Up Where We Belong

Chapter 20

Inevitable

"Oh. Paano ba 'yan Tiff? I don't think I can convince you to go back to Hong Kong anymore. Bakit ka ba kasi nag-asawa agad?" himutok ni Camille.

We decided to meet this morning before her flight back to her hometown in the afternoon. Prior to this, she let me know that she's having her vacation, finally. Tapos na ang kontrata nito. Hindi naman nito binanggit kung babalik pa ba siya sa Hong Kong. She asked to see me before she'd go home. We're now in a tea shop that we used to go to when we're in college. Just a few meters away is the office of my mother.

I sighed. I wish I could tell her the truth but I'm afraid things would get more chaotic if she knew about the setup.

I'd just do exactly like we promised to do to keep this setup for ourselves.

"Are you not happy for me being married?" I asked.

I saw her pout her lips while looking at me. She looked so disappointed.

"It's too sudden, Tiff. I never had time to get to know your husband. We have talked about him a lot lately. But it's not enough to know a person over a phone call and only from your own point of view. Nagulat nalang ako nang pinadalhan mo ako ng invitation just a week before your wedding!"

"I'm sorry. It just happened so fast. I know. We decided quickly. Nagulat din ang iba but people close to us who witnessed everything that Gab and I shared were as happier as we are. We didn't want to let that spark slip away so we got married just like that. Things about us may seem odd to some people. But I'm sure about Gab, Camille. I am," I tried to convince her.

She nodded. "I can see that you're happy, Tiff. I have no doubt about it."

I slightly cocked my eyebrow, and then laughed. "Really? I thought you're disappointed with me."

"Huh?" Her lips parted. She massaged her nape and leaned against the backrest. "I'm not disappointed with you. I just feel sad that you won't be coming back to Hong Kong anymore. Akala ko pa naman babalik ka doon matapos nang nangyari. Tapos ngayon may asawa kana. Mas lalong hindi ka na makakaalis."

I'd like to tell her that I never thought of going back even after Aldrin and I called it off. I already made a choice to stay in the Philippines after leaving my job. Everything else I planned, or we planned, didn't happen, but my plan of staying here for good didn't change at all.

I smiled briefly. "I could still go and visit you; you know."

She expelled a long breath. "Well, that will do." She sipped on her tea. "By the way, why isn't your husband with you?"

I forgot to tell her that Gab could not meet her. He had some important business to attend to and he's probably on the road right now going there. I didn't ask about his schedule for today. I just knew that he'd be somewhere working or meeting a client. But it was so kind of him to inform me that he'd be in Ralph's residence the entire morning.

I also told him that I'd be meeting Camille. Knowing his appointment, he felt bad for not going with me and meeting my friend. I told him it's okay.

I shrugged, and reasoned out, "He's always busy, I told you. But he really wanted to join us here. Unfortunately, something came up and he needed to go somewhere."

"Your husband must really be busy." I heard her laugh before I felt my phone vibrating.

I looked to see who was calling.

Gab's name flashed. Why is he calling me? I excused myself first before answering the call.

"Yes, babe?" I said sweetly, making it seem real in front of Camille.