Wherever You Are

nine

Senator Imee's office, a symbol of her dedication and influence, was a bustling hive of activity. The late afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wood paneling and the neatly arranged stacks of legislative documents. The atmosphere was typically one of controlled chaos, but today there was an undercurrent of personal tension.

Issa, Imee's efficient and ever-cheerful assistant, was sorting through the daily mail when she noticed a bouquet of flowers on the counter. A beautiful arrangement of lilies with a note attached.

Issa smiled, "Wow naman, may manliligaw si Madam." she squealed. Ivy just came in and saw her, "Huy! anong ginagawa mo dyan?" she asked. Issa grinned, "May padalang bulaklak kay Sen, Nilagay ko lang dito." she replied.

Ivy nodded, "Dalian mo na dyan at pagkatapos sa hearing non, pupunta na yon dito." she said.

Just as the two finished talking, the door to the office swung open. Standing there was Tommy, Imee's ex-husband. His sudden appearance was like a cold gust of wind, freezing Issa in place. He held a large bouquet of tulips, his expression a mix of determination and nervousness.

"Hi, Ivy," Tommy said, his voice attempting a casual tone. "Is Imee in?"

Ivy's professional demeanor masked her surprise and wariness. "She's in a meeting pa po, Attorney but she'll be back soon. Can I help you with something?" she said.

Tommy shifted uncomfortably, glancing around the office. "I wanted to see her. I brought these for her." He extended the bouquet towards them. Ivy looked at Issa, who is hesitated before taking it.

Ivy's mind raced as she saw Issa carefully placed Tommy's flowers next to the other flowers. She knew about the history between Imee and Tommy, the pain her boss had experience.

"Excuse me po, babalik na po ako sa session hall, Attorney. I'll let her know you're here," Ivy said, trying to maintain a neutral tone.

Tommy nodded, Ivy proceeded going back to the hearing session. Now Issa and Tommy are the only ones left inside the room.

Issa is at her desk, sorting through documents and preparing for the senator's return. Tommy, Imee's ex-husband, smiled at her and took a seat in the couch.

"Hi" he greeted. 

Issa smiled, "Hello po!" she politely greeted and went back in to her desk.

"You seem familliar." he started. He got familliar with her face, he feels that this is not the first time he met her.

"Po?" Issa innocently asked. He scrowled, "I think I've seen you somewhere." He said making Issa more confused.

Tommy's eyes lit up, "Oh! I remember now! Sa Hospital, Ikaw yung nabunggo ko." he said.

"By the way, I'm really sorry, I was in a rush." He added.

Issa smiled, she remember it now as well, "Ahh... naku Attorney! okay lang po yun."  she politely replied.

Tommy was about to say something when the door swung and revealed his wife.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" She asked immediately without greeting him first. Tommy swallowed lump in his throat.

He couldn't speak, he just watched Imee stand in front of him with a mix of longing and nostalgia. Despite the year that have passed and the hurt between them, there's an unmistakable softness in his eyes. He looks at her with an intensity that reveals he still holds deep feelings for her. His gaze lingers on her face, his expression betraying the remnants of affection he has never truly let go of.

Imee raised her brow, "Magtititigan nalang ba tayo dito? Kung wala kang importanteng sasabihin, you may go. I don't want to waste my time. I have more important things to do." She said.