The Joy That Got Away

Chapter 3: The Bridge

The table was nearly full, but people keep on showing up, laughter and alcohol was a good mixture to keep my mind occupied. I was drinking glass over glass, I wanted to drown myself with liquor so that I can forget and be numb. Jon requested the waiter to extend our table and explained that we're expecting a few more people will be joining us. Just in time, Daisy and Claire arrived and headed to our table. According to them, Tristan is right outside, parking the car - and he is not alone.

Since I am new to our company, there are only a few people that I know. Unexpectedly, I was transferred to a different department and found some real friends. Daisy, the person who hides her pain through laughter; Claire, the risk-taker that relishes casual hookups; and Tristan, the out and proud leader of our pack. The four of us shared the same experience in a relationship that bonded us tighter, but I was never aware that they are the bridge that will lead me to happiness but also by heartache.

I was relieved seeing some familiar faces at our table full of strangers. Daisy and Claire explained to me that recently a new colleague is transferred to our department; they are ecstatic for me to meet her. From what they explained to me, this new colleague of ours was no stranger to us. As they pointed towards the entrance, everything froze for a moment; there she was, stepping towards us, it was Joy.

Tristan insisted for her to sit down beside me; my heart is beating so fast that it might explode and splatter my emotions. I tried to be on my best behavior and ignore the fact that I'm sitting beside the person I've been longing to meet again. I was stunned as she looks at me and smiles - somehow it calmed my nerves. Finally, I gained some courage to initiate a conversation.

Since I wasn't able to chat with her before from the Gala, I formally introduced myself and extended my hand to offer her a gentle handshake. As she mumbles through her words she reached for my hand. I asked her if we might have met before and told her that she looks familiar; I don't want her to know that I've been longing to meet her.

She then explained that she offered me her wine at the Gala. I am delighted that she remembered me; I immediately felt comfort while she shares her story. It felt like it's just the two of us; everything seems perfect. But as we get deeper into our conversation, it felt like lightning hit me when she told me that she's with someone. She explained that they have been dating for quite some time now.

I was not prepared for this, like a bomb thrown right in front of me. Joy continues telling me stories about how happy they were. I tries to compose myself and acted like I genuinely care but deep inside, it feels like my heart is broken in half. Suddenly her smile is washed away by sadness; tears started to fall on her rosy cheeks.

I asked as I was clueless about what had caused her tears. She explained that they are going through a rough patch; it all started when they got separated due to a job proposal that her boyfriend received. Since the job was overseas, they've been far from each other. Recently she's been having a strong instinct that he was cheating on her.

She wiped her tears and said that the alcohol is taking over her. She apologized; I knew I had to do something - I extended my arms and leaned towards her and gave her a warm hug. I whispered that I see her pain and that I know how it feels; I wished that I could take away her pain. But then we realized all eyes are watching us- she immediately kept her distance.

It's already past midnight and the only ones left at our table are my friend and Joy. Claire said she needs to leave as she's meeting up with someone. While teasing her, Tristan says we can call it a night. I asked Joy to have a cup of coffee with me in hopes of having more time with her - I want more time with her. She declined and explained she is needed early at the office.

As I hop in my car, I asked her again if perhaps I can give her a ride home. But before she answers Tristan parked right in front of us and said he'll be driving her home. He also added he doesn't trust me while grinning. We hugged one last time and went our separate way. I never thought that this night would be the start of an amazing chapter of my life.

TO BE CONTINUED...