It was a month after his car accident.
He stood close in the hospital window while his family took care of the things. Zach doesn’t know if he should help, but they insisted for him not to move, even if he can fold on the clothes he’s on. Stacy slung his bags over his shoulders, and Zach came up on her rescue, retrieving the bags in her hands.
“It is fine, Zach. You should stay there. Don’t exert yourself.”
Zach was still on unprogressive state. His mind is still blank, and he couldn’t remember anything. They hoped that flying in to another country can give them ample amount of therapy he needed. Zach dreaded that the memories he had weren’t that good, that’s why his family isn’t saying something.
“I can bring these, Stacy. Don’t treat me like a baby who couldn’t lift things.”
Zach slung the bags over his shoulder while his parents cleared up the private ward. Stacy smiled to him, and she looked stressed. She must not be getting enough sleep based on how sunken her eyes were. Zach pursed his lips, asking, “Are you sure you want to fly in with us? I mean… you’re going to leave your job here.”
Stacy wagged her hands in front, saying, “Zach, I’m alright. I should stay by your side when you’re having a therapy. It’s not good for you to be alone there.”
Zach retorted, “But I wouldn’t be alone. I have my parents there and a sister who would support me.”
Stacy shook her head. She insisted, “I can just find another job there, Zach. Don’t worry about me at all. I’m flexible, you know. I can do dramas and radio shows at the same time.”
Zach liked how bubbly Stacy was. She was the girl who made the sea of darkness become hopeful in just a bloom of her dandelion. Zach raised his hand, patted her head, assuring, “I promise to take care of you while you’re there. Can you do the same to me?”
Stacy snickered. “Of course, why would I be there if it’s not for you?”
Zach opened his arms wide, and Stacy hugged him right away. Both of them cherished each other’s presence. Flying away with no ties from Sam or even Ethan is the best at all. Stacy wanted to know what’d happen to the two of them on the next few months.
“Look at the lovely couple!” Zara called out. Zach released his hands from Stacy, and they both guffawed. Zoren closed the door gently, and met them by the bench. Zara nodded at his husband, and they all went out of the hospital, conversing happily with each other.
…
“Isn’t today the day Zach will leave?” Lyza reminded across from Sam’s seat. She was sticking up the straw on a coffee, and smiled a little to her. Lyza knew it’s still uncomfortable to talk about Zach.
“I don’t know. I don’t keep track of what he’s doing now.”
The past month flew by so fast. Sam didn’t even know she could wake up at morning without his kisses and cuddles, without his sweet messages, and his prepped-up breakfast. She contemplated a few hours before she slept, but she quickly shrugged it off when she’d go crazy.
“I guess you’re not. But Sam… isn’t it a bit unfair on your side you’re giving in your spot to Stacy?” Lyza knew what she asked was wrong. Sam turned to her with emotionless eyes. Lyza leaned back on her chair as Sam sighed, and looked out of the window.
“You know what’s hard for me? It’s the way I let go of him while knowing he has a mistress. I thought I’d be alright for the next few months to come, but it was impossible not to think that I lack something, that’s why he lean on someone else rather than me,” Sam explained.
There are still doubts on what happened to them. Where did she lack of? What kind of love is Zach was searching for? Sam doesn’t want to push through. If they fell out of love, then that moment was about to occur. And if the two of them separate their ways, they will become strangers once again.
“I still ask myself every day. Inside those 10 years, is the love I gave him wasn’t enough? I sacrificed a lot, not only for him, but because I love him. I feel like Zach became a part of my life, and nothing could take that away from us.” Sam watched as the rain trickled down the window panes. The coffee seemed to get cold, but she avoided drinking it hot, so…
“I just got ahead of the future, that’s why… they took them away from me.” Sam shrugged, as if it was nothing, and it’d never change the fact she’s here in this world, and that she will live on without Zach.
Sam sipped, and sighed. Lyza breathed, “You’re still hurting, Sam. Wounds are meant to heal, but some of them leave a scar. I bet Zach is one of them.”
Sam beamed. “I just wish he doesn’t remember me. It would be awful for him to see his past lover living miserably after he left.”
She picked up the cup and drained all of it one gulp.
Lyza felt sorry with Sam. She had to go through a lot ever since Stacy accused her of that accident. It was such a painful tragedy no one would have wanted. Ever since that day, Sam never wanted to trust people again.
If she has friends, it would only be one or two.
Sam doesn’t want to get along with everybody with her personal interests. For her, it’s better to keep it herself.
…
Stacy dropped by the TDC Studios. She wore black shades so that no one would recognize her, but when she walked through the drama department building towards the CEO’s office, Stacy saw Sam.
She cut her hair short, about a chin-length.
Sam’s busy with the file she’s holding in one hand, and she bumped to her right away. Stacy reacted, and turned to her. Sam caught a glimpse of familiar heels, and looked up to see…
“Stacy.” Her heart pounded louder. It has been a month since they have crossed paths to each other. Sam raised her eyebrows, lowering her files, and Stacy bowed down courteously.
“I thought you…” she trailed off. Sam doesn’t want to get ahead of her.
“I’m going to hand it over today. I’m done with passing the task to someone else yesterday. I guess, it’s… a goodbye to TDC Studios,” Stacy uttered. She wore off her black eyeglasses, revealing her sunken eyes. She’s a little dry today.
Sam hoped she’s taking good care of Zach.
“When will you fly away?” Sam asked. It was just a simple question, but behind it, Sam was longing to see Zach for the last time. Sam acted innocent, but Stacy knew it weren’t.Stacy answered back, “Tomorrow to Toronto, Canada.”
She even said the place. For sure, if a year later Sam didn’t move forward without Zach, she’ll follow him there.
Sam thought it’d be Korea, or somewhere around Europe. She liked to keep a promise to Zach on going there once they saved up a lot of money before having kids of their own. They weren’t ready for a family, but when the marriage knocked on the door, they both willingly agreed.
Sam nodded, smiling, “That’s good. Canada is a good place.”
“Yeah, they booked a therapist before we even knew. I think I might have to adjust there for a little, I might get shocked about the country’s rules,” Stacy answered. They seemed to be having a good conversation, but Sam’s insides still want to push through, and shout obscenities to her.
But when she looked back, Sam realized Stacy might not be the problem.
She’s just there, in a tangle of coincidence, and Zach unknowingly shifted his attention to another woman. Sam just had to realize it’s over now.
“Take good care of Zach, Stacy.” It’s the only words she’s itching to say.
Stacy smiled. “Yeah, I will.”
I would like to apologize to the readers who waited for the update. I was bombarded with deadlines of my exclusive books, and I kind of had a hard time sticking into the schedule. I promise to update this as regular as possible. Thank you for understanding!
“You are always nagging me to do the things when I’m tired!” Dinner supposed to be happy conversations and laugh between them. But when Sam stood in the kitchen door’s frame, nagging Zach to repair a light bulb, he burst out like an angry old man. Sam didn’t know how to react, knuckling her fists at the side, astonished by her boyfriend’s words. Zach scratched the back of his head, turning his heel around, and slammed the bedroom door tight. Sam froze, too stunned to speak. What is it that she heard? Is it another behavior she hadn’t seen from Zach for a long time? Sam maintained her balance, leaning at the door frame, and swallowed. The lump on her throat made her out of breath, as if she’s catching it after a split second. No air meant she’s getting suffocated. Sam sniffed, fighting back the raging tears, and goes back to the kitchen. She wiped her bare face, looking at the dishes to wash, and sighed. Sam closed her eyes, resting for a bit
It’s too old to even fight with a single argument, but for Sam, it convicted her whole purpose as a woman. Being disrespected with a single word is everything to Sam. He shouted only a sentence and it broke her dignity. Sam would never accept and tolerate that kind of action towards her. Why is he even asking about their marriage when he’s apologizing? Sam didn’t want to believe this man’s attitude at all. As their relationship took its 10th year peak, she realized the bumps of the road. Sometimes, you just have to let go of too much pain. Like what she’s experiencing with Zach. “Do you just have to do this now when we’re going to get married in a few months?” Zach asked her. Sam couldn't believe she's hearing that question. How can he even think of this marriage by now? When his behavior wasn't the same as when they're just both a couple? Sam shook her head. Looking at his eyes, Sam didn’t know if he was the same man she loved at first sigh
Kissing her underneath the sweet music of the hotel room meant how much thirsty Zach had been. He slammed the door, making sure it’s locked, and pulled her closer. He swirled his tongue to her. She did the same thing. A chuckle even came out from her lips. The back of her knees found the edge of the bed, and she quickly sit down. Zach traveled his hands to her tight coat, and slipped his fingers on the button. He released it and wore it off from her smooth shoulders. Zach was a bit aggressive this time. She scraped her hands in his scalp, pulling the strands, and it made Zach grit his teeth in her chin. She moaned, liked the pleasure he brought to her. Zach whispered, “I wanted to be inside you, Stacy.” Opening her eyes, she pushed him away. That hard he sprawled on the floor right away. Stacy puffed her cheeks, glaring at him. Zach has come to his senses, yelping out, “Why are you resisting me now?” Stacy brushed her fingers in her scalp, c
Sam decided to take the overtime job today again. Besides, she got nothing to do in Lyza’s house but to slack off in her soft couch. Her office was silent, and the only noise she can hear was the keyboard she’s typing on. Sam’s heart became heavy as usual, and she had gathered up a lot of strength every morning to get out of Lyza’s couch. It has been 4 days since she last seen Zach, and they’re not communicating ever since.He must have enjoyed a lot with his mistress, eh?Whenever it flooded his mind, Sam got distracted. Her eyes gone back to the ring she received when Zach proposed the marriage to her, and she chuckled. Why was she still wearing this? Sam leaned back to her swiveling chair, sighing. Looking at the glamorous gem perched at the top of the silver ring, it’s beautiful. Sam knew she was the happiest when she received that ring. She wanted to spend her life with Zach, no matter what happened.But
Sam’s empty eyes landed to Zach’s panicking ones. His hair was tousled, like he was just gotten out of a bewitching love-making session. Standing there, she knew it. There was a silhouette of a woman by Zach’s back, only a distance from the door. Sam chose to ignore it, but her insides crumpled like a paper. It kept on shattering, like someone slammed a sledgehammer. Sam sighed. She waited for Zach to ask the question, but Sam’s not going to respond. She’s not here to come home. She’s here to confront someone. Zach let go of the doorknob, saying, “You’re home.” Sam thought he’s going to ask that question. She thought he’s going to ask if the week is over yet. Sam thought he’s going to push her away because of that damn space, but no. He welcomed her home… with the mistress behind his back. What a brazen act to do. Zach stood there with his stony face. Sam didn’t even form the words, but her eyes speak of loathe. Zach sighed, knowing Sam had seen Stacy. He
1 year ago. Before everything fell apart. “You promised to be with me forever?” It was their 9th anniversary, and they celebrated in the small restaurant by the street of their home. They don’t have time to book somewhere elegant, so they decided to celebrate it simple. Sam and Zach sat down by the table, waiting for their order. The sweet and serene music played over the speakers, adding the cozy and romantic atmosphere in. Sam couldn’t help but to stare at him fixatedly. Zach is the only rest she has known. After 9 years of being with him, she couldn’t help to fall in love further. Everything about him was perfect. Zach sighed, uttering sadly, “I’m sad now, you know.” “Why?” “The rank of my show goes down on like… 100 units. That’s a 20 person lost listeners on our show.” Zach doesn’t want any failure in life, but this doesn’t mean everything he does will lead to a wrong path. Sam understood the statistics of the radi
How could the man she used to spend her days with became a stranger in just one snap? How could the woman he used to kiss at night and cuddle at sleep became a person he’s just going to pass in the street? It all goes back to the top. When the first time they glanced at each other’s eyes, they didn’t know each other well. And now, it all happened again. Zach furrowed his eyebrows, darting his eyes somewhere. He was the first one to back out. Zach couldn’t stand Sam’s empty eyes at him. It was what she usually glimpsed at him. It was how fast the day changes. How fast the stars disappeared at night whenever the sun rises. How fast the sunset began. Sam didn’t even convey a single word and just flapped back the papers in the clipboard. She breathed, her eyes looking straight ahead. Zach didn’t even move an inch, and why does Sam cared? It’s lunchtime. They always run up each other in between of works when 12 o’clock hit the clock
How could the man she used to spend her days with became a stranger in just one snap? How could the woman he used to kiss at night and cuddle at sleep became a person he’s just going to pass in the street? It all goes back to the top. When the first time they glanced at each other’s eyes, they didn’t know each other well. And now, it all happened again. Zach furrowed his eyebrows, darting his eyes somewhere. He was the first one to back out. Zach couldn’t stand Sam’s empty eyes at him. It was what she usually glimpsed at him. It was how fast the day changes. How fast the stars disappeared at night whenever the sun rises. How fast the sunset began. Sam didn’t even convey a single word and just flapped back the papers in the clipboard. She breathed, her eyes looking straight ahead. Zach didn’t even move an inch, and why does Sam cared? It’s lunchtime. They always run up each other in between of works when 12 o’clock hit the clock