The Night We Parted (Anaya Collection, #1)

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I always wonder how it feels like to talk with somebody under the alluring night sky. A solemn conversations like catching up with life we're experiencing, what our heart feels at the moment, or even the random and useless talk just to feel the presence with somebody besides you—Oh! We can also include the messy life I had for the past 18 years.

Overload drama, for sure.

"Naia!" I quickly turned my back on my cousin who just yelled my name after entering my room without knocking! Geez, this girl doesn't really know the word privacy.

I stood up after cleaning the scattered papers I've been scratching because I really can't focus at all on my sketch. I was too drawn at the night sky infront me.

Why do I even moved my study table over here? I always get too distracted.

"Haven't you still learned how to knock before entering my room, Analia? You've been doing this since you moved here." I annoyingly said to her but not really mad.

She sat on my bed while playing her hair. "I was about to say some important. But since you're mad, I'll just go." she said and was really about to go out when I stopped her.

"I'm not mad. Just knock before you enter! Now... what was it again?"

"You'll be returning to Philippines!"

"What?!"

"Your mom misses you! Ever since Rafael and Natiña divorced you've been ignoring your own mom. Try to reconnect with her." I frowned on what she said. I even shooked my head on her.

"Rafael died. You only have Natiña with you now. Don't waste your time ignoring your own mom just like how you wasted your time with Rafael." She said while pointing my parents' name.

My parents got married here in America. Our life was so blissful back then. I remember how I view our life, it looks so perfect—we look like a perfect family. But not until when I was on highschool. I just got home back then, I was so happy that time because I got a good grades and I wanted to show it to them but I heard them fighting, yelling and scolding each other. Until Mom offered a divorce. My world crashed. I suddenly felt numb back then. I was hurt by their words. Their words with each other is like a sword that stabbed my whole existence. Back then, I thought that they didn't even think about me. Like how about their child? How will I cope up with this situation? That it will affect me... forever.

At first, of course, I was too emotional and affected by their decisions. My parents asked me to choose between them and I just cried. I don't want them to separate. That's why I chose myself.

I was still on highschool—a graduating student, and decided to left our home after they divorced. I stayed at my friend's house but later stayed with Frances, Dad's sister. A month later I just received from Frances that Mom will be going back to the Philippines. The tears keep falling down but my pride is getting higher. I didn't contacted her as well as Dad. I asked Frances not to talk about them anymore because I am moving on. It really broke me, that's why I chose to forget about them.

Later on, my dad died in a car accident. It was so sudden. We're just on the stage of getting the life we had together even without Mom... but the world is so cruel. Or maybe this is my fault?

"You have a point but I can't. I have work here. I still have so many projects. I can't go there and leave the work I love." I answered.

I don't want to leave my work just to feel numb and perish again.

"Work can wait. And your mom's been waiting for you since then. Can you leave your work and be with your mom just a little span of your time?" Analia asked. I contemplated again.