uncle?"
"God's kindness, he's recovering now."
"Then I shall visit uncle."
"No, Sharlene, he's still in America. I have a lot of things to do so I'm back."
"I see, how's Donny aunt?"
"Actually I haven't seen him yet. I just arrived, why? Didn't you meet today?"
"I just had an appointment aunt," I said.
"What kind of appointment?"
"I mean, I just visited my mom and dad in Korea."
"Oh really? I'm sure you're tired as well. Don't worry, I'll just tell Donny you called."
"Thanks aunt."
...
I am about to sleep when Donny called.
"Donny."
"Shar, I think I am going to be busier starting tomorrow."
"What do you mean?"
"Mom told me to have my class at 6:00 am."
"Are you okay with that?"
"I will try."
"Then, as long as you can do it, I have nothing against it."
"Shar, do you know I saw you with CJ today?"
"Were you at the airport a while back?"
"You saw me?"
"No, someone I know told me."
"It's just a coincidence."
"Where have you been?"
"I went to Korea to visit my mom and dad."
"How was it?"
"Mom is..."
"Shar, let's meet tomorrow and tell me about your mom and dad."
I know he's just making an assurance that I will see him tomorrow.
"If that's what you said, then, okay, see you tomorrow then."
After our conversation with Donny, I sleep right away.
...
At the school, So Hyun came and asked if we could talk.
She has no longer a driver, she is driving her car now.
"So Hyun, when did you start driving?"
"Since I was 15 years old, I already know how to drive, it's only Dad who is very protective. And now that he's gone, I think I can do whatever I want now."
"Do you know why your dad protects you the way he did?"
"Because I am his daughter."
"Is that all?"
"I think so."
"Is there any reason?
"I don't know."
"There's somethimg you forgot to say."
"What then?"
"He can't take to lose you."
She suddenly stopped.
"If you are doing what you want because you want to forget how painful it is, you should not. You should take care of yourself the way your dad wanted to protect you."
"Protect? Dad protects his reputation the most. He protected his dream the most."
"Common let's go out of here. I want to feel the fresh air."
So Hyun followed me. But she suddenly stopped and sat on the bench.
I stopped walking. I felt like she's crying so I sat beside her.
"Sharlene, all my life I can count on my fingers when did dad have time for me."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you experienced it as well. All my life, I was like someone who is begging for his time. And now he's gone all of a sudden. It's too unfair."
"If you feel that way, you're not alone. Always remember that you're not alone."
"Yes, because I'm tired being alone. I wanted to have a lot of friends."
"And I and Donny will always be here for you."
"I'm sorry Shar, but I felt grateful when you left. We became friends with Donny. And that made me feel as if I have everything."
I don't know what to say. I just keep quiet.
"Shar, can I have Donny back?" he asked me.
I was shocked. The more that I don't know what to say.
"Shar, can I have Donny in my life again?"
"So Hyun ah,"
"Shar ah, please help me live. Please avoid him for me."
"So Hyun ah,"
"Shar ah, jebal, dowajuseyo."
I felt pity to So Hyun. I can't be selfish. I can't just let her die.
"If that will make you happy then..."
She didn't wait for my next word or even until I'm done with what I want to say. She hugged me and said,
"Kamsahamnida, chongmal gomawo chingu."
I saw how happy she is. I didn't expect her to ask me that way but how can I ignore her request to me? How can I think only for myself? She needed someone that will make her happy, I should have at least help her.
"Shar ah, don't worry I'm not going to die because of this, I just really wanted to drive on my own so that I could go to wherever I want," she then told as she dropped me at my school.
"Thank you Shar," she said happily.
I felt like I lost all my energy as if I am a drained battery. I needed to be recharged or else I won't be able to be me again.
Then CJ just appeared in front of me.
"Sharlene," he called my name but I did not react.
"Shar...lene..." he then called my name once more with emphasis.
Still, I'm not that in mood to listen to someone else's voice.
"Sharlene!" he called me trying to scare me.
Without saying a word, I immediately walked away from him.
He followed me.
"Shar, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
I looked at him angrily.
"I'm sorry. Okay, I won't bother you today, but tomorrow, if you're okay, then I'll be back."
Then Donny called me. Seeing his name on my phone is like listening to So Hyun's plead. I can't answer his call. I have to ignore him.
After two attempts, Donny stopped calling. He didn't try again.
I felt like I was controlled by a force I cannot go against. Because if I do, it will only cause more pain.
Before going home, Donny was there waiting for me. I wanted to avoid him but he already saw me. I cannot just hide I know he will ask for the reason why I'm doing it so I have to talk to him.
"Shar."
"Donny, what brought you here?"
Then Donny saw CJ.
"I don't like him being with you. So starting today, I will be your driver."
"Stop kidding like that, don't be so good to me, I might miss you doing it."
"Really?"
"Donny, if everybody around us don't agree about you coming here, are you going to stop?"
"Of course not! Why would I do it because of their want! I won't do it."
"What if I won't be okay when you do it?"
"If you feel that way then let's just keep it secret. Why would they need to know about us. But wait, Shar...why are you asking that all of a sudden?"
"I just thought about it."
"Then let's go," he said and opened the car door for me.
Shall I go for the last time and help So Hyun or shall I close my eyes and ears to her request?