CARRIE TAKEN AWAY

1

I AM SICK

When a woman gives her heart to a man, she loses the control over her own happiness. Everyone knows that and no one wants to be in that trap. But when the heart sees the person it takes a fancy to, everything breaks lose. A woman gives in to the man she loves, gives her heart and all of herself.

Carrie wasn't any different. She fell in love. Gave her heart. Yes, they were happy for years. But sicne everything is ,indeed ,subject to change. The love she used to get from Rudy suddenly fell.

Since this morning, her mind has been occupied with the thought of her boyfriend. She never had a man before Rudy. She never loved anyone before him. She is the woman who doesn't give her heart right away, but when she does ... Love at first sight was not her thing. In fact, it took him quite some months to win her heart. And he did. That moment she said, yes. That was it. She is a one-man woman. For her he was the only man. But that might be disadvantageous in some ways. When something goes wrong, it won't be that easy to bear.

She is currently readying herself to leave from work inside that office behind Apple Bean's showroom. She put on her jacket and picked up her bag she kept below the desk. Like usual, she checked herself in the mirror on the wall. In her face, it shows how tired she gets after a day's work. She slightly brushed her hair. She looked okay. She is now ready to go. She looked around to check for her colleagues. Three ladies are busy chatting, showing no signs of leaving anytime soon.

"Bye, ladies! See you tomorrow,"she waved her hand when they turned their attention to her after hearing her. They simultaneously waved back and continued talking.

"Wait! "She stopped when one of the girls called out her name.

"What?"

"Um, would you like to come with us tonight? At seven ,let's say?" Donna glanced at her watch and then looked at her again.

She thought for a while and then said, "I'll skip this time.."She is not in any mood for anything. Occasionally, she joins the ladies for a bottle of beer or two but today is just not the day.

"By the way, you seem to be even more dull than yesterday, huh?"Donna momentarily forgot her conversation with her friend and gave her full attention to Carrie. "Are you okay?" Her eyes became even more curious.

"I'm okay, Don. This is nothing. I just didn't sleep till late last night." She smiled tepidly. "Have a good time." She tried to look as causal as she can. But her voice didn't sound lively at all.

"Sure?" The other one asked her.

"Of course!" She turned and walked away from them.

"Maybe she is having her period, leave her alone.."The other lady remarked.

She had to walk from the end of the huge store to the exit at the other end. She passed by two other offices before she reached the exit. She left the store which is becoming crowded and noisy. Costumers usually start flocking at this time. Everybody come to shop after work buying things before heading home. Fifty meters away from the exit is where the public transportations parked waiting for passengers. Luckily she didn't have to walk too far.

At five thirty in the afternoon, the sun has already sat. The darkness begins to take over, she feels even more dim.

She is not going anywhere that afternoon. She is not in the mood for anything. She just wants to reach home, take a shower and watch TV until dinner.

Carrie's boyfriend hasn't called the whole week. And that is what she started resenting since few days ago. Of course, she can understand he gets occupied with work sometimes but what is sending her a message to let her know he hasn't forgotten her. Or what is a three minute call just to talk with her? She had become dependent on him emotionally. And who should she blame?

Rudy was the man who showered her with love constantly. That is why she's gotten used to that. In return she gave him all her love. What is more sensible thing to do than that, anyway? Like an addict who gets suddenly deprived of her supply, she is now feeling so lethargic without him around. It gets worse when she thinks that Rudy's love is going down. And the worst, the thought that he might eventually say goodbye. God forbid.

She wanted to spend the weekend with Rudy but the last time she called him, he was busy in his work. She sent few more messages after that but there was no reply.

Carrie has never felt more ignored.

For the tenth time after leaving work, she checked her phone to see for any sign of Rudy. But each time, there was none. For anyone who wanted to hear badly from another person but hears nothing after each attempt, worries will grow worse. That is what she is exactly feeling. Anxiety.

Still, Carrie would just let it go. But she is becoming desperate.

She sent another message. She is now angry and worried. The feeling when the person never answers no matter how you try.. but she decided to not let him feel it.

-hi. Is anything wrong? –She sent again thinking maybe this time he will lift his phone and reply.

Minutes later, still nothing came. 'This couldn't be happening.' She told herself. 'Maybe his phone is just out of charge or something. Maybe he is in a situation where he cannot receive or send messages. Maybe..

-Rudy,Please say something..- was her next message.

But her pleading didn't do anything. He anxiety peaked.

He must be in something she still doesn't know but whatever it was , ' don't I deserve to know?'

At home, Minda is with her two friends who live in the same neighborhood. They are Sarah and Linda.The three cannot stay without seeing each other and spending time together at least every other day. Their houses are just five to seven minute walk away. And that makes it even easier for them. Her backyard garden is their favorite place to hang out during afternoons sipping coffee or sometimes small amount of alcohol. It is the shade of the tree they mostly love while enjoying the weather. 'What else could old ( a little bit) people like them who retired early from work do? ' That's how they rationalize their habit. Sarah retired at fifty to enjoy life before she gets too old. Linda was running a small bakery but she turned that over to her daughter to manage, that rendered her even more freedom.

The three youthful ladies unanimously believe that they should enjoying life every day. Work a little but not waste your life on working alone. To them there is no point. All are truly against greediness and acquiring too much without giving yourself time to relax and have fun. But when they think of fun, they aren't looking for something unnecessarily expensive. Like being together, to them it is already fun. Taking life seriously is not in their vocabulary. But they make sure to make themselves beautiful which is very evident with the way they all look. Starting from their hair, down to their face, body shape, nails, everything is well taken care of including their wardrobe. And take note, they are not fans of spending too much.

The three have been there since three hours ago already. AS they enjoyed their usual afternoon, Linda does a little bit on her phone creating the perfect photo for her newest article in her blog. It is there where she talks about cooking and baking. She was now quite skilled on manipulating photos using her phone to suit her subject. All Minda and Sarah did was to agree or disagree on the outcome. Sometimes they suggest something also.

"There! I guess it is ready for uploading,"Linda showed the two who cheered excitingly.

The three heard the opening and closing of the gate. "Carrie is here already. Minda?"Sarah turned to her friend.

"Yes, it's her. She'll manage, "Minda said and then she continued with her friends.

Carrie, as she opened the gate, can hear low but excited voices from the back yard and already knew who were there. She paid no attention and went in. They can't see her but she knows that they know she is there. Her mother, Minda and her two other extra close friends are almost always together and are usually at their house. It is probably because there is no one else except her to disturb their happy hours. If she is at work, the whole house is theirs. And when coming home also, she barely makes any disturbance so the three are left by themselves.

Her mother found half of her happiness with her friends, she reminded herself. Good for her, she thought. Seconds later, she shrugged the thought off her mind.

What she'd usually do when getting home after work is either call Rudy and they talk for like ten minutes or so. Or if he was available , they can go out somewhere. Occasionally, he would come over and join them for dinner.

But that slowly became rare since her boyfriend started taking jobs outside town. It would take him couple of weeks or more before he comes back.

She dialed her manager's number. She is taking a two-day leave because she is not feeling so well tonight.

"What is it, Carrie? I am outside right now. You called me four times? What gives?"

"I'm sick. I cannot come tomorrow. "

"Sorry about that. Make sure to take care of yourself..."

"Okay. I'll be right back in two days. "

"Ok. Buh-bye!"She hang up.

Her colleagues are mostly very supportive , 'thanks God, 'she was relieved. It is not that she is incapable to work, she just really want to stay away from work for a couple of days. Two-day off should be enough for her to gather herself together and restore her energy. After that, she told herself, she will be fully recharged.

Six in the morning, she was startled when her alarm buzzed. She reached for it and turned it off.

"How are you feeling this morning, Carrie?"

Her mother is standing beside her bed when she opened her eyes. On her face is that same old caring eyes she used to see whenever she suspects she is not in good condition. But when she is, she goes back to her normal loving mode. Minda is no doubt a sweetheart no one can ever ignore.

"I heard from last night you called telling you are sick."

"Yes, Ma! I need some rest. " She sneezed. "I have a bit of colds but I will be okay."She turned her back and pretended to sleep.

"By the way, do you want to come with me for a walk? Maybe you need some fresh air? "She pulled the curtain to bring some sunlight in.

"No, Ma! I want to rest. You go ahead. Please don't disturb me for a while."

"Would you like me to bring something, girl? "

"No, I don't want anything!" Carrie pulled her blanket over her face.

"Okay!"

She eventually climbed out of bed in the afternoon.

"Are you up for lunch, Carrie?" Her mother is there waiting for her in the living room. "How are you feeling?"

"What is for lunch?"She asked and joined Minda at the couch.

"Actually, I still didn't eat. I ate late for breakfast. You showed no sign of getting up so I thought of waiting for you to wake up so we can eat together. "She is flipping the magazine she picked from the store on her way home.

"Do we have some fruits in the fridge?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't been to the supermarket for a while. What about sweet potato?"

"That would be good." Carrie said lazily. She is still yawning, she stretched herself on the couch.

"Right! "Minda left her and walked to the kitchen while Carrie crouched in the sofa.

Sloppy afternoon.

2.

GEORGINA

"Ill be there in ten minutes, mother. " he turned off his phone and ensconced himself inside the vehicle then motioned his driver to keep going.

It is his mother's fifty fifth birthday today, fifteen years after his father's tragic death, he counted. Time has ran too quick, indeed. Momentously, he tried to imagine how would it be this time if his father was still alive? There was an emptiness in his seasoned heart. So much good things could have happened with him and his father had he not passed away too early. But anyway.., he tried to dismiss his surfacing emotion. But still, whenever he comes across an old man who could have been same age with his late father, he couldn't always keep his manly sadness from rising up. He was twenty years old then and still in the university when he passed away. AS young as he was, he was so sad more than he could describe. For a young man like him, he wanted his father so see him through. But that accident took that away from him. It was too soon.. His young heart was wounded by that very unfortunate tragedy.

Since his father died of that car accident, he was since obliged to look after his mother and his younger brother as the eldest son in the family. A thing which he believes he did well as far as he is concerned. He tried his best to make his mother happy knowing how devastated she was. She looked strong and firm from the outside but she is still undeniably very fragile inside. As a business woman, she never let that show but when at home, they could see how being alone took its toll from her. But she was good at managing. Their mother never deprived them of anything a child would ever need, though alone. She has been that sweet and loving mother they always have. At the same time grooming both of her sons to become the best businessmen to run, protect and expand their family business, the AppleBeans Hypermarkets.

As they pulled into the gate , Francis saw few more cars parked inside and outside which was a telltale sign about the presence of visitors. He could tell who are inside by which cars were there, his cousins and the favorite uncle was already there. Soon after his driver stopped he got off the vehicle and made quick steps towards the medium sized but, elegantly built house.

The outside lights are all on, thus making the exterior of the house glowing in the middle of the night. Through the windows one can see that the whole house is lighted as well. Francis can feel the old familiar feeling when he was still living there. Whenever there was a function in the house, the whole residence dazzled.

He entered the white painted huge door and smelled the scent of the house which he always loved. A few steps more and he is in the dining hall.

"Francis is here, everybody!" Georgina very proudly announced the arrival of his eldest son. She stood to usher him to his seat. Francis is placed as the head of the family. But he didnt seat without shaking hands with those who are there. He greeted his uncle John and his wife. His auntie Lizy is also there and her partner, three were his mother's close friends, his brother Bobby and his cousins Terry, Wayne and Beth.

He looked at everybody and then settled .

"Thank you for coming on my birthday, everyone. You truly made the day special for me. "Georgina expressed delightfully. Her smiled showed her classic highlander beauty .She is wearing her simple blue dress but she looks stunningly gorgeous. He finely styled hair is just below shoulders long. Like the typical native of Central Town, her skin is fair and her height is five feet one inch. Francis' mother appears very youthful for her age. Why she never remarried after the demise of her late partner is mainly because of her wish to keep the lives of her sons stay unperturbed as what an additional family member might bring. And then there is her business to keep her busy.

Everyone clapped for the fifty five year- old woman.

Georgina is a daughter to an ordinary family with whom both her mother and father are professors at the state university. That means none of her parents were engaged in any business. During her university years she had always been a brilliant student. Although she was a beautiful young woman, she was not the popular girl in school. She was friendly and all but she devoted most of her time studying. She has two or three friends and she was happy with that. A little bit introverted. She enjoyed partying from time to time but she was one of those who took her studies seriously. It was no doubt ,she wanted to be the best.

Then she met her husband when she graduated. Gene Cawili was the son of an average business man. They decided straightaway that there was nowhere else they could go but being married to each other.They had no time for leisure, they both thought of making it serious so they got married after a short period of time. After marriage they decided to set up a small grocery store using Gene's money. Surely ,they knew the right way from the beginning. They didn't do anything else, they were sure of which path that would lead them somewhere. The business they immediately started making money. So before Francis was born, they already had two stores in two different towns. Five years later, the name AppleBeans was born. Their fortune continuously grew bigger. Groceries expanded into hypermarkets. Each branch was put up one after the other. And now, AppleBeans has four existing stores with average of a hudred employees each. Evidently, the expansion they made was phenomenal, thanks to Mrs. Georgina Cawili's exceptional talent and efficiency when it comes to business.

Since Georgina came from a normal family and so did Gene, many of their relatives are also within that range economically. They are not really from the elite society. But one cannot help but live according to where he is financially. Their continuous economic advancement made a gap between her relatives and her family. Not long after that they were too far off. Their business catapulted them to the top so that created a gap between them and their society which were mostly their distant and close relatives. They were estranged not only from their society but also from the culture they grew up with. That was, maybe, the main issue she encountered throughout her social life. She felt bad that she had to stay away from everybody but also she couldn't help. She had heard negative remarks from her used-to-be friends and cousins but would she halt her success just to satisfy the people? Their circumstances changed. Slowly, they got alienated to the ways of life their society is living. But that is alright, all they had to do is adapt to the new. That is how life is.

Socially, she had to be in a limbo where she left the old but has not found the new yet. That was the most difficult thing for her for many years. She couldn't have a stable social circle. Not where she came from and not where she is going also. She had to live with a life of isolation at some point. Thanks God she has her boys. There were her employees to have casual conversations with and of course, other business people who she mingles with albeit shallow interactions.

One might argue that people should not forget to look back from where you came from.And that the relatives should be the most important people before anybody else. But for her she simply didn't have time to go and spend time with her relatives like one would expect. The things she do is not anymore the same with them since they are not business people. The law of nature takes its course.

So even though it is a norm to be close to one's relatives, her situation didn't allow that. For that reason, her birthdays are not attended by many of them as it should normally be.

She has a lot of cousins from her aunts and uncles but they somehow stopped mingling with each other or let's say they didn't have much reason to. Unless they themselves are in the same field as she is, she naturally become isolated from the rest. Otherwise, everybody could have come.

And, her success in their business did not out balance her responsibilities as a mother and also a wife. That was the real greatness in her. That being a successful business woman didn't cause her to deprive her boys of what they mostly needed in all aspects. And as a result, she has now two equally successful sons in their own fields. That much makes her contented as a woman at the afternoon of her life.

"Happy birthday to my beautiful mother, Georgina!"Francis stood again to kiss his mother.

They don't call her mom like any modern Filipino kid would call their mother. They are okay with just "mother" or just simply Georgina. Normally, kids of what we call modern families especially rich ones don't call their mama's mother. Calling the mother just simply mother is only for the less privileged families. It may sound funny but that is how it is. If you are rich, you have to show it. Never call your mother with lousy names such as that. The boys either call their mother by her name or just 'mother' and everyone seems to be at peace with that, even if their Filipino culture doesn't agree with it. Calling your mother by name is frowned upon and is regarded as disrespectful.They have the utmost respect , care and love for Georgina no matter what name they called her.

Everyone asked how everyone was doing while eating. There is not much to ask, though. Francis and his relatives don't have so much in common except that they come together once in a while as relatives whenever there are functions. Social gatherings, at least mostly, are also religious functions where one needs to invite all relatives around, whether you are close or not. Relatives are relatives. One's relatives automatically becomes one's circle. Most of the people can trace who their fifth cousins are, literally.

"How is business, Francis?"Uncle John asked.

"It is going well, Uncle. By the end of this year, another Apple Bean store is already finished."He smiled naughtily at everyone. "We are expanding in fast pace," there is pride in his words.

"Good job, Francis. Your father would have been very proud of his boy,"He laughed while talking. Uncle John is very fond of Francis ever since the boy was young.

"I won't be totally proud of my nephew unless he found the woman for him, though."Auntie Lizy blurted like she is trying to tease him.

"Francis, if I don't tell you, who else would do. Money is good but a lot of money without family? You wouldn't call that life. What is all the money if you don't have no one to share it with? Money is much enjoyed when it is spent for kids. Where will you put your money on? Huh, what good is all of those?" It seems uncle is in the mood of a sermon while they are having their dinner.

The comment made everyone look at him. Everybody went quiet for a while.

"Don't be too picky, Francis. Just look for a girl and settle down,"Aunt Lizy advised.

Just like that? Pick a girl and settle down?

"Francis, where is Cheryn?"Georgina asked her son.

"Aahhh, Cheryn?Mother, she is my friend! Just a friend."

"I won't support any aspiring governor in the province who doesn't have a wife! " Beth threatened his cousin.

Hahaha! They all laughed for that as though it was the funniest joke ever told. But it was the truth although no one could say it. In the local culture, the man suited to sit on a public official's seat, especially that of high position, is preferably a family man. A man is more valued and revered if he is married and has no unpleasant record not necessarily in court but in the society. The culture doesn't regard a single unmarried man like that of a married man. Staying single for too long , after sometime, does look like a failure in the eyes of the people. It is then the utmost important thing for a man, especially, to settle down.

Once someone becomes a politician, he is then regarded as one of the respected elders thus he should act like one. Elders means not just old people, they are the ones who should know more as a result of having had more experiences. They are expected to lead the rest of the people because they are supposed to be wise.

After that simple dinner, the visitors started to leave at eleven thirty. Francis, as the most responsible man in the family, didn't leave until the last visitor said good bye.

"Future governor of Montanyosa!" his uncle gave him a firm hand shake before he turned to open his car.

Tonight, Francis is too tired to go back to his place, he is reposing in his family house. When he went back in, Georgina is there waiting for him. Bobby is off to his room.

"Really, Francis, until my fifty fifth birthday you can't even bring a girl home?" Georgina joked.

"Georgina, I will, when the right woman shows up. Satisfied?"Francis rebutted. "What is the hurry?"

"Hurry? Fancis, do I have to remind you how many birthdays did you have already?"His mother was not ready to give up,though.

"Georgina, we don't have to talk about this for the twentieth time. .there are no limit of women available out there. It will come when the time is right.."

"When I'm gone already?"

"Mother, you don't think of that at fifty five! We just had a dinner for your birthday.."

Francis can be unpredictable sometimes. In most of the times, he never wants to make his mother upset but there are times when he really wants to stress things. Those are the times when he talks to her in a slightly strong tone.

Because he is at the marriageable age, he often gets bombarded from everyone he encounters about getting a wife, having a family to go home to and on and on.. And it becomes a 'nightmare' during gatherings such as an hour ago. That is the time when everyone is expressing their worries about him getting old alone. 'That how dreadful it is to grow up without having kids. Much more with dying single.' As if growing old without a family is a life of hell that nobody should ever live.

But He doesn't really care.

3

LAST DATE

Minda felt something unusual in her daughter since many days ago. All her vivacity seemed to have left her. The liveliness in her is just isn't there anymore . She is not talking about anything these days like she normally does.With just the two them at home, Minda feels like the house is empty when her daughter is silent, for days. She is devoid of enthusiasm which is very unnatural for her. She is now mostly quiet when at home. While she doesn't want to sound like she is treating her daughter like a baby, she is also worried about how her current stress might affect her. As a little girl, Carrie had a weak resistance to stress. A doctor advised them to keep the girl away from any heightened stressful situations. She had high susceptibility to trauma. However, the doctor also said that she might grew out of it eventually. That is the one thing that is agitating her. Although it never showed any sign until the present, still she couldn't help but vex.

To reduce her disquietude, Minda thought of ways to alleviate her daughter's burden, if she could.

"Is Rista around?"she started the conversation hoping that bringing up her friend would lighten her mood. Carrie is sitting in front of the TV but she didn't look like watching.

"I guess so. She is busy these days. She's got a new boyfriend," she smiled having been reminded of her friend's unsteady relationships. She yawned after that.

"Is Rudy in town?"

"I don't know."She didn't have anything else to say because she really doesn't know.

"What do you mean?"Minda sat across her.

"He didn't call me this whole week, Ma," she paused for a while pretending to be watching. "Last week also was the same. If I didn't call him, we wouldn't have talked." She already told her mother why she was dull. But she also contrived to look matured who can deal with matters like big girls do.

"And you are upset about that?" Minda asked open-mindedly.

"Well, maybe. A little bit. I feel like he is ignoring me nowadays." She turned off the TV and stretched her body in that comfortable couch.

"Don't jump into conclusions, girl. You can't really know unless he himself tells you. And besides, he is s a nice guy, isn't he?. You can't talk like that. It was just been two weeks.."

"Yeah! But this is the first time he is doing this. I mean ignoring my messages."She explains.

"Just because he is not answering doesn't mean he is ignoring, is he?"Reminded Minda.

"But he is!" her resentment toward her boyfriend showed.

"Why don't you call him and ask where is he right now. He might be in some kind of trouble that is why he is not able to call you. In such times, what he needs is your understanding. Go ahead, call him instead of sitting there resenting the guy.."

'Right!'she thought. She rose and went to her room leaving her mom.

"Hello!" She heard his voice after the very first ring. Hearing his voice supposed to lighten her mood. Just by hearing him say, hello, had an effect in her mournful heart. Yet that also told something else that didn't make her exactly happy. That means he is in a position to make calls.

'Then why doesn't he think of calling me ?' she felt like a pin was stuck in her heart. 'He could have replied to my messages,at least..'

"Hi, Rudy!" She tried to sound cheerful in spite of what she is feeling."Is everything alright?"

"Yes! Im fine."He answered her question. He didn't sound like he was in any discomfort or distress. That made her mind quickly concluded,' he really intended to ignore me..'

"Where are you right now?"Carrie asked but her enthusiasm lessened.

"I'm at home." His home is just four kilometers away from theirs.

She wanted to ask many questions like 'Why did you not call me? Don't you want to talk with me? Are you not interested in seeing me after three weeks not hanging out?'

"I want to see you, Rudy. Would that be possible?"

"Hmmm. Carrie, Bill invited me for his cousin's wedding. That might not be possible for now."Rudy said apologetically. But it was as short as that.

"O-okay. Have a good time, then," then she hang up.

"What did he say?"Minda is standing at her door.

"Mom!" this time Carried sounded annoyed. She wanted to avoid her mother's questions. She laid herself in her bed and pulled the blanket over her as if she wanted to hide.

Minda knows her daughter. She neared her and sat at the bedside.

'Who else can be here if not me, Carrie.' She thought. When her daughter starts hiding her face, it means she needs attention more than anything else at the very moment. "Give him a little time..." she waited if she reacts. Then she continued." At times, what the other needs is just simple understanding . That is free of needing. What a woman needs to do in such times is just to be there. And then, the next time you see him he will be that same man he used to be. The man who loves you more than anything." She patted her gently and stood to leave the room.

"He came back two days ago but he didn't think of coming to see me. Mom, we didn't see each other for three weeks. He should be missing me as much as I miss him.."

"Of course, darling." Minda seconded.

"He never said he doesn't miss you, did he?" Minda enlightened.

"No!" her stifled nose betrayed her emotions she is trying to hide.

"Right. Men sometimes need to be left alone from time to time. Just be patient and wait for him to get back to you. He will, I know it." That's all she needed her daughter to know.

Another week passed not hearing from Rudy made Carrie more distressed. She is already going crazy about why her used to be loving boyfriend is now strangely distant. He didn't mind not seeing her for weeks. He only sent very limited response to her messages making Carrie to feel unwanted already.

Again, she has to try one more time. She called Rudy to meet with her after at the pub where Rista works. This is going to be the first time meeting him after four weeks.

Rudy going from place to place doing works is not new to Carrie. He and some other builders get a contracted job everywhere. They usually don't come back until it is done if it only lasted weeks. However if the job takes longer, then he comes home in between. Every time he came home, the first thing he used to do is to go to see her at work or at home. They always missed each other after days of being apart. They were just a normal loving couple,anyway.

Rudy is a down-to –earth talented builder, highly paid, highly demanded. Nevertheless, he never thought of making it big like setting up an office and recruiting more men or intentionally advertising his skills. Working with five men is enough for him. The money he is earning gives him reasonably decent life and that, for him, is enough. He was never that type to think about money more than living life. Earn money to live, not live to earn money. Carrie was one who could attest that being a girlfriend to a man like Rudy was always fun. Every moment was exciting.

She took a taxi going to the bar ten minutes away from their house.

While sitting behind the driver, she stayed quiet, while her eyes glowered on the streets, her mind was busy recollecting the unforgettable times they had been with each other. There are too many of them, it had become her habit remembering those. Few minutes later, the taxi stopped. She alighted the vehicle and walked to the bar.

"I miss you!"she hugged the man she missed so much. The hug lasted more than few seconds.She didn't want to let go. She wanted to keep him near forever, only if she could. Her almost a month of distressing about him is instantly relieved while she held Rudy's muscular physique. She felt that old feeling when she is with him. Now she feels suddenly energized. Smelling his scent once again brought her back to how they used to be.

Her nearly five-year relationship with him have been very loving and full of passion. Rudy loved her so much and so did she. He always put her on top of everything making her feel like a very special person. Indeed, she was special.

The bar was quiet and almost empty early that afternoon but it is in the early evening when most of the people come in, regulars or not. Carrie is not at all new here as she was here twice or more since Rista, her friend works here.

She can smell that smell only one can smell when inside a drinking place like this. It is definitely not pleasant. But when smelled while in a bar, it by all means tolerable but when smelled in some other place outside, it can make you puke. How can that be?

"Hey, Carrie! Rudy! Glad to see you here. How long since you were here?" Rista just came for her afternoon duty.

"Hi, Rista! "greeted Rudy back. "I want to sing, will you hand me the mike?"Karaoke singing is one of the things why a costumer enters that bar. Of course, karaoke is one of the favorites among the locals. Drank or not. Good singing voice or not. One can sing as loud as he could, I swear, nobody minds. The machine gives you a score after the song is completed. It usually gives very high score every time. Well, especially if you sang it at its loudest.

"We won't be here for long, though. We came here at four, two hours ago.."She automatically looked at her watch.

The sound of the karaoke machine dominated the place. More and more clients are coming. And Carrie reckons they should move to another place. She held Rudy's arms, "Rudy, let's go somewhere else. I want to talk with you in a more private place. This time she has drank three bottles of beer and she cannot drink any more than that.

"Right, Carrie! I also have something early tomorrow. We should not stay so late."

"What, Rudy? Do you wish to end this date with me now? IS that what you are trying to say? "something in her made her react the way she did.

"Carrie, don't take me wrong, please." He said in a low voice. He is aware that they are in a public place. "Let's go, Carrie. He took his jacket from the seat and pulled Carrie who seems to be disoriented.

When they reached where Rudy's truck was parked, Carrie, pushed him away and freed herself from his arm.

"Right! I also want to go home now. Bye!"

"I just said that tomorrow we have a big job starting.All I am was saying was..."

"Then go on. I give up." She held both her hands up while walking away.

Can you go and interrogate the man who is not interested anymore? Can you accuse him of anything? No, because at the end of the day, it is no one's job to keep you happy. Ultimately, it is your job to keep yourself up. Having said that, the pain it brings is real. It is piercing he heart. Why do you give your heart to the man thinking he will keep loving you until the end and get hurt when he doesn't anymore?Yet then again, it is easier said thatn done. For sure.

Carrie took a taxi and headed back home. What she earlier expected didn't materialize. She was home early. 'That probably is going to be the last date.' After trying the best she could, she knew it was time to give up. Rudy he is not how he used to be. He is clearly not the man who loved her. He changed. And now it is time to move to the next chapter.