8 months down the line and everything went back to normal. My nephew, Charlie, will be a year old in two weeks and Victoria is going through so much trouble planning a birthday party. He was still a toddler and barely knew the meaning of a friend, let alone have any.

“I know he’s still a baby but I want his first birthday to be memorable. I’ll only invite the neighbors with kids, my family and that’s it,” Victoria stated during our last phone conversation.

“Fine. I think you’re doing the right thing,” I tried to sound motivating.

“Thank you.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“And, Jane, I want you to be there. Not mum, or John.”

“I know. It’s my nephew’s birthday, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

As for Jeremy, he is doing better. We are much closer than before but just as friends. He finally found a girlfriend and wants to propose to her. I am happy for him, at least one of us gets to have a happy ending.

My back was hurting from sitting for so long at the office. I needed to stretch my legs but lunch break wasn’t until another hour. As I wailed in pain from the backache, my boss called me into her office.

I stood up, willing to do whatever she wanted– printing files, organizing folders, checking appointments, anything at all. As long as I wasn’t sitting anymore.

“Jane, I have good news for you, sit,” She smiled broadly, revealing a portion of her whitened teeth which contrasted her red lipstick.

“What’s the good news, ma’am?” I asked, eager to know. I wondered what kind of news I had to sit down to hear.

“I know this may come as a shock and you may need time to process things but I got a promotion, and as my Secretary–”

“What!? You got a promotion–” I quickly covered my mouth. I wasn’t sure if she had told the others and I didn’t want to be the one to announce it.

“Good thing you covered your mouth. You see, I haven’t told the other staff yet. I wanted you to be the first to know. As my secretary, you have shown so much dedication and vigor to your job that parting with you won’t be so easy. That’s why I want you to go with me to my new office. I know you may need more time to think this over–”

“Think what over? I’m in!”

“That’s splendid. I’ll be moving in by next week which means you need to have found yourself a new place to live in before then.”

“Next week? I can’t get an apartment and move in before next week,” I tried to explain.

“I understand if you can’t do the job. I’ll just have to find someone else.”

“No. I’m sure I can think of something.”

“Splendid! I’m glad we still get to work together.”

Yay.

**

I called my parents to tell them the news. I had to move out of the city. That meant being away from everyone and everything. I was excited yet sad. It also meant I was going to miss Charlie’s birthday.

“I’m sure Vickie will understand,” my mum tried consoling me as we talked on the phone. “I’m so proud of you, Jane. But I’m still sad that I won’t get to see you so often anymore,” She whined.

Thank goodness I won’t get to see you guys so often.

“Now, Jane, you are strong! Don’t let anyone intimidate or boss you around. If they do, you show ’em.”

“Dad, I’m not a kid anymore. And besides, she’s my boss. So technically, she has every right to boss me around. But I-WILL-BE-FINE.”

“That’s my girl. Now take care and call us if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

**

The birds chirped loudly and the flowers bloomed beautifully. I sat in my usual spot at the cafe for the last time, admiring the beauty of the season. It was a few minutes past 4 pm but it felt like the day had only begun. I didn’t want to leave this scenery, but there was nothing for me here. I needed a change of scenery, and to experience something different. Maybe even write a book and publish it. I wasn’t going to remain someone’s secretary forever. I didn’t even plan to.

I checked my clock again and it was almost 4:30 pm. They usually close by 5 pm but I didn’t want to stay till then.

Time does fly, huh?

I hadn’t ordered anything yet and decided I might as well order a to-go bag. I headed to the counter and struck the bell to gain the waiter’s attention. I was feeling a little sweetness at the moment. I ordered a coffee to-go and two lemon cookies.

I thanked the server and was about to leave when I saw him. Those eyes…I would always recognize them wherever I saw them and this time, they were looking at me.

“Kyle…” I said under my breath. I could hear my heart race and feel the hotness of my spilled coffee on my arms but none of it mattered. I grabbed him with my two arms and squeezed as if my life depended on it. He didn’t say a word; I didn’t need him to. Is this my happy ending? Only I knew.