There's One Thing I Like About Him

Chapter Eight

Trisha

The secretary had just finished announcing the newly appointed positions, and I was thrilled to learn that I had been promoted to Senior Project Manager. As the room began to empty, I noticed Alexa walking toward me, her expression troubled. Something was clearly bothering her, though I couldn’t quite tell what it was. When she reached me, she gave me a tight hug.

“Congratulations, best friend,” she said warmly. I returned the hug, grateful for her support. Alexa always knew how to boost my confidence when I needed it most. But as she pulled back, I noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy for me?” I asked, a little concerned.

“It’s not that. Of course, I’m really, really happy for you. But I overheard something earlier, while the secretary was making the announcements,” she confided. Trust my best friend to pick up on gossip even during such an important moment. What could it possibly be this time?

She looked at me, her expression serious.

“What is it? What’s going on?” I asked, now more curious than worried.

“Did you know they’re transferring Ethan to another hospital?” Her words caught me off guard. Why would they need to move him? And where?

“Where?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

“To America,” she replied. “They say the medical care there is more advanced, and he’ll get better treatment. Maybe when he returns to the Philippines, he’ll be in much better health.”

The thought of him being so far away saddened me, but I understood that his parents were doing what they believed was best for him. It was difficult to think of him leaving, but I knew it was necessary.

“Miss Alejo,” a voice suddenly called from behind, making me jump. I turned to see Mr. Cliff standing there.

“Y-Yes?” I stammered, feeling a bit nervous.

He walked closer, and I instinctively tightened my grip on Alexa’s hand, feeling the cold sweat on my palm.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said. It was the first time I’d heard him speak, and I noticed his accent. I knew from my colleagues that he was born in the UK. I managed a small smile, but he didn’t seem pleased—his expression remained serious.

I cleared my throat before replying. “T-Thank you?” I said uncertainly. He raised an eyebrow before walking away.

“Of all the things you could’ve said, you chose ‘Thank you’?” Alexa teased, making me scratch my head in embarrassment. “So weird,” she added, laughing.

“Let’s go grab something to eat. I’m starving,” I suggested, eager to change the subject.

“Sure, but you’re being treated since you just got promoted. Let’s eat somewhere fancy,” Alexa said with a playful grin.

I shook my head, knowing I couldn’t argue with her when she had her mind set on something.

As we walked past the restaurant where we had eaten last time, memories of that day came rushing back. The whole experience had left me traumatized, and from the look on Alexa’s face, I could tell she felt the same. It seemed like we’d never dine there again.

Suddenly, an idea came to me—should I go see Ethan at the hospital? Maybe just to say goodbye. It couldn’t hurt, right? They said he was leaving for America today.

“Alexa, I need to go somewhere,” I said, turning to Alexa.

“Huh? Where are you going?” she asked, surprised.

“It’s just something I need to do,” I replied, trying to be vague.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to the hospital again? What if Isabelle finds out you’re interested in her boyfriend?” she warned. But I didn’t care if Isabelle found out or not. I had to go. I quickly grabbed some cash and handed my wallet to Alexa so she could eat without me. She seemed delighted.

“You’re something else, Trisha. Taking risks just to see him,” she teased again. But I couldn’t leave without seeing him one last time—that’s what my heart was telling me. I hurriedly flagged down a taxi and headed to the hospital, hoping I would catch Ethan before he left. It would be difficult to see him go, but I had no right to interfere with his parents’ decision. My only regret was not telling him how I truly felt.

As I got into the taxi, I could still hear Alexa cheering me on.

“Go! Go! Bestie!” she shouted, jumping up and down excitedly. I felt a bit embarrassed, but I chose to focus on getting to the hospital as quickly as possible.