Chapter 5

IT’S been an hour. Still no sign of Astin. He still hadn’t returned. And she was getting bored. She played all the games on her phone, and still he hasn't come back. Afterwards, Romel came back with a snack. She had hoped that he would come in too.

She pulled her bag closer and got ready herself. She really needed to go home. She was about to stand when the door opened. She thought it was Astin, but it was just Romel—again. She felt a wave of disappointment in her heart.

“Sir Astin said he'll be a bit late, ma'am,” Romel informed her. She nodded at him, and he left right after.

Is he still with Elisa? She wondered, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought. Who could Elisa be in Astin’s life?

She leaned back in her chair as her head started to ache. Without realizing it, she fell asleep. The gentle touch of a hand on her face stirred her awake. She opened her eyes to see Astin smiling at her.

“Did I wake you up?” he asked, not removing his hand from her face.

She shook her head at him. He nodded back.

She parted her lips as he ran his finger along her lower lip. She gasped softly as he gave her a tender kiss. She found herself responding to his kiss, prolonging the moment. He smiled as he pulled away.

“Come, let's have our lunch,” he said affectionately.

She suddenly felt shy about responding to his kiss. What would he think? That she enjoyed the kiss?

She found herself following him as he led the way. They ate at an Italian restaurant, where it felt as if they were a real couple. He served her food attentively. He had always been sweet, but it had never really mattered to her, especially since she had Gael. The man she loved.

“Do I really love Gael?” A voice in her mind suddenly questioned her, making her shake her head.

After they finished eating, she told him she needed to go home. She knew he had work, but he refused to let her go home alone. He escorted her all the way to her room. But before he could leave, she spoke to him.

“Astin,”

“Yes?”

“Is it true you’re rushing the wedding?” He paused at her question.

It took him a while to answer. “Yes, why? ”

“When?”

“By the end of the month. So you should break up with Gael, Laura. Don’t wait for me to tell him myself,” he said coldly.

She covered her face with her hands. That would be next week! What would happen to her and Gael?

“Are you sure about this, Astin? Marriage is not a joke. Do you think we’ll be happy if only one of us is in love? Do you think our marriage will work if only you—” pointing at him. “ —want it?” she asked in rapid succession, making him pause on his way out.

He looked at her without emotion, then gave a bittersweet smile. “In time, you’ll learn to love me too, Laura. Let’s just give this marriage a try,”  he said, approaching her. “I am not that hard to love.”

She bit her lip at his question. “I love Gael, Astin. He’s the one I dream of spending my life with. I only see you as a brother. So please, stop this while we still can,” she pleaded, searching his face for any reaction, but he showed none. “I don’t want to be tied to a marriage that I don’t want. Please think about it, Astin. Please?” she said tearfully, clutching his hand.

He withdrew his hand and stepped back. “No, we’re going through with the wedding whether you like it or not. And I know I already have a place in your heart. I can feel it, Laura. You just don’t want to admit it,” he paused. “If you really can’t love me by then, I’ll arrange for myself to have our marriage annulled. Let’s just try. Please?” He pleaded in turn.

She shook her head. Definitely, she is not agreeing with his plan. Marriage isn’t something they can just take a bite of and spit out if they don’t like it. It’s not that easy. It’s the marriage they’re talking about. It is sacred. Their freedom was also at stake here.

“Astin, I can’t leave Gael. I love him. So much,” emphasizing the word love, hoping to change his mind. However, he only became angrier. He left without saying a word and slamming the door.

She couldn’t say for sure that Gael was the man meant for her either. It was far too soon to say that. She just didn’t want to be tied to a marriage that was against her will.

She did nothing all day but sleep. Asia hadn’t replied about their lecture for the day. She slept until six in the evening. She cleaned herself and went to the kitchen to help out as she usually did. When she arrived, she found Astin’s mother chopping ingredients.

“Good evening, Auntie,” she greeted her.

Her aunt frowned at the way she addressed her.

“Call me ‘Mama,’ dear,” she said.

“Mama,” she repeated. Hearing this, Astin’s mother gave her a warm smile.

Kendra and Manang Ida were cooking beef caldereta. She offered to wash the used utensils since her Mama Kendra wouldn’t let her chop anything for fear she might cut herself.

They did not eat together with Astin that night because he hadn’t returned yet. His father Kent asked if they had any disagreements, to which she answered no. The couple was already aware that the wedding was set for the end of the month. The reception would be at Hotel De Astin, and the wedding would take place at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church. At least, that’s what his mother had told her. She would have been happy about the wedding idea if she really wanted to get married now. Most of the women dreamt of a church wedding, including herself. But of course, she wanted it to be with the right man at the right time. Just not now.

She had just finished her assignment and report for Monday. With nothing else to do, she tucked herself onto her bed.

As she remembered Astin, she glanced out the window. It looked like he wasn’t home yet.

She decided to go to sleep without bothering herself again.

Her nap was interrupted by the sound of a car. Two cars pulled up as she peeked out the window. Her face fell as she noticed Ezi helping Astin out of one car. The driver’s door of the other car opened, and Elisa stepped out, followed by an unfamiliar person from the front passenger seat.

She found herself meeting them. As she arrived downstairs, she saw Kendra also coming out.

Astin was heavily intoxicated. She heard her name being mentioned, which made everyone look in her direction.

“Oh my God, son! What happened to you?” his mother exclaimed, rushing to his side. “What happened, Ezi?” she asked, turning to Astin’s best friend.

Ezi simply shrugged and said, “Sorry, Auntie. By the time we arrived, he had already dropped several bottles. Uncle Dane tried to stop him, but he never listen,” he explained, guiding Astin onto the sofa.

Ezi looked at her and then he smiled. Their attention turned as two women entered. Astin’s mother knitted her brows when she recognized Elisa.

“Elisa, what are you doing here?” Kendra asked. “Does your mother know you’re here? It’s getting late!” as she continued.

“No, Auntie. Please don’t tell her,” Elisa pleaded, greeting her aunt with a kiss.

“Alright. Just make sure you go straight home, okay? ”

“Yes, Auntie. Come on, Ez,” she said, signalling Astin’s friend to leave.

Elisa didn’t even bother looking at her. She seemed shy, and Laura couldn’t understand why.

She and Astin’s mom helped him up to his room. She volunteered to clean him up. He kept muttering while she wiped him down.

“Laura,” he murmured, tossing and turning on the bed.

She looked at his face. It seemed he was dreaming.

“No. No!” he shouted, so she woke him.

Astin opened his eyes and then closed them again, likely due to the alcohol. Later, she felt his hand tighten around hers, causing her to gasp softly. After a moment, his grip loosened. She looked at his face, seeing he was now sleeping peacefully. Once she was done wiping him down, she covered him with a blanket and left his room.

Before going to bed, she typed a message to Gael, telling him where and when they would meet tomorrow.