TIFFANY’S STORY

DISTANCE PART I

Distance is a test of love.

Many will fail for those who can’t withstand it,

But for those who can,

There’s only one answer.

“True Love.”

Since we ordered our food, Tae Yeon was lost deep in thought. She kept playing around with the cream on her caramel Frappuccino. Her face looked lifeless, as if her soul was drained out from her body.

“Taeng, what’s up?”

“Sky is falling.” She said. Yup. Something is definitely wrong with her.

I dragged my chair nearer to her. She was there when things got complicated between me and Seung Hyun. So, now it’s my turn to be there for her, regardless of whatever things that were bothering her. But, did she have a fight with Ji Yong? Nah…. No way right?! Because both of them are as mushy and corny as Young Bae and Yuri.  Nevertheless, they’re not the Tom and Jerry couple. So I don’t think there would be any hurricane to wreck their relationship.

“Taeng, are you okay?”

“Huh?” She stopped playing with the cream.

“What’s wrong? Tell me. I’m all ears…”

Tae Yeon let out a heavy sigh.

“He’s leaving.”

“Who’s leaving?” I gave her my blur plus confuse face.

“Ji Yong.”

“Huh? He dumped you?” Gosh! If that happened, no wonder Tae Yeon looked like a zombie in front of me right now.

“Crap! No. It’s not that. He’s leaving to America soon.”

“What? How come Seung Hyun never mentions anything to me? When will he leaves, Taeng?” Geez, that husband of mine! How dared he keep this important matter from me! You are so gonna pay for this, Top!

“Very soon Fany. Very soon. As in the day after tomorrow.” And that definitely made me dropped my jaws.

“Why?”

“His sister is getting married.”

“Oh… Then, don’t worry. He’ll be back soon enough.”

“If Seung Hyun leaves for 3 months, would you be sad?”

“Of course I will. Since we’ve been husband and wife, I don’t think I can stand to live without him for that long term.  Ehhhhh??? Wait! Do you mean that he….”

“Yeah, he’ll be gone for 3 long months.” Yikes! That is long. Aigooo…

“And you’re in a zombie mode because he’s leaving?”

“Maybe… Ah… I don’t know Fany. I’m afraid that when he’s in America, he won’t come back anymore. He left me before, so I don’t want history to repeat by itself once again. I have this feeling. But I don’t know what it is. Gosh, Fany! Seriously, my mind is so mess up now…” Tae Yeon closed her face with both of her hands.

I patted her shoulder lightly, trying to cool her off.

“You love him do you?”

“Of course I do.”

“You feel happy when he’s with you?”

“Yeah… No doubt about that.”

“You feel different when you’re with him?”

She just nodded.

“If, he’s gone, you feel like there’s something missing in your life. But you can’t figure out what it is right?”

“Yup…” Again, she reached for her spoon and played with the cream.

“You know Fany, I’ve never felt like this with any other guy. But with him, I feel like I’m content. He completes me, Fany. If he’s gone, I don’t know what I will do. I’m so lost now Fany. I’m so lost.”

“You’re in love babe…”

“I never knew that love can be so painful. I’m so afraid to lose him.”

“I know. I can see that…”

“What should I do, Fany?”

“Tell him…”

“But… I don’t what him to think that I’m being too clingy.”

“He’s leaving Taeng. Soon, you know. He’ll understand your reason.” Tae Yeon just nodded. She flashed me her poker face, straight face or whatever kind of face that you can ever think of to conceal her feeling. I knew that she’s afraid of losing Ji Yong. Heck, even I myself would feel like that if Seung Hyun were to go away from me for a long time.

“And… I’m afraid that when he’s in America, he’ll meet with his ex. What if they find the old spark back? Then, he’ll leave me for her. Fany!!! I’ll be doomed if he does that.” Tae Yeon became panic, her face plastered with sadness.

“Taeng, relax babe. Distance is a test of love. Many will fail for those who can’t withstand it. But for those who can, there’s only one answer and that is true love.” I took her hand and intertwined it with mine.

“Put your trust on him Taeng. He won’t leave you for any other girl. He loves you. I know because he has the same eyes like Seung Hyun whe