I will choose myself again. I do not care anymore. It was like the truth slapped me again. I was slapped that Steven and I really can't. Very painful. I do not know why. What is my fault that why I am still being punished? I don't care what Steven does on this island. It's his conscience and not mine. He is a very bad person.He thinks of nothing but himself. Why did I love him? And they had children? But he told me that they don't do that thing with his wife.Is he lying to me? I can not take it anymore. I am going to back out. Seeing his wife is a nightmare for me. I was really scared and felt even more guilty when I saw him again. I don't want anymore. I will stop this stupidity of mine. I think the truth needs to be presented to me before I realize it."Hija, why all of a sudden?" Aunt Merna asked me sadly. "Did something happen? Are you in trouble?"I shook my head and began to cry. "Aunt, thank you so much for taking care of my son. But I have to leave. I realized that this plac
"OMG!" Minda screamed and immediately took Zellor from me.He was shocked when he saw that I was carrying a child. It's good that Zellor didn't cry because that's still elusive for other people. I put the bag on the sofa and sat down.I looked at Minda's little apartment, very simple but very clean. It's like nobody lives there because there's not much stuff."You have a child?" he asked in surprise while my son was still carrying my son who was confused and looked like he was about to cry.I bit my bottom lip and looked away. Minda will be really surprised because she doesn't know anything. He thought I was the only one he would live with in his apartment, but he was very surprised to see Zellor with me. I don't even know what to say. He sat down next to me and placed Zellor on his lap."How? I mean... I didn't know you had a boyfriend, Zel," she said quietly and patted my shoulder.When I looked up, he was smiling at me. I turned to my son who was now playing with Minda's long hair.
"Why are you late?" Minda asked me after I bought the ingredients.After that incident, I purposely delayed shopping because I didn't want to see Steven and I together especially with my son."Uh.. there were too many customers in line, I was last so it took me a while," I excused myself and looked away."Okay..." And he handed Zellor to me with a pointing finger."There, your son knows how to shop! He might be a spoiled man by chance." He laughed softly as he picked up the plastic bags."Do you want toys?" I asked and approached where he pointed.When I looked at the price, I became depressed and sadly turned to my son."Yes! Yes!" He applauded.How is it? He points out that the price is one thousand pesos. He just looks cheap but expensive."Son, next time," I said sadly and adjusted the load on him. "Costly.""Tsk, go ahead and buy it, Tori. I'll pay! That's all I got for her." Minda smiled at me as she took the toy and gave it to Zellor. "Play with toys first, maybe it will play w
"You're an idiot," said Minda, who had just come home from work.After I hung up on Steven, he called again and again. I didn't answer his last call so I was a bit worried while sitting on the sofa. It's late and I can't be complacent, especially since I'm probably the last person he talks to."W-Nothing." I turned to him. "I guess you're early today...""How early?" he asked in surprise as he took off his shoes. "It's late now. I'm early because I took the bus, but it's not early at night, no!""I thought you were going to bar." I winced andsighed.I'm just asking something."Tears!" he said with a laugh as he threw himself on the sofa. "That was then! I've changed now. Only when there's an occasion of course."He grinned and sniffed my room."Is Zellor asleep?""Yes," I answered. "Crying to sleep."I stood up and went to the kitchen. The equipment and ingredients for baking are already lined up."Are you going to start?" he asked in surprise. "It's time for me to come home. I can w
The bouncers helped me carry Steven to the front seat of his car. I'm good and know how to drive a car because otherwise I don't know how I'm going to get this guy home."Thank you very much," I said to the bouncers who helped me.He peeked out the window and smiled at me. "Nothing, Ma'am. Please drive carefully!"I nodded and closed the car door and then glanced at Steven who was fast asleep. Steven's aura is very different when he sleeps. He looks like a child scolded by an overbearing boss. But when you're awake, you're like a lion ready to pounce at any time.I gasped when I saw the wetness of his cheek. My heart ached and I suddenly felt guilty. Did he cry? I'm not used to this. I'm not used to him being like this just because of someone like me.I took a deep breath and then adjusted his seat belt."Qotorie," he said to my name while sleeping. "Hmm.."I bit my lip and carefully adjusted my seat. I started his car and then drove home. I was nervous and secretly praying that he wo
"I will deliver to GRM."I took the boxes and counted them one by one. I am now wearing a baby blue high waist dress and white doll shoes. I will deliver today because Minda still has work. I'm with Diana now, theMinda's cousin. He watches over Zellor when I'm not around. Because it's an online class, he can take care of Zellor freely because he's at home."Sister, I'm sure that's delicious!" said Diana as Zellor was on her lap playing with her hair.I smiled at him and approached Zellor. I ruffled her messy hair. "Son, Mama just for a moment, ah? This is for you and so I can buy milk and lots of robots.""Ma...ma, mam!"My lips parted for a moment. Because Zellor is not like a child. He couldn't speak right away but he wasn't mute or anything. His development is just slow. Now, he is slowly able to speak but still stammers and is incomplete."Maybe he wants a cupcake, Ate, so mom," said Diana, turning to Zellor. "I'll take care of Zellor, Sister. We'll just watch cartoons!"I nodded
"Cupcake delivery is here," I said when I got to Malhiao where I was delivering cupcakes to a birthday party.I saw that there were decorations and preparations placed on the table. One of Minda's acquaintances ordered and I was Minda's s-in-uggest.I was greeted by a woman wearing a tunic dress. He opened the gate for me and smiled at me. "You're Minda's friend?"I nodded and went inside. I looked around immediately upon entering."You've arrived just in time. I'll just take the money inside to pay. Please land near the cake first," he said while pointing to the table with the cake on display.I nodded and placed the box of cupcakes on the side of the displayed cake. There are no mass visitors yet. Maybe their party will be later this afternoon or evening. I thought about my plan for Zellor's birthday. Her birthday is coming up and I plan to make my own cake for her. Soon the woman came back and paid."Thank you very much, hija. Would you like to eat? Eat before you leave."I was imm
I let him.I let him take me to his condo unit. I suddenly thought of Minda. Maybe he already knows. Will she hate me too? I don't know how to deal with him. She hates mistresses and I'm sure I'm not exempt from that.My clothes are covered in icing, as well as my face. My hair is a mess and I can hardly look like myself."Clean yourself. I will buy you some clothes," he said calmly and handed me the towel.I did not move from my position. I'm just stupid. Do I deserve all this?"Tori..." Steven almost begged and put the towel on my arm.I can't look at him. I'm ashamed of myself. Maybe everyone hates me. Maybe my customers already know."I'm sorry, I was late." he said almost in a whisper. "I caused you so much pain."He caressed my cheek and wiped away the tears that fell from my eyes. I let myself lock myself in the bathroom. I cry while cleaning myself. I cried all the pain I was feeling while taking a bath. I didn't expect that. I never thought that would happen in real life.I s
I breathed a sigh of relief when he said that. Is that why she seemed like crying?"But," she trailed off."Aunt?" I called, fear returning to my chest.I thought Gabriel is already awake?"Can you talk to him now, mmm? We can't stop him from disappearing and we're looking for you," he said."Alright, Auntie! Let me talk to him!" I answered quickly.I stopped walking. A few moments later I heard the disturbance of the line on the other side and Gabriel's strained voice."Qotorie?" he called my name."Are you okay? Gabriel, thank God you are awake!" I said."I want to see you, Qotorie. Where are you?" instead he said.I bit my lower lip."Someone just went. But I promised you, Gabriel. When I get home, I will go to you immediately," I assured him."Tori, I want you beside me. Qotorie," his voice softened."Gabriel?" I called because he suddenly disappeared from the line."Hello? Gabriel?" I call again."Hija, it's his mom again. He fell asleep again. He was injected with a sedative so
I almost died laughing at Serge. He is very entertaining. No wonder, he is seen on TV. Sage even added that he prepared a sexy dance performance for Calianna to the accompaniment of a popular song.Under the white lightIn the yellow moonHear my cryIn the yellow moonMy jaw really hurts from laughing. Sage is dancing like a macho dancer in a gay club."Mommy, I am going to pee," Zellor called out to me.I was about to get up to go with him but Steven made a presentation that he would be the one to accompany our son."It's me. I will have to answer a call, too," said Steven, slightly raising the cellphone and showing me that Mama Alora was calling him.I nodded to him and looked at Nina and Kalilah who were approaching me."I could never look at Sage the same way again," Kalilah said while sinking to the chair beside me."Oh, things we do for love," Nina said while also sitting next to me."Where is Davina?" I will ask."Mmm... She is with her babysitter. She's asleep," said Nina."V
I bowed my head as my tears fell. Uncle Segismundo! Is that for me?"Don't ever give up on each other. Do not be fooled into thinking that love is supposed to be easy. It is not. It will never be. Because marriage is not just an occasion if it is not a relationship that forever that you both swore before the Lord," Tito Segismundo added.Steven, are you listening to him?You will be hit!"I wish you all the best. Give me lots of grandchildren, huh?" Tito Segismundo continued to laugh. Then, he raised his wine glass and we all did the same. "Let's make a toast to the new husband and wife," he concluded.Then, we clinked our glasses with the spoon just like in the traditions, signaling a kiss from them. Sage happily kissed Calianna as if there was no tomorrow."Bro, can't wait?" Serge groined again.Then he stood up. He pulled Steven, Davin, and Dallas upright one by one then pulled them to the middle, raising the wine glass they were holding."To finally getting our asses back together
The reception followed at the resort. It was almost seven o'clock in the evening when the wedding ended. It was short but sweet and intimate. I looked around the event hall andfind it really impressive that in just a short notice, the resort staff were able to decorate the whole place grandly, it was very aesthetic to the eyes.The backdrop in front is made up of hundreds of white and pink colored flowers. The lightings around are just enough to light the mood needed by the occasion. And even though we were only a few of their guests, we were eating food.Sage really knew how to spoil Calianna.We settled on our assigned seats and waited for the mini program to start. In front was the newlywed, Sage could not get his hands off Calianna."Look at the horny man! Maybe that one is forgetting that we're still here?" I heard Serge say to Steven who was right next to me, referring to the groom whose face is now pressed against the bride's neck."Fuck yourself, Serge. Why are you so pressed
I sighed as I laid my back on my bed. It is not that I am closing my doors for love. I also said and promised myself that I will love someone else besides Steven. But then, right now, I have no interest about finding myself a man. Besides, it is going to be unfair to the man that will come my way knowing that I am still in love with my ex-husband.I grabbed my pillow and threw it over my face.Steven Oxford, how could you forget?I regretted staying up that night because I woke up at noon the next day. With quick movements, I took a bath and put on the shirt Steven told me to wear, then, a white pants, and red rubber shoes for my feet. I'm just thankful that my hair is short and it won't take any more time because I'm really in a hurry.I glanced at myself on the mirror and smiled at the red printed shirt I was wearing. I folded the sleeves once. I knotted the hem at the navel then turned around and looked in the mirror at what was written there.#TeamOxfordI was distracted when my p
One sleepover stretched into two. Wednesday and Thursday quickly passed by. We wasted no time to practice the performance we will do tomorrow. It was decided that Steven will play his guitar and on the other hand, Zellor and I will sing.It was the night before Friday when they told me to go home. Steven told me that he has to do something else. And I swear that it was the hardest. I suppressed my emotions and faked a smile while waving my hand at Zellor who was already there in the back seat of the car.I could not stop myself but go near him. The car windows on his side were rolled down and I took the opportunity to touch him. I smiled and gently caressed his cheeks."Mommy," he called me while peering through the window."Hmm?"I blinked away the tears in my eyes.Qotorie, when will you get tired?"I still don't want to go home yet. I like it here," he said as he looked up the floor above the café, my room, as he began throwing his tantrums again.We had to force a few times before
We used to do this before. When Zellor doesn't have class and Steven doesn't go to work, the three of us go here. They will help me bake breads and cakes, then together, we will eat some after with a good cup of coffee for Steven and me and milkshake for her.Good old times.My lip quivered.Don't cry.Don't you dare cry right now, Qotorie!I eventually managed to keep myself composed all the while the three of us were in the kitchen. Fortunately it wasn't what I expected. Back then, when I thought that the three of us would be together despite our situation, the feeling would be very difficult. But to my surprise, it was the total opposite. We even managed to laugh and tease.While the pastries are in the oven and while I am waiting for it to be ready for the counter, I began wiping the marble top clean. I laughed and looked at Zellor when he came out of the kitchen to play with Sally and some of my staff.I thought that Steven followed him but he was behind me and I was surprised wh
I hardly brushed the sleep off my eyes again, because maybe I was just dreaming or something.But they are really here!What are they doing here?"Daddy, we should buy Mommy the digital door locks with the censor. I do not trust this doorknob. Some thief might barge in," said Zellor while watching Steven as he was doing at my door."We will do that, baby. But for the mean time, this is a double lock first," answered Steven, giving my door another hit with a hammer in his hand.What are they doing at my door?And why are they both here so early?I feel so disoriented. I removed the blanket that covered my body and then left the bed. I hugged the blazer I was wearing as I walked near them."Mommy! Hey! You're awake!" Zellor exclaimed as he looked back at me and then greeted me with a warm hug.I squatted until our heights met.I returned the hug to him while looking up at Steven."What are you doing here?" I will ask.Zellor resigned and answered my question."Mommy, didn't you say that
I couldn't move for a few seconds because I was so shocked. And when I did, I regretted that I had not made the slightest move.I tripped shamelessly on my own feet, almost, if not because of the man's quick movement, I must have been swimming with the garbage behind me."Oops! Careful!" he said, holding me tightly by the waist.I quickly got out of his grip, as if I was electrocuted, quickly moved away and straightened up, still catching some breath.I feel like my heart is in my throat. What is he doing here? At this time?He chuckled and shook his head, the dimples on both his cheeks left me speechless.I squinted my eyes and surveyed the man. I couldn't be wrong! He is the one I saw earlier in the café! He was the one that the customers were lining up and excited about earlier!The thought of those female customers and the I'll things they have said about my café made my anger rise again.And now, in front of me is the barista and the owner, and probably the one that created the c