Arjay decided to talk to Hanney to clear all the misunderstanding the had left and to finish everything they left hanging on their past relationship. He needs to do this not only for him but also for Diana and Hanney. Diana deserves to be happy and Hanney deserves better than what he did.
He dialed Hanney's cellphone number and after a few rings, she finally answered.
“You called. Missed me?” Hanney said from the other line.
“Are you busy?” he asked.
“Depends on who’s asking.”
“Well, I am the one asking…” he hanged his sentence.
“Then I am not busy. Where do you want to meet?” she asked flirtatiously.
“Wherever suits you.” He answered.
“Then let’s meet at the city. I will be waiting for you here at the mall.”
“Okay then. I’ll be there in an hour.”
“And I will be waiting. See you.” She said and hang up the call.
Arjay went to the Principal’s office to ask for permission to leave early. It won’t be a problem because he doesn’t have a last period.
Diana was working overtime and was busy browsing the internet for potential activities in her subject when someone called her sns. She tapped the call and it was Nez. She plugged in her headset and answered the call. Nez and Albert popped up on the screen.
“Hey guys!” She greeted them cheerfully.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!?! Who made you smiling like that?” Nez said, her voice is filled with suspicion.
“The both of you, of course! We’re literally on call right now. Who else could it be?” she said, irritated.
“The mood swings! It’s confirmed, Albert! Our friend is in love!” Nez exclaimed.
“I agree.” Albert agreed.
“I’m kind of busy actually and you know I could just end the call right now.”
Albert showed an ID. Diana looked intently and smiled.
“Oh my gosh, you got the job!” she said, her voice filled with excitement.
“He also enrolled for Master’s.” Nez yelled at the background.
“Wow! I am so happy for you Albert!” she said sincerely.
“Thanks.” He said and smiled.
“So, how are you going to pay for your education expenses?” she asked.
“Well, I got a full scholarship, plus, allowance. Not bad, right?”
“Not bad??? That is actually great! Wow, I am so proud of you.” She smiled.
“Oops, we got to go. First day on the job. Anyway, you’re also busy, right. We’ll call you again later.”
“Okay. Take good care of yourselves. Love you both!”
“Love you. Bye darling!” Nez said and ended the call.
Diana sighed in relief. She’s very happy for her friends that they are already having the time of their lives. She’s hoping that she will, too, eventually. She continued what she was doing.
Arjay arrived at the mall. As soon as he entered the establishment, he already saw Hanney walking towards him. She smiled sweetly at him. He smiled a bit. When they are finally in front of each other…
“You did not enjoy your date last night so you called me up today.” She mocked.
“I actually enjoyed it.”
“Then why are you here?”
“Where do you want to eat? My treat.” He volunteered.
“You know my favorite place.” She said and clutched her arm on Arjay’s arm.
They went to Hanney’s favorite pizza parlor. They looked for a comfortable spot and stayed there. A waiter went to gather their order. When the waiter already left…
“So if you enjoyed your date last night, why are you here with me?” Hanney asked.
“I am here to talk about things… and to talk about our relationship.” He began.
“And when you say talk about things, you mean?”
“The things we’ve done and gone through together.”
“Well, those are memories.”
“To be honest, I am very grateful that even though we ended our relationship, we are still good friends. And you remained understanding and kind to me. I could never repay you for that, but---”
“I already know what you’re going to say, actually. I just wanted to hear it first from you. I know you wanted to start anew and it’s not with me. I get that. And I should also move on because you have already moved on with your life. And we've already ended that relationship 3 years ago. So you don’t need to worry about that.”
“I guess I just wanted to hear that from you for our closure. But I really hope that you will also find the right person for you. Who could always provide whatever you need.”
“Well, let’s hope for that. But seriously, Arjay, I am fine. And I won’t bother you and your new relationship. I am more professional than that my dear. But if you want assurance, I could go and meet her so you will feel better.”
“It’s fine, Hanney. I trust your word. I just… wanted to say thank you, for everything.”
“Always.” She said and smiled.
“Here’s your order, sir, ma’am.” The waiter said and placed their food on the table. They ate quietly.
After eating, Hanney walked him to the parking lot.
“Thank you for everything, Hanney. I really wish you the best.” He said and smiled.
“Before you go, can I have one more request? Please?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Can I hug you one last time? For old time’s sake?”
Arjay opened his arms wide. Hanney went to him and hugged him tightly. He hugged her back.
“I hope you will be happy.” She said and gently pushed him away from her.
Arjay smiled and waved goodbye to Hanney. She waved back and went back inside the establishment.
Diana was busy going through her searches yesterday when her phone rang. She checked who the caller is but into her surprise, it is from an unregistered number. She answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Is this Ms. Diana Pangan?” the caller from the other line asked.
“This is her, speaking. How may I help you?”
“Can I meet you for a few minutes?”
“Is it urgent?”
“Yes. I am here at Karen’s Kitchen. I will be waiting for you here.”
“Okay. May I know --- wow. Nice job. She just hang the phone on me. Cool.” Diana murmured to herself while fixing her things.
What could she lose in a few minutes right? She immediately went to Karen’s. When she arrived outside the restaurant, she called the number. After 2 rings the person on the other line answered.
“Hi I’m already outside Karen’s.“ she stated.
“Come in. You’ll recognize me once you saw me. I will be sitting on the center.”
“Okay.” She said and ended the call.
She went inside and as soon as her eyes fixated on the person on the center table, she regretted coming there.
Hanney raised her hand a bit to signal her.
“It must be very important.” Diana said.
“Quite. Have a seat please.” She offered.
Diana took the seat in front of Hanney.
“I will go straight to the point. Arjay went to see me last night. We both tied our loose ends and we’re both good to go now. If you’re worried about me winning him back, I won’t do that. I might still have feelings for him, but if he doesn’t want to, then there’s no point in pursuing him. I don’t like you actually but knowing Arjay, he won’t settle for less. And him asking someone to be distant means he really cares about you.”
Diana kept her silence. Hanney sighed.
“Can I ask you a favor?” she asked.
“Depends on the favor.” Diana replied.
“Please take good care of Arjay.”
“Is that all?”
“That will be all.” Hanney said and offered her hand for a handshake. “Let’s not cross each other’s paths again. And if we ever did, let’s hope it would be for better and different circumstances.”
Diana accepted the handshake.
“Yeah, let’s hope for that.”
“I got to go. I still have business to run to. I’ll be heading out.” Hanney said and stood up and went ahead.
Diana followed her with her gaze. She felt a sense of relief. Maybe she should ease up now and let herself feel the moment and be in the moment. No more worries.