She's back

I am massaging my temple after a hard day's work. The hotel has been bustling lately since the holidays were close. Many families came to visit, so the hotel got filled with life.

It was always a pleasure to watch these happy families. The joy and affection they felt were opposed to the emotions I received from my own family. But I never felt envious of them.

I had Mia, Alex, and Mig-

When I thought about him, my cheeks warmed up. I couldn't keep lying to myself for much longer. I was falling in love with Miguel all over again. Nonetheless, it was to be expected. How could you not be smitten by a man like him?

He was indeed incredibly handsome, so the attraction was inevitable. But it was more than that.

He was a patient and caring man. I hated and loved, at the same time, how he could always read my mind. He was a person I could rely on when I was struggling. He had seen my weakness and helped me be strong in the past and present.

His looks were a bonus.

I tapped my fingers on my desk. The problem is: Does Miguel feel the same way? What if I have an unrequited love?

Miguel may smile a lot, but it was hard to get a read on him, especially when he had an expressionless face that he puts on when he is serious or contemplating something.

What happens if I confess, and he just smiles and brushes it off. It was one of the reasons I never told him how I felt in the past.

***

"Alex? You came to pick me up?" I asked in surprise. I haven't seen Alex lately because he was busy with work. Although, for some reason, I felt like he was avoiding me.

Alex gave a hearty smile and opened the door for me,

"I got off work early, so I wanted to give you a lift," he said and glanced at the surroundings.

"Is something wrong?" I asked and turned my head to see what made him look around.

Alex shrugged, "Just wondered when Miguel would show up."

"Why would he-"

"Let's go," he interrupted, entered the car, and started the engine. I stood there for a brief moment bewildered but entered nonetheless.

***

The ride was unusually silent. I could have a conversation with Miguel, but mostly he listened as I talked. Alex, however, was a talkative type. He always boasted it was part of his charms.

The silence was overbearing. It was heavy and made it hard not to notice. The music was on, but the silence was louder.

I shifted in my seat. "So, Alex, how has work been doing lately?" I asked expectantly.

"It's fine," he curtly replied.

I read the message loud and clear. Alex did not want to talk right now. I awkwardly leaned against my seat.

Alex seemed to be angry. Why, though? I thought that maybe work was stressing him, so he didn't have the energy to speak right now.

***

"Thanks for the ride," I said and grabbed the door handle.

"Wait!" Alex blurted out. I looked at him, waiting. He opened his mouth, contemplated, and then closed it.

He moved his head forward and then tightened his hold on the steering wheel.

"Nevermind, you can go."

"Aren't you coming as well? You said you are done with work, right?" I asked.

Alex turned to me and smiled, though weakly. "I want to take a stroll drive. I have a lot on my mind right now."

"I see." I hesitated and wondered if I could pry for more. I stopped myself from asking. I knew better than that.

I opened it and got out. A thought ran through my mind. I wondered if the problem was not Alex's work, but the problem was me.

***

I slumped myself on the couch and switched the tv on. My thoughts drifted to Mia. I couldn't wait to bring her back home. I wonder what I should buy for her.

I twirled a lock of my hair in thought. I switched the channel and came face to face with my father.

The reporters interviewed him about the company and how he would split his shares among his family.

"Sir, what about your oldest daughter? Are you going to really leave her with nothing?" a reporter asked.

I noticed my father's jaw clenched, and the corner of his eye twitched. It was hardly noticeable since he maintained his expression, but I knew him well.

So I knew what he would say next.

"Yes. I am a man of my word. When I said I disowned her, I meant it."

It didn't surprise me. A part of me, deep inside, was hurt but it was nothing new. My father, for some reason, love for me vanished when I got pregnant.

It perplexed me how he got so angry to the point of disownment. I knew he was old-fashioned but not to that extent. I guess you never really know a person unless they show it to you. For example, my father, Rihanna, and...Leo.

I looked at the time. It was about time she got back.

I heard a knock. Just in time.

I opened the door and got engulfed in a hug.

"I'm glad to see you too, Layla."