Termination of Desire

Kabanata 18

Weeks have passed, and I'm back on track again. Nasa opisina ako at nagtatrabaho sa aking laptop nang pumasok si Helen at nagdala ng siguro'y pang limang kape ko na.

"You're working late again, Miss Ma'am." Nilapag ni Helen ang kape sa table ko.

"Parang hindi ka pa nasanay," walang lingunang sabi ko.

Nagkibit-balikat siya at bumuntong hininga.

"Kung sabagay. Malapit mo na palang ilabas ang seduction series collection mo."

"That's what I'm working on. The last scent is in the process. I'll visit the lab later."

Matunog siyang ngumisi. "For sure, it'll be a big hit. So, when do you plan to launch your new product?"

"Probably next week."

Tumango siya.

"How 'bout your...uh branch store opening in the Philippines? Have you thought about it?"

"Mm. I'll do it when the product launching is over."

Naibaba niya ang yakap-yakap na folder.

"Whoa! Is that for real?!"

I sighed. "You're the one who encouraged me, so why can't you believe me now?"

Tumingin ako sa kanya, nakangisi na agad siya sa akin.

"Because I believe in you. I know you can do it. Ang akala ko lang kasi...hindi mo na pag iisipan, since ilang linggo na ang nakalipas."

"I've been quiet these past few weeks because I want to think about it thoroughly. Ayokong magpadalos dalos, Helen." Bumalik ako sa pagtitipa.

"Not only will I invest money and time, my perseverance and effort are also involved here." Umiling ako. "I have so many negative thoughts and what-ifs. I was still in the process of working my way there. But as I see my business grow and the peak of my success now, I finally have the courage to push through."

Marahan siyang pumalakpak.

"That's the best decision you'll ever make, Miss Ma'am. Remember, be limitless."

Bumuntong hininga ako. I may appear problematic, but I'm actually looking forward to it. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko kakausapin si Mrs. Esquivel tungkol dito pero... hindi pa naman siguro huli ang lahat.

After I sipped on my tenth coffee, I went to my laboratory and worked on my last scent. It was on the last procedure and maybe next week, I'll be able to launch my new scent collection.

It was another long and tiring day for me when I comforted myself on my balcony with a glass of red wine. Ganito madalas nagtatapos ang mahabang araw ko. To pamper myself and spend it in my safe space.

Tinawagan ko si Dad at sinabi sa kanya ang balak kong gawin.

"Really, anak? You're finally going home?" maririnig ang labis na tuwa sa boses niya sa kabilang linya.

I chuckled.

"I'm not going home for a vacation, dad. I'm...planning to open a branch store there." I bit my lower lip.

"Wow... that's very good news! So, your business is really growing!"

"Yeah, I guess so." Ngumiti ako.

I miss talking to him like this. Since we're both busy with our jobs, we don't often call each other. Siguro buwan ang lilipas bago ulit kami makapag usap na dalawa.  And since I went to France, I haven't gone home yet. And it's already been ten years.  Sampung taon ko nang hindi nakikita nang personal si daddy.