25: The Courtship Game part 3

“What do you wish to know about me? My life’s less interesting, anyway,” she asked.

“Don’t say that. I wouldn’t invite you if you’re not. Let’s start with your family. How’s your mom, dad, and sister doing?”

“Both my parents had recently retired. They moved out of the hustle of city life and decided to relocate permanently to the province, seeking a slower, more peaceful life. They still visit me three times a year in the second house they own, where I currently live. My sister has also embarked on a new chapter of her life. She got married and is now living abroad with her husband. It’s been almost a year since she got married. I don’t know yet when she'll be able to come back home to visit us.”

“Congratulations on your parents’ retirement and on your sister’s wedding!”

“Thank you.”

“Next question. How are your friends? The ones you mentioned briefly.”

“I forgot which friends I spoke of, but I assume I told you about my high school and college friends.”

“Yup. We can start with your high school ones.”

“We’re still going stable but not too strong. We only meet twice a year compared to 3-4 times a year before working. Another high school friend recently had her baby’s baptism and is living with her partner. Some of them are too busy with their personal lives. I'm glad I didn't miss those meetings years ago, as we probably wouldn't have had another opportunity to meet for at least two years.”

My college friends… One practices her profession well. She’s now a licensed psychometrician in a well-known hospital. Another college friend is living overseas and has shifted careers to make ends meet. Some are unemployed because the company they worked for reduced its employees. One has arrived in our country after studying a Master's degree in Europe. And the last got a promotion after 2 years of serving the company.”

“How are you finding your career?”

“It’s fine. I've had the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of individuals, from esteemed professors and students to professionals and accomplished alumni like yourself. I've actively participated and assisted with events in and outside of the academe. The company also sponsors local business trips, providing further opportunities for professional development and networking.”

“What are your boss and co-workers like?”

“He’s stoic at first, but when you get to know and work with him more, he’s overworked, dedicated to his job, and prefers a results-based method. My colleagues are not only friendly but also a key reason why I'm motivated to perform well at work. Their sense of humor and the good vibes we share make the workplace more enjoyable.”

“How are you?”

“How does that question differ from the previous questions you asked?”

“This time, I am asking you. How are you feeling?”

“Well… Based on my answers earlier, overall, I’m doing good.”

“I kept texting and chatting with you after our thesis presentation, asking how you are doing. You also unfollowed me and deactivated your account. Were you avoiding me? Tell me what happened.”

“Remember when Anthasia asked us if we were dating?”

“The thing she did after my thesis defense?”

“Uh-huh,” she confirmed. “She wasn’t the only person who questioned me. A couple of our classmates and students from the other program were curious. They’ve seen us many times together, and we seem not just to be doing it for academic purposes. They were so curious because our prototype dating looked so real.”

Ashmille recalled she actually wanted to join Drino’s after the thesis defense celebration invitation, but rumors of them dating romantically and seriously spread to their class and even to the other programs, so she had to avoid him.

“You might think I’ve been meddling too much in your life,” he chuckled. “So, maybe this would be my last question unless you don’t mind me asking for more about you.”

“One last question will do.”

He paused for a moment. “Any romantic life update?”

She scoffed. “I hope I didn’t give you a last chance.”

“Alright. I am not forcing you to tell me, okay?”

“Just kidding”

“Glad you’re just kidding. You almost had me there.”

*cellphone vibrates*

“Is it your manager again? Go on, you should answer that. If you need to leave early, I don’t mind calling this meeting off.”

“No, no need to. I just have to text him I’m in a meeting, and he’ll stop nagging about it.”

“Alejandrino, I know how busy you are. We’ve already had a great chat tonight. Besides, we’ve reconnected through our social media accounts once again.” She had a strong discernment that he was in a pinch right now by looking at his expression when he furrowed his eyebrows, reading something on his phone. “Thank you for inviting me. I didn’t expect to get an invite from you, but I’m really grateful.”

He paused for a moment and glanced at his phone. “I-I’m so sorry. I owe you so much,” he stuttered in frustration. Of all the times an urgent situation called, it had to be their reunion date. “I appreciate you spending time with me. I apologize. Some emergency came through.”

“I understand. It’s good catching up with you. Goodbye.”

How would this be called a goodbye while saying goodbye to one another? Drino thought.

“Hey, uhm… I want to catch up with you. What do you say, we hang out again like this?”

“Hang out like going out?”

“Yeah, like the old times as thesis mates.”

“But we’re no longer thesis mates,” she chuckled.

“Right.” He caressed the back of his head. “Not sure if you still remember, and it wasn’t on the written agreement, but we both agreed verbally to have at least ten prototype dates. We did just half of it because of unanticipated events.”

“I do recall that.”

“As part of catching up from our previous thesis exploration, how about we spin the wheel again and complete our remaining five ideal dates?” he smirked. “Game?”

Drino thought of this idea as a courtship game. It is a game that was left unfinished and must be continued.