Jacob
She hasn't spoken to me for a week.
Our roles barely had any interaction so I had no excuse to talk to her. When it was time to go home, she would barely give me a glance, ride the elevators to the parking and not give me the time of day.
One time, it was only the two of us at the lifts. But when I tried to say hello, she started coughing all, which didn't stop. She coughed all the way out to her car, where she promptly sped away.
I miss her.
My text messages, calls... they remained unanswered. She also disconnected with me in my social media accounts.
"Please, Sabina. Let's talk? I don't know what I did wrong and I'd like to understand so I can be better for you."
No reply.
"I'd trust that you know what is best and if this is what I deserve, I'll take it. I just hope that one day you could let me know why and give me a chance. I don't want to lose our friendship, Sabina."
On the second week, I saw her heading up from a lunch out and had a quick moment with her alone in the pantry.
"Sabina."
I was almost stunned to see her glowing - her cheeks pink, eyes twinkling and a small smile on her lips. That smile faltered a little when she realized who was calling her. "Oh. Jacob."
"Yes. I was just wondering, could I get you coffee?"
"No, I'm good."
"Sabina, please? Let's talk."
She sighed. "No need, Jacob. I'm not mad. I've just chosen to stay away from you."
Sabina left and I found out that she was on leave the following weeks.
It gave me time to think.
I truly, truly missed Sabina and I still want her presence in my life. I want her with me long term.
But marriage? I saw myself marrying my girlfriend. There must be a compromise right?
I just needed to talk to her about it.
I reserved for a posh dinner at an exclusive restaurant in Makati, ordered flowers and worked on a script to make sure she can't say no.
I was going to get her there and come up with something agreeable to us both.
When Monday came, she arrived just on time and didn't leave any room for a quick chat. As her teammates, trickled in, I noticed some of them teasing her.
What's going on?
Finally, her loud boss came and shrieked, "Oh my god. Congratulations, Sabina! Where's the ring?"
Ring?
I saw her stand up, hold out her left hand, and there a gigantic ring that would leave no doubt that she was now taken.
I couldn't breathe. And the entire day, I just kept on waiting for a chance to talk to her.
The elevators provided that. And just as we alighted, before we headed to our cars, I asked, "Engaged? I thought you didn't want to marry?"
"I thought so, too. But, it feels right with him."
"Wh... who?"
It was a guy she met years ago but they stayed casual friends. And in one of those lunches that I missed after she stopped talking to me, they bumped into each other while walking and he never let her go.
"I've tendered my resignation, Jacob."
"Resign? Why?"
"He's going to be assigned abroad and I'm going with him."
Two weeks later, she was gone. And I drowned myself in alcohol for a few days and then pretended that everything was fine.
Things got better but working there was never quite as magical anymore and I eventually left.
I married.
But once in awhile, I still think of her. And sometimes pray that in that other life, we ended up happy together.
