Ella

CHAPTER THREE | TAKEN FOR GRANTED

Two weeks have passed, and it has been a very hectic two weeks. My boyfriend and I haven't seen each other in days as we have both been busy with work. There were moments when we were both preoccupied with the demands of our jobs, but we made it a point not to extend such absence in each other's lives. We make it a point to schedule meaningful time together. I'm already finished with my important job duties and deadlines, and I'm looking forward to my free weekend. Finally, I can spend time with my guy. I decided to text him tonight.

“Babe, what time will you be home? Can you sleep here tonight at our house? I also cooked shrimp sinigang, you can have dinner here too.” I sent Norman a text.

He's always on the closing shift, so we haven't spoken in almost two weeks. Since I didn't have work the following day and it was a Saturday night, I considered inviting him over for a sleepover. We can finally spend more time together and catch up.

Norman didn't respond for almost an hour. As I am aware, he is on duty, thus that is a given.

“Hey, babe. Sorry, can we do it some other time? I was so exhausted when I came home last night that I didn't even get to text you, I immediately fell asleep. The team was invited to go out for drinks with Sir Jim and Sir Dean tonight. All of the staff will be there as our store has exceeded its monthly sales goal. I'm sorry, baby. This morning I played basketball, and I didn't notice that my phone went dead. Since I couldn't charge it, I didn't have time to call you to let you know.”

I sighed when I read Norman's reply. I was a little sad. I thought before I answered him.

—Is that so, babe? How about tomorrow? Can we have breakfast then?

— Tomorrow? I have work tomorrow at 11 am. I'll stay up late tonight and would prefer to have a longer sleep time the following day.

—Ah, okay. Next time, I guess.

— Sorry, babe, but missing the team's celebration tonight would be a little disappointing. I swear I'll make it up to you as soon as I have the chance.

—Ok, I get it, but we haven't seen each other for two weeks.

—Yes, babe. I really miss you. Next week I might be on the morning shift. We’ll go out even if it’s on a weekday.

—Ok. Just be careful and don't get wasted. Text when you get home.

—Yes, babe. Thank you. I love you.

—I love you, too.

I finished texting with Norman. That entire evening, he didn't text me. Despite the fact the I said its fine, I'm still upset with him because we haven't spent time together in over a week. Two weeks, to be exact. Why does it appear that he does not miss me and makes no effort to see me?

I decided to watch a new series on Netflix to distract myself and divert my focus away from my partner. I didn't like anything, so I opted for a romance comedy film. Instead of feeling better after watching it, I felt more furious and sad for my boyfriend. He hasn't texted me yet. I slept with a bad feeling.

Norman and I did not follow our usual Saturday night routine the following day, and it was difficult for me to keep my cool. Although I'm used to us not being together during the workweek, I always look forward to our weekends together.

I'm starting to think he doesn't miss me as much as I do, as he doesn't seem to be making much of an effort to spend time with me or even see me. It's already late, and I don't feel like going out to avoid thinking too much about him. Moreover, it's possible that my friends are already drunk by this time.

I opted to spend the night at home. I returned to my bedroom and lay in my bed, listening to music. I listened to Parokya ni Edgar's appealing songs, such as "Lagi Mong Tatandaan," while unwinding by scrolling through f*******: and i********:. My frustration with my partner has intensified as, in spite of how much I miss him, he does not appear to be reaching for me. He even forgot to text me about how his night went.

I am currently filled with mixed emotions; I am sad and hurt. Why do I feel that Norman is being unfair to me? Why can't I feel like I'm his number one priority? Why do I have to think about other people, why do I have to be taken for granted? Do my feelings for him no longer matter? Is it possible that I am overreacting to his choices? Do I need to understand him more? I'm certain of only one thing: I felt unloved tonight. And it's excruciatingly painful. I hugged my pillow and cried silently.

I genuinely miss him. I also miss getting intimate with him. He isn't even asking for it, which is ridiculous. It's been two weeks. How can he stand it? How does he get by? I know him. He's an extremely lusty man. In contrast, he wouldn't last a week without having s*x with me, but it's been more than a week and he seems to be fine with it. I'm getting pretty irritated. Hey, I'll get back at him when he asks me out; I'm not going to give in to him right away. I've been as parched as a desert, and I'm horny. I have my needs as well. I won't be patient with him if he doesn't do anything in the next few days to make up for it and show me that he truly misses me. I'll get mad and confront him. Not long enough, I simply dozed off out of frustration.