Dee's POV
"You have to go home, immediately" Mama J told me on the phone.
I had been thoroughly enjoying my stay in Mexico, visiting numerous picturesque spots and attending a whirlwind of interviews over the past two days. Ann and I had been growing closer, our connection deepening in ways that words couldn't capture. The thought of leaving now felt like tearing myself away from a part of my own soul.
"Why is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I knew this day would come, but not this soon. My duties here were not yet over.
"I can't say much over the phone, but it's important," Mama J replied, his tone firm yet gentle.
I had a hunch it had something to do with how the CEO treated me yesterday during an interview. I'd heard rumors about her, but experiencing her humiliation firsthand was another level. Still, I tried to shake off the suspicion, hoping it wasn't the reason I had to cut my trip short.
"Alright," I said, sighing. "I'll pack my things."
"Be safe, Dee. We'll talk more when you get here."
The call ended, leaving me staring at my phone. The vibrant colors of Mexico seemed to dim around me. I looked over at Ann, who was lounging on the bed, flipping through a magazine. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled every time she looked up at me. She noticed my expression and sat up, concern clouding her features.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing.
"I... I have to go home," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
Her face fell. "When?"
"Immediately. Mama J says it's important."
Ann nodded slowly, her eyes brimming with unspoken sadness. We both knew this moment would come, but that didn't make it any easier. She stood up and walked over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I held her close, breathing in the scent of her floral perfume.
"I don't want you to go, our duties are not yet over," she whispered.
"I don't want to go either," I admitted. "But I have to."
We stood there in silence, holding each other as if we could freeze this moment in time. I wanted to remember every detail – the warmth of her embrace, the gentle rhythm of her breathing, the way her hair tickled my cheek. Finally, I pulled back and kissed her forehead.
"I need to pack," I said, trying to keep my voice from breaking.
Ann nodded and stepped back, giving me space to gather my things. As I packed my suitcase, I glanced around the room, taking in the memories we had made together. The late-night conversations, the laughter, the quiet moments of simply enjoying each other's presence – all of it felt like a dream I didn't want to wake up from.
Ann tried to help me, but I insisted she rest, knowing she was still tired from yesterday's shenanigans.
She sat on the edge of the bed, watching me with a mixture of sadness. I knew she understood why I had to leave, but that didn't make it any less painful for either of us. I zipped up my suitcase and walked over to her, taking her hands in mine.
"I'll be seeing you again, right? I'm sure the MUPH will invite you, or I'll be the one to catch up with you in Thailand," I promised, though the words felt hollow. "I don't know when, but I will."
She smiled weakly and squeezed my hands. "I'll be waiting."
I leaned down and kissed her, pouring all my emotions into that one moment. When we finally pulled away, tears were streaming down her cheeks. I wiped them away gently, trying to keep my own emotions in check.
