A Twist of Fate

Prologue

A Twist of Fate

"What can I get for you?" still looking at the cash register waiting for an answer.

After this I still need to review the lesson that I'm going to discuss for tomorrow. I have one hour to do that, then sleep for four hours.

"I'd like a large Dalgona Cafe Latte, please."

"Sure. What's your name?"

I suddenly remembered that I have a make up classes on Saturday. I was late for two hours last session with Calixh, Averyll's sick so I have to make sure that everything is fine before I left the house.

"Alexander. A-L-E-X-A-N-D-E-R." yep. That's right, no need to spell it out.

"Great. That's 350 pesos. It will be ready in a few minutes."

Averyll forget to take his umbrella, he don't like it when I'm calling or sending him messages when he's at work.

Should I go there?

Mababasa sya. It's raining hard.

"Dine in or take out, Sir?"
"Take out." I handed him his order without looking.

He'll get mad if I go there.

"He orders almost everyday, hindi mo parin kilala?" my eyes went to Codie.

"Ha?" I didn't know. Hindi ko nakita mukha.

"That boy kako, He orders here almost everyday and you still ask his name."

Alexander? Ewan. I don't know.

I checked my phone for Averyll's text pero wala. I hope he's fine. Kagagaling nya lang sa sakit to get sick again.

Maghapon na yata sumakit ang paa ko. I think I sprained my ankle yesterday when I accidentally slipped. My boss asked me to go the hospital para ma-check. Malaki ang babayaran namin ngayong buwan. Averyll just started his work, I bought him clothes for his work. Dalawa na rin kaming namamasahe ngayon kaya nagkukulang nadin ang sahod ko sa pagtuturo. Kinailangan ko pang humanap ng part time. Mabuti nalang talaga at tinanggap parin ako ni Maam E. I also accepted tutors every weekend. Nanghihinayang ako sa ipagpapa-check up ko. Hindi naman malala kaya kinakaya kahit papaano.

It's already 12 when we closed the shop. May nakita pa kaming papasok sana ng makitang patay na ang ilaw.

Kailangan kong magmadali dahil mag re-review pa ako ng mga lesson.

I was already at home and decided to review in the kitchen. The light will wake him up and I don't want to do that. For sure he's tired. Nahagip ng tingin ko ang payong na ngayon ay nasa basurahan na.

I picked it up and opened it finding out na may butas sa gilid.

Alright, that's the reason why he didn't use it. Pero tingin ko ay magagamit pa naman kahit papaano. I'll buy him new one nalang.

"You went home looking like that?"

Ha? I look at my laptop to see my reflection.

"It looks like you're the only one who's working here. Don't you have money to buy make up?" his hair is dishevelled and he looks really pissed when he saw me.

We've been together for 10 years. I know he's just concern for me.

"I have naman, but you know that I am saving."

"Bahay na naman. I already told you, we don't need a house we just need to rent. Mas mura."

I get it. May point naman sya but sometimes I can't help but doubt him. Does he really care for our future? But he promised to give me a better life kaya I am still holding on to that promise. I believe him.

"How about our children, Averyll you know I want them to grow in-"

"Pinangungunahan mo na naman ako eh! Sino bang lalaki sa atin? Ano nagmamalaki ka na? I already start working baka nakakalimutan mo? Hindi lang ikaw ang may trabaho ngayon, Aeryce."

His usual argument. I know I have to stop talking na, mag aaway na naman kami at hindi na naman sya uuwi ng ilang araw.

"Yes, sorry."

"Sorry sorry, ayusin mo sarili mo. Don't embarrass me. You're giving me reasons to leave you."

I tried to look at his eyes but he left the kitchen. He always say that but we're still together. I know it's not serious. I always listen to his rant. I always take his advice. Its just that mahirap ng sundin kung ang involve ay pera.

We are not financially stable. I am teaching in private school, hindi kalakihan ang sweldo. Kahit pa may part-time na ako ngayon. Just enough for our daily needs at kung may sobra man mas pinipili kong itabi nalang para sa pangarap na bahay.

Our relationship faced a lot of challenges and we are choosing to overcome it together.

We've been together for years. I was 19 when I was sure that I will end up with him na. May mga panahon lang talaga na sinusubok ang relasyon namin gaya nalang kanina.

I will feel hurt, but I can't really imagine my life without him. I am building my future with him. He's always included. In every decision, even my profession right now was because of him. I was so dependent on him. Kaya kung totoo nga na iiwan nya ako, tingin ko katapusan ko na.

I closed my laptop when I finished reviewing. Dumireto na ako sa kwarto at doon ko sya dinatnan na nakahiga.

Its been years but I was still madly inlove with him.

I lay in the bed facing him. I am still amaze whenever I am watching him this close. My fingers automatically touch his jaw and stroked it gently. His eyes opened and stare at me. His hand slowly went on my waist, it felt warm. Lahat ng pagod at pagdududa, nawala.

He pulled me close to him as if our closeness is still not enough.

I know. Apology accepted.

In this relationship I've learned that communication, no matter how open, transparent, or rigorous, will eventually break down. Conflicts are virtually unavoidable, and feelings will always be wounded and the only thing that can save you and your relationship, that can cushion you both against the harsh reality, is an unwavering respect for one another. It's critical that you hold each other in high regard, believe in one another—often more than you believe in yourself—and trust that your partner is trying his best with what they have.