Chapter 3 Leaving

Dana Pov...

Upon arriving home, I immersed myself in forwarding my resume and sifting through my emails for job applications. Opting for a day of rest, I abandoned my pursuit of a position at the Hyatt Hotel in BGC. I felt as though an eighteen-wheeler truck loaded with cement had plowed into me. Letting out a deep sigh, I acknowledged the necessity of nourishment to ward off any potential illness. Sulking wouldn't alter the situation, I reminded myself.

"Good day, Auntie Lydia. What's on the menu today?" I queried our long-time housekeeper, a cherished member of our extended family, just like her husband, Uncle Kanor, who served as our personal driver.

She responded with a smile, "We have your favorite, pork binagoongan."

"Fantastic! How about mom and dad? Where did they go?" I inquired suddenly.

"They left without a word, but your mother was in tears. I overheard from Kanor that they had an urgent matter." She relayed.

After my meal, I retreated to my room to relax and review my job applications. Amidst checking my inbox, I stumbled upon an email from Jenny.

Jenny Santos:

Dearest Dana, I regret to inform you that I'm departing for Dubai tomorrow. I confirmed my acceptance of their offer via email yesterday. I intend to leave a letter for my older brother Jared, explaining my sudden departure. I'm sure he won't approve. I hope you're faring well. I heard you went missing at the bar.

Promptly, I responded to Jenny's email, bewildered by her abrupt decision. Typically, she would seek refuge with me when at odds with her family, and her older brother Jared would call to verify her whereabouts.

Dana Clemente:

Jen, why are you leaving? You've never expressed a desire to work abroad, have you?

Jenny Santos:

I'm perfectly fine, babe. I simply have an urgent need to depart. Numerous opportunities await me there since the individual I'm replacing has resigned. Don't worry, I'll stay in touch. I'll miss you. Love you bestie.

Dana Clemente:

I'll miss you too. You're the only friend who can tolerate my blunders. I love you too, bestie. Sending you warm embraces and love.

With the prospect of Jenny's departure, the realization dawned on me that Julie and Rod were in Batangas, leaving me friendless in my immediate circle. Suddenly, an email from Canada materialized. Excitement surged within me as I eagerly opened the message.

From: Axel Montecillo

Congratulations, Ms. Dana Clemente. Your application has been selected for our Hotel & Resort Expansion in Canada. You will assume the role of Marketing Manager, serving as your training ground before we transfer you to Palawan, one of our forthcoming establishments. You will be responsible for training the team there and will be evaluated for future opportunities to work between the two locations.

Your flight ticket will be sent to you tomorrow for your departure the following day.

Bon voyage! Looking forward to your arrival.

Dana Clemente

Good evening, Sir. Thank you. I will see you soon.

My response was brief, a testament to my overwhelming excitement and inability to express my feelings adequately. My mind was preoccupied with the urge to depart as soon as possible.

"Mommy, where's Daddy?" I asked eagerly as I found her in the living room. It was essential for me to bid them farewell, especially with my impending departure scheduled for the following day.

"Is everything alright, sweetheart? He attended a meeting for the Palawan branch." My mother responded, visibly puzzled.

"No, mom. I wanted to inform you both about my job offer in Canada. I have to leave at 6 a.m. tomorrow; they need me urgently." I shared, my excitement barely contained as I relayed the news while concealing the underlying motivation behind my decision to work abroad.

Surprised and concerned, my mother queried, "But I thought you applied to work at the Hyatt Hotel in BGC. Why opt for a job overseas?"

I smiled in response, "Their offer was too good to pass up, and I am eager to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives. It has always been my dream." The perfect lie I ever did.

Overjoyed, she exclaimed, "Well, then, let's celebrate! I'll inform your father." Her initial shock had given way to support, illustrating her commitment to my growth and development.

"Princess, remember to keep in touch. This will be the first time you've lived away from us. Take care of yourself and don't neglect your health." My father reminded me with a hint of melancholy. The thought of leaving also pained me. I wasn't accustomed to being away from my family, but it was a necessary step in my personal growth.

"Daddy, you're going to make me cry! I'll miss you and our family outings every year. I promise to take care of myself, so I can be with you. I hope you and mommy do the same." I said through tears, embracing them tightly. I paid no attention to the curious gazes of others; to them, I was their princess, and my well-being was their primary concern, especially now that I would be far away from them.

Despite having a meeting, my parents insisted on seeing me off, a testament to their unwavering love and support. It was a reflection of the priority they placed on me, which I reciprocated in full.

"Daddy, try not to work late all the time. Use the platform I set up so that you don't have to visit all your branches, and I'll keep an eye on everything." I said playfully, winking at him.

"I will, princess!" My father responded with a smile.

"Mommy, make sure you get to bed early and don't wait up for daddy. Call him to come home earlier." I added, winking at my father, who chuckled at my remark.

"I love you both so much, Daddy and Mommy," I said, kissing them once more before bidding them the longest farewell.

Here I am in Canada, where I'll be spending the coming days, months, and years until I'm ready to confront my fears. I'm sorry, Mommy, Daddy, for making this decision, but I'm doing it because I love you so much. Canada, please treat me kindly, let's be friends. I felt slightly foolish speaking to myself while awaiting a taxi to take me to my apartment, conveniently located close to the hotel where I would be working.

This place is beautiful, and it will be my home from this point onward. The scenic views were captivating and foreign to me. This place was exactly what I needed as I embarked on a fresh start.

Ah! This unit is fully furnished. I'll simply need to shop for some groceries and familiarize myself with the area later.

You'll be fine, Dana, I reassured myself with a deep sigh as I settled onto my bed, surveying the room. My life had unexpectedly changed within a mere 24 hours.