Chapter 2

"Don't you have ANYTHING left, hon?" I asked my wife. Now he is really ready for his departure. He was wearing a black office attire.

I approached him to fix his tie and his strong arms wrapped around my waist.

"It's like I don't want to leave. I'd rather be here with LZ," he said and sighed.

"Me too," I admitted. Since yesterday when he told me that they were going to Pangasinan, I was not sure that he would really leave even though it was still their business trip. I don't know why I'm being negative now.

"But I need to, wife. This is for you and our daughter LZ," he said and kissed my forehead sweetly. I smiled at what he did and I put my arm around his neck.

He greeted me with a firm kiss that I immediately responded to. "Be careful there," I said when we let go of each other. His thumb even caressed the side of my lips. He was catching his own breath too.

"You and LZ are here too. I love you so much, Bythesea. I love you and LZ. Remember that without you, I wouldn't be here either," he said, making me nod. "Don't take me away. I don't want you to see me leave," he reminded. I just laughed.

"I love you too, hon. LZ and I will wait for you," I promised.

"I'll call when we get there, okay?"

"Alright, I'll wait for your call."

I did follow what my husband told me and we didn't take him even to the gate, LZ and I.

I must admit that I felt strange as I thought about him leaving. I'm used to him always leaving because of their business trip, but not now that I really can't be bothered.

But just a few minutes ago he called me and somehow the weight on my chest was lightened. I heard his voice, I was sure he was fine. I will wait for his second call later to reassure me.

I took care of my son, I gave him a bath first. I have school today. I will take him again first. He is not noisy in our classroom. He is really the only one my students are confused about.

LZ made me wear a white polo shirt with a blue stripe and also blue shorts, black rubber shoes.

"I'm with you again, Mom?" He asked me innocently and I just nodded.

"Yes, son," I answered.

"When do I go to school, Mom?" he asked more. This is not the first time he has asked me. Many times already. He is only three years old and he is really excited to study.

"Soon, son. You must be six or seven years old," I said and showed him my fingers.

"Ahh..." he replied nodding.

"Ahh..." I imitated him making him grin, his little teeth showing again. I gently squeezed both of his cheeks and kissed them too.

I'm also wearing our ACU uniform, the light pink blouse and slacks. I also let my hair fall past my shoulders. I took my handbag and LZ's backpack as well. My cellphone and wallet are already inside.

"Let's go, son," I begged him and held out my hand. He jumped up and down when he held my hand.

I have my own car so I won't have any trouble. I rarely use it because my husband always picks me up. At least sometimes he gets away from his company. As long as we go to work and go home together.

When my son and I were outside, a familiar car stopped. The window rolled down and Lucas' brother peeked in.

"Aunt Civana!" LZ happily said her aunt's name. He waved at us and opened the door of their car.

"Hi to my nephew Louie Zhi. How are you, LZ?” Ate Civana asked softly. He is my husband's only sibling.

"I'm good, Aunt Civana!" LZ replied hyper and his Aunt Civana joined him.

"Today my brother is leaving. Why, that fool, Bythesea, even warned me that if I left his mother and daughter I would be angry. Who is older than the two of us?” His eyes were rolling and I just laughed.

"My wife, Ate Civana, is just too overprotective," I said.

"It's good that you didn't get tired of my brother's appearance and his behavior, hm," he continued.

"Sister," I said. I looked at his car. "Who is with you, Sister?" I asked because his driver didn't even get off.

"That's your Sister Marylyn, Bythesea. Hey, Mary! What else are you doing there and why aren't you coming down?! Congratulate my nephew for his efforts!” LZ laughed out loud when her aunt screamed. "Your Marylyn is acting, LZ."

Ate Marylyn came down and approached LZ first. He kisses her on the cheek.

"We haven't seen each other for three days, LZ, Ninang has already missed you," he said and picked her up. "Pogi is still over. I told my husband that we will have another baby, then if I conceive I will borrow the one I am having from his Mommy and Daddy. I'll take it home first," he joked.

"And what are you going to do with my nephew, anyway?" Ate Civana asked her best friend. He even crossed both his arms over his chest.

"I'll just stare at it day and night, even all night long," Ate Marylyn answered and while she was saying that, she was seriously staring at my son's face.

It was just a comfort to them and they did nothing but laugh.

"My niece was even made into a doll. Oh, maybe Bythesea will be late for their class. Alas, alas... Our chikahan is getting too long. Bythe, we will take care of your son first," Ate Civana said and I looked at my son.

"Are you okay with Ate Civana and Ninang Marylyn first, son?" I asked him and he nodded.

"Yes, Mommy..."

"Don't worry, LZ. Your cousins ​​and your Godmother's daughter are at home. You have someone there," said Ate Civana.

"Go ahead, Aunt Civana." I smiled when he gestured to me. His Godmother quickly put him down and ran to me.

I met him and knelt down to hug him. "Just behave, son," I said softly and kissed the top of his head.

"Okie-dokie, my Mommy," he answered.

***

When I arrived at the university, all the students greeted me. So the atmosphere around me was very lively, but when I remembered my husband's departure, it seemed to bother me again. I fall into deep thought.

I looked at the sky. He is clear, the weather is good. Haring sun is good to watch.

"You take care of my wife. Please don't leave him," I silently prayed then I started walking and headed for the faculty room.

My class is later at 8:30AM so I still have enough time to prepare. I arranged my papers on the table first.

"Good morning, Ma'am Bythesea," my co-teacher greeted me. As for Ma'am Giannis, she is in her mid-40s.

"Good morning too, Ma'am Giannis," I greeted her back.

There were only a few professors inside but others came one after the other.

"Do you know the news?" they asked more.

"What news is that?"

They are not difficult to live with because they are all kind and friendly. Except for a new teacher from America. He was two years younger than me.

"Ma'am Nermiza, she is said to have resigned. Yesterday he submitted his resignation letter to the president's office." I stopped what I was doing when I heard that.

Ma'am Nermiza resigned immediately? He's only been here for two months, ah.

"That artistic and charming girl will definitely not last long. Thank you, I can breathe easy." Our colleagues laughed because of what Ma'am Jessica said.

"Take it easy, Ma'am Jessica. Maybe someone will hear us. Because that is strong for the president of our university."

"I wonder what kind of person he is."

"That's enough, you are really very curious about Ma'am Nermiza's life. The important thing now is that he is no longer here. He will no longer be a threat to you," I said to which they immediately agreed.

"Ma'am Bythesea. Your husband is the most handsome person who comes to our university. I know that Sir Lucas loves you very much, but when that woman shows me that she is planning something bad for you, I will forget the look on her face." I nodded and laughed too.

I am not unaware of that. I have been noticing Ma'am Nermiza's gradual attention to my husband for a long time. Good thing Lucas didn't care about him.

Then again, he will not be punished. My husband loves me and he can't just replace LZ and me with someone like that girl.

"I'm going to be first, my class is about to start," I said goodbye to them.

"Alright, Ma'am. Good luck," they said at the same time.

"Good luck to you too," I replied with a smile.