MY NAME IS DALE

MY NAME IS DALE- CHAPTER 1

MY NAME IS DALE. I'm a freelance writer. I write scripts for a
local station and magazine. It's been two years since I have my Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication. Unfortunately, I don't yet have a stable job for
myself.

I do send some résumé and application letters to various companies through online, unfortunately, I always ended up waiting for their call. So, from time to time, I work as a freelance writer for a local station here in our province.
Until one day, a childhood friend working from the city recommended me to apply in this company. I waited for two weeks since that would be the duration of time that they will give a call to their applicants.

To cut the narration short, I was asked for a face to face interview along with is also to verify the documents I have submitted to them. Happiness is an understatement for me. For almost two years I‟ve waited for this
break in my career. I am so excited and my heart is jumping with joy.

Without further ado, I called up to Dylan- my boyfriend for six long years- to tell the good news. Walking home from the coffee shop where I had a meeting with
my client, it was a perfect timing that he called me up for a dinner outside before I even dialed his number. So, we decided to meet up at the nearest restaurant
around the vicinity.

He first came in to the restaurant and right before I entered the place, I saw him smiling at me.

“Hello dear! How is your day?” I greeted him as he kissed my forehead.

“It was a bit tiring but great!” he happily replied.

“That‟s good to hear.” I said feeling excited to tell the good news to him.

The waiter came in to our table and so we ordered our food for dinner. While waiting, he scrolled his phone while I'm gathering all my confidence to tell him the news. I know its good news but I'm not sure if he would agree to this. So, I'm finding courage to myself how to say it in a way he would agree and support me.

"Dale, are you okay? You seem disturbed". He said as he stopped scrolling his phone.

I just smiled at him as I'm about to tell the news.

“Well, I have this important thing to say but I hope you'll feel positive about it". I said to him while playing my fingers in the table.

“Wait, I'm confused. Is it good or bad news?" he asked directly as he noticed my fingers playing at the table.

“I don't know. You see, I submitted an application letter online to this company in the city. To cut it short, I was asked for an interview.” I told
him.

“Ohh, that‟s indeed a great news!“ He simply replied.

I saw his face kind of surprise but manage to regain his composure
afterwards. I know based from his facial expression that he didn't like the thought of it but still manage to say positive things.

“So, you accepted the offer?” he finally asked.

“Yeah”, I shortly replied but hesitantly.

"That's good for you. But, that also means that we'll be separated with each other.

Basically, that means you will be tied up working in the city while I'll be working here.” He explained and trying to enlighten me of what would be out set up in the future.

After our dinner, he drives me back home. He was too silent inside the car while I'm running random thoughts inside my head.

“Shall I decline? What would I
do?” I asked to myself and that made me stare blankly at the window.

“Do you really want to go there? I mean, it‟s your life- your future that awaits there.” He simply said but not too convincing for me to directly say yes.

“Dylan, as a sign of my respect and love to our relationship, I wanted to ask you one last time. Do you want me to go there as well? Just be honest and tell me.” I said to him seriously.

“Honestly Dale, I'm not so sure about it. You see, we're only meters away from our working area but we seldom see and spend time to each other. But that's okay. I totally understand since we both know how hectic our schedule is every day, but how much more if you will soon have your work in the city. We both don‟t know the future.” He explained to me while driving his car.

That moment, I was confused. I wanted to stay with him much as he wanted to stay with me. But, there‟s something inside pushing me to try and go out of our comfort zone as a couple. So, despite of what he said, I ended up convincing him to let me try working there. If our plans failed, then I go back and find a life with him.

I entered my room and set a schedule with my interview. For a moment, I am staring at my laptop, still confused and worried. I‟m trying to find peace in my heart for I know it would only then I can rest assure to everything.

“Dale, are you okay? Is there something wrong?” It was my dad who entered my room and sat beside me on my bed.

“Why aren't you sleeping? It‟s not good for you.” I'm trying to divert our conversation.

“Dale, come on! I know you so well. I know when you're disturbed to something or hurt by someone. I‟m here to listen.” He calmly said while looking intently at
my eyes.

From the image I saw in my father's face, I found myself crying. I wanted to hide it from him. I wanted to conquer it with myself. I wanted to be responsible for it. But no, I realized it's him I needed the most in this situation.

“I was hired as a writer in this company somewhere in the city. But, why is it so hard for me to accept it? Why is it so hard for me to say yes?” I asked him while
crying.

“Dale, you're smart. If there's one thing you're very good at, it would be deciding what's best for you and for us. So, if you're thinking you might failed in this
decision of yours, don't worry, I'm here. I'm definitely here.” He convincingly said to me.

“Thank you Dad. This means a lot.” I said to him.

“Don't worry Dale. If he's really for you, you'll both end up together. If he's not, God will definitely find a way to break you apart.” He finally said as he hugged me and tapping my shoulders.

I just nodded in response to his words as I hug my dad tightly.