ALASTAIR ARMENDAREZ

CHAPTER 21

"Welcome to Bangkok Ms. Hommerson." Monica greeted me as I finally arrive at my hotel lobby.

"Thanks, Monica." I thank her as she gets my luggage and other things.

I walk directly to my room as I need to rest. Our call time tomorrow is eight o'clock in the morning and we need to prepare at six thirty. Hindi na ko nakaramdam ng gutom at mas nakaramdam pa ng pagod at antok.

"Please take care of yourself everyday, Ara! May you always find your happiness."

Before I close my eyes, I open the message from Alas. I just bit my lip.

I blew a heavy sigh as I close my eyes again.

"Don't do this to me, Alas. You're making it hard for me..." Hindi na ako nagreply pa sa kanya at hinayaan nalang ang sarili kong hilahin ng antok.

I felt something on my chest that I can't even explain. I think there's a pang on it that makes my chest feel hurt and heavy. Why? Am I feeling hurt? Did I make the right decision?

Oh god!

MY reality hit me back as I returned to my usual routine of work. Like what I used to do five years ago, I focus on my own daily life. Wake up early, do my work, get paid, go home, sleep and repeat.

Work is really stressful and sometimes, I felt like I am being burnt out during work. But I've been rewarding myself as well by hanging out with my close friend and having fun after the day of working hard because I actually deserve it.

These past few days, I realized as well that my life must go on kasi. I have to make it for me and my mom, siguro kung ano man ang mangyayari sa mga susunod na buwan o taon magiging masaya nalang ako.

"You're too alcoholic, Amara Hommerson." I was in the middle of drinking when my friend, Jezerie sat beside me. Kakarating lang nito and we basically planned this to catch up.

Kinuha ko ang baso na maya lamang alak at muling uminom.

"Hindi ka naman nasanay sakin." I rolled my eyes at her. "Join me if you want." I added. I even handed a shot glass to her. "Where are they? Are they coming tonight?" I'm referring to our other friends.

"Purple and Kassie is on their way here while Bianca will be late I think. May family dinner pa sila." I just nod my head at her. "How's your work in three different countries pala, girl? Hindi ka ba namasyal sa pinuntahan mo?" she ask me.

"It's nice! I just finished my job, wala akong panahong mamasyal."

"What? Really? That's new for you huh!" Natawa naman ako sa reaksyon nito. "You always travel after working hours–kahit hindi mo naman kabisado ang lugar."

"Tinamad ako." I lied.

"Liar. Is there something happened ba? Kumusta kayo ni Conner? Wait, kayo na ba?" I just smiled at her and rolled my eyes.

"We're doing fine—we remained casual. Hmm, dating era?" I fake a laugh at her. "He'll be here tonight, I think." I added.

He drop a message earlier and I think, one of my friends invited him to join. There's no issue for me though and it's okay.