"I love you so much, Babi, and I miss you so much already!"
I smiled when I heard that from my boyfriend. Marvin is my boyfriend. He courted me for almost two years. When I was 16 and he was 18, we were in the same batch because he stopped studying for a while, which is why we ended up in the same year level during the time we were both still in school.
Now, we've been together for almost 11 years.
"I love you too, Marvin!"
I laughed when he suddenly pouted because we were on a video call. Yes, video call—because we're currently in a long-distance relationship. I work as a nurse in South Korea, while he's in the Philippines, working there.
I know he's the one managing their company. His life is not like mine. We come from different social classes, but he accepts me even though my family is poor and his is rich.
I also need to work for my family because I'm the eldest. I know I've lacked in giving him time because I always prioritize my family over him.
That's why I'm so grateful that even with this kind of setup, he hasn't given up. I hope he waits for me until I'm finally ready.
"Why didn't you say 'miss you,' Babi?" he asked sadly.
I thought something serious happened—it turns out it was just that. "Okay, here it is. I miss you too."
"Why does it sound like you're just saying it out of obligation?"
"Huh? Of course not," I said, frowning and avoiding looking at my phone. I was fixing my clothes at the time.
I'm preparing my clothes because I have a flight on Saturday. Just in time, Sunday is the day after I land in the Philippines. Yes, I'm going home to the Philippines. I intend to surprise my family—and my boyfriend too—because it's our anniversary on Sunday. I might not return here either, since my contract has ended.
It's been several years since I last came home to the Philippines after graduating. I needed to help support my family, especially since I have four younger siblings who are still studying. Our needs kept growing, so I had to start working immediately. But now, my second sibling is also working, so only three are left in school.
"Really now! Do you actually miss me or not? And now you're doing something else. I thought this was our bebe time? Why are you doing other things?"
I laughed even more. He's really cute when he sulks—like a kid. "Babi, if only you knew how much I miss you. Saying 'I miss you' isn't even enough."
"Then come home already. I'm not mad anymore," he said.
I laughed. "Silly!"
I stopped what I was doing because my boyfriend was sulking. We talked for more than five hours, but after that, the video call ended because he said he had things to do.
I understood, so I just said okay. I guess that's how it is when you're a CEO, right? There's always so much to do. That's why I understand even if we only get a little time for each other—most of our time is taken up by work.
Also, there's a time difference between here and the Philippines.
"Annyeong!" I greeted the child I was visiting for a check-up. "So, how are you feeling?"
"Naneun deo isang amugeosdo neukkiji anhneunda. Deo isang gaseum-i apeuji anhseubnida. Gibun-i joh-eun geos gat-ayo," he answered, which made me smile. I really love kids, so it makes me happy every time I check on a child patient.
I don't feel anything anymore. My chest doesn't hurt anymore. I think I feel better now.
I've been working here for so long that I've learned to speak some Korean too.
"Geuleohseubnikka? Naneun haengboghago dangsin-eun gwaenchanhseubnida. Da-eumbuteoneun hangsang josimhaeyagessjyo? Bumonimkke meoli apeuge haji maseyo," I told him, then glanced at his mother who was by his side. She smiled at me.
Really? I'm happy you're feeling better. Next time, take care of yourself, okay? Don't give your parents a headache anymore.
I didn't stay long after that since my shift was over. Even though I was exhausted from the whole day, I was still excited to go home so I could talk to my family—and of course, my boyfriend.
"Heading home?"
I looked toward the one who asked. Another Filipino like me who also works here. Actually, there are a lot of us, but only a few I'm close with. Her name is Azhina. She's a doctor, unlike me.
"Yeah, you?"
"Yes, want to walk together?"
I nodded. "Sure, no problem."
She laughed. "You're flying back on Friday, right?"
"Yes, I really miss my family," I replied.
She raised her eyebrow at me, like she didn't believe what I said. "Just your family? Or also your boyfriend?"
I smiled at her question, so she playfully pinched my arm.
"Eh, I hope all has a boyfriend."
"Why don't you get a boyfriend, then?"
She scowled at what I said. "Hmp! They're just a headache."
Now it was my turn to raise my eyebrow. "Just a headache? Really? That's why you're flirting with Dr. Kim."
"What?!" Her eyes widened at what I said, which made me laugh.
"Don't even try to deny it, Azhi! I know you like someone, so don't mess with me. I'll kick you!"
Before we went our separate ways, Azhina and I had dinner together. Our conversation even dragged on because we ended up sharing stories about beautiful places in the Philippines we've been to and want to visit again.
She's been to more places than I have, but my few trips were worth it because I was with people I love.
When I got home to the place I was staying, I happily opened my phone to talk to my family and my boyfriend. But the smile on my face faded into sadness because none of them were online when I logged in. So I just chatted with some of my friends in the Philippines. I missed them too.
I looked at the list I made—the things I want to do once I'm back home in the Philippines.
I didn't wait for my boyfriend or family to come online anymore—I ended up falling asleep. I plan to introduce Marvin to my family once I'm home, because they don't know him yet. Back when he was courting me, I wasn't allowed to be in a relationship, so I kept it a secret.
My parents aren't really that strict, but they just didn't want me in a relationship back then. I also didn't introduce him during my graduation because both of us got busy after passing the jobs we applied for. I know my parents will accept Marvin because he's kind. So I don't see any reason for them not to accept him.
Even the next morning when I went online, they still weren't online. What could they be doing that they haven't been online at all? Not even mom or dad. Did something happen that I don't know about? I asked my friends if anything was going on with my family, but they said everything was fine—they even mentioned visiting our house.
I sighed and tried to brush away the negative thoughts. I'm not really anxious, so I'm sure my family is safe.