“I never thought it would all end like this, Mia. I don’t think time will test you with this kind of hardship. Forgive me, Mia, if I wasn't there to help you.”
“I understand that you need to find yourself first. Because I know it's for us too. It's also my fault because I gave up waiting for you,” I said then looked at him again. “But no matter how hard I try on myself, my brain still blames you.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know all this would happen while I was away. I didn't expect that to happen to your family and none of my acquaintances here told me about it.” I smiled at him and then wiped away the tears that I didn’t know why were dripping.
“Why are you apologizing? It’s not like you even admitted that it’s your fault.”
I just sneeze because I don't want to hold back my tears.
“I apologize for being selfish. I wasn't there to sympathize with the pain you are going through. But Mia, believe me. Even when I was far away I never forget you. Even when I'm far away I really want to be with you. But even if I want to go home for you, it's not that easy to do. Because I can't leave my job.” Then he took my hand.
“I cried every night, Jr., but I had no sympathy. I waited for you every night. I hope one night you knock on the door and sympathize with me. I waited J, I waited for you even though I was in a mess and I wasn't sure if I was really waiting for someone.”
I felt him squeeze my hand. It tightened even more as he continued to explain and burst into tears as well.
“I’m back, aren’t I? I'm back as I promised you. You are really the reason why I came back here to our place.”
“But it's too late. Because those things that I was looking for in you before, I have found in others. The things I want to feel for you, others have felt for me. And even though he didn't understand me, he never left me, and he was always by my side.” Suddenly I miss Dylan.
"Do you love him?" His question made me smirk.
“Yes, even though I know I still love you. Even though he is no longer by my side now I know I still love him. It's not as deep as my love for you, but my love for him is real.” I said honestly.
“His care only obscures your love for me. But Mia, I know that if you follow your heart, it will still choose me.” He said complacently.
“You still love me, even though I'm no longer the Mia you knew? And I'm so far away from the Mia you want?”
“Yes, because even when I am in another country I know that I love you as you are. Not because I see Ade in you. But because you are Mia and I think of you more than Ade. I proved that even more when we met again. Because even your dress, attitude, and demeanor have changed. You are still the Mia I love.”
I could no longer restrain myself from crying. Tears welled up in my eyes so I remained bent over.
“It's funny that I went too far just to prove it. I hope you didn’t go to someone else. Mia, accept me as part of your heart. And I will prove to you that this time I am worthy.”
"I still can't trust your love, J," I sobbed. "I can't trust you again."
“I understand, and I will wait when you are ready. Just remember that I am just here and I will never leave you again no matter what happens.”
He stood up and approached me then hugged me. This time I let go of all my tears and hugged him back. This is the hug I have been waiting for. The hug I knew would give me silence. Hug that says I have nothing to worry about because he is there for me.
This is the embrace of peace. The hug that will take away all pain.
Jr. and I hugged for a long time until I calmed down and I let go.
"Thank you," I said with a smile even as I cried. He wiped away the tears.
"Thank you too, are we friends now?" He said smiling so I nodded.
"Yes," He caressed my face so I closed my eyes and then smiled.