A few years later, Steven and I got married and lived happily in each other's company but fate was really funny. To this day, it is still not clear to me why we ended up in a situation that will destroy the family we built before."Qotorie, hija, are you done?"I jolted from that loud scream, making the lipstick I was applying smudged down my chin. I rested on my forehead and took a deep breath while observing the scattered red line there."Qotorie? Are you done yet? Your wife is very bored downstairs waiting for you!"Shaking and laughing, I reached for the wet wipes when I heard what our rushing maid said. I looked at the vanity mirror and wiped my chin clean. With that, I looked at thethe door opened, revealing our old maid, Manang Setta."Come on down, Manang. Is it Zellor? Is he awake yet?" I asked, tilting my head sideways to show that I am listening."Wake up earlier, hija. Also eating together with his grandparents. I'm crying and I've been looking for you for a while. You kn
"Okay. You know what, baby? Your daddy is the most handsome boy I've ever seen in my whole life and the most kind-hearted, too. He is always with Daddylo and Mommyla whenever they visit the orphanage. Your daddy loves reaching for people and giving them help. Baby, your daddy is a nice guy," I told him, remembering the reasons why I have fallen in love with his father.I smiled at a memory."Tintin! Tintin! Your son of Governor Oxford and Mrs. Oxford is here again, Come on! Come on! Let's introduce ourselves!" Emery, or Em-Em, a young girl who was also my colleague at the orphanage, encouraged me while pulling my arm tightly."Just a moment!" I stopped him but he pulled me all the way towards the boy he was referring to.My chest heaved when I saw that boy. I wanted to pull my hand and run away but Emery is gripping my arm tightly."Em-Em,"I could almost keep myself from accidentally stroking and sinking into the man. I felt all the blood in my body went up to my face when I crashed
I smiled and nodded gently.Why does he know so much?"This picture was taken when I said yes to your Daddy when he asked me to marry him," I said with a smile."Wow! Daddy looks so in love with you, Mommy! His eyes are in heart shapes! And you both look beautiful and handsome in your wedding picture," he commented, very happy for us while pointing to that picture of us when we got married.Yes, he was very much in love with me.But not anymore, baby.A month passed when Steven asked me for a divorce. It was too all of a sudden that it shook my world apart. Very painful. We were so in love and then suddenly, he is asking me to end everything we have."Is this me, Mommy? I am so cute when I was a baby," Zellor said again bringing me back to myself."You are, Zellor" I confirmed what he said. "And you still are.""I was the happiest that time, Zellor. You were the greatest gift I have ever received," I told him and smiled."Awww. I love you, Mommy," he said and looked up at me smiling,
I feel cold and refreshed. If this was before, our hands are intertwined now, and occasionally, he will kiss the back of my palms, giving me sweet smiles while he is driving. A sickening silence stretched between us. Until he spoke."Let's not make each other suffer anymore. If they will ask us about why we ended up filing this divorce, tell them that we fell out of love," he told me.I laughed sarcastically to myself.I really hate you, Steven Oxford! And I hate that I still love you even after hurting me.I didn't answer. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw him turn to me but I didn't do it back. My eyes kept looking at what we were going through while being hurt and crushed.Don't do this, please.I whispered the words again and again that only myself could hear."I will give you a place to stay in. You can also have our bank account, a car, anything you will need when you get out of the house. And about Zellor, you can visit him anytime you want," he informed me. .I shook my head.
Growing up, I never harbored a grudge against my parents, especially my mother who left me in the orphanage. I didn't get angry and I didn't blame them for why they didn't like me, because how am I going to miss and hate on people I haven't even met? Especially the one who is pregnant with mom. And because of thatmaybe I was happy and satisfied at the orphanage somehow. Another thing is that Sister Sicily made me understand the value of forgiveness, the understanding of the situation of our children who were left in the orphanage. She also told me that my mother sure loves me enough to leave me in the orphanage. Because if he really didn't care about me, maybe they would have just thrown me somewhere.While thinking, I tried to feel the pain when they left me. I tried to search my heart for anger, but there was none. I am not being bitter, I am just being true. It's not like Steven left me. Him divorcing me feels like my life is slowly being taken away from my body. That big part of
It was seven in the evening when he drove me home. We both enjoyed the conversation so much that I didn't even realize the time."We're here," he announced as his car stopped in front of our house.Suddenly my forehead wrinkled, my eyes narrowed at him, very surprised."How did you know I live here?" I will ask.As far as I remember, I only mentioned that subdivision to him, not the exact house number."H-Huh? You told me earlier, didn't you?" he answered.I said?But I don't remember mentioning that to him, huh? I shrugged and ignored it. Maybe I said it and just forgot? Gabgab came down and took meup to the gate."It was really nice to see you again, Koto.""Me too, Gabgab."Suddenly, it was awkward. He scratched the back of his neck and then shyly looked at me again."Koto, can I ask you a favor?""Sure.""Can you call me just Gabriel? Gabgab is a little awkward now."I smiled at what he said. He has a point, anyway."Okay. Just call me Qotorie, too. Koto is a child, huh."He held
I slammed the door closed.Weakly I leaned against the back of the door and slid down to sit, running my palms over my face, while I felt like I was going crazy with everything that was happening in my life.Damn you, Steven Oxford!I forcefully dragged my feet up and threw myself to the bed. I really feel sick and that argument with my husband makes me more ill.I decided to just sleep it off, but before I could close my eyes, I was suddenly thrown back on the bed by a series of determined knocks on the door of this room.I reluctantly got up and headed for the door. If it is Steven, I am really going to give him a good punch in the face.I twisted the doorknob to open, very ready to lash out at my husband, I mean soon-to-be ex husband, but my heart quickly melted finding our son instead, yawning while hugging his favorite teddy bear.I sat next to him."Why aren't you asleep yet, mmm? Do you need something from Mommy?" I asked, tucking the loose strands of his hair behind his ear."
"Zellor, I am actually not feeling well. I feel like having a flu—"I felt my soul fly out of my body when Steven suddenly brought his face closer to mine. And without a warning, he grabbed me by the neck, pulled me closer to his face, and crashed his lips to mine.A shrill laugh from Zellor separated our lips. It was like cold water was poured on me when I almost went back to the kiss he made. I quickly lay down and then covered myself with a blanket, my back to them. I grabbed my chest and felt my heart pounding. A few moments later, my shoulders began to shake and then I cried silently.It took a while for my heart to finally calm down, and without looking at them. I only turned around when I am assured that they are already both sleeping. Since we used to sleep together for a long time, I knew very well if they were asleep. Zellor has this habit of grinding his teeth while Steven makes soft but tolerable snores.I watched them both with love. I couldn't help myself and carefully g
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