Fragments of Us

35: Ella

It was already late in the afternoon when I managed to get out of bed. I decided to check on the company's performance after I took over. It didn't go bankrupt, surprisingly.

I saw Jema walk in, but I pretended not to notice her. God, I want to throw myself into her arms. I've missed her.

She said she's cooking for dinner, but I accidentally fell asleep. I was awakened by her soft lips touching mine. Kissing me seems to have become her habit, and I am not complaining.

I followed her to the dining table and asked why she'd been doing all this, but she only said nothing.

"Nothing, huh?"

I sarcastically laughed.

"I'm in love with you, Ella."

She suddenly spoke, which didn't sink in to me right away.

"What?"

Damn, she said she's in love with me, and I just really want to hear it again.

"I'm in love with you. It wasn't love at first sight, and it was actually a total mess. I even went into an extreme identity crisis because of you, but it doesn't really matter. I can't pretend I'm not lovesick for you because, every day, it gets worse. I know it may seem so soon, but I love you, Ella, and I know you feel the same about me too."

Jema spilled that, almost crying, and I was also on the verge of tears.

I was about to say that she's right. I'm in love with her too, but my phone suddenly vibrated, and the message was coming from Mafe.

"I brought Tatay Jessie to the hospital. He had a stroke. I need you here, Ate. Please come home as soon as you can."

My world suddenly stopped upon reading Mafe's message, so instead of a night that we were supposed to celebrate, it seemed like it would end in tragedy.

"I'm sorry, Jema. I really need to go."

That was all that I said before I left Jema hanging.

I just grabbed my car key, phone, and wallet before I dashed out of my house.

Fuck, I know that hurt Jema just by the look on her face, but I can't waste any minute here. Tatay Jessie's life must have been in utter danger right now, and Mafe needs me. I really just hope I will not be too late for both of the people I love.