In Love With You

Chapter 15

"Change is constant"

ERICA's POV

I turned the lights off on his bedroom and slowly settled myself beside him. He has been asleep since I came this evening to check on him. I haven't been in touch with him for a week now. His Dad is still in coma and he has been very busy looking after their company. I can see a lot of stress looking at his face. I wish I could do something to help him. I touched his face and planted a kiss on his forehead. I miss him already. We would only call each other once in the morning and go to work. I would leave my office at 5pm while he would still be in a meeting by 7pm. He has been through tough times and I do understand. He needs me right now and I need to support him behind. I am just so glad that he came here in is flat tonight so I got the chance to finally see him. Tomorrow is Sunday and I am gonna make sure he'll have time to relax. I was able to fill his refrigerator and I'm gonna make his favorite adobo tomorrow. I felt his hands around my waist and it felt like I've been missin' him for long.

It's only 4am in the morning but I decided to get up and prepare his break fast. I might not be able to cook for him if I sleep a little more.

"Ans?"

I can't seem to smile seeing him in his towel and his hair still wet from shower.

"Hey babe"

He kissed me and I feel like wanting more but he stopped.

Oh dear..

"I prepared breakfast for you."

He smiled and wrapped his hands on my waist.

"Okay I'll change"

"What will you do today?"

I manage to ask when he went out from his room since he's wearing his usual business suit.

"Babe, I have to go yo the office."

What else would I expect?

"Aren't you gonna stay at home? It's Sunday. Have a little time for yourself"

I prepared his sandwich and milk. He's not gonna be drinking coffee today.

"Babe I want coffee. And yes I can't rest. Not now."

I don't know what's wrong, but he seems to be a different person in just a week. Maybe he's been stressed up so much. Too many responsibilities might have changed him a lot.

"Hey Mr. Businessman, I'm not you're secretary. Don't ask me for coffee and coffee is not gonna help you with your sleepless days"

He just smiled and that's what's more important to me now.

"Are you gonna be free for lunch?" Feels like I'm the one asking for a date now.

"I have a Lunch meeting babe. Unless you want to join me?"

Seriously?

"It's fine. I'll see you after work then."

I don't understand but it feels different. You know that feeling? When you really want to understand something but you can't?

"I might not be able to come home early. You can just go home at your house if you want. You might just get bored"

See? Even his tone is a monotone. Like he's just talking to his associates.

"Okay"

But well, I can't distract him now. He needs more understanding right now and I know it's not easy for him he had to look after their business.

"Babe. I hope you understand"

He held my hand and I was really about tell him I miss him so much.

"It's okay Ans. I understand"

But I can't tell him that. I don't want to add up to his burdens.

Another week passed and we had the same distance. Sometimes he would only accept my call once a day and sometimes his secretary would even accept it for him. I've been too lonely. I haven't seen him since we had a breakfast together. But what can I do? This is the real Ans, an heir to their business. This was the kind of man I have been expecting him to be. He has grown and matured enough to handle clients and thousands of employees. I should be the first to be happy for him.

I decided to go shopping today. I have to pamper my own self and get a break from all of the stress at work and from the fact that I'm missing my boyfriend so much. And I have to treat myself well today.

I haven't gotten all of the things in my checklist when I saw Ans calling. I immediately received it since it might be important knowing how busy he is.

"Babe, you called"

Drop the 'hello' since he might only have a small time to spare me.

"Babe where are you?"

I'm feelin' excited since I didn't expect him to ask that. Most of the time, he would only tell me that he's not gonna make it to our dinner or would only tell me that he'll be in a meeting and that he might not be a able to accept my call.

"I'm at the mall. Shopping. Why?"

"Stay at our hive tonight I have something to discuss with you tomorrow morning"

"Tonight? Babe, my parents are expecting me tonight. Maybe you can just come by at our house?"

I am praying and hoping that he will come.

But...

"Erica I'm sorry, I'm closing a deal tonight with an important client. I'll be able to come by 11 or 12 midnight babe. I have to be at the dinner with the board of directors."

Why can't he spare me this day? I was controlling myself. He's right. It's more important.

"It's fine babe. I'll just see you tomorrow at your condo. No need to come. You need to rest."

But suddenly, tears were falling from my eyes.

I decided to go home and stop being dramatic. It's normal, he's gonna be taking their company very soon.

Our salon is closed and I can't see anyone inside. I decided to just go straigt home. I just want to go in my room now and rest. I bought myself some new dresses and I can't wait to try them on. It's a little dim inside the house when I went in. Seriously? Even my family? How busy are these people?

I covered my eyes from the sudden opening of light.

"HAPPY BIRTH DAY!!!"

Momshie is holding a one layered strawberry cake and papsi is holding a balloon together with my cousin liza while lush and sherry are holding flowers. I understand the pink cake but seriously? Balloons?

"Happy birthday anak.."

My parents got me into a tight hug and I couldn't be more happier. I have the best parents and family ever.

My huge smile started to fade when I realized that the 1st person I've expected to surprise me was not around. I was actually expecting that he called me for this. I expected candles and wine soon as the lights opened, but it was just all in my brain.

"Oh, birth day pero malungkot"

Dad noticed it.

"Where's Ans?"

Liza asked. Of course, she's the only one here who knows that we're dating.

"Wag ka ng malungkot at babawi din yun. Busy yun anak alam mo naman ang kalagayan ng negosyo nila ngayun. Gayung si kumpare ay hindi pa malaman kung kaylan gigising. Mamaya lang nandyan na yun."

Yeah. I know papsi. No need to keep repeating it in my head. And no, he's not gonna make it.

ANSON's POV

I have not been living at all. I'm more robotic than the projects that our team is building. I miss the old me. But well, how can I forget that my father is laying in coma and my mom is getting week thinking of how to save our company. A leak of our latest project had impacted the company and it became a huge problem to my father that caused him a heart attack. If only I've learned it earlier before, if only I've helped him way better than just fooling around. I could've saved my dad from being hospitalized and his company from falling. If Shane would only be around, everything should've been settled by now. I can imagine how she's wanting to beat me right now after what happened. I'm sorry dear sister. I'm sorry for disappointing you and Dad. But I promise, I'll do everything that I can to save Dad's company. For you.

I opened the contract, put on my signature and the date.

"Mr. CEO, thank you for your time"

We shake our hands together with the other investors as we signed the contract.

"James" I gave the contract to my Dad's secretary.

Finally, I can go home now and see Erica. I know that I've been very busy lately and we've been missing each other so much.

"Anson, would you prefer an executive suite or a king bed?"

My Dad's secretary, who's now my secretary acting like a nagging mom. He's at the front seat and me here at the backseat of the car wanting to lie down now and sleep.

"I have to book your accommodation ahead of time." Well, that's how he is. He's very organized and I've learned so much from him.

"Up to you James"

I haven't been in Singapore so I wouldn't know anything about it. And yes, I'm going out on a business travel abroad and I don't know how to tell Erica about it. I hope she'll understand.

Speaking of, I have to call her if she's in my condo or at home.

I dialed her number but no one's answering. Maybe she's asleep now. My  poor girl, I can't even take her out on a date now. I tried calling her again and finally she answered.

"Anson ijo"

It's papsi. But where is she?

"Paps. Is erica home?"

God I miss her voice.

"Oo eh tulog na ata ijo at nakainum ng konte"

WHAT?

"Nakainom? Why what happened?"

Stupid girl, drinking again.

"Oh teka relax lang. Hindi naman lasing nakainom lang at nagkaroon kami ng konting salo-salo. Inaasahan ka nga namin ng momshie mo pero sabi ni erika ay huwag ka ng abalahin at may importante kang lakad. Oh eh kumusta ka naman. Wag ka parin sanang makakalimot magpahinga anak at baka ikaw naman ang magkasakit."

Hayy.. I miss these people. I miss my 2nd home.

"Paps. Okay lang po ako. Pasensya na po kayo hindi ako nakadalo ngayun. Namimiss ko na nga mga luto ni momshie eh"

There are some things that we can't hold at the same time. And I have to focus right now no matter how much I want to live an easy life. I have to keep myself busy to save my Dad's company.

"Eh kung tapos ka na sa trabaho, gusto mo humabol ka nalang dito. Maraming niluto ang momshie mo pero halos hindi naman nagalaw dahil kami-kami lang din naman. Wala namang bisita si Erika dahil maliban sayo, wala naman syang ibang kaybigan para i-celebrate ang kaarawan nya.."

KAARAWAN NYA...

Those words were repeatedly being played in my ear and I suddenly realized the contract date on the paper I just signed.

08/11/20**

God! What's wrong with me? How can I even forget that?

"James, drop me off to Erica's house"

I'm doomed.