Aftermath of a Broken Vow

i. how should i start this?

How should I start this, Prima?

Should I start on how we met? On how we fell in love?

Or . . . on how we fell apart?

Saan ako dapat magsimula sa pagkukuwento sa mga anak natin? Dapat ko bang ikuwento ang lahat ng nangyari?

Noon ko pa pinapangarap na ikuwento ang storya natin sa mga anak natin kapag malalaki na sila. I want them to know all that we've been through. I want them to see that we're a very happy and healthy couple. I want them to be inspired, to be touched, and to adore us.

But I wonder if that will still happen now that we are separated.

"Mommy!" tuwang-tuwang salubong sa 'yo ng panganay nating anak.

Nakangiti kitang pinagmasdang lumuhod sa harap ni Carmi. I watch you smile widely with that perfect teeth of yours. Your natural red pouty lips are covered with pink tint, as well as your cheeks. Your nose that is pointed yet so little always makes me want to pinch it lightly. Well, you can't blame me for that because it's too adorable, Prima -- and you know it.

Suddenly, you look up to meet my sight using that round and almond eyes of yours that I always find so mesmerizing and comforting. Your thick and well-shaped brows slightly form a line at the sight of me -- like you're so irritated to see me.

Unti-unti kang tumayo kung kaya't muli kong napagmasdan ang suot mong skinny high-waist jeans at kulay puting fitted v-neck shirt. I can't help but admire your body once again, Prima. You're still undeniably sexy and gorgeous, my love.

Oh, wait. Did I say . . . "love"? That's our endearment, but I know I shouldn't say it now. I might just piss you off if ever you hear it out loud from me.

"We're going. We'll be back before evening," you say in a cold tone as you pull Levi's stroller.

You automatically smile when you look down at our son who is comfortably lying and playing with his little feet on the stroller. Hinawakan mo si Carmi gamit ang isang kamay mo at nagtuloy-tuloy kayo sa pinto ng bahay.

"Bye, daddy!" Carmi bids me goodbye.

I sweetly smile at her. "Take care, sweetie. Be good to mommy."

Napatingin si Carmi sa nakaupong si Marga. Hindi nakatakas sa mga mata ko ang pag-ismid ng anak natin sa girlfriend ko bago kayo tuluyang nakalabas ng bahay.

When the door finally closes, Marga stands up and crosses her arms. Her sharp eyes pierce through me.

"Your daughter is such a brat, Kaiden."

Tamad akong napabuntonghininga at isinalampak ang sarili sa single sofa na kaharap ng kinaupuan niya.

"She's just a kid, for Christ's sake," I answer with a bit of irritation in my voice.

Matalim siyang umirap sa akin at napailing-iling. "Whatever. And your ex still looks so bitter. Tss. Ni hindi man lang ako tingnan na parang hindi niya ako nakikita."

Napahilot ako sa aking sentido -- nagsisimula na talagang mairita.

"What do you expect, Marga? You expect her to be nice to you? You're a mistress, just in case you forgot--"

She gasps. "Wow!" She sarcastically laughs and even clap her hands as if she just heard something really so amusing. "So sinong may malaking kasalanan, kung gano'n? Ako? Kaiden, baka rin nakakalimutan mo na niloko at hiniwalayan mo ang asawa mo para sa 'kin! Ikaw ang nagloko!"

Sa inis ko ay muli akong napatayo. "I fucking know that! But that doesn't change the fact that you're only my mistress! Kabet! Home-wrecker! And Prima . . . will always be my wife. She's still my wife, so don't ever speak ill about her!"