The Love That Passed

Colleen’s POV

I had been hopeful after that night. I thought that we would start to get to know each other and that Jared will give us time for us to make it up to the years that I thought we wasted. But I was wrong, he never talked to me even once which made my confidence depleted.

“Colleen, do you want to eat already?” Betty asked, smiling. It was hard to reject her when she was looking like that so I returned her smile with a nod. “I asked a doctor about food that is good for you but I don’t know exactly what your condition was so I just told him that you didn’t want to get tired.” she added as she placed the food on the dining table.

“You eat them all, I made it cholesterol and fat free. The doctor said that you might have a heart condition, so he told me to prepare something that has zero fats.” she said again.

“Thank you so much, Betty.”

“You are most welcome. As long as you’re going to be OK, that is fine with me.” she replied.

“Why don’t you join me? Call the other as well. I always eat by myself and I feel tired about it.” I told her and I noticed that she wanted to decline my offer but she chose not to. She called the other maids and they ate with me.

I enjoyed eating and I was happy about it. “I hope that we can do this again, I think I ate a lot because of you. Having a meal is not boring anymore.” I told them.

“Just tell us when you want someone to eat with, Colleen.” Betty replied and I nodded. I helped them in cleaning up the table and then I went back to my room after to rest. I was really full and it was the first time that I enjoyed eating. Everyone was fun to be with and I felt relieved knowing they were comfortable with me.

Rest is the next thing in my mind but a call didn’t allow me to. “Hello” I answered from an unknown number.

“Colleen, it’s mom.” I was still for a moment. After that incident, I didn’t bother talking or contacting her anymore. Although I still feel sad about our last meeting, I was glad to know that she cared for me even a bit.

“What do you want?” I asked her, I didn’t want her to know that I was happy to hear from her.

“Can I talk to you for a bit?” she asked and I could hear hesitation with her request.

“What for?” I asked instead of agreeing immediately.

“Please, I am going to tell you when we meet.” she pleaded. I didn’t want to communicate with her because I was afraid that I would get closer to her and leave her in the end. I didn’t want another person to get attached with me only to be hurt in the end.

Yes, I was hopeful with Jared. Maybe him avoiding me now will be better. I know I love him already, especially after that day. But will I ever want him to feel the same way when there’s a big chance of me leaving him in the end? Just like with my mother?

“Colleen, please..” I heard her say it again and I sighed in resignation.

“Fine, are you OK to meet now?” I asked.

“Yes, where do you want to meet?” she replied happily. I didn’t want her to know where I live so I will just meet her near the hospital at Lin’s café. I told her about it and she agreed. I got up from the bed to take a bath and got dressed to meet my mother.

At Lin’s Café, mom was there already. She stood up, smiling as soon as she saw me. It was kind of awkward because I didn’t expect her to do that. “What do you want to have dear?” she asked and I looked at her.

For a moment, I felt like my tears were about to fall. It was how she called me back when I was a child. I know that my eyes started to get watery and I know that she noticed it too because she was too.

“Anything’s fine.” I replied.

“Hi, Ma’am Colleen.” The crew greeted me and I smiled at her. “Do you want the usual?” she asked and I nodded. Then she took mom’s order as well. The café was a pay as you order style, but when I came there, they always approached me and took my order. I had a feeling that it was because of Dr. Gerard so I just let them.

“You are known here. Do you always stay here?” mom asked and I shook my head.

“They know my friend, that’s why.” I replied.

“I see,” she replied and then looked at me. I waited for her to say something because it was why we are here. I can see that she was still hesitant and I understand her. Until our order was served, she was still not talking.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“Uhm, I know this is very late. For years, I thought you were with your dad. He was your favorite back when you were a kid so I did not bother taking you from him. After we talked that day, I went to your dad and asked him about you. Then it confirmed what the old lady told me about you. I was so mad at your dad but I know I wouldn’t be able to bring back the times that were wasted. I am very sorry dear. I even hurt you when I saw you because I thought you were disrespecting me.” she said.

“It was all in the past.” I told her. I didn’t want to think about that anymore.

“God knows how much I tried to find you when I went back to your apartment and you’re no longer there. I thought you didn’t want me to find you. That’s why you decided to leave your place so I won’t be able to see you or you to see me.” she replied.

“How did you get my number?” I asked her even though I think I already had an idea.

“With Diane,” she replied and I knew it. “Thank you, for letting her stay in your apartment.” she said after. “Please don’t think that I only came here because I found out about that. I was really looking for you.” she added and I knew it. Diane had been texting me every time she found out that mom had been out for me.

“It was fine now. You don’t need to thank me because I offered that to her myself.” I replied and then remembered how our conversation went.