When We Happened

Chapter 48: Care Package

Chapter 48

Care Package

"Sir Simon! You came!"

Squealing, I ran towards one of my fairy godfathers, aka one of my bosses at TMA, and engulfed him in a huge-ass bear-hug. God, I missed him and my life in Manila. But my career is here now, and most of the huge opportunities are also here.

So I have to be here.

But I only have to stay here for a few days. I'll be back home in the Philippines before this week ends! I'll finally be with my man. We don't have to talk through video calls and voice memos, anymore.

Well, until I have to go back to New York again, or somewhere outside the country.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this for the world," said Sir Simon as he squeezed me back. He pulled away and checked my face, body, and hair as if he could see how thin I got after a month of being away. "Kumusta ka, Asher? How are they treating you here? Kumakain ka naman ba nang tama, hija?"

Natawa ako sa sunud-sunod niyang mga tanong. "I'm okay. Just really busy, nakakalimutan kumain minsan. Pero nakakabawi naman the next day kapag wala nang shoot."

Tumaas ang kilay nito, hindi nagustuhan ang sagot ko. "Aren't you over-exerting yourself? Hindi ka ba napapagod? Kailan ang days-off mo?"

I love how worried he is for my health and well-being. "Don't worry, Sir Simon. Today's my last day of work. Plus I have a few days off before my flight home!" Grabe, super excited na akong umuwi!

"It's been more than a month since you last saw Yap, right?" he asked, so I nodded. "Kumusta naman kayo? Are you happy? Is he okay with this set-up?"

"He's nothing but supportive," I answered smiling. "Lagi kaming magkausap, walang palya everyday kahit 10-15 minutes call lang. We update each other at the start and end of our days."

Sir Simon flashed me his warm, approving smile. "I'm happy you're with him. You got a good man, Asher."

Tumango ako, hindi mawala ang malaking ngiti sa mga labi. "Ganito po pala pakiramdam kapag nasa tamang tao ka," sagot ko, hindi mapigilang kiligin. "Noong umpisa akala ko pa lagi kaming magka-clash, na pa lagi kaming mag-aaway. But it's been nice and light and good. Sobrang healthy and my heart has never been this happy and content."

His smile widened. "I'm glad you and your heart are happy, anak."

Oh, gosh. I really missed Sir Simon. He's such a good mentor and a great father figure. I want to spend more time with him and tell him more about my work here in New York. "May lakad po ba kayo tonight? Kung wala, we should get dinner outside. My treat po."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, hija. Meron kasi akong meeting tonight with a possible new investor. Maybe next time? Or kapag nakabalik ka na sa Manila? We can celebrate there when your Sports Collected feature comes out."

"Sige po, just let me know if kailan kayo free. Nandito pa naman ako until Wednesday night."

"I feel bad saying no to you."

I beamed at him. "Wala po 'yun, Sir Simon. Work is work, hindi dapat napapabayaan ang prior commitments."

He flashed at me with a serious look. "Do I have to remind you about setting boundaries again, Asher? You know how New Yorkers and the people in our industry work. They will take and take and take until you can't give them anything. Having boundaries and enforcing them will do you good. I hope you don't forget that, Ash."

"Yes, Sir Simon." "Kilala niyo naman po ako, hindi ako magpapa-bully. Once was enough, natuto na ko lumaban sa mga bratty industry people."

"That's good." Tumango ito, mukhang satisfied na sa sagot ko. "Anyway, there's a care package that will be delivered here later. I also ordered a take-out dinner for you tonight. Please wait for it to be delivered here, okay?"