AGTML

Chapter 16

A New Start

“Sarah…” Julie said over the phone “… kindly settle my leave for a week, and also please formalize Elmo’s leave of absence, I am with him now here in the Philippines.” She added.

“Ahmm… Ma’am, what shall I put here on Sir Magalona’s leave?” Elmo’s secretary asked.

“Just indicate that he’ll be gone for a month and a half for he was preparing his family’s funeral transfer.”

“Okay Ma’am.”

“We’ll be back in a week, okay? Bye!” Julie ended the phone conversation “All settled!” Julie gladly added.

“Thanks Julie.” Elmo thanked “I have already called someone to take care of the transfer back to Australia. They said that my family’s bodies would be returned there in 3 days time.”

“Why didn’t you call your Aunts or Uncles to help you?” Julie asked.

“Ah, Mom and Dad were the only children of their family. That is why I didn’t have the chance to have a cousin.”

“I see… Moe if you don’t mind, how old was your sister when she died?”

“She was 11.”

“Oh my… I bet your family was really sad when she passed away.”

“Yes I… we were.” Elmo said gloomy.

“Hey! I have an idea! Since we still have almost a week why don’t we enjoy ourselves after a month of work what do you think?” Julie suggested.

“Hmm… we can also celebrate our first week anniversary if that way.” Elmo kid around.

“Why not? Julie smiled.

***

Elmo and Julie went to various places in the Philippines to unwind and enjoy each others’ company. Anawangin Beach Cove in Zambales was their last destination. The two took the opportunity to know their lives and also develop the relationship that they have started.

During dinner at Capones Island…

“Moe I am so happy to see you smile and laugh the whole week. You weren’t worrying about anything or deeply thinking of something.” Julie said

Elmo smiled “Really? Maybe I was just happy that I was able to let go some of my past, if not all, because you taught me to be true to myself. Funny isn’t it? I was living my life before deceiving people but here I am also deceiving myself by my past.”

“That is why I’ve been telling. See? You can always make yourself happy…” Julie exclaimed. “And aside from that I am also happy that I am with you.”

“Aww… (Elmo holds Julie’s hand) Julie, I feel the same way. I am happy that it was you…”

Julie smiled.

“By the way, how was Exodus?”

“Oh! He’s fine. He went back to Germany to talk to his best friend about the incident. Regarding the two of us, everything is back to normal now.” Julie gladly said.

“Good to hear that.”

“Ahmm… Moe… please don’t do that again.”

“Which one?”

“That thing you did to Waldrich… to Exodus…”

Elmo went silent “I am sorry about it Julie.”