Phana
Wow. What an atmosphere.
It was only nine in the morning but everyone was already tense, physically and emotionally. They were all like we were about to start a war, of course minus the spears and swords. But still, a goddamn war.
Although, the truth is we are about to end it. Hopefully.
Before me was one of my best friends. My co-doctor at the city hospital. However, his whole posture at the moment was not suitable for our profession. Beam's whole body was on alert, eyes were glaring, threatening the person up front. If only looks could kill, that person would be probably dead and minced ready for decay.
Can't blame him though. He was the one who had the hardest experience in this whole facade. If it is his way to lessen the pain and stress, I can only support him.
His face showed no emotion as if he didn't want anyone telling what's going on with his mind. Not that anyone would tell it to his face. No one would even dare to approach him and make a small talk. Beam was clearly not in the mood for anything that seemed irrelevant for today's agenda.
On the other hand, Forth was calm. He's the opposite of Beam. It felt like he was confident that it would be this day and everything would be all according to his plan.
Frightening if it will actually be.
The clock on the wall showed 9:15, the cue for the person who we all waiting for to come down from his post.
On his black robe, he made his appearance before us while holding two folders. The judge called the two lawyers from his left and right side and handed the files, each. He talked to them for at least 10 minutes until he called everyone's attention.
"Your lawyers will be the one explaining to you thoroughly the final decision of this court made."
He said sternly then bowed and went on his way.
Fuck. This is it.
Both sides waited three months for this decision and honestly, I'm happy that it's about to end. For three months everybody was on the edge and we were all in for a roller coaster of feels.
It got dragged on and it was tiring.
Divorce was indeed exhausting. It was entirely a higher level of exhaustion we all didn't want to undergo again. Graveyard shifts were couldn't be compared to this. Many things were invested which we could only hope for a better outcome.
Money.
Time.
Effort.
Emotions.
All together.
No wonder Beam's a little bit dull. He lost a weight too.
I wonder what is Forth thinking at this moment. He has been too quiet ever since we got here and usually the more quite he is, the more scary he can get.
"As this case started as a simple file of divorce, it escalated into something we all didn't expect of..." The lawyer from the right side broke the silence. He seemed relax now compared to when he got here earlier like he was about to be eaten alive...probably by Forth.
"Both sides agreed for a settlement and everything they own together will be split into 30/70 partition." The lawyer from the left continued.
Ow. Wow. How can Forth be this calm. They might lose everything with that partition.
Beam was still tense like how he was when this meeting started.
From what I can see with this flow, Beam's already on the winning side. He should start relaxing now, so I wonder...why is he still edgy?
"The house which cost for about $1,800,000," The left lawyer said, enumerating the assets their side got. "The cars specifically the Panamera, the A8, the Benz, and lastly, Flame Construction Firm. The whole company will be put under my client's name."
A heavy sigh could be heard from Forth's side. Everyone fell into thinking if it was the right decision to give the company's right to them but nonetheless they agreed. Even if they didn't they could do nothing anymore. Everything was already finalized.
Beam was still the same and I started to worry for him. He's too stressed nowadays and it was taking a toll in his body. However, I'm thankful Auntie was there beside him helping him up.
"The beach house will be on my client's." The right lawyer read from the file on his hand.
Damn. 30/70 indeed. It was less but I guess it's enough?
"Now...we're going to talk about the custody of the twins."
I saw how Beam's composure change. Two minutes ago, he didn't show any sign of emotion but it totally switched into a different one when the whereabouts of the twins were mentioned.
So this is what you are thinking about.
I went closer to him and rub his back to ease the tension because he was all out. He was trembling and begun getting anxious as we wait for the continuation of the lawyers. His eyes got teary while his old habit to bite his thumb's nail resurfaced. A clear sign of how deep it was affecting him.
I looked at Forth and he too became alert. His shoulders were up and tense, jaws were clenching as his fists turned white.
In the light of this sad event in our lives, the two year old twins mentioned were positively recovering. Ming and Wayo were staying with them as Kit supervised everything and was also covering my shift and Beam's. Pring also came to help. Yep, we had some bad blood before but she's doing great as a physician and we were just glad that she's sincerely helping out. Surprisingly, she's good with the kids. Her presence was also good for their mentally and emotionally recovery.
Almost four months ago, a great turn in our lives happened as they got into an accident that nearly took their lives.
