WISHES II

She also thought that she was being hasty in her decision but she didn't change her mind at all. It was for the best, for her and for Ivan who left her.

Though things weren't finalized yet, she had started packing some of her things already. She put some of her clothes in one suitcase and another suitcase for her shoes and sandals. She chose few bags for the remaining working days and few clothes to keep.

"I will have to render thirty days in the company. I think these will be fine." she checked several pairs of clothes and shoes that she can still use.

"Let's sleep for now! I'll just continue packing the stuff tomorrow." she said to herself before climbing back to her bed. However, she stayed awake, mind still wandering to the person she's missing.

"Ivan, I didn't really mean to fall in love with you. I don't know how it happened or when but you gave me this feeling of familiarity that I'm comfortable with. It's just sad that our stars aren't destined for each other." she stared at the ceiling while remenscing her past with Ivan in the apartment.

She could hear Ivan's laughter over their childish banter. She could smell his bath soap. She could faintly hear his voice echoing in her mind and heart. Though these memories hurt her, she was happy as well to obtain them.

"How lucky for you to gain Ivan's affection!" she said, intended for the woman who Ivan likes. Of course that woman couldn't hurt her and she didn't even know it was her either.

Ivan's flight was scheduled in the next few days. Everything has been set and he's ready to leave. Putting the last piece of clothing in the suitcase, he grabbed the picture frame and sat on his bed.

Caressing the frame, Ivan held it gently while thinking of the girl who had been looking for. "Kaye, I wish you were just kidding that time. I wish you would be happy to see me next time. I also hope that you would stay happy. I didn't really want to leave but life isn't giving me better choices." Ivan whispered to the picture with his voice laced in bitterness and sadness. "Why didn't we meet under normal circumstances? Why does it have to be this way?" he was getting frustrated over this matter as well.

All these years, he was looking for his childhood friend and his auntie, both were dear to his heart and both were taken away from him. He just wanted to keep them on his side to protect them and care for them. Ivan just wanted time with them.

"I just wish that this time, things will bring us back together. I trust in our fate." he put the picture on top of his clothes before closing the suitcase, bringing the frame with him.

His parents still didn't know where he was going. He only told them that he would leave for business trip with Alex.

Miss Maine on the other hand was torn between telling Kaye what has been happening or just keep quiet and wait for things to unfold. She didn't mean to hide things from her but the other person involved was her dearest.

"I wish things didn't turn out this way. I wish I could turn back time and prevent you from going home. How I wish your stars would fall into places find your place in the heart of the person you longed for." Miss Maine whispered while looking at the picture of two children playing with a cat under the flame tree.

"Therese. Ivan." she touched the picture and brought it closed to her heart. "I hope you guys will find your happiness."

Kaye's parents were on the living room watching a variety show. Her mother was leaning on her father for support. "Hon, what do you think of Ivan?" Mrs. Jimenez asked her husband.

"I'm okay with him as long as he won't hurt our princess, that's all that matters."Mr. Jimenez answered. He didn't really have any ill opinion towards the man.

"I genuinely wish they would end up together. I mean, Ivan can get a treatment later. I just hope for our daughter to be happy and I can see happiness in her eyes everytime she looks at him." she said while her eyes were still on the television screen.

"We can only support her. You know how much trauma she was in before." Mr. Jimenez commented as he combed his wife's hair using his fingers.

"I know. I'm not in a rush. I just wish for things to be better for the both of them."

"Let's pray for our wish to come true." he told his wife indicating his agreement. Little did they know that these wishes will not be answered soon.