So when is he coming back?"
It was Dana's question who was now currently waiting for her popcorn to pop inside the microwave as she and the girls... Hailey and Martha decided to do a movie marathon in my apartment while excitedly talking about our cozy vacation in Tagaytay.
Well, it has been a week since Luke left with Dana's husband and it has also been a week that they've been using my apartment as their favorite place to hang out after work.
"Uhm... actually, he should be back next week, it's just that he and his client haven't signed yet their new project, so they'll probably stay they for another week or so," I replied, turning my eyes back on the television screen and started scanning the new top movies on Netflix. Martha was on my left and Hailey was on my right.
"Ohh... so that means you'll be single for another two weeks!" Martha screamed and they all shared glances.
"Girls---"
"And that also means we can go to the nightclub on weekends!" Dana screamed too.
"Hey, count me in! I'm free this weekend!" My mouth hung open when Hailey added to the noise.
They all screamed at the same time and Dana excitedly ran to the living room with a bowl of popcorn in her hands.
"I'm sorry, girls but I think I can't go with you this coming weekend." I decided to interrupt them and already cut off their excitement.
"What do you mean you can't?" Hailey asked me, frowning. She then slumped on the floor.
"I mean I can't go with you to the nightclub while he's away,"
"What?" They all asked wide-eyed at the same time.
"He asked me not to come with you while he's away,"
"But why? Was he also asking you not to hang out with us while he's on a business trip?" Hailey, always the exaggerated Hailey, asked almost in a scream.
"No, that's not what he meant!"
"Then what?"
I turned to Dana with a sigh.
"He's just worried that no one will take care of me when I get drunk." I shrugged.
"Oh, my goodness---what are you--- a kid? Haist!" Martha rolled her eyes while the two started laughing.
"Nope!" My voice came out a bit loud and I shook my head as I seriously looked at them. "You know what, to be honest, he no longer needs to tell me those things because, in the first place, we should know that we shouldn't be doing those things, especially since we're already in a relationship. Well, except for Hailey because we all know that she's still single."
They turned silent, well, of course, except for Hailey.
"Ouch!" She playfully tossed me a piece of popcorn while faking a hurt expression. "You don't have to emphasize the word single, for crying out loud!"
I just bit my lip and chuckled in response.
"I'm sorry, girls, but it's just my opinion. Well, of course, it's still up to you and your partners on how would you discuss this matter. But for me, I've realized lately that it's unfair to him that I still go to nightclubs even though I'm already in a relationship. I'm still socializing, drinking, and dancing with other men while he's waiting for me at home ... thinking and worrying about me."
I couldn't help letting out a deep sigh as suddenly my conscience kicked in me at the thought of him those past few months.
"Oh, jeez! Why do I feel like my heart is suddenly squeezed because of what you said?"
I turned to look at Martha who was now pouting at me. But then the three of us were shocked when Dana suddenly cried.
"What the heck--- what happened to you? Why are you crying?" Hailey asked her and started patting Dana's back.
But instead of answering Hailey's question, she wailed more like a child.
"Hey! Dana Rodriguez, what is going on with you?" Martha also asked her with worry laced in her voice.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: One More Chance