Book 2: Cause All I See Is You (Jholet)

The One In-Between

Colet

I heard a soft thud by the car door as I closed it, the sound oddly loud in the stillness of the evening.

As I settled into the seat, a dim light flickered on, casting a weak glow that revealed my mother sitting beside me. Her presence was unmistakable.

"I've been waiting here for more than an hour," she declared, her tone crisp and articulate. I glanced at her, taking in her appearance.

She was wearing her work clothes-a pristine suit with a sophisticated pencil skirt. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her makeup was flawless. My mother always looked so respectable yet incredibly intimidating when she was dressed for work.

"I didn't know you were coming," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"How could you know when you haven't been answering my messages or calls?" she retorted, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.

I could see the faint lines of worry etched on her face, partially illuminated by the car's interior light. The scent of her perfume, subtle yet unmistakable, filled the car, adding to the tension.

I sighed, feeling the weight of her disappointment. This wasn't going to be an easy conversation.

"Your dad wants you back home," my mother said, her voice cutting through the silence of the car.

"I can't go home, Ma, you know that," I replied, my brows furrowing at the unwelcome news.

"If you don't come home, your father will cut off your allowance. He's already aware that I've been supporting you," she continued, her tone still ice-cold, a chill that matched the evening air outside.

"Okay lang Ma. I have a job, and it's my last year. I think I can manage until graduation," I replied, biting my lip, the familiar taste of anxiety creeping in.

"Maria Nicolette!" My mother's voice rose slightly, a rare crack in her composed demeanor, before she sighed and regained her composure.

"Napaka immature n'yo ng papa mo. This needs to stop."

"Where is he now?" I asked, my voice softer, the tension in the car almost tangible.

"He's on a business trip in the States. He'll be back at the end of the month before your graduation. He expects you to be home by then," she said, her eyes briefly meeting mine before glancing away.

"Alam mo kung kailan ang graduation ko?" I smiled at the thought, glancing at her with a mix of surprise and appreciation.

"Of course I know a lot of things. I'm your mother, after all," my mother replied, crossing her arms and gazing out the window. The dim streetlights outside cast a gentle glow on her profile.