Chapter 17
“MY boyfriend and I have plans today, Janine. Would you like to join us?” Adelle asked over the phone. “It’s a freaking free weekend; we should make this day worth it.”
Janine laughed, happy that her best friend had someone to divert her attention to instead of accompanying her with her stressful life. She was okay before Ken arrived.
Janine’s days had been filled with a strange mix of relief and a lingering sense of hurt. Ken’s absence was both a relief, as it meant he had respected her wishes for space, and a source of pain, as it stirred up unanswered questions and doubts in her mind. She couldn’t help but wonder if he had moved on and given up on persuading her.
In the solitude of her apartment, Janine pondered the decision she had made. Quitting her job as Paulo’s makeup artist had been necessary for her emotional well-being, but she still awaited his response. The lack of communication only added to her uncertainty about the future.
She looked at her phone screen. Her last message to Paulo was still unread. “Maybe he has modeling projects,” she told herself and scrolled on social media, silently hoping to see some updates about the two brothers.
After a few minutes of scrolling on her newsfeed, she gave up. She didn’t want to waste her time reading toxic news online.
It was a Saturday, and Janine found herself with no concrete plans. Adelle was occupied with her boyfriend, leaving Janine to her own devices. Deciding to make the most of her free time, she headed to the mall to browse for new bed sheets, hoping that a slight change in her environment would bring a sense of freshness into her life.
As she strolled through the store, her eyes admired the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns of the bed linen on the shelves. Lost in a world of vibrant hues and intricate designs, her attention was captivated by the stunning display. However, fate had a mischievous plan in store for her. Just as she turned into a different mall section, a jolt of recognition surged through her veins. There, amidst the bustling crowd, stood a person she had longed to avoid, casting ripples of shock and unease through her very being.
It was Ken.
Janine’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him from a distance, accompanied by a young woman who exuded an air of familiarity. She couldn’t tear her gaze away, her mind racing with questions and emotions.
Was this the reason Ken had been absent? She wanted to laugh but, at the same time, felt disappointed in him and in herself for thinking about him these past few days.
A surge of conflicting emotions washed over Janine. Hurt mingled with a touch of anger but also a hint of longing that she wished she could suppress. She had asked for space, for separation, but seeing him with someone else stung nonetheless.
As Ken and the young woman moved closer to her direction, she struggled to compose herself. She felt a knot forming in her stomach, a mixture of sadness and confusion. Should she approach them? Should she confront Ken about what she had seen?
Of course, she wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t embarrass herself once again.
Before she could decide on her next course of action, Ken’s gaze met hers, and Janine’s heart skipped another beat. Their eyes locked briefly, and Janine saw a flicker of surprise and maybe even regret in Ken’s expression. But he quickly averted his eyes and continued walking, leaving Janine stunned and hurt.
“Wow,” Janine blurted as she watched Ken walk in her direction. “Well, good for him.”
The realization hit her hard. Ken’s reaction, or rather lack thereof, spoke volumes. It seemed that he had indeed moved on, that their chapter had closed for good. A whirlwind of emotions enveloped Janine, from heartbreak to a renewed determination to move forward.
Janine’s heart pounded in her chest as she quickly walked away from the department store, desperate to distance herself from the painful sight of Ken with another woman. Each step she took felt heavy, her emotions in turmoil. She reminded herself that their separation was for the best, that she had to let go and move on.
“I should have been done moving on if not for his sudden appearance in that restaurant with Paulo,” she whispered as she walked fast. “But now here I am, back to zero.”
Lost in her thoughts, Janine was about to enter another store when a voice called out her name. She turned to see Paulo approaching her, a genuine smile lighting up his face. Relief washed over her, momentarily pushing aside the hurt and confusion she had just experienced.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Paulo said as soon as he approached her and enveloped her in a warm hug, his voice filled with sincere regret. “Janine, I’m so sorry for not answering your messages. My phone got locked, and I couldn’t remember the password. I’ve been trying to fix it here at the mall.”
Janine nodded, her expression softening as she accepted his apology. It was a relief to know that Paulo hadn’t intentionally ignored her messages, that it had simply been a technical issue.
“It’s okay,” she answered. “Have you read my messages? I tried to call you this morning, but you’re not answering. Was your phone already locked by that time?”
Paulo nodded in embarrassment. “It’s quite frustrating. I can’t read your messages because of the lock screen privacy I set up. All I could see was the name of the senders.”
“Oh, I see,” Janine contemplated. “Well, Paulo, I just want to—”
“Have you had your lunch? I’m actually with my mom, and we’re having lunch here,” Paulo said, pulling her towards a nearby restaurant.
Janine hesitated for a moment. She wanted to ask if Ken was with him but held back. Of course, he was with his brother. They’re maybe having a family lunch here, and Ken must be introducing the new girl to their mom.
“Ah, I’m afraid I can’t, Paulo. I have errands—”
“Errands on a Saturday?” Paulo cut off and gave her a sweet smile. “Please, Janine, I want you to meet my mom.”
Janine heaved a sigh. But Ken was there…