Parting Ways

Chapter 36

Tina's POV

My mind had been fighting a relentless battle since I returned from Joe's place after Thanksgiving dinner. Weeks had passed, yet I still hadn't spoken to him properly. Ever since exams ended, everyone had been on break, waiting for their results. But that night at Joe' whatever happened there I still couldn't fully process it.

I wanted to talk to someone, to finally lift this weight that had been pressing on my chest. But who? The girls would take the situation too seriously or, worse, judge my relationship with Joe. And the truth was, I didn't even understand what had happened myself. Joe hadn't called or texted much either. Maybe I should give him space to sort things out with his family. Deep down, though, I had a sinking feeling that things wouldn't go the way I hoped.

Even Shawn had only stayed a night at my apartment before moving in with his colleagues, as he was supposed to. He was here for just a week in the U.S. before heading back. I didn't even get to say goodbye at the airport because he took a night flight. I had wanted to talk to him about my visit to Joe's place, to figure out what to do next, but I never got the chance.

Today was the day my exam results were supposed to come in. My heart pounded as I logged into my email and opened the awaited message. My breath hitched, and before I knew it, tears streamed down my face. I blinked, staring at the screen in disbelief I had not only passed, but I had passed with good grades. A sob of relief escaped me as I quickly took screenshots and sent them to my family group chat.

Seconds later, my phone rang. I wiped my tears and answered.

"I did it, Dad. I did it," I choked out. My voice wavered, still caught in the overwhelming emotions of the moment.

"I'm so proud of you, my child," Dad said, his voice warm with pride.

"I can't wait to see you all," I whispered, overwhelmed. These tears... they were tears of joy.

"In a month's time, we will be there," Dad assured me. "Your mom is on another call, but she sends her love and kisses."

I sniffled and nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Bye, Dad. Give my regards to everyone," I said before hanging up.

I quickly messaged Veronica and Trisha to check on their results but got no immediate response. Feeling restless, I decided to call Joe, but there was no answer. My stomach twisted. Where is everyone?

Shaking off my unease, I turned my attention to the next big step finding a place for my placement training. We had to complete practical hours at an accounting firm before graduating. Initially, I had planned to find a place where Joe and I could work together, but after Thanksgiving at his place, I wasn't so sure anymore. That night had left a lingering discomfort in my heart. I thought I was fully welcomed there, but something felt... off. No matter how much Joe's mom and sister tried to make me feel at home, I still felt like a stranger.

Joe had tried to explain his dad's behavior, saying, "That's just how he talks when he's upset about something," insisting that his father was kind otherwise. But I couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than that. No matter how much I wanted to believe Joe's explanation, I couldn't accept the way his father had spoken to me. It was clear he didn't like me.

I was so deep in my thoughts that I almost missed the notification on my phone. When I tapped the screen, I saw Veronica's message: I passed, yay! Will call later. I smiled at her excitement. Then, I called Joe again. Still no answer.

Lately, he has been so distant. After he dropped me home on Thanksgiving, he told me he'd be going back to his family, and since then, we had barely spoken. Something was changing, and I didn't like it.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. Enough overthinking. I needed answers. I needed to see Joe. I grabbed my jacket, called for a cab, and headed to the only place I knew he would be, Love & Latte.

On the way, Trisha texted, saying she had passed too and that Edam was throwing a party to celebrate.

When the cab pulled up in front of the café I got out and walked towards the cafe. I hesitated at the door. My hands grew clammy as doubt crept in. Am I doing the right thing? Should I just show up like this? But I had surprised Joe here before. So why am I so nervous today?

A customer behind me cleared his throat. "Ma'am, are you going in?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I stepped aside to let him in first, then followed.

Herbert was at the counter, but Joe was nowhere in sight. One of the staff members approached with a familiar smile. "Joe is in his office. Would you like me to call him, or do you want to go see him?"

I forced a smile. "It would be nice if you could ask him to come."

She nodded and disappeared into the back. A moment later, Joe emerged. I smiled, but something in his expression was... different. He smiled back, but it didn't reach his eyes. When I leaned in to kiss him, he ignored it and led me to a table instead. My heart sank.

"Is everything okay?" I asked hesitantly.

He nodded but didn't speak right away. His gaze lingered on me as if he was searching for the right words. Then, he finally spoke.

"There's something I need to talk to you about," he said, his tone careful.

A sense of dread curled in my stomach. This isn't good.

He exhaled deeply before continuing. "You know we have to start our placements soon. Well... I'm moving to another city. My dad's friend runs a business there, and he wants me to go and learn from him."

I blinked. "But you can learn from your own café," I pointed out, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I know," Joe admitted, "but.dad thinks I need outside experience more ideas, more references."

I searched his face for reassurance but found none. My chest tightened. I wanted to argue, to ask him to stay, but I saw the conflict in his eyes. He had already made up his mind.

I forced a small smile and took his hand. "It's alright. I understand. You should go. I won't try to stop you." My throat burned, but I swallowed the lump forming there. "We'll see each other in six months, right? And we can always visit each other."

His lips curved slightly. "You really do get me."

I nodded, though my heart was screaming. But what if things change?

"By the way, why are you here?" he asked, shifting the conversation. "I thought you'd be at Trisha's celebrating your success."

I sighed. "I wanted to celebrate with you. That's why I kept calling." I smiled faintly. "And I guess it means you passed too."

He squeezed my hands gently. "I'm sorry for not spending time with you. I just... I've had a lot on my mind. I needed to figure things out before I left, and I didn't know how to tell you."

The word leave echoed in my head, each repetition making my heart ache.

"Are you alright?" Joe asked.

I nodded, blinking away tears. "Are you coming to Edam's party?" I asked, hoping for a different conversation.

He exhaled slowly. "I can't. I need to pack. I'm leaving in two days."

My entire body went cold. Two days?

Joe took my hands again. "I promise to spend the whole day with you tomorrow before I leave."

I barely heard Herbert call Joe for a phone call from his dad. Joe kissed me softly before heading back to his office. I stood up, wiping my tears, and left without looking back.

I needed to be somewhere else. Somewhere safe.

I grabbed a taxi and went straight to Trisha's.

Joe's POV

I packed my last bag and placed it in the corner, exhaling softly as I looked around my room one last time. This was it. A new chapter was about to begin, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it.

Grabbing my car keys, I headed downstairs for breakfast. Dad was already at the table, sipping his coffee, while Mom moved around the kitchen with practiced ease. Just as I sat down, Jia walked in, her usual energy lighting up the room.

"Morning, family," she greeted cheerfully.

Mom set a hot pot of coffee on the table, her warm smile as comforting as ever.

Dad glanced at Jia. "So, are you excited about today?"

Jia was starting her first day at the café. Since she had finished her final exams, Dad thought it would be good for her to help out.

"I'm so excited and also nervous," she admitted, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.

Mom reached over and squeezed her arm reassuringly. "You're a smart girl, Jia. I know you'll do great. And besides, Joe will be there for backup."

Jia's gaze flickered to me before shifting to Dad. I saw the hesitation in her eyes, but when she noticed Dad watching, she straightened her shoulders and put on a confident smile.

Jia and I had made a deal she'd take care of the café while I spent the day with Tina. It was my last day in the city, and I needed every moment with her.

After breakfast, I pushed my chair back and grinned at Jia . "Are you ready to rock the day, baby sister?"

Jia shot up and saluted. "Yes, big bro!"

We said our goodbyes to Mom and Dad before heading out. I dropped Jia off at the café, giving Herbert a knowing nod. He and Jia had promised to cover for me. Then, without wasting another second, I drove straight to Tina's apartment.

The memory of her face from yesterday still haunted me the moment I told her I was leaving. It was never part of our plan. We had talked about building our future together, about working and staying in the same city. But Dad had changed everything.

On Thanksgiving night, when he found out Tina was returning to Fiji after graduation, he lost it.

"But will you be able to live without this girl?" His voice still echoed in my head. When I assured him Tina and I would figure things out, he didn't believe me. Instead, he forced a decision on me.

Now, as I pulled into the driveway of her apartment, I inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself. I knocked on the door, and within seconds, she opened it.

Her face was pale, her eyes swollen. My chest tightened and she cried last night. A lump formed in my throat, but I didn't want to upset her by bringing it up.

She stepped aside, letting me in. We sat on the couch, close but silent, the weight of reality pressing down on us.

"Are you done with your packing?" she finally asked.

I nodded. "Yeah."

The silence stretched between us, making everything feel heavier. I needed to say something, anything. "Have you found a job yet?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. But I applied to a few more places."

I nodded, unsure of what else to say. The guilt was creeping in, making my stomach twist.

"What about Trisha and Veronica?" I asked, hoping to steer the conversation to something lighter.

"Trisha is joining Edam's firm, and Veronica got a job where she used to work part-time," she said, her voice laced with sadness.

I took her hand in mine, rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. "Don't worry. You'll find something soon. You're too talented not to."

She looked up at me, a small, forced smile on her lips. "Edam offered me a position at his firm. The pay is good, but I want to explore my options first."

I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her. She leaned against my chest, releasing a shaky sigh.

"I can't believe you're leaving tomorrow," she murmured. "I don't even know when I'll see you again."

I kissed the top of her head, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. "We'll figure it out. You said we could visit each other, right? And I'll have to come back to see my family. I'll come for you, too."

She lifted her head, her puffy eyes locking onto mine. "Promise me you'll call and message me every day. And video call twice a week, at least."

I chuckled softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I promise."

She sniffled, then, with a small smirk, asked, "So, what's the plan for today?"

I knew she was pretending to be cheerful, trying to push the pain away.

"Nothing special," I teased. "I figured I'd just hang out here all day. No point in wasting time driving when I could be spending every second with you."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Alright, Mr. Romantic. What do you want for lunch?"

"You," I teased, winking.

She blushed and playfully smacked my chest. "I'll check the fridge."

As she walked into the kitchen, I pulled out my phone and texted Jia. Everything okay?

Her response was instant. All good.

Satisfied, I switched my phone to silent mode and followed Tina into the kitchen. She was defrosting steaks, her back turned to me.

"That looks good," I murmured, stepping behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist. I pressed a soft kiss against the nape of her neck.

"What, the steaks or me?" she teased.

I grinned. "Obviously, the steaks."

She turned to glare at me, but her lips curled into a smile. I leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss.

"I'm going to miss this," I whispered against her lips.

She sighed, pressing her forehead against mine. "I'm going to miss those eyes of yours," she murmured, cupping my face. Her fingers traced my jawline, her thumb brushing over my light stubble. "Lately, I've been falling for this look. You look hotter with it."

I smirked, pulling her closer. "So you like it rough, huh?"

She giggled. "Shut up."

I ran my fingers through her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "Can I have my dessert before the main course?" I whispered.

She smiled softly, her cheeks flushing. Instead of answering, she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me in for another kiss.

I swept her up into my arms and took her to the bedroom. Placing her gently on the floor near the bed, I stripped off her nightdress, which she had been wearing since last night. It fell on the floor, exposing her body and pink nipples. I stared it for a while not knowing when again I will see her again. She was wearing lacy black panties. She captured her lower lip shyly. I slipped my hand into her panties and gently rubbed her clitoris with my middle finger.

"MMM," she moaned. She was already getting wet. I slipped her panties down her thighs and went down on my knees. I slowly planted soft kisses on her thighs and then on her vagina. She grabbed my hair and arched in pleasure. I made her sit on the edge of the bed and took off her panties. Parting her thighs slightly, I kissed between them.

I sniffed her vagina and murmured, "You smell so good." She parted her legs a little more, and I licked her clitoris.

"You also taste so good," I murmured again. I played with her clitoris, and she was fully wet. "Lie down," I ordered, and she did as I asked. I moved closer, still on my knees, and fully parted her legs, resting her feet on my shoulders.

Her vaginal lips were fully open, exposing every part of her. I was having a last look at it, as I didn't know when I would see it next. "What are you doing?" she whispered. "Just saying goodbye to my baby," I teased. I took her vagina in my mouth and sucked it passionately. She grabbed my head and pulled me deeper into her.

"Ohh, uhhh, umm," she moaned. "I can't wait anymore. Please get inside me," she murmured. I kissed her thigh and got up. Pulling off my t-shirt and sliding my pants and underwear off, I stood in front of her naked. She stared at my fully aroused member and extended her hand. "I want to touch my baby." She was still lying at the edge of the bed, her legs hanging down to the floor. I moved closer and lifted her legs in my arms, and she held my member in her hand. She gently rubbed it and slowly put it inside her. I rocked in and out slowly and passionately. "Uhh, harder," she said.

"I want to feel you to my core." I got out of her and turned her upside down. She got on her knees at the edge of the bed, and I was standing at the edge. I put one leg on the bed and grabbed her hips, pulling her towards me. Slowly, I entered her from the back, and she flinched. I slipped my hand to her clitoris to give her more pleasure. She opened a little more, and I entered deeper. I moved back and forth. After a while, she screamed, "I'm coming." I moved faster, and she climaxed, and in a few seconds, I joined her. I wanted to make this moment the most memorable one and I think I did.

At that moment, I wished time would stop. I wished I could hold her like this forever. But deep down, I knew this was our goodbye wrapped in stolen moments.

As I held her in my arms, a question nagged at the back of my mind.

Will she still love me the same when I come back? Or things between us will change?

I didn't want to lose her, but some things were out of my control.

She placed her head against my chest, listening to my heartbeat.

"Hey, Joe," she said softly.

"Happy early birthday," she wished me. My birthday was in two days, followed by hers. I guess we'd never get the chance to celebrate together.

"You too. Happy birthday," I replied.

"I'll miss you," she murmured.

I swallowed hard, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll miss you too."

Tightening my arms around her, I closed my eyes, memorizing the way she felt in my arms. Just in case this was the last time.

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"Goodbyes are never easy, but they hold the promise of new beginnings and cherished memories."