Chapter 7 Chapter 7
“What are you doing, babe?” Jett asked.
I smiled and showed him my phone.
“I’m watching something on TikTok. Look, isn’t it beautiful? I hope someday we can go there.”
“Where’s that?”
He got closer. We were in his room since I’d come over to visit him. It was our shared rest day, so I made the effort to come see him because I really missed him.
“Italy.”
“Psh. Italy? That’s impossible, babe. Do you even know how much a plane ticket to Italy costs?” He stood up again and went to his computer, turning on PUBG, his favorite game.
“Why? Is it wrong to dream? I’m just waiting for the board exam results. Once I become a doctor, I’ll be able to buy whatever I want. I can even afford flight tickets to my dream destination.”
He glanced at me with that awkward grin I hated so much—the one he always did. I felt insulted.
“Babe, it’s okay to dream, but don’t aim too high. Be realistic. That way, if things don’t work out, you won’t end up disappointed. Do you really think doctors here in the Philippines earn that much? Even if you work for months, it probably won’t be enough for a trip to Italy. It’s better to be practical and save your money for something more meaningful.”
He put on his headset and sat in front of his computer.
“But it’s not wrong to try. What if I find a hospital that pays well?”
“That’s only for board topnotchers.”
“You don’t think I can top it?” I sat up when he didn’t answer. A moment ago, I was lying on his hard bed, kicking my feet playfully, but now I was restless. I approached him as he started playing and talking to his teammates.
“Stop that! We’re still talking! Jett, seriously?”
“Later, babe. The game’s starting.”
His eyes were glued to the screen while I stood there fuming, glaring at him. He even managed to smile while shooting enemies.
“Hey, let’s get that chicken dinner, guys!” he shouted.
I tried to be patient, but remembering how far I traveled just to get here made me even more upset. Just as his team was about to win, I marched to the outlet and pulled the plug.
“Jade Maurice Solieza! What the fuck?!” he shouted, calling my name angrily. His nostrils flared as he glared at me, brows furrowed and eyes burning. His ears turned red, along with his entire face. “Why the hell did you unplug it?!”
“You’re pissing me off! I came all the way here to see you, and you’d rather play your game than talk to me? What did you expect me to do here—talk to the walls?” I ranted furiously. But all he did was exhale and sit back down in his chair.
“You didn’t have to unplug it, babe. You could’ve just talked to me properly. What if my computer is damaged now? I told you before, I’m using this for work. I’m applying for an editor job. Why’d you have to do that?”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Of course your computer’s more important to you than how I feel.”
“And what? Are your feelings supposed to feed us? Can you please be a little considerate? You don’t need to do that just because you’re mad. You were on TikTok earlier too, while I was talking to you.”
“Wow. I just wanted to show you something! And now I’m the bad guy? You’re the one being inconsiderate! I came here because we hadn’t seen each other in so long! I made the effort because I missed you! And you’d rather spend time with your stupid game than with me?”
I started crying in frustration. “Fine! I’m going home! You and your computer can have each other!”
I stormed toward the door and grabbed the doorknob, but he caught my hand and closed the door again. He quickly pressed me against it and kissed me. I closed my eyes as his lips trailed down to my neck.
“I’m sorry. Forgive me, hmm?”
“How can I forgive you? I feel so hurt right now. I surprised you, and you couldn’t even appreciate it,” I said between sobs.
“What does my baby want then? This?” he teased softly. “You missed me, didn’t you? Stop crying. I’m sorry.” His hand slid under my blouse, slowly unbuttoning it and unhooking my bra.
“I missed you too. I just didn’t expect you to come. I had plans today, babe. I’m waiting for a call from that company I applied to. I hope you understand. This is for our future. Don’t you dream of getting married before you turn twenty-five?”
I looked up at him, startled. He smiled sweetly. So is this why he was working so hard? To fulfill my dream?
“I’m sorry if I can’t afford that Italy trip you've been dreaming of yet. Right now, our wedding is at the top of my list. Maybe it’ll be better to go there once we already have kids with us.”
My eyes sparkled. So… that’s how he sees our future? With kids?