SARAYA’S POV.
“I’ll be leaving for Colorado today.” I announced. My grandmother and Mary exchanged quick glances with surprise written on their faces.
I could tell what was on that mind with their facial expressions.
“What do you mean by that?” Mary asked. “How long have you been planning to leave?” She quickly added, adjusting herself on her seat.
“I made up my mind yesterday.” I replied.
“That’s better for the company and Alex’s recovery, you made a good choice. I’m so proud of you.” Ian interjected from the stairs while approaching us.
“I don’t need your option so can you stop interfering?” I retorted, training towards his direction.
Ian raise his hands in the air. “As you wish.” He sat down. “But I must say I’m proud of your decision.”
I wanted to say something but was interrupted by my grandmother.
“How long are you going to be in Colorado for?” My grandmother finally spoke.
“Mother!” Mary interjected. “Don’t tell me you’re allowing her to go?” She protested.
My grandmother turned to her. “Can we really stop her if her mind is made up?” She asked. “Besides, I also think Saraya needs some space to clear her thoughts.”
“Even at that, don’t you think all of these is too sudden. First, her resignation and now she is leaving. What if Alex wakes up and she is nowhere to be found? Do you consider how disappointed he would be?”
I sighed. “The moment dad wakes up, trust me to take the next flight back to Sydney and explain things to himself. I won’t make things difficult for you.”
“You’re already making things difficult for me, Sara!” Mary said, frustrated. “This is not the time for you to go. I need you, your father needs you, your brother needs you and you’re just going to turn your back against us all?”
“Mom, don’t make things difficult for me. I just need a little space for myself, I will be back before you know it.” I said hoping she would understand me
“As your mother, I disagree.” Mary said, looking away.
“I know you’re my mother but I’m also an adult capable of making her own decisions.” I told her, making my stance firm.
“Well, adults don’t run away.” She cut in.
“I’m not running away.” I snapped.
Ian let out a low whistle. “Well, this is entertaining. Please, don’t stop on my account.”
I glared at him. “Why are you still here? Don’t you have something better to do?”
“Not really,” he said with a shrug. “Watching you storm out of this place would be the highlight of my day.”
“Enough the both of you!” my grandmother cut in, her eyes travelling between Ian and I. “Saraya, Ian, this isn’t the time to bicker at each other. If Saraya wants to go, let her go.” She said turning to Mary who looked away.
“Thank you, grandma.” I said, standing up to head back to my room and start preparing to leave.
“Don’t thank me,” she replied. “As soon as you clear your head, you should come back.”
“I will,” I said.
Mary sighed heavily. “Fine. Do what you want, okay?” She stormed out, her eyes teary, breaking my heart.
Ian smirked. “Don’t forget to send a postcard.”
“You wished.” I shot back before walking toward the stairs contemplating whether to run after Mary or head back to my room.
*
I took another look round my room, carrying a small bag containing few clothes. “I will be back soon.” I said and shut the door behind me.
I headed to my parent’s bedroom, I took a deep breath and knocked before entering.
Mary was seated on the cushion when I entered.
“I’ll see what I can do and call you back.” She said to whoever was on the other side of the phone before ending the call.
She threw a glance my way. “Still got some more news for me?”
“Mom, don’t be like this.” I dropped my bag and hugged Mary tightly. She stiffened at first, then sighed, still looking away from me.
“I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to you,” I said softly.
Mary pulled back slightly, her arms falling to her sides. “You already said goodbye earlier,” she replied, her tone clipped.
I shook my head. “Stop being angry at me, Mom, it doesn’t suit your beautiful face.”
“Stop flattering me.”
“I’m not flattering you, you’re really beautiful, mom.” I repeated.
“Enough.” She said and finally turned to face me, her face softened. “Have you told Dominic you won’t be around for a while?”
I hesitated, my hands gripping the strap of my bag. “Not yet but I will tell him later.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“I think you should tell him before you leave, he came visiting on Christmas and I tell he likes you so much. Leaving without telling him would hurt him.”
I recalled I had promised to visit him the last time he came. I smiled at Mary. “Thanks for reminding me, I will give him a call.”
I dialed Dominic’s number and waited for him to pick up. He picked up after a few rings.
“My princess!” He called out excitedly from his end. “How are you doing?”
But there was no response from my end. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing much.” I replied casually.
“There is something going on, you sound so different.” He told me.
“How?” I asked.
“You didn’t even try stopping me when I called you princess.” He pointed out.
I chuckled. “Well, let’s say today is your lucky day.”
“In that case, would you visit me me today then?” He asked.
“Don’t pull my legs, that’s not why I called.” I said, my tone got serious. I took a deep breath. “I’m leaving for Colorado now.” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I’ll be spending some time there. I called you tell you that.”
There was a long pause before Dominic spoke again, I could tell he was trying to find his voice. “Wait, what? You’re serious, right? You’re not messing with me?”
I nodded, even though I knew he couldn’t see me. “I’m serious, Dominic. It was a last-minute decision.”
“You’re leaving? Why?” He asked. “Did something happen?”
“Relax, Dominic. I just want to change my environment for a bit and clear my head. I will back soon.”
“Does this have anything to do with Ian said the other day?” He asked.
“You don’t let go of things, do you?” I countered.
“I’m just bothered, what about your business? What about your dad? When will you be back?”
“Concerning work, I resigned.” I revealed and I heard him gasped. “And concerning my dad, my stepmom is here. And concerning when I will be back, I will be back soon.”
“You resigned?” I could hear the shock in his voice. “Since when? Tell me the details.”
“Dominic, not now.” I replied calmly. “As you can tell, a lot is going on with me currently, I need to take some time off.”
“I understand you perfectly but what I don’t understand is your time frame. You don’t even have a time frame, princess. You told me you’d come visit,” he said, his voice sounding like he’d been punched. “And now, you’re going all the way to Colorado? When will I see my princess again?”
I winced at the hurt in his words. “I know I promised. But this… I just need a little space, Dominic. I’ll be back before you know it.”
There was a pause, and then I heard him speak again, quieter this time. “When is your flight?”
“3p. m.”
“Well we still have three hours to your flight.” He pointed out.
“So what are you saying?”
“Well, I could come pick you up in fifteen minutes if you let me.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Wait, you’re nearby?”
“Yeah,” he replied, his tone light, almost teasing.
“I’m not that far. I’ll come by and you can come know my place before going to the airport. That’s my one wish before you run off to Colorado.”
I hesitated for a moment, torn. I didn’t want to be unfair to him, but I had to keep my schedule tight. “I’m only stopping by for a little while, Dominic. I can’t stay long, or I’ll miss my flight.”
He chuckled, but there was an edge of concern in his voice. “I’ll make sure you don’t miss it. I’m already on my way to you.”