Flying Away

It was a month after his car accident. 

He stood close in the hospital window while his family took care of the things. Zach doesn’t know if he should help, but they insisted for him not to move, even if he can fold on the clothes he’s on. Stacy slung his bags over his shoulders, and Zach came up on her rescue, retrieving the bags in her hands. 

“It is fine, Zach. You should stay there. Don’t exert yourself.” 

Zach was still on unprogressive state. His mind is still blank, and he couldn’t remember anything. They hoped that flying in to another country can give them ample amount of therapy he needed. Zach dreaded that the memories he had weren’t that good, that’s why his family isn’t saying something. 

“I can bring these, Stacy. Don’t treat me like a baby who couldn’t lift things.” 

Zach slung the bags over his shoulder while his parents cleared up the private ward. Stacy smiled to him, and she looked stressed. She must not be getting enough sleep based on how sunken her eyes were. Zach pursed his lips, asking, “Are you sure you want to fly in with us? I mean… you’re going to leave your job here.” 

Stacy wagged her hands in front, saying, “Zach, I’m alright. I should stay by your side when you’re having a therapy. It’s not good for you to be alone there.” 

Zach retorted, “But I wouldn’t be alone. I have my parents there and a sister who would support me.” 

Stacy shook her head. She insisted, “I can just find another job there, Zach. Don’t worry about me at all. I’m flexible, you know. I can do dramas and radio shows at the same time.” 

Zach liked how bubbly Stacy was. She was the girl who made the sea of darkness become hopeful in just a bloom of her dandelion. Zach raised his hand, patted her head, assuring, “I promise to take care of you while you’re there. Can you do the same to me?” 

Stacy snickered. “Of course, why would I be there if it’s not for you?” 

Zach opened his arms wide, and Stacy hugged him right away. Both of them cherished each other’s presence. Flying away with no ties from Sam or even Ethan is the best at all. Stacy wanted to know what’d happen to the two of them on the next few months. 

“Look at the lovely couple!” Zara called out. Zach released his hands from Stacy, and they both guffawed. Zoren closed the door gently, and met them by the bench. Zara nodded at his husband, and they all went out of the hospital, conversing happily with each other. 

…

“Isn’t today the day Zach will leave?” Lyza reminded across from Sam’s seat. She was sticking up the straw on a coffee, and smiled a little to her. Lyza knew it’s still uncomfortable to talk about Zach. 

“I don’t know. I don’t keep track of what he’s doing now.” 

The past month flew by so fast. Sam didn’t even know she could wake up at morning without his kisses and cuddles, without his sweet messages, and his prepped-up breakfast. She contemplated a few hours before she slept, but she quickly shrugged it off when she’d go crazy. 

“I guess you’re not. But Sam… isn’t it a bit unfair on your side you’re giving in your spot to Stacy?” Lyza knew what she asked was wrong. Sam turned to her with emotionless eyes. Lyza leaned back on her chair as Sam sighed, and looked out of the window. 

“You know what’s hard for me? It’s the way I let go of him while knowing he has a mistress. I thought I’d be alright for the next few months to come, but it was impossible not to think that I lack something, that’s why he lean on someone else rather than me,” Sam explained. 

There are still doubts on what happened to them. Where did she lack of? What kind of love is Zach was searching for? Sam doesn’t want to push through. If they fell out of love, then that moment was about to occur. And if the two of them separate their ways, they will become strangers once again. 

“I still ask myself every day. Inside those 10 years, is the love I gave him wasn’t enough? I sacrificed a lot, not only for him, but because I love him. I feel like Zach became a part of my life, and nothing could take that away from us.” Sam watched as the rain trickled down the window panes. The coffee seemed to get cold, but she avoided drinking it hot, so… 

“I just got ahead of the future, that’s why… they took them away from me.” Sam shrugged, as if it was nothing, and it’d never change the fact she’s here in this world, and that she will live on without Zach. 

Sam sipped, and sighed. Lyza breathed, “You’re still hurting, Sam. Wounds are meant to heal, but some of them leave a scar. I bet Zach is one of them.” 

Sam beamed. “I just wish he doesn’t remember me. It would be awful for him to see his past lover living miserably after he left.” 

She picked up the cup and drained all of it one gulp. 

Lyza felt sorry with Sam. She had to go through a lot ever since Stacy accused her of that accident. It was such a painful tragedy no one would have wanted. Ever since that day, Sam never wanted to trust people again. 

If she has friends, it would only be one or two. 

Sam doesn’t want to get along with everybody with her personal interests. For her, it’s better to keep it herself. 

… 

Stacy dropped by the TDC Studios. She wore black shades so that no one would recognize her, but when she walked through the drama department building towards the CEO’s office, Stacy saw Sam. 

She cut her hair short, about a chin-length. 

Sam’s busy with the file she’s holding in one hand, and she bumped to her right away. Stacy reacted, and turned to her. Sam caught a glimpse of familiar heels, and looked up to see… 

“Stacy.” Her heart pounded louder. It has been a month since they have crossed paths to each other. Sam raised her eyebrows, lowering her files, and Stacy bowed down courteously. 

“I thought you…” she trailed off. Sam doesn’t want to get ahead of her. 

“I’m going to hand it over today. I’m done with passing the task to someone else yesterday. I guess, it’s… a goodbye to TDC Studios,” Stacy uttered. She wore off her black eyeglasses, revealing her sunken eyes. She’s a little dry today. 

Sam hoped she’s taking good care of Zach. 

“When will you fly away?” Sam asked. It was just a simple question, but behind it, Sam was longing to see Zach for the last time. Sam acted innocent, but Stacy knew it weren’t. 

Stacy answered back, “Tomorrow to Toronto, Canada.” 

She even said the place. For sure, if a year later Sam didn’t move forward without Zach, she’ll follow him there. 

Sam thought it’d be Korea, or somewhere around Europe. She liked to keep a promise to Zach on going there once they saved up a lot of money before having kids of their own. They weren’t ready for a family, but when the marriage knocked on the door, they both willingly agreed. 

Sam nodded, smiling, “That’s good. Canada is a good place.” 

“Yeah, they booked a therapist before we even knew. I think I might have to adjust there for a little, I might get shocked about the country’s rules,” Stacy answered. They seemed to be having a good conversation, but Sam’s insides still want to push through, and shout obscenities to her. 

But when she looked back, Sam realized Stacy might not be the problem. 

She’s just there, in a tangle of coincidence, and Zach unknowingly shifted his attention to another woman. Sam just had to realize it’s over now. 

“Take good care of Zach, Stacy.” It’s the only words she’s itching to say. 

Stacy smiled. “Yeah, I will.”