I thought everything was going well, even with the occasional fights and make-ups between me and Georje. I was happy and content with my work after graduation. As the days went by, I felt like everything was finally settling into place—until one day.
"Lui! You have a phone call!" one of my production staff colleagues called out.
"Okay! Thank you!" I shouted back. I was on set at the studio, fixing something so there wouldn't be much to do the next morning before the show aired.
Me: Hello?
Voice on the other line: Come home right now!
Me: Ma? Why?
Mom: No questions! Just come home now!
Me: I can't just do that. I'm at work. I have bosses. I can't just leave because you say so. We have rules here.
Mom: Just ask for permission! You need to come home!
Me: I'll come home on my day off. I can't file for leave—I've only been working here for five months.
Mom: Do what you want! I'm telling you to come home. You will come home!
Before I could respond, she hung up. I had no idea what to do or why she was ordering me to come home like that.
I didn't understand what was going on. She wouldn't even answer my questions, so how was I supposed to figure it out?
Her words kept echoing in my head. It was the first time I had ever been told I had to come home. It had been so long since I even felt like I had a family. Not a single one of them showed up at my graduation.
They couldn't say they didn't know about it—I called them to inform them of the date and time. The only one who came to see me after my graduation was Amal, a few days later. As usual, she brought food, groceries, and even a gift, though I didn't speak to her, just like before.
But to me, the gift didn't matter. What I wanted was for them to be there for my graduation—because that only happens once in a lifetime. I worked hard for years to get there, and that day was special to me.
"Have you been sitting there long?" Georje asked, finding me staring blankly at the floor while sitting at the edge of my bed.
"Ah… yeah." That was all I could say.
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. You?"
"Yeah, I was with the group earlier. They invited me to eat, so I ate before coming home."
"Okay. I'll head to the kitchen."
"I'll just change."
I didn't say anything else. I just quietly walked to the kitchen, thinking about how I wished Mitch would come back—I missed having her around.
Even though Zette and I were both still in the city, our jobs kept us so busy that we rarely had time to talk, let alone see each other. We were both still adjusting to our new lives.
"I'm going home on my day off," I told Georje when I saw her approaching.
"Wow! What got into you that made you suddenly decide to go home?" she asked, surprised.
"I got a call at the network earlier. They told me to come home—they said it was important."
"Why? Is there a problem again?"
"I don't know. I asked, but they wouldn't tell me anything. They just said I had to come home."
"Alright, I'll go with you and wait for you at Ali's house. Or call us if you need a ride back. I'll tell Ali."
"Okay."
That was the end of the conversation. I made myself a sandwich, too lazy to heat up any leftovers. I wasn't really hungry anyway—I had already eaten at the station earlier.
"Good thing I caught up with you guys. Sorry I'm late—I had to drop by my cousin's place because my aunt asked me to bring something to him," Ali explained as she walked through the gate while we were heading out.
"It's fine. I told you; we could have just commuted. We'll just ride together when we head back." I replied as we hugged.
"Alright, shall we go?"
We got into Ali's car. They made me sit in the front passenger seat while Georje sat alone in the back since Jed didn't come along. He had overslept and decided to just wait for us at Ali's house.
"Thanks for the ride. I'll call you later," I said as I got out of the car.
"Of course! You know I'd do anything for you," Ali said, giving me a light pat on the shoulder before I stepped out.
"Bye! Drive safely!"
He nodded and smiled at me before speeding off. I waited until his car was out of sight before walking through our house's gate.
"It's good you finally came home!" my mom greeted me.
"I only came because I didn't have work today. That's why I was able to come home," I explained.
"Are you seriously content with that measly salary of yours? Why don't you do what your siblings did—work abroad and earn big money?!"
"This is what I want to do. And besides, the salary is only small in the beginning. That's natural because I'm a fresh graduate, but even so, I'm still lucky because I got hired immediately."
"So, you're happy with a life where you'll end up broke because of your low salary?!" she raised her voice at me.
"This is just for now because I'm just starting."
"I won't allow that! You're not going back to that job—resign now! You're going with your sibling to Bahrain!"
"That's not how it works. The administration won't just accept a sudden resignation. That's stated in my contract, Ma," I said, looking down, on the verge of tears.
"You'll do as I say, Lui, do you understand?! If I say you're going with your sibling to Bahrain, then you're going!"
"I hope you understand that I work for a big company, and it doesn't work like that. And as I said, I signed a contract." But she didn't let me finish speaking. She just walked away, and I didn't even know where she went. I was about to leave when—
"Where are you going?"
"Ate?"
"I asked where you're going. Didn't they tell you not to go back to work?" she snapped.
"It's not like that. Ate, you know that in any company, when you work there, you sign a contract. You can't just leave whenever you want," I said, annoyed.
"So what? Are you just going to settle for that measly salary? You're content with a life like that?"
"Ate, you know that salaries are low at first, right? Especially since I'm a fresh graduate. Anyway, I need to go." I didn't look back even though I heard her calling me. I didn't know when she arrived, but that wasn't my concern. My main concern was—since when did they start caring about my life?
"Oh? That was fast. Are you already done at home?" Ali greeted me as he opened the gate. I couldn't help but cry when he hugged me.
"What's wrong?"
"They want me to quit my job and go with my sibling to Bahrain," I told him, holding back sobs as I cried.
"They got mad at me because they said I was settling for a low salary at my job. Even though I explained to them that it's normal for the salary to be low at first, that's just how it works. And besides, I'm lucky I got hired immediately, even as a fresh graduate. I love what I'm doing, and I love my job. That's why I don't want to leave it. I want to make a name for myself without any help from them," I continued while they all listened quietly. We were now on the terrace because they immediately came out when they saw me and Ali there.
"Why are they suddenly interfering with your life now?" Ali asked, puzzled.
"I don't know either, and I really don't understand."
"So, what's your plan now?" Jed asked.
"The same as before—I'll continue what I started. I can't just leave the company."
"That's true, especially since you have a contract. You'd be at a disadvantage," Ali agreed.
Meanwhile, Georje remained silent, just listening to our conversation. We ate first before deciding to leave and head back to the city. As usual, Ali drove his car, Jed sat in the passenger seat, and Georje and I sat in the back.
"Let's unwind a little before we take you guys home. I know you need this, Lui," Ali suggested, and we all quickly agreed. We went to our old hangout spot, a seaside eatery that our mountaineering group used to visit.
"It's so nice here. The fresh air makes it worth the trip even if it's a bit far," Jed commented as we walked in.
"We're not staying here. Let's go outside; it's better there," I said when they started choosing a seat, pointing toward the outdoor seating.
"Oh! There's a spot outside?" Ali asked.
"Yes, it's better there—fresher air. They'll bring our orders to us anyway!"
"Why didn't you bring us here before?" Jed asked.
"Because we usually meet up late at night. And this place is far—you have to go out of your way to come here. We used to come in the afternoon sometimes, and this is where my old mountaineering org held our meetings."
"Oh, so that's why..." Ali and Jed said at the same time before exchanging glances with Georje. I knew what they meant, but I chose to ignore it.
We had a few drinks, but nothing too heavy—just beer. Our snack was the barbecue we ordered when we arrived. At around eleven in the evening, we decided to head home.
We couldn't drink too much since Ali still had to drive, and they had plans the next day. I also just wanted to rest.
Ali and Jed didn't come inside when they dropped us off; they went straight home since they were feeling sleepy.
"Do you want some?" I asked Georje after drinking a glass of water.
"Yes, please," he said. I poured water into the same glass I had used, and he didn't even hesitate. It would be ridiculous for him to act shy now—after all, we've exchanged saliva countless times from all the kissing.
"I'm going to the room first to change," I said after handing him the glass of water.
"Let's go together," he said, grabbing my hand while still drinking.
"You should go check the doors and windows first, make sure everything is locked properly."
He had no choice as I walked away from him. But not long after, he followed me into the room. He found me combing my hair because some strands got wet when I washed my face. I felt his arms wrap around me from behind.
"What's this? You're getting all clingy again—must be because you drank," I teased as he buried his face into my shoulder.
"Shhh, just let me. Okay?" I didn't barge in or say anything; I just let him hug me from behind.
"I just wanna hug you," he murmured, still resting his face on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry that I only have the guts to be this touchy when I have alcohol in my system," he whispered.
"Why is that?" I asked, curious.
"I don't know either?" he said as he slowly turned me to face him and captured my lips in a deep kiss.
Even though we weren't married, it felt normal for us to do things that only married couples should do. I know we could be considered live-in partners since he often stayed here and rarely went home. And even when he did go home, it was always during the day while I was at work, and by the time I got home at night, he was already back. But the thing is, I was the only one working, so I was the one covering all the expenses.
He had stopped studying for over a year now. But every time I brought up the topic of him looking for a job, the conversation never seemed to go anywhere because he always changed the subject. It always ended up turning into playful teasing. Sometimes, I felt like he was deliberately distracting me so we wouldn't have to talk about it.
And it's my fault too because I'm too weak to resist!
Since we had both been drinking, the night we shared became even more intense. It was already dawn when we finally collapsed in exhaustion and sleep. Thankfully, it was Sunday, so I didn't have work.
But he was in a rush, running late for his plans with Ali. When they came to pick him up, they started teasing him relentlessly—and I got dragged into it too. Ali and Jed had brought Jerome along, who was Georje's best friend, so the teasing got even louder.
Left alone in the apartment, I decided to do some laundry and clean up. Mitch was coming back soon, and the last time we talked on the phone, she mentioned that her dad was getting better, so she could return and continue job hunting.
It was a shame, though—she just missed out on the last vacant position at work. A new hire had taken the spot after the previous writer resigned because she had recently gotten married and was pregnant. Her husband didn't want her to work anymore, knowing how exhausting our job could be.
The past few days had been peaceful, with no calls or visits from my family. Mitch was back now, busy preparing her documents so she could continue job hunting.
"You're early," she said when she found me slumped on the couch, exhausted.
"We finished the location shoot early. I didn't go back to the network because I have a really bad headache."
"Do you still have pain relievers?" she asked, sipping a glass of water.
"Yeah, I already took some earlier, but I'll take another dose later. How did your interview go?"
"I finished it earlier. They told me to come back in two days because the next interviewer is out of town."
"You'll get the job, I'm sure of it!"
"I hope so. I still regret missing out on that previous offer because I had to go home."
"Don't think about it too much. Everything worked out for the best—you got to spend time with your parents, especially now that your dad is recovering."
"Yeah, you're right!"
"Alright, I'll cook dinner so we can eat and you can take your medicine. Go change and rest. I'll call you when the food's ready." She just smiled at me and winked before heading to the kitchen.
"I'll call you tomorrow when I'm about to finish work so we can go out. My treat. Let's meet somewhere," I said while we were eating.
"What's the occasion?"
"Nothing special. I just miss hanging out with you. I'll invite Zette too."
"That sounds fun! I miss spending time with you guys. It's not like before when we were together every day. Now you're both busy with work," she said with a hint of sadness.
"Stop being dramatic! That's exactly why we're going out tomorrow! And don't worry, you'll be busy soon too. I'm sure you'll pass that final interview."
"You really think so?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't you? You just lack confidence in yourself," I said, shaking my head.
"Would it be weird if we ended up working for rival TV network?"
"It doesn't matter. What's important is that we all have jobs. Anyway, it's only the companies competing against each other. At the end of the day, we're still housemates and family here. Are you going to let our work affect that? Of course not, right?"
"Yeah, you're right. I must be out of it today. What's wrong with me?" she asked herself.
"You're just touch-starved!" I teased.
"It's because my girlfriend is busy! She has more exposure now, and next semester, she'll start her internship."
"That's exactly why you're touch-starved—you haven't seen each other since you got back, right?" I continued teasing.
"Go ahead, keep teasing me. Just because your man is always here, huh? Lucky you!"
We both laughed.
The following day went well. Mitch and I went out, and luckily, Zette's schedule was free, so she was able to join us for dinner.
"Wow, this is really how it is after graduation, huh? More responsibilities, more things to do," Zette complained.
"Yeah, but there's nothing we can do about it. Our carefree days are over—it's time to take life seriously," I agreed.
"By the way, do you see Blue at work? You're in the same company, right?" Mitch asked, changing the topic.
"Not really. We have different assignments, and he's always busy. We barely run into each other. He's usually out in the field, while I'm mostly at the station," Zette replied.
"I miss those days," I added.
"You said it! I hope we can have a reunion," Mitch chimed in.
"When do you think we can do it? It would be more fun if everyone could attend," Zette said.
"We should plan it properly, maybe on a day when none of us have work the next day so we won't worry about staying up late," I suggested.
"Someone has to organize it so we can set a schedule and make sure everyone is available," Zette added.
"Zette, if you talk to Blue, mention it to him. I'm sure he'll be on board," Mitch said.
"Good idea! He might even take charge of planning it," Zette said excitedly.
Around ten in the evening, we decided to head home. Just like our college days, we shared a taxi ride.
"Have you been home long?" I asked Georje when he opened the door for Mitch and me.
"Just got here, too. I thought you guys were already home," he replied.
"We ended up chatting for a while. After dinner, we moved to a convenience store just to extend our time together," I happily shared.
"Ali left some ice cream for you—he said you need comfort right now," Georje informed me as he took my backpack, which I handed over to him.
"Then let's eat it! Mitch, hold off on changing for now. Ali sent over some ice cream—let's eat first!" I called out to Mitch, who had gone straight to the kitchen.
"Sure, why not? I'm waiting for Kim anyway. She's sleeping over here tonight," she replied right away.
"Ayieee! The drought period is finally over!" I teased, only to have a slipper suddenly land on my thigh.
I just laughed it off, and so did she, while Georje shook his head and walked closer, carrying the half-gallon of ice cream Ali had sent.
"You're really something! Your day will come!" Mitch warned me, still laughing.
"Wow! He really knows my favorite flavor!" I said excitedly as Georje handed me a bowl filled with ice cream.
"Well, there's nothing about you that he doesn't know," Georje commented.
"Of course! We've been together since elementary school," I bragged.
"So, are you jealous now, Georje?" Mitch teased him.
"What? You think I'd be jealous of Ali? Of course not!" he retorted.
"Denial!" Mitch teased even more.
"I'm really not!" he insisted, pouting.
"Oh? Then why are you pouting?" I asked.
"Because you keep pushing it!" he huffed, making Mitch and me burst into laughter.
"Seriously, I'm not jealous. I'm just amazed by your friendship. I mean, I know he likes you… a lot. But he never went against me when I told him that I liked you. He never interfered between us; instead, he supported me," Georje said seriously.
"Wow, that answer was too deep," Mitch said, breaking the seriousness.
"Yeah, I really admire your relationship with Ali and Jed. You guys have a strong bond. That's why I have no reason to be jealous," Georje continued, completely ignoring Mitch's interruption.
"Evening!" Kim greeted us, peeking through the window, waiting for someone to let him in.
"Ahem, someone's about to end their dry spell!" I teased Mitch again, who was all smiles and excitedly rushed to open the door for Kim.
"Hi, love!" they greeted each other at the same time before embracing.
"Hey! How about you guys get inside first?" I interrupted their moment.
"Ugh! There you go again! Georje, can you please take care of her so she stops teasing me? Love, she's been messing with me nonstop!" Mitch whined like a child.
I just laughed at them. Luckily, Kim still caught up with the ice cream, so we all happily chatted while finishing our bowls.
The night ended with all of us full and in high spirits.
"Goodnight, lovebirds!" I called out loudly before heading into our room with Georje.
"Goodnight!" they both replied in unison.
Minutes later…
"Why are you still awake?" Georje asked when he felt me shifting positions. I was struggling to sleep from how full I was.
"I'm not sleepy yet."
"Oh? You want to get sleepy? Let me tire you out, then."
And just like that, we understood each other. Or rather, we, as lovers, understood—and so the night ended with some playful mischief.