Love Business

xvii

Patrick was still in his room when someone suddenly knocked at his door. "Sir Pat, si Ms. Audrey po." He was worried. The tone of his employee was a bit low which made him more troubled. As he left the room, he saw a large crowd surrounding his girlfriend. He was desperately moving everyone away just to see Audrey.

When she saw Patrick, she immediately embraced him and Patrick hugged back. He was looking for Rizza from the group.

"What happened?", Patrick asked her in a whisper. Even Rizza had no idea what happened.

"Nag-aayos lang po kami ng mga tables dito, Sir. Then suddenly when she answered her phone, umiyak na lang po siya bigla."

Patrick was in anxiety seeing Audrey in grief. "Sige, guys, continue the event. Rizza and Elly, take charge. Ako na bahala sa kanya."

Everyone gave way for the both of them and they all sat to continue their agenda. Patrick and Audrey were walking towards the beach and she was still crying in his arms. As they sat down at one bench, Patrick started talking. "Audrey, what happened?" He wiped her tears which are continuously falling from her face. She didn't respond. "Nag-aalala ako sa'yo. Please, talk." Audrey looked at his face and sobbed.

"Patrick... yung tumawag."

He felt the chills with her voice. "Who called?"

She started crying again. "Si Cara. May sinabi siya sa akin."

Patrick was quiet to let her continue on what is she saying.

"Si Tatay, nasa hospital. Inatake ng kanyang sakit kani-kanina lang." Patrick was left silent. He cannot tell some comforting words. He just hugged her very tightly. He knows how important her family is to her. He stood up but was stopped by her hand, "Where are you going?"

"I'm getting my keys, we need to go home. You have to see your family." Audrey declined his offer. "Patrick, hindi na. Kailangan tayo dito. Nasa vacation tayo." Patrick insisted yet she argued to stay. She is a strong woman. "Ganito na lang, tawagan natin sila, hindi ako kampante na hindi mo sila nakaka-usap eh." And with that suggestion, she accepted.

She called her sister through Patrick's phone. "Bunso? Alam kong nag-aalala ka para kay Tatay. Huwag ka na ring magbalak na umuwi dito kasi kilala mo naman si Tatay eh. Okay na siya, nasa room na siya at binabantayan ng doctor niya. Tulog pa siya ngayon eh. Pinagpahinga ni Nanay. Ito kausapin ka niya."

Patrick starred at his girlfriend who was now talking with her mom. He was in sadness together with her. This made him remember his father who was back home. He had a big gap with his family unlike with Audrey's.

"Nanay, kamusta siya? Pasensya na po kayo if hindi ako makauwi diyan. Alam ko namang hindi niyo rin ako mapapatawad kapag nalaman niyong iniwan ko ang mga tao ko dito sa bakasyon nila. Basta, bigyan niyo rin ako ng updates ah. Sige po. I love you, Nay. Paki-kiss na lang ako kay tatay."

Audrey gave back his phone. "Salamat, Patrick."

Patrick gave her a real tight hug. He felt the sadness in her eyes. Knowing how family matters to her. Suddenly, he had an idea. He grabbed her hand and walked opposite their teams are.

"Saan tayo pupunta, Patrick? Nandun yung team natin sa kabilang side."

Patrick texted Rizza and Elly, telling them that Audrey is alright and they would be gone for the day so they will be in charge for today's team building. "Halika, tayong dalawa lang muna for the whole day. Alam ko na hindi ka makakapagconcentrate sa agenda for the team. Sakin ka na lang muna magconcentrate."

Audrey giggled and nodded. It has only been a day but Patrick knew her very well. It was like they have already been together for so long.

***