Chapter 2 Still About Him

We can't choose when problems come into our lives. We also can't select what kind of problems we'll face, whether they're easy or complicated to solve. Whatever it is, we only have two definite choices, face the problem and try to find a solution like a knight, or... run away from it, like a scared little mouse being chased by a street cat.

And me? Am I in the second category for running away from the problems I'm facing? Maybe yes, but I definitely wouldn't call myself a frightened mouse. I prefer to think of myself as a mouse trying to find a new nest and live peacefully there.

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Forgetting Brian might be easy for me, but forgetting the memories with him is something I really struggle with. I don't know, maybe I loved him too much, or maybe I was just foolish for trusting him so deeply.

For a moment, Brian's face flashed through my mind. So annoying.

"Me, all this cooking isn't just for to look at," Mom scolded, patting my shoulder and bringing me back from my pointless daydream.

"Sorry, Mom," I said with a weak smile, trying to hide my turmoil from her.

"Are you having problems?" Mom asked after sipping some water from her glass, having finished her dinner.

I shook my head slowly. "No, Mom. Just tired," I replied, continuing to eat.

"How's work, Alli? Everything good?" Dad, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. I hoped we wouldn't discuss Brian tonight.

"Yeah, everything's fine, Dad," I said, reaching for my glass and sipping slowly.

"So when is Brian going to propose to you?"

My hopes vanished, Dad finally brought up Brian. His question made me choke.

What should I say to Mom and Dad? Should I tell them the truth now? How do I explain that there's nothing left between Brian and me?

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Mom asked with a worried look.

"I'm fine, Mom. Its okay."

"It's not good to date for too long," Dad added after finishing his meal.

"Yeah, Dad. I know. But isn't it a bit rushed to get married now?" I tried to dodge the topic as much as possible, especially since I wasn't in a relationship with anyone.

"What do you mean rushed? You're both adults. You're almost 27, Allison Valerie. How long are you going to wait to get married?" Mom sounded increasingly insistent.

"Yes, your Mom's right. Besides, it's not good to waste time just dating," Dad chimed in.

"I-I would love to get married soon, Mom, Dad. But with Brian..." my words caught in my throat.

If I told the truth, Dad would be really angry. After all, Brian had promised to marry me after a year together, but instead, our relationship fell apart halfway.

I knew Dad could never tolerate that. He hated people who break promises. He would be furious, not just at Brian but also at me.

"What's going on with you and Brian? Not ready yet?" Dad looked very curious. "Or... are you two fighting?"

I fell silent. I began to panic, searching for the right answer to Dad's question. Should I be honest now? Or is it better to keep it secret until I'm truly ready to explain everything?

I lowered my head further. I swore I couldn't meet the gazes of both my parents, who were waiting for my answer.

"Alli, look at me. What's really going on between you and Brian?" Dad asked again, this time more firmly.

After a brief moment, I gathered my courage to look at my parents. "Brian and I... it's over, Mom, Dad," I replied, feeling nervous but also a little relieved. Relieved because I didn't have to lie about Langit anymore.

Dad didn't comment, he just sat silently, shaking his head. His silence was a sign that he was truly disappointed. Not just in Brian, but in me as well.

I was the one who insisted Brian was the best, only to find out my own judgment was wrong.

Meanwhile, Mom let out a long sigh. From the start of my relationship with Brian, she had the highest hopes for us to marry soon. But in the end, I had to make my parents swallow the bitter pill of disappointment that night.

I'm sorry, Mom, Dad.

***

The next day at the office, I was packing my things to take out of the workplace. Honestly, I felt a nagging unease.

I should be happy because today was the time to leave all those memories behind. But instead, I was caught in a storm of confusion in my heart.

The conversation between me, Dad, and Mom last night kept bothering me.

"Alli, what's wrong?" Wendy asked, who had been helping me pack up my office for the new employee who would take my place.

I took a deep breath. "Mom and Dad found out about me and Brian."

"That's a good thing! It means you don't have to stress about hiding the fact that you and Brian are done. It's over," Wendy replied cheerfully. She seemed just as relieved as I was last night. But... that wasn't the issue.

"The problem is... they want to set me up with one of their friends' kids. They don't want me to make the wrong choice again," I explained, recalling our conversation from last night.

"That's great! It means they care about you, Alli. Trust me, your parents won't make a wrong choice."

"But I don't want to be set up, Wendy."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. But there's nothing wrong with trying it out. Who knows, one of your dad's friends' kids might be your match. It could happen!"

Wendy was right. There was nothing wrong with trying it out. But... being set up? That thought had never crossed my mind, not even in my dreams.

"Anyway, are you really sure about leaving?" Wendy asked, holding my shoulder with a hopeful expression, as if trying to convince me to change my mind.

"How many times are you going to ask that, Wen? Hundreds? Thousands? Millions? That won't change my decision. Besides, my resignation has already been approved by Mr. Hugo," I replied confidently, certain I wouldn't change my mind.

"But... Alli, being a reporter has been your dream for so long. It would be such a shame to leave it behind."

See... once again, Wendy was trying to stop me from leaving. She really didn't give up easily. But did she forget how stubborn I am? I wouldn't change my mind that easily, especially about a decision I was so sure of.

"Being a reporter is indeed my dream, and I've achieved it. Now it's time for me to chase other dreams, Wen," I said with a light smile while my hands were busy organizing the desk I had to leave.

"What other big dream does Allison have this time?" Wwndy asked, looking very curious.

"One day, you'll find out," I replied casually as I walked out of the room with a small box of my belongings.

"Allison, don't be so mysterious!" Wendy called out, walking alongside me.

I just smiled in response. I was intentionally keeping it a secret because, to me, unfulfilled dreams don't need to be known by everyone.

"Where are you going?" A tall guy with tan skin, dressed neatly, now stood in front of me, blocking my path with Wendy.

Ugh... why does he have to show up again?

***