Lost in Paradise

Chapter 16

“Yes Rebecca, I’m now in Manila. I just arrived”

Manila is the name of the city where she lived and grew up. Nadia is currently walking towards the bank to work on her deactivated account. She forced herself to come back to Manila only to visit the bank so they can reactivate her account and she can get her money anytime she needs. Nadia doesn’t want to come back because she might see some places which will remind her of Joshua. But she has no choice because she knew that she will not last in Ivana without money.

While walking down the street to the bank, Nadia is conversing with Rebacca over the phone.

“Seriously? Why you didn’t tell me sooner! Where are you? Let’s meet first, my meeting will start after lunch though” Rebecca responded

“I’m heading to the bank now. I just have an important matter to deal with... I’ll leave immediately once it’s settled” Nadia explained

“What? No! I will not let you leave just like that! Let’s meet first before you go back. I know you got many things to tell me” Rebecca exclaimed

“Ok ok. I’ll pass-by on the gallery after this, let’s meet there”

“Alright, see you there”

“Ok, I’ll hang up now. See you later... bye”

Nadia dropped the call as she noticed she’s now in front of the bank. She immediately went in and approached the receptionist. As Nadia declared her name, she was immediately assisted by the employees. Nadia is a long-term client that’s why she’s being treated like VIP here.

Nadia’s transaction took a few hours because of the papers she studied first before signing. She made sure everything was settled so she doesn’t have any more reason to come back to Manila. After reassuring that her account is completely settled, Nadia was about to leave the building when she heard a familiar voice called out her name...

“Nadia?”

Nadia’s mood immediately changed. She knew who called her and she doesn’t want to turn her back for that person. She wanted to keep going and pretend she heard nothing. But she won’t do that because that’s disrespectful and she’s not that kind of person.

She turned her back and she’s right... it is Mrs. Natalia Dioson, Joshua’s mother.

“Mom!” Nadia uttered as approached Natalia and give her beso as a greeting.

“So you also bank here” said Natalia after she exchanged beso with Nadia.

“Yes mom!” Nadia replied politely.

“Are you done with your transaction? Wanna have coffee? I know a fancy coffeeshop nearby” Natalia offered

“S-sure”

Nadia wanted to refuse but she knew she can’t do that. She just followed her supposedly mother-in-law.

The two dined in a fancy coffee shop just a few steps from the bank. The place is big and has only a few customers so it’s quiet, a Chopin is playing from a phonograph. Rebecca ordered latte macchiato marked with a half-shot of espresso that she always love and Natalia ordered Caffé Americano with doppio espresso and some slice of cinnamon cake.

The two were just sipping their coffee. The atmosphere was awkward, Nadia could feel that Natalia has something to say so she waited. They almost halved their cup and no one is still talking. Nadia couldn’t bear the awkwardness. She has to initiate the conversation.

“They’re playing chop—“

“It’s been six mon—“

The two said in chorus... They both stopped and failed to finish the sentence.

“I’m sorry... you go first” Nadia mumbled

“Ehem” Natalia cleared her throat

“It’s been six months since the wedding, how are you doing”

“I’m... I’m coping up” said Nadia

“I heard you left horizon”

“Y-yes”

“I know you’re going through distress because of my son... but, I will not ask sorry for that. I know my son, he left you because of a certain reason... he might have realized that he doesn’t really love you... I don’t wanna be plastic to you Nadia, you know I never like you for my son. As his mother, I know what’s best for him. It just that, you’re not enough. Now that he made a decision of leaving you, I hope you accept that and forget my son. Stop looking for him...Also, you can stop calling me mom from now on”

Nadia expected those words from Natalia. But no matter how much she prepared herself, the pain is still intolerable. Those words are cutting her into pieces. She wished the floor to open up and let the land eat her just to scape the situation. She’s holding up her tears. She doesn’t want to show her that she’s affected.

Nadia didn’t reply. She’s speechless and busy calming herself.

“Don’t worry about the bill. It’s my treat”

said Natalia as she stood up and took her Hermes bag. She turned back and ready to leave when...

“No mom... you don’t know your son” Nadia uttered.

Natalia stopped taking her steps. But she didn’t face Nadia.

“He left because of a certain reason. No matter what that is... one thing is for sure, it’s not because he doesn’t love me. I know more than anybody that his love is genuine. Your son is a true-blue person, he’s ambitious but contented. You demanded things from him and he gave it to you, but you never considered what he truly wants and what makes him happy... I don’t know what you did or what happened to him. But, whatever that is. It no longer concerns me. I’m trying to forget your son so don’t worry” Nadia mumbled still trying to keep her tears.

Natalia stood still. Her eyes turned watery. Nadia’s words hit her hard. She sighed and continued her way outside.

After making sure that Natalia had totally left the building, Nadia burst into tears. She didn’t mind a few people who can see her weep. She just couldn’t contain her emotions. All her agony came back in an instant. She confidently countered Natalia but she was shaking inside. Not because she’s afraid of her but because she is Joshua’s mother, and maybe she was right. She’s now questioning herself again. Is she really not worthy? Did he really love her? Why did he leave her?

Natalia never supported their relationship since day one. Nadia could still remember the first time she met Natalia and how she judged her.