Years After - Continues (Completed)

22 - Plan

Althea busied herself by understanding further the ins and outs of the business. What were the changes made after she left seven years ago? She believes that being the next in line to lead the family business, she should not be complacent but rather be more impressive and prove to her family that she is capable to handle the business established by her grandfather and maintains its good reputation by her grandmother and her two fathers. Handling the business is not exactly on top of her dreams. Having a one-woman exhibit of her art works is still number one on her list because her art works are the one that defines her.

Little by little she begins to understand Thirdy's point of view about having his own identity. She now agrees with him that being identified with a prominent family like theirs is not bad at all in fact it is an advantage but having her own identity will give her a different thrill because that is something made by herself and not by her family.

She could not help but recall her talk with Thirdy when they were still in high school. Their different points of views were the usual reasons of their fights.

No one between them accepts that the other's POV is better than the other. And it was not the same when she was with Harold. The latter oftentimes gives in to her whims as he does not want arguments. Harold will say his point of view but it does not mean he will insist on it. So when she dropped the bomb about their break-up she was expecting that he will accept it with an open mind but things turned out unexpectedly as if she was talking to a different Harold that time.

An email pops up on her screen and it came from the person who is currently in her mind. Harold sends her a copy of his ticket. She released a huge sigh as this confirms that she cannot avoid Harold's presence even she breaks up with him several times.

She then smiles when she sees her phone vibrating and Thirdy's name shown in the caller ID. This guy never fails to make things light for her now even in the simple flashing of his name on her phone screen.

"Good morning. How was your flight yesterday?" Althea greeted.

"Did you not get my viber message this morning? Aside from my usual 'good morning' I also told you that our flight was delayed and we landed at around 1 a.m." Thirdy replied.

"I know that and I saw the message." Althea said.

"You saw my message and I didn't even get a 'good morning' reply?" Thirdy lamented.

"Nagmamadali kasi ako kanina when I saw your message. Late na kasi akong nagising and I don't want to be late on my first day back at work." Althea said. "Ano na, kamusta byahe mo aside from the delayed flight?" She asked.

"There were few turbulence but manageable. Did you miss me?" Thirdy asked.

"Hmmmm?" Althea uttered

"Don't worry you don't have to answer for now. I'll just wait for the time that you will freely say it without me asking." Thirdy said.

"I missed you, Thirdy." Althea abruptly replied and Thirdy got mum as he is not expecting such declaration from Althea.

"Would you like to have lunch with me later?" Thirdy asked after a while.

"I'm sorry, lunch time is already block for Dad Daniel." Althea replied.

"It's all right. There's always a next time." Thirdy sadly uttered. "Let's hang up now, baka naistorbo na kita. I'll just call you again later this evening." He added.

"But I know my family will not mind if I will not join them for dinner tonight." Althea then said enough for Thirdy to stay on the line.

"Are you sure?" Thirdy asked.