Days started to pass by quicker ever since Niel became friends with Mayvee. His feelings for her kept on growing day by day.
Everyday during lunch break they would go to the cafe together and chat for hours. Sometimes they used to get so immersed while talking that they ocassionally missed their classes. But despite being friends with her, Niel just couldn't ask her about the reason as to why does she leave college even before her classes gets over. After pondering about it on his own and reaching no conclusion, he finally decides to ask her about it directly.
Niel waits for her on their regular spot in the cafe. He was wondering on how to ask her about it. Just when he was about to get lost in his thoughts, he saw her coming. She was smiling brightly which made his heart beat fast. 'How can someone be so pretty' he thought to himself.
She took a seat next to him and ordered her regular latte. After talking casually about classes Niel finally decided to ask her about what has been bugging him for so long.
"Hey, I was curious about something. Mind if I ask?"
Mayvee looked at him for a sec and nodded, telling him to go ahead.
"So....ummm....why do you leave college early? I mean why dont you finish all your classes?"
Niel was slightly nervous. He was worried if he sounded too nosy just now. Looking at his uneasy expression Mayvee chuckled. "Was this thing eating you up?" She asked mischievously .
"E-eat up?" .
His response made her crack up. Niel was suddenly panicking as to why was she laughing so much.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh"
"You're still laughing though"
Niel was pouting now. 'What the hell! Why is she laughing so much?'
Barely holding her tummy, Mayvee wiped her tears that appeared around the corner of her eye. She looked at him and a smile swept up her face. "actually i was wondering when would you ask me about it. I was just surprised you held it in for so long." She took a sip of her latte while Niel was feeling a little embarrassed for no reason.
"I go for a part time job in PR mall."
"job?" asked Niel confused. "Why do you need a job? Isn't your dad supporting you?"
Mayvee seemed to have a bitter smile on her face. Taking another sip from her latte she clarified " Actually my dad doesn't allow me to study this subject." Seeing Niel stay quiet she continued "My dad doesn't approve me pursuing my dream to be a police. He wanted me to be a doctor. He tried many times trying to make me understand saying that this profession was full of danger. And i know that its a risky work but its still something I've dreamed about since young. He just couldn't tell me what i want to do with my life. Thats why i moved out of his place and work part time."
When she finished, she let out a deep breath and saw the look on his face. For some reason she wasn't able to read his face. It was a deadpan expression. Few moments later Niel stood up from his seat to go over to hers. She just watched him with confused eyes. Standing over her he, without saying anything, patted her hair. " I'm proud of you. You did the right thing."
His words made her heart hurt. The affection she has been longing for, for so long was finally given to her. She felt treasured. But all these feelings that would be good for others, was painful for her. Staring at his eyes for few moments, her heart was yet again reminded of that night.
Niel , who stood there behind her patting her hair to comfort her, was suddenly thrown aback when she started crying. It was the first time he saw tears in her eyes. He started to panic thinking if he did something wrong. Just when he was about to ask her, she put her finger on his lips. "dont worry. I was just thankful that at least someone was proud of me." she quickly wiped her tears and gave him her bright smile saying that she was thankful. Seeing her this way made Niel feel like he has to treasure her. She was everything to him now.