Love and Cigarettes

Chapter Nineteen

Despite all that was said and done, we didn't get back together. That's what I couldn't understand. We were still in love with each other, so why did Sir Lars refuse to go out with me again? Just why?

There was a melancholic look on his face before he left me yesterday. Tila may gusto siyang sabihin sa akin ngunit hindi niya masabi. Hindi ko alam.

"You seem to be in distress." Sir Alex commented with concern. "What makes your dander down?"

I pursed my lips. I was itching to tell him and ask for advice, but Sir Alex likes me. I can't possibly talk to him about another man. That's impolite.

Mukhang nabasa naman niya ang iniisip ko at ngumiti siya. "You must be thinking about a man. It's okay to tell me your worries. I won't mind."

Hindi naman ako nakatiis at nasabi ko na kay Sir Alex ang sitwasyon ko. Taimtim naman siyang nakinig sa akin at hinintay niya muna ako matapos na magkwento bago siya magsalita.

"To sum it up, you both confessed that you're still into each other... but he refused to get back together with you?" My boss politely stated.

Tumango ako. Napaisip naman siya.

"Wouldn't it be better to ask him directly?"

I sighed. "I don't want to be pushy."

"That man loves you. He won't find you pushy. Plus, you deserve a proper explanation, Aria." malumanay na paliwanag ni Sir Alex.

I bit my lower lip. Should I confront him?

"Why don't you take the day off and meet him?" suhestiyon ni Sir Alex. "For your own peace of mind. I don't want you to work in that state."

For some reason, I wanted to cry. Alam ko namang may gusto si Sir Alex sa akin pero sinusuportahan parin niya ako. His kindness is so comforting.

"Thank you, Sir." I told him, teary-eyed.

"I wish you luck, my love." The way he addressed me made my heart skip a beat. "If he still refuses to take you back, come to me. I'm willing to wait."

I hope it doesn't come to that, Sir Alex.

I took the day off and prepared myself to meet Sir Lars in his office. I applied some light makeup and wore a pink dress to complement my dark skin. At the very least, I wanted to look good in front him.

Bago magtungo sa opisina niya, bumili ako ng bulaklak. It's usually the other way around, right? It's always the man who gives flowers to a woman... but I didn't want to go empty-handed.

Gusto kong makita niyang sincere ako.

I really want him back in my life.

Nang makarating ako sa Solar, dumaan muna ako sa receptionist sa lobby upang ipaalam kay Sir Lars na nandito ako. Ngunit matapos siyang tawagan, humingi ng pasensya sa akin ang babae.

I was denied entry. He didn't want to see me.

Well, it's fine. I won't be discouraged by something like this. He's obviously avoiding me. That's all the more reason to meet him. I need to hear the truth.

Bakit ayaw niyang makipagbalikan sa akin?

I stayed in the lobby and waited patiently for him to meet me. The receptionist seemed concerned, but she left me alone. It was already past lunchtime when Sir Lars came into my sight.

And he looks pissed off.

"Why are you still here? I said I didn't want to meet you." bungad niya nang makalapit sa akin.