L THE TYCOON

Careless Dreams XII

LISA

Jennie gave birth to a healthy baby boy we named Quentin. Everyday's a beautiful day for Jennie and I whenever we see our son in the morning.

But life was never easy.
I sold my car and rushed to put up my business. Bought an old mini bus type vehicle as our travelling Taqueria restaurant. But it didn't disappoint me.
V helped me whenever he can.
I stopped school so I can focus on business and take care of Jennie and Quentin when I'm home.

Of course, at first it's really hard. You invest and not sure how long will you go and earn.
But I make sure I get to give all Q and Jennie's needs. I still get to bring Jennie to simple dates. And what makes me fall in love with her more? She is contented with the simple life we have together.
She never fails to take care of me too.
She helps me on my business when the Doctor allowed Q to go out already. We bring Q wherever we are. Jennie is hands on to our son.
I never thought this rich kid can be a great mother, very understanding and caring partner to me.

Jennie and I never fight. We have a good simple life together. Full of sweetness. Full of love.
Great sex. Romantic movie dates at home. Best kiss. Comforting hugs.
But she scolds me sometimes when I go overtime for work.
What can I do? My cooking has been chased by people wherever we are. I just see to it that I apologize to her whenever she gets mad even how tired I am. She just doesn't want me to get sick.

This living in together made me realize one thing,
that I want her for the rest of my life.
She is the one.
My goal now is to propose to her. Bring my business to the next level and marry her. I will give them the life they deserve.
Well, I admit, sometimes we run out of money. Our daily expenses gets huge day by day. Of course, we have a son to feed. My cousin Rosé helps us. She makes way to help us. Sometimes, we're just surprised to see her at our doorstep. She's the one who fought against my Mom when my mother tried to kick us out from my apartment. Rosé is now a Doctor for two years and she helped financially from some of her savings.
My mother is indeed a monster. She's an insensitive human who keeps ruining me and Jennie. I make sure she won't be near Jennie especially when I am not around.

Today marks our 2nd year being together. I closed my bus around 2pm and went to the jewelry shop. I have been going to this shop for more than a year now and used my charm to the sales lady for her to keep the ring on the rack until I buy it for Jennie. Because yes, I am going to propose to her at home. I saved up for this. And now is the time.
I got the ring. I bought flowers.
Sorry if it took time for me to do this, my love. Sorry if I waited Quentin to learn his small steps to propose to his mother.
Yes, almost two years of saving up.

Texted Jennie and she is still at her parents' house, but she said her parents didn't open the door for her and Q. She has been trying to reconcile with them but they've always been hard to Jennie. Even if her Dad and mine planned to fix us before for marriage, we can't just easily heal their disappointment of Jennie getting pregnant at an early age. We admit, we're too young and minors when we got pregnant. It's wrong. But we're making things right now that we have a baby.

She went out to see Irene, Mina and Seul at the mall and I allowed her so somehow she won't be sad of what just happened at her parents' place.

I got the chance to cook for our date night at home. Prepared her favorite food and wine.
Waited for long hours and still they're not yet home.
Checked the clock and it's already 9pm. I called my love but her phone's probably dead.

I am already worried so I contacted Irene to check on my Jennie and our son.
Irene said they didn't meet Jennie today. But she said Jennie called her this morning and sounded strange like  Jennie was in a hurry and scared.
Hmmm.

Been calling her but her phone's still out of reach.
My heart is pumping so fast. I am nervous. I am so so so nervous.
A lot of what ifs crossed my mind.

I checked our room and found our cabinet open.

Jennie's clothes are gone.
Q's stuff are not around.

Shit.
No. Please no.
What is happening? I'm confused.

I turned weak and surrendered my body on the bed.
My whole body is trembling.
I am trying to hold my tears back and composed myself. I need to think straight. I need to be on my proper state of mind and look for them.
I called V.
When I got up and about to prepare myself as he will be picking me up and we'll look for Jennie and Q.

But a folded paper on our side table caught my eyes.
Took and read it.
My hands are shaking.

Dearest Lisa,

I am sorry if this is so sudden. But I can't take it anymore, love.
Everyday I am scared. Everyday I can't breathe properly. It's not that I don't want to be with you. You know that I want to spend my life with you.

But Lisa, there are steps I need to take. I am a mother now and I won't risk my son.
Someday, you will understand. I promise, you will see Q at the right time when everything's fine and when no one's going to hurt us anymore.
I love you and I am sorry for not telling you how much I do. I hope I made you feel how in love I am with you, Lisa.

For now, we're just-. Let's say we're only up to this point. I am sorry. I am really really sorry but I have to do this. I am sorry if I had to leave.
Please always remember that I love you with all my heart. I love you so much that I need to do this not only for my son but also for you.
Please don't worry about us. I promise I will give Q proper guidance every single day. I promise I will tell him about you.

Please, please do not give up on your dreams.
Please take care of yourself.
I am really sorry for doing this.
I just-. I just love you so much.

But again, I am a mother now and Q is my priority.

Love,
Jennie

My tears can't stop falling.
My body trembles.

"Hey! Lis, what happened? Let's go now?"
V entered the room and found me crying.

"She's gone."
I said.

"Yeah. Let's go and find her."
My best friend took my shoulders and pulled me up.

"She's gone. She brought Q with her."
I said and V sighed.

"She's never going to have a good life with me. Or I guess she regrets spending her life with me.
Maybe she needs to find herself. Maybe she has something she fears in her heart right now. But I won't stop looking for her. You will help me regardless how long and whatever it takes right?"
I said.

My best friend nodded and hugged me. My heart is aching.