OFFSTAGE (Suspire Series #2)

Kabanata 19

I've been out of work for 12 weeks. I stayed with Mason's parents after I was discharged from the hospital. While he is at work in the theater, they look after me. By staying at his parents' lovely home, I learn more about their family and his childhood.

Mason's family was incredibly loving and caring. Hindi na ako nagtaka kung bakit sobrang bait ng boyfriend ko. Lumaki siya sa masaya at mapagmahal na pamilya. Iyong hindi ka iiwan kahit anong mangyari. Iyong ipaparamdam sa'yo na importante ka at may halaga ka. Kasi 'yon ang mga bagay na naramdaman ko noong kasama ko sila. Na parang parte na rin ako ng pamilya. Like I belong.

My time with them was an important part of my recovery. Even in my current mental state. I don't have high hopes and just want to get back on my feet without falling due to a headache or abdominal pain. But I'm all right now. Better than ever before!

I made the decision to let go of everything negative. And begin a new chapter in my life without anyone holding me back. Without anyone telling me that I don't deserve to be happy or alive. Because I do.

I brought my own condo and packed everything I needed from the boutique. Lake tutored me as usual, and sometimes he couldn't because he was too busy with the construction project and business trips.

I was currently stitching one of the suits and ties that Mason will wear for their award ceremony next month. Their musical play was trending on social media platforms and received positive feedback. I am very proud of my boyfriend!

"Hindi nga!" Zoe's shrill voice echoed throughout my office. I gave her and Cheryl a quick glance as they sat on my couch before returning to my stitching.

"Hindi ba?" Cheryl said, a tinge of wonder in her tone. Then they began bickering at each other, which is why I rolled my eyes.

Ang ingay naman ng mga 'to. "Hindi siya 'yon," sumbat ni Zoe at mukhang naiirita na kay Cheryl sa kung ano man ang pinag-aawayan nila.

When my phone rings, I tell the two ladies to keep their mouths shut while I answer. "Dinner later?" bungad ni Mason sa kabilang linya.

Just hearing his voice brightens my day. "Sure. Where to?" I ask, a smile on my face.

For a brief moment, I could hear him humming. "Restaurant or I cook dinner at your place?" he said.

Hindi ko pinansin 'yong dalawang kasama ko dito sa loob ng office nang magsimula na naman silang mag-away. Pero mabuti nalang hindi gan'on kalakas ang boses nila dahil baka mamaya mapalayas ko sila ng wala sa oras.

"Sigurado ka bang kaya mo pang magluto? What if mag-order nalang tayo ng pizza while watching movies?" I suggested. "Unless Romantic dinner 'to?" natatawang sambit ko.

Kahit si Mason ay natawa rin sa sinabi ko. "Everything about this relationship is romantic dearest," he said sincerely, but there was an erotic undertone. "But if you say so, how about I cook dinner for us at your place and then we do the romantic thing you're talking about in bed?"

I burst out laughing. Nagiging bastos talaga si Mason sa ibang bagay. Wala na ang aking inosenting boyfriend.

"Sounds like a plan," I humorously said. Before we hung up, we both chuckled.

Hindi ko namalayang nakangiti pa rin ako kahit tapos na 'yong tawag. Liningon ko si Cheryl at Zoe na naabutan kong nakatingin pala sa akin. At the very least, they stopped arguing. Zoe was staring at me as if I had shit on my face or was just plain disgusting, whereas Cheryl was beaming.

"What?" I enquire.

Zoe was the first person to speak up. "Ganiyan pala kapag in love," she says. I gave her a sidelong glance. "Nagmumukhang baliw," she continued.