3 - Jack

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I dialed Mom's number several times but received no response on the other end of the line. The sensations of anxiety and annoyance crept up on me gradually. Why wasn't she picking up when I called her? Did something happen? No, if that had been the case, she would have let me know...

I sighed and shook my head, trying to remain calm. It's best to wait for her response first.

Right now, my mother and I are vacationing in Cebu City at a well-known resort that we decided to visit after I graduate. Because we rarely have any other types of celebrations besides the usual ones for birthdays and holidays, which are always held in our apartment, going out to these kinds of places with my mom felt extra special. At least, according to me.

It was nothing new for me to travel to other cities. Back when I was in senior high school and college, I often traveled out of town with my closest friends. When I was in college, I was also a part of a club, and there were times when we had to leave campus for research as well as for some sort of club bonding activity.

Mom, on the other hand, was fully absorbed in her work. She never seemed to have any free time, and every time I tried to ask her out, she would politely decline and say that she had something more important to do. She was always very busy. She was a real estate agent, and finding and selling properties to and for her clients was her top priority almost every day.

And because she is a workaholic, she brought her work all the way to our so-called trip in spite of the fact that we were supposed to be relaxing and enjoying ourselves.

A tall, middle-aged man suddenly approached her when we were at the pool earlier. He introduced himself as Ryan Gonzales and told mom that he intended to purchase a condominium unit, which coincidentally turned out to be one of the units currently listed on mom's pre-selling properties.

"Wait a minute, Aki. Just stay put, all right? I'll be back after ten minutes," Mom said before joining Ryan as they walked away together and continued their business talk.

I've been here for nearly an hour, waiting for Mom's return. I'm not the type of person who gets irritated easily. I'm actually pretty calm most of the time, but the more time passed, the more anxious and irritated I became.

What's taking them so long? Should I go see Mom and, hmm, let's see, take her away from that Ryan guy? Even though this was supposed to be our vacation, he didn't even bother to hold back when talking about work with my mom.

I clenched my teeth and swore under my breath as I continued to remain silent. I'm so upset, and more so that I feel that it's more of the fact that some stranger took my mother away from me.

"Jack?"

My attention was immediately drawn to the source of the voice that had called me. I almost thought it was Mom, but it wasn't.

Another sigh of disappointment and frustration escaped my lips.

"Clarisse? What are you doing there?" As it turned out, it was just Clarisse. She was Crista's best friend.

As I had thought, it wasn't long before Crista showed up next to Clarisse.

Laughing, Clarisse said, "We're here with Troy and DJ, just a fun getaway before becoming boring adults in the workplace." They took their seats across from me. "What about you? What brings you here? Are you with somebody?"

I looked at Crista and noticed her gaze locked on mine. They were following my every action with great attention. I sighed. If I mentioned mom, she would think strangely again, wouldn't she?

I took a moment to clear my throat before answering, "Oh, just a trip with my family."

Clarisse nodded at what I said. We continued talking about our university and training experiences for a while before Clarisse abruptly brought up a topic I didn't want to discuss.

"So, Jack, what's the real reason you turned down Crista? I mean, she's beautiful, kind, smart, and comes from a good family. Briefly put, she's a lovely young lady who has clearly been raised well." Clarisse complimented Crista after she left the room to use the bathroom. "So what's the problem? Why not give her a shot?"

Why don't I like Crista she asked. Everything Clarisse said was correct. Actually, all of Crista's qualities are considered pleasant and excellent. There are quite a number of students, both male and female, in our university who would support that. But why is it that I can't seem to fall in love with her?

Suddenly, my phone vibrated, indicating that I had received a text message.

I did not waste any time and opened it straight away, reading what was stated.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Aki. I'm currently in a nearby convenience store. What ice cream flavor do you want? I'll get you two!" - Mom.

I smiled as I read the text.

Even though it was no longer necessary, Mom still treated me like a child.

"Jack?" Clarisse called me.

But I was already standing up and ready to leave.

"Sorry about that, but something came up. I have to go," I responded before walking to the closest corner convenience store. I could still faintly hear Clarisse calling after me, but it was to no avail.

I wanted to see her. I wanted to be with her.

On the way there, I realized why I didn't like Crista, who seemed like the most perfect girl in the entire universe to me.

It's because of Mom.

Because all I want is my mom. I'm always searching for my mother. When I'm not with her, I feel restless. When she's with me, I feel overwhelming ecstasy. She's the only person who could truly make me feel these emotions... Too strange and wonderful and sick they may be, Mom is the only person I want to be with.

Nobody but her.

But when I got to the store, all of the fun and excitement I had felt vanished into thin air.

When I looked over, I saw Mom having a conversation with a man. I had just about reached the door when I saw them. And it's not just any other man.

He's not a stranger to me and neither to mom. I can't possibly be wrong.

That man...

His name is Benjie.

He's the younger brother of my father.